Lipoedema Surgery: 1 Year Later — What Really Changed?

Last year, I had my first lipoedema surgery on my thighs. I shared my journey with you through different articles, but also on our community Instagram page, Lipoedema Heroes.

Around seven months after my first surgery, I had a second procedure: liposuction on my abdomen, along with some revision work on my thighs. Once again, I shared my journey with you and our Lipoedema Heroes community. ♡

• What is the process of lipoedema surgery? Discover Sylvie's story
• How does the recovery process go after lipoedema liposuction? Discover Sylvie’s journey.

One Year Later: What Really Changes After Lipoedema Liposuction (and What Doesn’t)?

What changed the most after my lipoedema surgery?

Surgery helped me feel so much lighter. I no longer experience pain in my calves or the heavy-leg feeling I used to get while running. It also helped me reconnect with myself and genuinely feel happier. I feel much less self-conscious about my body now.

I’m still not 100% confident yet, but I feel like it improves every day. I’m doing things I would never have done before: wearing more skirts, prioritising myself more, and even going on my first solo trip to Italy.

More than anything, lipoedema surgery gave me a second chance to enjoy life more fully.

What didn’t change after my lipoedema liposuction?

Of course, surgery is not a cure, so I still manage my lipoedema every day.

I often say that surgery allows us to go back to an earlier stage of the condition. It gives us more mobility, less pain, and more confidence, but lipoedema does not completely disappear.

My legs will never look like “normal legs”, and they will always be affected by the disease. They may never be fully smooth or free from oedema, and I’ve learned to accept that. Even though lipoedema doesn’t go away after surgery, the improvement in quality of life can be massive.

How do I maintain my lipoedema surgery results?

To maintain my results, I wear compression garments at home, while travelling, and during workouts. I also try to eat a balanced diet, stay active, dry brush regularly, and massage regularly to support lymphatic drainage. When I can, I also book manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) sessions.

Hydration has become really important too, so I drink a lot of water and green tea throughout the day.

When it comes to exercise, I focus on movements that feel good for my body, like swimming, Pilates, bodyweight workouts, and focusing on core strength.

I’ve also been working on healing emotionally and improving my mental health. It’s a long journey, but today I feel much better about myself and who I am becoming.

What helps me manage lipoedema daily

• Compression garments
• Balanced diet
• Exercise
• Dry brushing
• MLD sessions
• Hydration
• Mental health care

Other changes after surgery

Beyond surgery itself, I also made other lifestyle and health changes that significantly improved how I felt physically and emotionally.

I also completely stopped using contraception, and honestly, this made a huge difference in how I feel.

Like many women, my first contraception was the hormonal pill. Later, I switched to a copper coil, which I kept for around four to five years. Unfortunately, it clearly wasn’t right for me and caused me a lot of pain for years. Eventually, I decided to consult a specialist because I suspected I might have PCOS or endometriosis.

I removed my coil in December 2025, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for myself, alongside my two surgeries. I no longer suffer the way I used to, and that feels like a huge win. I’m still trying to balance my hormones naturally, but I’m hopeful I’ll get there.

My advice for women considering lipoedema surgery

Take your time and trust your instincts when choosing your surgeon. Don’t hesitate to speak with several specialists before making a decision. Use the strength of the lipoedema community to ask questions, read testimonies, and learn from other women’s journeys.

Be patient with your body, as recovery takes time. It’s so important to go into surgery feeling as prepared and supported as possible. Wear your compression garments before and after surgery, build balanced habits, and consult any specialists who may support you along the way.

Try to create long-term routines that support your body and your mental health. Everything is connected, and all of it matters.

I’ll share another update at the two-year post-operative mark. Until then, take care of yourself, and don’t forget to follow our page, Lipedema Heroes.

Read more;

• Lipoedema: 9 Tools to Help Relieve Symptoms Daily
• Step-by-Step Guide: How to Measure for Lipoedema Compression Garments
• Lipoedema and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
• Lipoedema and Mental Health