25th March 2024

Health Technology Wales guidance on liposuction for the treatment of chronic lymphoedema

Health Technology Wales has published new guidance on the use of liposuction for the treatment of chronic lymphoedema.

Lymphoedema is a condition where fluid builds up in the limbs and causes them to swell.  It usually affects the arms or legs but can also affect the chest wall, abdomen, neck and face.

Liposuction is traditionally used to remove unwanted body fat. It has been proposed that it can be used to drain fluid to treat lymphoedema.

According to HTW’s guidance, the treatment is promising, however the current evidence does not support its routine adoption in Wales.

HTW strongly recommends that more evidence is required on the effectiveness, patient experience and patient outcomes of liposuction to treat chronic lymphoedema, particularly in people with lymphoedema in their lower limbs.

To read the guidance in full click here.