Why choose Hunar Clinic for Lipoedema treatment?
Hunar Clinic is a specialist, purpose-built clinic with a team experienced in looking after lipoedema patients before, during, and after surgery.
Dr Puneet Gupta has extensive experience in microcannular liposuction and lipoedema treatment. His approach is based on safety, precision, natural results, and long-term patient wellbeing.
The clinic focuses on:
- Specialist lipoedema assessment
- Microcannular tumescent liposuction
- Local anaesthetic techniques
- Lymph-sparing principles
- Personalised surgical planning
- Comprehensive aftercare
- A supportive, respectful environment
What are the treatment options?
The aim for treating lymphoedema/lipoedema using available treatments is to decrease the
swelling, pain and discomfort and is usually conservative.
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Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
Although conservative therapy in the form of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) helps to reduce the accumulated oedema in the affected limb/tissue, it has no effect on the reduction of the volume of fat. The MLD uses massage techniques to help drain lymph fluid away from the limb and are usually performed within 20–60-minute sessions. Most patients will have an improvement in reduction of oedema resulting in a decrease in pain and discomfort; however, their body shape will not change as the fat volume in the affected limb remains the same.
Compression Hosiery
Having MLD treatments will reduce the oedema within the affected limb however the effects of this may only last for a few days before it returns. The use of compression hosiery along with MLD treatments will prolong the effects of MLD, lessening the chances of a relapse. This is known as decongestive lymphatic therapy (DLT). The effects of this combination therapy, however, is short lived and will need to be repeated again at least one week later and continued thereafter.
Liposuction
To provide longer term improvements the surgical options can be offered to treat lipoedema.
The aim of surgery is to reduce the size of the affected limb by removing subcutaneous fat tissue. Liposuction for chronic lymphoedema/lipoedema involves the removal of the fatty tissue through several small incisions. The aim of this surgical procedure is to reduce the fat volume of the affected limb. Although it does not completely address underlying pathology in patients with Lipoedema/lymphoedema, the removal of fat means that the disease is no longer visible and has an impact on improving patients’ quality of life.
The Procedure so called Micro-cannula liposuction – using very small hollow stainless-steel tubes are used for the removal of fat from deposits under the skin in Lipodema patients under tumescent anaesthesia.
This procedure is the most safest and effective form of treatment for lipoedema. The instrument made of the small hollow stainless-steel tubes of 1-3 mm in diameter used for removing fat. The use of fine, precise instruments means less bruising, minimal discomfort, and a faster recovery. The tumescent liposuction approach typically uses large volumes of a diluted solution, containing lidocaine and epinephrine. The anaesthetic drug inside the solution numbs the whole area, causes fat cells to swell up and breakdown and shrinks the blood capillaries in the area to minimise blood loss. This achieves a very effective and long-lasting anaesthesia of skin and subcutaneous tissue. Tumescent micro cannular liposuction, when done correctly and in the right quantity, is proven to be the safest form of liposuction. This is because the anaesthetic solution shrinks the capillaries thereby reducing surgical blood loss. Complications arising from microlipo are thus extremely rare.
Procedure:
These micro-cannulas are inserted into 1mm adits/holes that are made into the skin, and fat is aspirated with the assistance of a powerful vacuum pump.
Once the small adits/holes are made, the area being treated will be infiltrated with local anaesthetic. The area will be filled up with the local anaesthetic until the area is full and hard hence the name Tumescent Anaesthesia.
After leaving the tumescence approximately 30-minutes to take effect, the fat will then be ready to be aspirated.
Once surgery is completed the nurses will dress the treated area with sterile super absorbent dressings along with netting to secure the dressings in place. This is then immediately followed by the compression garments. This is to control bleeding and to minimise the development of post-operative oedema and bruising.
The compression garments are required to be worn for 24 hours per day, typically for a minimum of 3 to 6 days, although many patients choose to wear the garments longer because of the comfort they provide. Wearing the post-op garment for more than the minimal number of days is of no significant advantage in terms of the ultimate cosmetic results.
Risks and side effects
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Common side-effects of tumescent liposuction
- Flushing of the face, neck and upper chest may occur after liposuction surgery and usually lasts for a day or two.
- Slight temperature elevation during the first 48 hours after surgery is a natural consequence of the body’s reaction to surgical trauma.
- Discomfort and soreness are worse the second day after surgery, then improves daily. Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen or medications that contain these drugs for 3 days after surgery; these can promote bleeding. Prescription for pain killers are given before discharge.
- Bruising is usually minimal with tumescent liposuction nevertheless, the more extensive the liposuction surgery, the more bruising one can expect.
- Pain and swelling due to an inflammatory reaction to surgical trauma may occur and increase 5 to 10 days after surgery; this is treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Itching of the treated areas several days after surgery may occur as part of the normal healing process.
Risks of Liposuction Surgery
Any surgery involves the risk of infection, bleeding, scarring or serious injury, however tumescent liposuction has an amazingly good safety record.
One of the reasons Microcannular Liposuction is so safe is that NO general anaesthesia is required.
A recent survey involving over 15,000 patients who had tumescent liposuction without general anaesthesia revealed no serious complications, no serious infection, no hospitalizations, no blood transfusions, and no deaths. The greatest risks of liposuction are those associated with general anaesthesia. By eliminating general anaesthesia, the risks of liposuction are dramatically reduced. Patients can minimize the risk of surgical complications by not taking medications or over-the- counter preparations that might adversely affect the surgery.
Risk of Irregularities of the Skin
Microcannular Liposuction is the least likely to cause any significant or noticeable post-surgical irregularities of the skin. By magnifying the fatty compartment, the tumescent technique permits more accurate removal of fat, with greater assurance that the liposuction cannula will not inadvertently approach too near the undersurface of the skin and thereby cause irregularities. Thus, the tumescent technique helps to minimize the risk of post-surgical irregularities or rippling of the skin. Liposuction might improve per-existing irregularities of the skin such as dimpling or cellulite, but prospective patients should not assume that there will be significant improvement. It is unrealistic to expect perfectly smooth skin. Patients should expect that their skin will have approximately the same degree of dimpling and irregularities as existed before tumescent liposuction surgery. After tumescent liposuction the skin texture should be within normal limits.
Because skin tends to lose some of its elasticity with increasing age and with cumulative sun exposure, older patients may notice an increase of fine wrinkles in areas such as the upper abdomen after liposuction.
Are there risk of scarring or loosening of the Skin?
Incisions for liposuction may result in scarring. Tiny (1 to 2 millimetre) round holes in the skin, called adits, are used for inserting the cannulas through the skin and into the fat.
Typically, when adits/incisions heal they become virtually visible. Although you may be able to find them upon close examination, most other people would not be able to see them.
Some patients may have a genetic predisposition for persistent discoloration at incision sites.
Anyone who has previously experienced hyper-pigmentation or hypopigmentation (pale of light-coloured scars) of the skin in the past might expect to also experience it with liposuction adits. Certain areas of the body, such as the back of upper flanks, may be more likely to have pigmentation changes.
Skin is an elastic organ; it usually retracts back after liposuction. Quality of the skin is assessed during consultation, if the skin quality is poor, patients are informed at the consultation and other options are discussed.
Can Liposuction remove cellulite?
Liposuction of the thighs, while improving the silhouette, does not necessarily eliminate the subtle “puckering” of the skin often called “cellulite”. Cellulite results from the pull of fibrous tissue that connects skin to underlying muscle. While tumescent liposuction may reduce the degree of cellulite, it is unlikely to eliminate it. Liposuction should not worsen cellulite.
Smoothness of Results?
Liposuction can produce some irregularities of the skin which can be visible in certain conditions of lighting. In general, the smoothness of the skin is much improved after microcannular liposuction. These are usually rather subtle, and imperceptible to the casual observer. It is reasonable to expect significant improvement, but the results are rarely perfect.
Can liposuction treat obesity?
Liposuction is not an appropriate treatment for obesity. Liposuction is not a substitute for a prudent diet, good nutrition and regular exercise. Obese patients may be good candidates for limited liposuction if their goal is simply to improve the shape of certain limited areas of the body. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of surgical complications.
Lipoedema treatment testimonials
Lipoedema treatment before and after images
Here are some before and after images of previous patients Lipoedema results
Lipoedema treatment prices
Price dependent on the area of treatment, complexity, number of surgeries required and if I.V sedation is required or not.
Is it cheaper to go abroad than treating in UK?
It’s a complex issue. Yes, it’s a price-sensitive market, but it’s important to weigh what you pay against what you receive in return. We believe it’s a myth that treatment abroad is significantly cheaper but that’s no longer the case. When you factor in the cost of travel, accommodation, taking a family member along, and most importantly, the risks of being cared for in a non–English-speaking environment, the overall cost often equals or even exceeds that of treatment here. Cost and risk involved of keep going back for multiple surgeries as lipoedema patients required.
From what we’ve heard from colleagues and patients, the surgery prices abroad are comparable, but you add the stress and uncertainty of travelling for medical care. Many procedures in countries such as Spain, Germany, or Turkey are also performed under general anaesthesia, which carries its own risks.
Ultimately, it comes down to individual choice — how much is saving a small amount of money really worth compared to your own safety? You can’t put a price on well-being, safety, and peace of mind. When liposuction goes wrong and it can, the consequences can be severe and even fatal. So, while everyone must make their own decision, these are crucial factors to consider.
Is Lipoedema covered by the NHS?
Diagnosis can be made in NHS but treatment is not offered on NHS.
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The patient journey
Consultation
Before any aesthetic treatments, a thorough consultation at our clinic is essential. During this session, a comprehensive holistic and integrative medical assessment will be conducted to ensure your safety and suitability for the treatment. This initial step is crucial in your aesthetic journey, as it guarantees you receive the most appropriate treatment plan tailored to your desired results. Additionally, the consultation offers an opportunity to understand your needs, answer any questions, and address any concerns you may have.
Treatment
Liposuction is not a cosmetic procedure but a treatment that reduces tissue, pain and bruising and improves mobility, functionality and life quality.
NICE ( National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) currently reviews the treatment of chronic lipoedema through liposuction. This can help to identify liposuction as an effective surgical treatment for lipoedema patients because, at present, access to liposuction in the NHS is often limited and can be classified as a cosmetic treatment that does not qualify for patients with lipoedema.
The liposuction can be carried out step-by-step between treatments in all parts of the body with an interval of 4-6 weeks. The liposuction effects may last for years following the initial series of operations. It could take decades for the fat volume of a patient to rise again.
In every area of the body, Liposuction can be performed at an interval of 4-6 weeks between treatments step by step. The effect of liposuction can last for years following the initial series of operations. It could take decades before the fat volume of a patient rises again.
Microlipo perforated mainly as a day case procedure under local anaesthesia offers the safest option for a slow but more important lipoedema, which safely reduces the mass of fatty disease. With tiny instrument or cans of approximately 1-1,8 mm thick, it’s lymph sparing with very little tissue trauma and rapid recovery times without any heating. No blood loss and no hospital stay after the procedure are necessary.
The procedures are done step-by-step, usually starting with the outer thighs, and split over a timeframe of up to about six weeks.
Aftercare
After the procedure, compression apparel is applied, and the patient is informed about how to ensure that the area is compressed until two weeks after the procedure.
There is little or no bruising due to the specialised nature of the procedure and postoperative drainage.
A treatment plan is agreed upon at your consultation. Checks will continue for several weeks while our friendly team will help patients rework as their lives can be changed rapidly.
About Hunar Clinic
Hunar Clinic is a doctor-led, CQC-registered medical and aesthetic clinic in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire. Founded by Dr Prerna Mittal and Dr Puneet Gupta, the clinic brings together specialist lipoedema and liposuction care, aesthetic and regenerative medicine, and women’s health within a calm, private and purpose-designed setting.
Every patient journey begins with a detailed medical consultation. Treatment recommendations are personalised, evidence-led and centred on patient safety, comfort, realistic expectations and attentive aftercare.
Lipoedema treatment FAQs
At Hunar Clinic, we understand that many women with lipoedema have spent years being told to “just lose weight” or that their symptoms are cosmetic. In my experience, lipoedema is far more than a change in body shape. It can affect pain, mobility, confidence, clothing, exercise, emotional wellbeing, and day-to-day quality of life.
These FAQs are written in the way I would explain lipoedema to a patient during consultation: clearly, honestly, and with realistic expectations.
If we haven’t answered your lipoedema questions below please email info@hunarclinic.co.uk
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What is lipoedema?
Lipoedema is a chronic condition where abnormal fat builds up, most commonly around the legs, thighs, hips, buttocks, knees, calves, and sometimes the arms. It is not simply “being overweight”.
The fat in lipoedema behaves differently. It can feel painful, heavy, tender, nodular, and resistant to diet and exercise. Many patients tell me they have tried every diet possible, but their legs or arms simply do not change in proportion to the rest of the body.
Is it lipedema or lipoedema?
Both words describe the same condition. “Lipoedema” is more commonly used in the UK, while “lipedema” is often used internationally, particularly in the United States.
At Hunar Clinic, we use both terms because patients may search for either.
How do I know if I have lipoedema?
There is no single blood test or scan that confirms lipoedema. Diagnosis is mainly clinical, which means it depends on your symptoms, body pattern, tissue texture, medical history, and physical examination.
The features I look for include:
- Disproportionate fat around the legs or arms
- Pain, tenderness, or heaviness
- Easy bruising
- Symmetrical swelling or enlargement
- Fat that feels nodular or grainy under the skin
- Little or no improvement in affected areas despite weight loss
- Symptoms that started or worsened around puberty, pregnancy, or menopause
Accurate diagnosis requires experience. Subtle signs are often missed when lipoedema is mistaken for obesity, lymphoedema, or simple fluid retention.
Is lipoedema the same as obesity?
Obesity is generalised excess body fat. Lipoedema is a disorder of abnormal fat distribution, often with pain, bruising, swelling, and tissue changes. A patient can have lipoedema and also be overweight, but they are not the same thing.
Many women with lipoedema are very disciplined with diet and exercise, yet their legs remain disproportionately larger. That is not a failure of willpower. It is the nature of the condition.
Why have I been told to just lose weight?
Many women tell me:
“Every time I see my GP, I’m told to lose weight. But I know that no matter how much I diet or exercise, the weight in my legs simply does not shift.”
For many patients, this becomes emotionally exhausting and frustrating.
Unfortunately, lipoedema is still poorly recognised, so patients are often repeatedly advised to diet without anyone recognising the underlying condition.
Weight management is still important for general health, inflammation, mobility, joints, and surgical safety. However, lipoedema fat behaves differently from normal fat and is often resistant to traditional weight loss methods.
Many patients are extremely disciplined with exercise and nutrition, yet their legs remain disproportionately enlarged, painful, or heavy.
Part of my role is helping patients understand that this is not simply a lack of effort or willpower. It is a recognised medical condition requiring proper assessment and an individualised treatment approach.
What causes lipoedema?
Many patients also have female relatives with similar body shape, leg pain, bruising, or swelling, even if they were never formally diagnosed.
Does lipoedema get worse over time?
Early diagnosis matters because it allows us to manage symptoms, support mobility, and plan treatment before the condition becomes more limiting.
What are the stages of lipoedema?
Lipoedema is often described in stages:
Stage 1: The skin surface may look relatively smooth, but small nodules can be felt under the skin.
Stage 2: The skin becomes more uneven, with larger nodular fatty tissue and more visible contour changes.
Stage 3: There may be larger lobules or overhanging tissue, especially around the thighs, knees, or lower legs, which can significantly affect mobility and comfort.
Staging is helpful, but it does not tell the whole story. A patient’s pain, heaviness, bruising, functional limitation, and quality of life are just as important.
What is the difference between lipoedema and lymphoedema?
In lipoedema, the feet are often spared in earlier stages, and the enlargement is usually symmetrical. In lymphoedema, swelling may involve the feet and can be more one-sided.
Advanced lipoedema can place stress on the lymphatic system, and some patients can develop both conditions together. This is why choosing a lymph-sparing surgical technique is very important.
Can lipoedema be cured?
The aim is to reduce pain, heaviness, swelling, tissue bulk, and functional limitation. For some patients, conservative treatment is enough. For others, surgery can make a significant difference to mobility, comfort, body proportion, and quality of life.
What conservative treatments can help?
- Compression garments
- Manual lymphatic drainage
- Regular low-impact exercise
- Anti-inflammatory nutrition
- Weight management support where appropriate
- Good skin care
- Pain and swelling management
- Strength and mobility work
These measures can help symptoms, but they do not usually remove established lipoedema fat. They are still important, particularly before and after surgery.
Does exercise help lipoedema?
Low-impact exercise is usually best because it supports circulation and lymphatic flow without overloading painful joints. Walking, swimming, cycling, Pilates, yoga, and water-based exercise can be helpful.
The goal is not punishment or extreme dieting. The goal is to keep the body mobile, strong, and supported.
What is lipoedema surgery?
When I treat lipoedema, the aim is not to create an exaggerated or artificial shape. The aim is to reduce diseased tissue, improve comfort, protect function, and restore more natural body proportions.
At Hunar Clinic, I use microcannular tumescent liposuction. This means the procedure is performed with local anaesthetic fluid and very fine cannulas, often up to around 2mm, allowing precise fat removal with reduced tissue trauma.
Why does Dr Gupta use microliposuction for lipoedema?
Microcannulas allow controlled, precise fat removal through tiny entry points. I avoid unnecessary aggressive energy-based treatment in lipoedema because the priority is safety, tissue preservation, and long-term function.
As I often explain to patients, micro does not mean less treatment. It means a more refined and controlled way of working.
Is lipoedema liposuction the same as cosmetic liposuction?
Cosmetic liposuction is usually performed to improve shape in patients with localised stubborn fat. Lipoedema liposuction is a medical treatment aimed at reducing abnormal tissue, pain, heaviness, bruising, inflammation, and mobility problems.
Of course, patients may also see an improvement in shape and proportion, but the main purpose is symptom relief and functional improvement.
How much fat can be removed in one surgery?
I do not believe the art of liposuction is simply about taking out as much fat as possible. It is about knowing how much to remove and how much to leave behind so that the result is safe, smooth, balanced, and natural.
For lipoedema patients, treatment is often planned in stages rather than trying to do too much in one operation.
Why is surgery often done in stages?
A staged approach allows us to treat the body more safely and carefully. It also allows recovery between procedures and gives the tissues time to settle.
At Hunar Clinic, treatment areas may be planned step by step, commonly with several weeks between procedures depending on the patient’s condition and recovery.
Will I need general anaesthetic?
This is one of the major advantages of tumescent microliposuction. Patients avoid many of the risks and after-effects associated with general anaesthetic, such as post-operative sickness and longer hospital recovery.
Some patients may choose additional sedation where appropriate, but the foundation of the technique is local anaesthetic tumescent liposuction.
Is lipoedema surgery painful?
Most symptoms gradually settle. We provide clear aftercare advice and follow-up support so patients know what is normal and when to contact us.
What is recovery like after lipoedema surgery?
Most patients are encouraged to walk gently soon after surgery. Compression garments are usually part of the recovery plan. Bruising, swelling, leakage from entry points, tenderness, and altered sensation can happen in the early phase.
Many patients return to light daily activities relatively quickly, but full healing takes time. Results continue to improve as swelling settles and tissues remodel.
Will I need compression garments?
The type and duration of compression will depend on the areas treated and your individual healing. We will guide you through this as part of your aftercare plan.
Will lipoedema come back after surgery?
Hormonal changes, weight gain, inflammation, and disease progression can still affect the body over time. That is why I see surgery as part of a wider treatment journey, not a one-day cure.
Can surgery improve pain and mobility?
Patients often describe feeling lighter, less restricted, and more comfortable walking, exercising, standing, or wearing clothes they had avoided for years.
Every patient is different, and results cannot be guaranteed, but the goal is always to improve function and quality of life.
Will I have scars?
No surgical procedure can promise “no marks at all”, but microcannular techniques are designed to minimise visible scarring.
Am I suitable for lipoedema surgery?
- Your diagnosis of lipoedema
- Your stage of lipodema does not matter
- Your symptoms and functional limitation
- Your medical history
- Your BMI and overall health
- Your expectations
- Your previous treatments
- Your ability to follow aftercare guidance
A consultation is essential. I need to examine the tissue, understand your symptoms, and decide whether surgery is appropriate and safe for you.
What happens during a consultation with Dr Gupta?
We will discuss your symptoms, history, previous diagnoses, pain, bruising, swelling, mobility, clothing concerns, lifestyle, and goals. I will examine the affected areas and explain whether your presentation is consistent with lipoedema.
If surgery is appropriate, I will explain my technique, the areas that may need treatment, likely staging if necessary, realistic outcomes, risks, recovery, and aftercare. If surgery is not the right option, I will be honest about that too.
Is treatment only about appearance?
For many patients, the real transformation is being able to move more easily, feel less pain, wear clothes comfortably, stand longer, exercise with less restriction, or feel less defined by their condition.
This is why I always say lipoedema treatment is about function, comfort, confidence, and quality of life.
Can men have lipoedema?
Anyone with symptoms should be assessed individually rather than dismissed.
What if I have been misdiagnosed?
If you have disproportionate limbs, pain, bruising, heaviness, and tissue that does not respond to diet or exercise, it is worth seeking an assessment from someone experienced in lipoedema.
A diagnosis can be life-changing because it finally gives patients an explanation and a plan.
What results should I expect?
Good results should look natural, balanced, and proportionate. In lipoedema, we are also looking for improvements in pain, heaviness, mobility, bruising, inflammation, and quality of life.
I am always careful to set realistic expectations. The best results come from choosing the right procedure for the right patient, performed safely and supported by good aftercare.
How do I book a consultation?
If you suspect you may have lipoedema, or if you have already been diagnosed and would like to explore treatment options, you can contact Hunar Clinic to arrange a consultation with Dr Puneet Gupta.
At your consultation, we will assess your condition carefully and guide you through the most appropriate options for your individual needs.
Have more questions?
For further information on lipoedema treatments contact our experienced team
Call 01753 882 239 or WhatsApp on 07500 898 562
What is lipoedema?
The content on this page has been medically reviewed by Dr Puneet Gupta
Get in touch
To arrange an appointment or if you require any further information,
call us on 01753 882 239