Frequently Asked Questions
Medical queries
To date, NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) has not approved liposuction for Lipoedema in the UK (unless this procedure is being used in the context of research). To read the NICE Liposuction For Chronic Lipoedema Interventional Procedures Guidance [IPG721], published on 29 March 2022, click here. NICE is committed to reviewing this decision following publication of the results of the German LIPLEG study into liposuction, due to be published in 2025/2026.
However, in Europe and many other countries, liposuction for Lipoedema is available privately. There are currently no universal standards for non-cosmetic liposuction or Lipoedema Reduction Surgery (LRS), and standards vary as a result, both pre- and post-operatively. Some surgeons operate using general anaesthetic while others operate using local anaesthetic – our Liposuction page contains information about what non-cosmetic liposuction involves, including various liposuction techniques. Different patients may be suited to different techniques and anaesthetic.
Lipoedema UK’s webinars regularly feature speakers on liposuction from reputable liposuction surgeons from round the world, plus information about the latest research. To attend the webinars or watch recordings of previous webinars, you must be a member.
Our Diagnosis page contains advice.
It is possible that your healthcare provider doesn’t know about Lipoedema. Members of Lipoedema UK can request printout versions of leaflets when they join, to show their GP. You can also download and print out information to show your GP from our Lipoedema UK Research & Publications page.
You might also like to share details about the online eLearning course for medical professionals run by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP). To learn more about this course, click here.
Our Emotional Support page contains information about where to find help if you need it. Lipoedema is a lifelong condition, but it is very common. Speaking to other people with Lipoedema can be a source of comfort. Members of Lipoedema UK often describe how their membership (particularly the webinars) has been an invaluable source of community and friendship. Join us today for access to the webinars, opportunities to join in research projects, and to support our mission to raise awareness.
See our Hormones & Lipoedema page for information about the different types of contraception available, including recommendations for younger women.
Patients who also have symptoms of lymphoedema can often be referred to a specialist Lymphoedema Clinic. A list of clinics and how to contact them can be found on the British Lymphology Society (BLS) website. Many Lymphoedema Clinics do not accept Lipoedema patients without symptoms of oedema. However, many private clinicians are experienced in treating Lipoedema. GPs may have the option of applying for individual NHS funding for a referral to a qualified clinician at a private clinic.
Membership & website queries
When you join Lipoedema UK, there is a tick box on the form asking if you want to auto-renew your membership. If you no longer want to automatically renew your membership, log in to the website using your user name (or email address) and password. (If you don’t have a password, click ‘Forgot Password’ and you’ll get a link sent to the email account that you joined with). Once you’ve logged in, click on the Membership Account page (which you can find in the drop-down navigation menu under ‘My Account’). There is a ‘Cancel’ button under ‘My Memberships’. Click on the button and follow the instructions.
Your membership lasts for one year from the date of purchase, so you will still be able to log in to the members’ area on the website. However, once you have deactivated your subscription – or if you did not click the ‘automatic renewal’ button when you joined – the ‘Cancel’ button will cancel your membership. If you choose to cancel your membership, you will no longer be able to log in the members’ area, and you will not be able to watch past webinars or join upcoming ones.
No, you need to log in to your Members Account page, and then cancel on our website, not via PayPal. See ‘How do I cancel the auto-renewal of my membership?’ for instructions on doing this.
Please check your various email accounts and search for emails from info@lipoedema.co.uk. You were sent an email when you signed up.
Please email enquiries@lipoedema.co.uk and we will reinstate your membership. Membership expires one year after purchase unless you choose to cancel it online, or if you selected the automatic renewal option when you signed up.
In the Members Account section, enter the email address that you used to purchase your membership, or the user name you created (both will work). Click on ‘Forgot Password’ to create a new password linked to your account. You will be sent a link to your email account to create a password. You can then log in to the website by clicking on the members’ log-in button on the top right of the home page.
Members are unanimous that the number-one benefit to joining Lipoedema UK is access to our regular, members-only webinars.
* Our regular Nurse Consultant & Clinician Open Clinic webinars are an opportunity for members to put individual questions about symptoms, diagnosis and compression to our highly qualified, UK-based team. Open only to members, these unique live webinars are not recorded (to maintain individual privacy), so you need to log on to take part.
* There is also a programme of webinars with world-leading experts on liposuction, diet and all aspects of managing Lipoedema. These webinars are recorded – recordings of past webinars are available to view online for members only.
To view the benefits associated with membership of Lipoedema UK, click here.