Dr. Orestes Fernández specialist in body contouring
Surgeon specializing in body contouring
Medical license no. 4304469
Leading doctor in lipedema.
The doctor sees patients in BarcelonaView medical profile
Lipedema: relief, lightness, mobility
Are you thinking about having lipedema surgery?
Lipedema is a chronic disease that causes fat to build up in the legs or arms, with pain and a feeling of heaviness, and it does not respond to diet or exercise.
From: 4.500 €
Loading form...
Surgery duration:
2 to 4 hours
Recovery time:
2 to 3 weeks
Synapta® protocol:
Included in Barcelona
What is lipedema?
Lipedema is a chronic disease of the fatty tissue that causes an abnormal, painful buildup of fat, mainly in the legs and, in some cases, in the arms, while sparing the hands and feet. This condition is not related to obesity and cannot be corrected with diet or exercise.
Surgical treatment of lipedema with specialized liposuction makes it possible to reduce the volume of the affected areas, relieve pain, improve mobility and restore a more balanced, functional silhouette, with a positive impact both on appearance and on the patient's quality of life.
Types of lipedema
Type I lipedema (hips and buttocks)
Fat buildup is located mainly in the hips, buttocks and pelvis, while the thighs and lower legs remain relatively in proportion. It is usually one of the early forms.
Type II lipedema (down to the knees)
The fat extends from the hips to the knees, creating a disproportionate increase in volume in the thighs. The knees usually show a characteristic fold.
Type III lipedema (down to the ankles)
It affects the hips, thighs and the entire legs, reaching down to the ankles but sparing the feet. It is one of the most advanced and visible forms.
Type IV lipedema (arms)
Type IV lipedema is characterized by an abnormal, symmetrical buildup of fat in the arms.
What does lipedema surgery involve?
Surgical treatment of lipedema consists of specialized liposuction (WAL or PAL techniques) in which a tumescent solution is infiltrated to protect the lymphatic vessels before the diseased, fibrotic fat is removed from the limbs. Using low-pressure cannulas, the surgeon decompresses the tissues by removing the fatty nodules that cause pain and swelling, focusing on improving mobility and the health of the circulatory system rather than on a purely cosmetic goal. The process ends with the immediate use of flat-knit compression garments and lymphatic drainage sessions to help eliminate fluids and ensure the skin recovers properly.
Assessing and understanding lipedema
The process begins with a specialized medical consultation, where the lipedema diagnosis is confirmed, its type and stage are determined and the affected areas are analyzed. This consultation is held with the specialist who will handle your case and lets you resolve any questions and understand the treatment clearly and realistically. To book the appointment, a payment of €80 must be made in advance. If you cannot travel, the first visit can also be done by video call with the surgeon who would operate on you: it costs €50, which is deducted if you decide to have surgery.
Preparing for the surgery
Before the operation, the procedure is carefully planned, defining the areas to be treated, the volume of fat to be removed and whether the treatment will be carried out in one or several sessions, always adapting to the progression of the lipedema and to each patient's needs.
The surgery
The surgery is performed in an operating room, under general anesthesia or sedation and with continuous patient monitoring. It is carried out by a specialist with more than 40 years of experience in body surgery and lipedema treatment.
Comfortable recovery
After the operation, a phase of gradual recovery begins. In Barcelona we apply the Synapta® protocol to make the post-op period more manageable.
Start seeing yourself the way you want to feel.
Lipedema treatment improves the shape of the limbs and, above all, relieves pain and reduces the feeling of heaviness.
Lipedema with Synapta®: a more manageable recovery
For years, this surgery has been associated with a recovery marked by a feeling of tightness, swelling and some discomfort in the treated area. However, advances in medical protocols now make it possible to approach recovery from a more advanced perspective.
At Instituto de Benito we apply Synapta®, a protocol designed to support the body through its recovery process after surgery, helping to make the experience more manageable and controlled.
How is recovery after surgery improved?
Beyond the conventional use of medication, this approach focuses on the body's neurophysiological response after surgery. Through specific techniques, it aims to modulate inflammation, reduce tissue tension and improve the body's adaptation to the surgical change.
- Control of tissue tension: After surgery, the tissues reorganize and can create a feeling of tightness. The protocol helps reduce this tension, allowing a more gradual adaptation.
- Improved tissue environment: Tissue oxygenation and drainage are promoted, which helps to reduce initial swelling and optimize the healing process.
- Gradual, functional recovery: The goal is not to speed things up artificially, but to support the body so that recovery is more balanced, allowing you to return to your daily routine gradually and safely.
These protocols are part of a process in which post-operative well-being matters as much as the aesthetic design. Each case is assessed individually to tailor the instructions to each patient.
*Synapta® is included in surgeries performed in Barcelona.
Carlos Alsina
Before and after lipedema surgery: pre-op and recovery
How much does lipedema treatment cost and what does it include?
4.500 €
Surgical treatment of lipedema at Instituto de Benito starts from €4,500 and varies depending on the stage, the areas and the number of sessions needed, the technique used, the length of the operation and the tests and follow-up included, adapting to each patient.
What the treatment plan includes:
- Specialist physician's fees
- Fees for the rest of the medical team
- Materials specified in the quote
- Operating room and hospitalization
- Anesthesia
- Private room stay if required
- Medication during the hospital stay
- Wound care with the nursing team
- Follow-up visits with the specialist
- Preoperative tests (blood work, ECG, X-ray, etc.)
What is not included:
- Assessments or clearances from other specialists, if needed
- Medication after hospital discharge
- Compression garments and post-surgical garments, unless otherwise specified
- Complementary recovery treatments (lymphatic drainage, physiotherapy, laser, etc.)
- Additional surgical sessions not covered in the initial quote
- Costs arising from medical complications not attributable to the surgical procedure
- Reoperations or touch-up surgeries not initially planned
- Additional unplanned hospital stays
- Travel, accommodation or meals for the patient and companions
- Sick leave, certificates or additional administrative paperwork
- Any material or procedure not expressly specified in the quote
You can finance this procedure at 0% interest. See the options on our financing page.
*Prices valid in 2026. The exact price is given after the visit, once the surgeon has assessed your case.
Cargando formulario...
Are you a good candidate for lipedema treatment?
Surgical treatment of lipedema is indicated for people who have this disease of the fatty tissue and want to reduce the pathological volume, relieve pain, improve mobility and restore a more balanced shape to the limbs, when these symptoms cannot be controlled with conservative measures.
It is especially suitable if:
- 01
Persistent pain in the legs or arms
When there is chronic pain, tenderness to the touch or constant discomfort that affects your daily life and does not improve with conservative treatments.
- 02
A constant feeling of heaviness and swelling
If your limbs feel heavy, swollen or permanently tight, even when you get up in the morning.
- 03
Progressive increase in limb volume
When the lipedema keeps advancing over time, causing more and more disproportion and functional limitation.
- 04
Difficulty moving or exercising
If the volume, the pain or the friction between your legs makes it hard to walk, run or be physically active as normal.
- 05
It does not improve with diet or exercise
When you have tried changes in diet, exercise or conservative treatments and the lipedema does not respond.
- 06
Impact on your quality of life and emotional well-being
If lipedema affects how you feel about your body, your clothes, your confidence or your social life, in addition to the physical symptoms.
Lipedema before and after photos
Mari Cielo, patient from Barcelona
Lipedema surgery
Montse, patient from Barcelona
Lipedema surgery
Montse, patient from Barcelona
Lipedema surgery
What are the risks of lipedema surgery?
It is not cosmetic surgery, and that changes what you can expect
Lipedema is a chronic disease, not a weight or cosmetic problem. Surgery reduces the diseased fatty tissue and improves pain, heaviness and mobility, but it does not cure the disease: conservative treatment, compression and follow-up are still necessary afterwards.
Depending on the extent, the treatment is planned in several sessions by area, rather than in a single operation. This is explained at the consultation before starting.
Expected effects
- More extensive and longer-lasting swelling and bruising than with conventional liposuction.
- The need to wear a compression garment for weeks.
- Lymphatic drainage and physiotherapy as part of the recovery, not as an extra.
- Hardened areas and areas of reduced sensation that gradually resolve.
Less common risks
- Disruption of the lymphatic system, with persistent swelling. This is why the technique is chosen to spare the lymphatic vessels.
- Seroma.
- Contour irregularities, more likely when a large volume is removed.
- Skin laxity if the skin does not retract enough.
- Progression of the disease in untreated areas.
Who is NOT a candidate: contraindications for lipedema surgery
| Contraindication | Reason |
|---|---|
| Expecting a permanent cure | Surgery improves the symptoms and reduces the affected tissue, but lipedema is chronic and requires follow-up afterwards. |
| Lymphedema or venous insufficiency that has not been assessed | They are mistaken for lipedema and are treated differently. They require a prior diagnosis. |
| Active smoking | It compromises healing and the blood supply to the tissues. You are asked to stop four weeks before and four weeks after. |
| Uncontrolled systemic disease | Uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart or respiratory disease: these are stabilized before surgery. |
| Clotting disorders that have not been evaluated | These require prior assessment. Anticoagulants must not be stopped on your own initiative: the regimen is adjusted by the doctor who prescribes them. |
| Active infection, local or systemic | It is postponed until the infection has fully resolved. |
Our medical team for lipedema
Instituto de Benito is a benchmark in the surgical treatment of lipedema and in specialized body surgery, with more than 40 years of experience and thousands of patients treated.
The team adapts each treatment to the patient, with the aim of improving function and quality of life.
Dr. Orestes Fernández specialist in body contouring
Surgeon specializing in body contouring
«Lipedema treatment requires a specialized medical approach and a deep understanding of this condition»
View medical profile
Dr. Antonio Martínez Murillo, specialist in facial, body, and breast surgery
Surgeon specializing in facial, body, and breast surgery
«Lipedema is not just a cosmetic issue, but a condition that affects physical and emotional well-being»
View medical profile
Commitment to lipedema treatment
At Instituto de Benito, we have more than 40 years of experience in plastic and cosmetic surgery of the body, with extensive specialization in body surgery. Over the course of our career, we have performed more than 2,000 procedures, which allows us to offer safe, effective procedures with harmonious, natural results.
We prioritize the personalization of each treatment, adapting to each patient's needs and characteristics and offering comprehensive post-op follow-up to ensure an optimal recovery and long-lasting results.
Where to have lipedema treatment
Book your lipedema surgery consultation
The first step is not surgery: it is a consultation with the surgeon who would perform your procedure. They will assess your case, answer your questions and, after the visit, give you the exact price.
The first consultation costs €80, which is deducted from the cost of surgery if you decide to have your procedure with us. You can also call us.
Related treatments
Frequently asked questions about lipedema
What results can I expect?
The main goal is to reduce pain, heaviness and pathological volume, and to improve mobility and quality of life. Aesthetically, the limbs also gain a better shape and proportion. The result settles gradually over the following 3 to 6 months.
Is lipedema surgery painful?
Discomfort is usually mild to moderate and is well controlled with medication. In Barcelona we apply the Synapta® protocol to make the post-op period more manageable.
Does surgery cure lipedema permanently?
Surgery does not cure the disease, but it can reduce its symptoms and its impact on daily life. In most cases it is possible to slow the progression and greatly improve quality of life.
What are the risks of lipedema surgery?
It is a safe procedure when performed in specialized centers by expert surgeons, but like any surgery, it involves potential risks you should be aware of.
At Instituto de Benito, safety is the priority and all procedures are performed under strict medical protocols.
Most common risks (and generally mild)
- Swelling and bruising: normal during the first few weeks.
- Pain or a feeling of pressure: temporary and manageable with medication.
- Seroma: a buildup of fluid that can be reabsorbed or easily drained.
- Temporary changes in sensation.
- Slight contour irregularities while the tissues are settling.
Uncommon risks
- Post-operative infection.
- Delayed healing or small stitches opening.
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- The need for a touch-up or a second session in very extensive cases.
How many sessions are needed?
It depends on the extent and stage of the lipedema. In some cases one session is enough; in others, it is safer and more effective to divide the treatment into several phases.
When can I get back to normal life?
Most patients can lead a fairly normal life within 7–14 days, although full recovery and tissue stabilization take several weeks.
Do I have to wear compression garments after lipedema surgery?
Yes. Wearing medical compression garments is a fundamental part of the treatment and of a proper recovery.
Can I exercise after lipedema treatment?
Gentle activity is resumed gradually. More intense exercise is usually allowed from 6–8 weeks, depending on your progress.
What happens if I gain or lose weight after lipedema surgery?
Moderate weight changes do not usually alter the result to any great extent, but keeping a stable weight helps preserve the benefits of the treatment.
Is the result permanent?
The fat that is removed does not come back, but lipedema is a chronic disease, so healthy habits and medical follow-up are key to maintaining the results in the long term.
Articles related to Lipedema
See the whole blog
Average rating: 4.8 / 5
Feed
Violexys Hernández
Googlehace 7 meses
Me opere el pecho con la doctora Marina García en octubre. Tenía mucho miedo de la recuperación y del resultado final. Ojalá se pudiera dar 10 estrellas en lugar de 5. Muchas gracias por el apoyo, me he sentido segura en todo momento , volvería a elegirla.
'%20fill='%23FBBC05'%20d='M0%2037V11l17%2013z'/%3e%3cpath%20clip-path='url(%23b)'%20fill='%23EA4335'%20d='M0%2011l17%2013%207-6.1L48%2014V0H0z'/%3e%3cpath%20clip-path='url(%23b)'%20fill='%2334A853'%20d='M0%2037l30-23%207.9%201L48%200v48H0z'/%3e%3cpath%20clip-path='url(%23b)'%20fill='%234285F4'%20d='M48%2048L17%2024l-4-3%2035-10z'/%3e%3c/svg%3e){kind=small}
Aura Motiska
Googlehace 8 meses
I had a deep plane facelift with upper and lower blepharoplasty by Dr. David Neagu, and I couldn’t be happier. The results are incredibly natural—I look refreshed and like myself, just better. Dr. Neagu and his entire team were kind, caring, and highly skilled from start to finish. I felt supported every step of the...
Marleny Cruz Martinez
Googlehace 9 meses
El trato de Eva en cabina es siempre inmejorable, tanto el tratamiento en sí como las recomendaciones que te hace para seguir tratamiento en casa.
Elena Martinez
Googlehace 10 meses
Llevaba mucho tiempo planteándome una operación de pecho por el miedo a que quedara poco natural y que se ajustara a mis expectativas. En cuanto conocí a la Dra. Marina, supe que era el momento y que sería ella quien me operara. No me equivoqué. Muchas gracias por todo.
Maru Ortega
Googlehace 11 meses
Podría poner 20* a mí querido cirujano David Neagu por los veinte años que me ha quitado de la cara. Haces magia Doc!!! Mil gracias al equipazo por cuidarme: Monika, Julia, Cris, Eva. Un beso y abrazo gigante para tod@s
Cristina Betancor
Googlehace 11 meses
Encantada con el resultado y con el trato recibido por la doctora Marina y todo su equipo. Muy profesionales, atentos y cercanos en todo momento.
Nora Haxha
Googlehace 1 año
Such a lovely team and experience! From my first visit to the online follow-ups, everyone has been so kind, caring, and professional. Dr. Neagu and Dr. García are truly exceptional I couldn’t feel in better hands. Thank you for everything! 🤍
Beatriz Perelló Gonzalo
Googlehace 1 año
La doctora Irene y su asistente Laura, me hicieron confiar desde el principio! Pero Los resultados superaron mis expectativas, me dejé llevar y ahora parezco 10 años menos, una piel increíble y me siento con mucha más confianza. 1000 recomendable! La doctora es un amor
Teresa Pacho
Googlehace 1 año
Trato profesional y cercano. Excelencia en la cirujana Marina Garcia y todo el equipo. Honestidad en la comunicación.
Dolores Peñalver
Googlehace 1 año
Mi experiencia en el Instituto de Benito ha sido excelente. Agradecer a la Doctora María Gijón y a todo su equipo por su gran profesionalidad y por ayudar a los clientes ante cualquier duda o aclaración
Marisa Canseco
Googlehace 1 año
El doctor Fernández y su enfermera Cristina son profesionales excelentes y dan un estupendo trato. Los recomiendo al 100%. Los resultados se ajustan totalmente a lo que se comprometen.
Sandra TB
Googlehace 1 año
Agradecer enormemente a la Doctora Marina por el trato durante todo el proceso y por el resultado final. Mi experiencia ha sido maravillosa. Agradecer también a Montse por hacer que esto sea posible.
julia juan fornes
Googlehace 1 año
La Dra Marina Garcia muy profesional y transmite muchísima confianza desde el primer momento.
Maragda L
Googlehace 8 meses
Mi experiencia ha sido de lo mejor, me he sentido totalmente cuidada en todo el proceso de mi operación desde Mónica siempre atenta a mis consultas, hasta las chicas de los masajes y cómo no, con el doctor Orestes Fernández con quién me he sentido acompañada en toda la operación y sobre todo recuperación. Sin duda...
Paula Roldan Martinez-checa
Googlehace 10 meses
La Doctora Marina Garcia es totalmente un acierto. Sinceridad desde el primer momento, te escucha y te aconseja conforme tu idea y de manera que quede lo más natural y bonito posible, siendo siempre realistas. El resultado totalmente bonito, más natural y mejor de lo que incluso yo me pensaba. Una recuperación súper...