Lipedema Treatment in Mallorca
Specialized surgery for lipedema—a chronic and underdiagnosed condition affecting women—using WAL tumescent liposuction in scheduled sessions. Performed by Dr. García Ceballos at Quirónsalud Palmaplanas Hospital. Coordination with angiology and internal medicine as needed.
A real disease, not “cellulite”
Lipedema is a chronic disease of the subcutaneous adipose tissue that affects almost exclusively women (>95% of cases) and is characterized by an abnormal distribution of fat, primarily in the legs and sometimes the arms, associated with chronic pain, bruising from minor impacts, and resistance to diet and exercise. It is neither cellulite nor obesity: it is a recognized clinical condition with hormonal and vascular causes that has remained underdiagnosed for decades.
Patients with lipedema often go through years of medical consultations before receiving a correct diagnosis. Without treatment, the disease progresses (stages I through IV), leading to increased pain, deformity, and functional limitations, and, in advanced stages, the onset of associated lymphedema (lipolymphedema).
Who should suspect lipedema?
Women with a visible disproportion between a slender torso and bulky legs (or arms), chronic pain in the affected limbs, frequent bruising from minor impacts, a feeling of heaviness, a lack of response to diet and exercise in the affected areas, and often a similar family history (hereditary component).
Stages of lipedema
| Stadium | Characteristics | Surgical Indication |
|---|---|---|
| I | Smooth skin, thickened subcutaneous tissue | Initial conservative treatment |
| II | Skin with an irregular surface, palpable nodules | Consider surgery if conservative treatment is insufficient |
| III | Obvious deformity, adipose flaps | Surgery is clearly indicated |
| IV (lipolymphedema) | Advanced lipedema + secondary lymphedema | Surgery + combined angiological treatment |
Surgery as part of a comprehensive treatment plan
The treatment of lipedema is NOT limited to surgery. Surgery is a tool—a very effective one—within a comprehensive approach that also includes lifelong conservative measures. During the consultation, we determine what each patient needs.
Conservative treatment
Compression stockings, periodic manual lymphatic drainage, an anti-inflammatory diet, and aquatic exercise. The foundation of treatment in Stage I and lifelong maintenance.
WAL Tumescent Liposuction
Water-Assisted Liposuction: a specialized technique for lipedema that uses a stream of water to dislodge fat with minimal impact on the lymphatic vessels. It is the technique of choice for lipedema because it preserves the lymphatic system, which is essential in this condition.
VASER Liposuction
An ultrasound-based alternative to WAL. It is also gentle on the lymphatic system. The choice between WAL and VASER depends on the patient’s anatomical characteristics and disease stage.
Coordination with the Angiology Department
In advanced stages or when there is a lymphedema component, we coordinate treatment with vascular angiology to address lipedema and lymphedema simultaneously.
Liposuction for lipedema does not cure the disease: it is chronic and requires lifelong management (compression stockings, lymphatic drainage, diet). However, surgery is effective in significantly reducing pain, deformity, and functional limitations, dramatically improving quality of life.
Recovery and Maintenance
- D1-3
Compression garment, thrombosis prevention
1 night in the hospital (longer if the procedure is very lengthy). 24-hour compression garment. Thrombosis prophylaxis with heparin. Early mobilization is essential.
- D7-14
Lymphatic Drainage and Reintegration
Start of manual lymphatic drainage with a specialized physical therapist. Return to sedentary work. Continuous compression garment.
- S3-4
Pain Relief
A reduction in the chronic pain characteristic of lipedema begins to be noticed. A reduction in spontaneous bruising.
- M3
Partial result displayed
The results of that session are clearly visible. The next session is scheduled if the case requires it.
- M6-24
Consecutive sessions
The full course of treatment usually requires 2–4 sessions, scheduled based on the extent of the condition and the patient’s response. Ongoing conservative maintenance.
Dr. José Ignacio García Ceballos
Member nº 070707779 - Official College of Doctors of the Balearic Islands
With 25 years dedicated to plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. García Ceballos is a reference in Mallorca. His training at the Royal College of Surgeons of England (MRCS I England) and in Belgium (FCCP Belgium) places him among the most internationally renowned surgeons in the Balearic Islands.
His experience in lipedema surgery includes mastery of the WAL and VASER techniques specific to this condition, as well as coordination with vascular angiology in cases of associated lipo-lymphedema. The approach is comprehensive: surgery + ongoing conservative treatment.
It operates at Hospital Quirónsalud Palmaplanas and Hospital Quirónsalud Son Verí, the private hospital references in Palma de Mallorca.
Camí de la Vileta, 46 C, 07011 Palma de Mallorca · 971 254 686
Lipedema Treatment in Mallorca for International Patients
Lipedema remains an underdiagnosed condition in many countries. We see international patients who arrive with an established diagnosis and wish to undergo surgery here. We coordinate their care with their angiologist or referring physician after they return home.
Lipedema Treatment in Mallorca
Complete care in Spanish: first consultation, surgery, postoperative follow-up and reports. We coordinate the program to optimize your stay on the island.
Lipedema Treatment in Mallorca
Full consultation and follow-up in English. Dr. García Ceballos trained at the Royal College of Surgeons of England and communicates fluently with international patients.
Lipedema Treatment in Mallorca
Consultations and follow-up available in French. Majorque is less than two hours away from the main French cities, ideal for combining intervention and convalescence in an exceptional setting.
Videoconsultation available in Spanish, English and French for patients traveling to Mallorca. The closed quotation is given in writing after the assessment. Subsequent follow-up can be done telematically.
Pricing policy and budget
The cost of surgical treatment for lipedema depends on the number of sessions required and the extent of the condition to be treated. The final estimate is provided after an individualized medical evaluation that includes lipedema staging.
| Consultation / Service | Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| First doctor's visit | 40 € | Lipedema assessment, staging, and comprehensive treatment plan |
| Second Medical Opinion | 120 € | Review of diagnosis and alternative treatment plan |
| WAL Liposuction for Lipedema (per session) | Based on evaluation | Hospitalization, anesthesia, thrombosis prophylaxis, compression garment |
| Total cost of treatment (estimate) | Depending on the stage | 2–4 sessions scheduled based on extent and response |
| Coordination with Angiology | Included | When there is an associated lymphedema component |
Financing is not available. The final quotation is given after the individualized medical evaluation. The prices indicated are approximate and may vary according to the clinical case.