A recent prospective study published in Phlebology (February 2026; DOI: 10.1177/02683555251343155) by Agostino Bruno and Matteo Cilluffo explores the role of early postoperative shockwave therapy (SWT) in reducing fibrosis and improving recovery following liposuction in patients with lipedema.
Postoperative fibrosis is a common and clinically significant complication after liposuction for lipedema, frequently associated with tissue hardening, pain, reduced skin elasticity, and compromised aesthetic outcomes. These changes can negatively affect both functional recovery and patient satisfaction, highlighting the need for effective postoperative strategies to preserve surgical results.
In this prospective study, 50 female patients with stage II–III lipedema underwent power-assisted liposuction and received shockwave therapy starting one week after surgery. SWT was administered three times per week for three weeks and outcomes were compared with a control group of 25 patients who did not receive postoperative shockwave treatment. Fibrosis severity was assessed using ultrasound elastography, alongside measurements of skin elasticity and patient-reported pain and satisfaction.
Patients treated with shockwave therapy demonstrated a significant reduction in postoperative fibrosis compared with controls, accompanied by improved skin elasticity and lower pain scores. Patient-reported satisfaction was also notably higher in the SWT group, suggesting a positive impact on both physical recovery and perceived surgical outcomes.
The authors attribute these findings to the biological effects of shockwave therapy, including modulation of fibroblast activity, reduction of inflammatory mediators, and improved tissue perfusion. These mechanisms may help limit excessive fibrotic response while supporting tissue healing in the early postoperative period.
The results suggest that integrating early postoperative shockwave therapy into standard care may represent a valuable adjunct to liposuction in lipedema patients. While further studies with longer follow-up and larger cohorts are warranted, this study adds meaningful evidence supporting SWT as a safe and effective tool to optimise postoperative recovery and patient satisfaction.
At Phlebology News, our focus remains on providing clear, informative coverage of emerging clinical evidence and evolving treatment strategies, helping clinicians stay informed as new adjunctive therapies are incorporated into venous and lymphatic practice.
