Abstract:
Lipedema is a disease of disproportionate fat deposition featuring frequent hematoma formation and easy bruising.  Hematoma development may be caused by altered capillary resistance (CR) or altered capillary fragility (CF). Capillary fragility was measured before and after complex decongestive physiotherapy (CDP) to examine, whether CDP could reduce CF. 38 women with lipedema were included in the study. Twenty-one (21) patients were treated with CDP and 17 using exclusively moisturizers as the control group. CDP comprised once daily manual lymph drainage, Lympha Press® and multilayered short-stretch bandaging performed throughout a 5-day-course. CF was evaluated with the vacuum suction method (VSM) using Parrot’s angiosterrometer in both groups. The treatment group had a significant reduction of the number of petechiae while no change was detected within the control group. Complete decongestive physiotherapy with Lympha Press® significantly reduced CF in patients with lipedema and this reduction may lead to reduced hematoma formation.