What if you have done everything to lose weight, but your body remains disproportionate and you seem unable to lose weight from your lower body? Characterised by abnormal accumulation of fat (most commonly in the legs, hips, and occasionally the arms) you may be suffering from lipoedema.
All too frequently I see women with lipoedema who have been told for years to ‘just lose weight’. We now know that lipoedema can be resistant to dietary and exercise interventions and this incorrect medical advice often causes a great deal of distress. Liposuction has been found to reduce tissue bulk, pain, bruising, improve mobility, and can have a significant positive impact on their quality of life.
Mr Mouzakis, Plastic Surgeon and Lipoedema Expert
We understand your frustration. Most women suffering from lipoedema struggle to find the right medical care. Often, patients will have had unsuccessful attempts to seek treatment for their condition: we often hear the struggles of women who have suffered the condition for years. General Practitioners often do not know about the condition or possible treatments. This is combined with a lack of local funding to help under the NHS. Consequently many women have suffered the condition for years whilst being unable to find treatment. Maybe you are early in your journey, and you are repeatedly turned away with the message that you aren’t sufficiently ‘advanced’ to qualify for treatment, but you know from your own research that this is a progressive disease that needs careful management.
Lipoedema (often spelt Lipedema in the US) is a chronic medical condition affecting subcutaneous fatty tissue. It is often misdiagnosed as obesity or lymphedema. Affected areas are often painful to touch or sensitive to pressure, easily bruised or feel heavy.
Lipoedema primarily affects women and is often triggered by hormonal shifts such as puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. Lipoedema fat is biologically different from standard body fat and does not respond to traditional diet or exercise. Despite the best efforts of lipoedema sufferers, a surgical approach involving lymphatic-sparing liposuction is often the most effective treatment. Surgical intervention reduces pain and bruising in affected areas, improves mobility, functionality and quality of life.
At Wood MediSpa, we offer the most comprehensive approach to lipoedema care in the UK. Our expertise spans early-stage lipoedema diagnosis and management, surgical solutions, post-liposuction skin retightening surgery, and long-term health management. Everything you need for exceptional care is available at Wood MediSpa. Use the navigation grid below to find out more.
Book now for Mr Mouzakis’ 22 April clinic. Other dates available.
The CORE Method
Our comprehensive service can help from initial diagnosis, through to treatment and long term management utilising the CORE Method. This holistic approach has been developed by experienced Lipoedema specialist Plastic Surgeon Mr Michael Mouzakis – also known as Dr Mooz.
Mr. Mouzakis does not just perform surgery; he manages the condition. Mr. Mouzakis developed the CORE Method to provide a structured, clinical pathway for treating lipoedema to ensure long term success for his patients:
C: Clinical Diagnosis ↓
Lipoedema is often misdiagnosed. Accurate identification is critical, as Lipoedema is frequently misdiagnosed as lifestyle-related obesity.Correct diagnosis is crucial for effective management & treatment. Even if your lipoedema is not advanced, starting with a clinical diagnosis allows Dr Mouzakis to make recommendations on how best to manage your condition through Optimisation.
O: Optimisation ↓
Educating the patient on how to address their comprehensive needs. Includes referrals to Manual Lymphatic Drainage & compression garment specialists & psychological support. May include nutritional support or GLP-1 medications to ensure the patient is in peak condition for surgery.
R: Radical Removal ↓
Liposuction is a medical intervention that reduces tissue, pain, bruising & improves mobility, functionality, & quality of life. Thoroughly debulking diseased tissue to alleviate pain.
E: Enduring Maintenance ↓
Whilst the surgery removes diseased fat cells, lipoedema is a non-curable & progressive condition. Long-term success requires a committed approach to managing inflammation, supporting lymphatic health & preventing the expansion of remaining fat cells. Providing a roadmap for post-surgery health to prevent progression.
Second surgery here at the most beautiful hospital I’m sure! This time I came to Wood for liposuction and skin tightening due to lipodema in my upper arms. Surgery was performed by Mr Mouzakis and Mr McDiarmid. Results are unbelievable, I am completely overjoyed. From booking to last check up, the whole team have been incredible yet again. Nothing is too much to ask and everyone goes well above and beyond their roles to make you feel comfortable and at ease.
Lipoedema Surgery Patient
How Can Lipoedema Treatment Help You?
Lipoedema treatment can be life changing. Lipoedema treatment focuses on managing symptoms and slowing disease progression. Therapies like compression and manual lymphatic drainage reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation, while specialised exercise and surgery (liposuction) improve mobility, body proportions, and overall quality of life.
Physical Health Benefits
Significant Pain Relief: Surgery targets the abnormal, inflamed fat deposits that cause chronic tenderness and heavy aching, leading to a substantial reduction in daily discomfort.
Enhanced Mobility: By debulking the limbs, surgery removes the physical obstruction caused by excess tissue, allowing for a more natural stride and greater ease of movement.
Protection of the Lymphatic System: Reducing the pressure on your tissues helps prevent secondary conditions like lympho-lipoedema (chronic swelling) and venous insufficiency by improving fluid drainage and blood flow.
Functional Benefits
Improved Body Proportion: Reshaping the limbs through surgery makes it significantly easier to find and wear standard-sized clothing and footwear, which can be a major daily struggle for patients.
Easier Daily Activity: Tasks that were previously exhausting (such as climbing stairs, sitting for long periods, or walking long distances) require much less physical exertion following the removal of diseased tissue.
Long-Term Physical Activity: With lighter limbs and reduced pain, most patients find they can finally engage in regular exercise, which is essential for maintaining overall health and managing lipoedema progression.
Regain Confidence
Boosts Self-Esteem: Improving the physical shape and functionality of your limbs often leads to a significant increase in self-confidence and a more positive body image.
Relieves Mental Health Strain: By reducing chronic pain and physical limitations, surgery helps alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety frequently linked to the condition.
Enhances Emotional Resilience: Regaining control over your physical health can reduce the emotional burnout caused by managing a chronic, progressive disease.
Promotes Long-Term Health: The lighter feeling in your limbs makes it easier to adopt an active lifestyle. This often leads to improved cardiovascular fitness, better weight management, and a reduced risk of secondary health issues.
Reinvigorates Social Life: With less pain and improved stamina, you are more likely to participate in social gatherings and community events, effectively reducing the feelings of isolation common in lipoedema patients.
Regain Mobility
Reduces Weight and Heaviness: Removing excess diseased fat makes the limbs lighter and easier to lift, reducing the “physical burden” on your lower body.
Relieves Pressure on Joints: By reducing the volume around the legs, surgery takes the strain off your knees, hips, and ankles, which can improve joint function and prevent further orthopedic damage.
Improves Range of Motion: Clinical studies have shown surgery can increase knee flexion by an average of 10 degrees, making day to day activities much easier.
Corrects Gait and Balance: Surgery can help realign the legs and prevent thighs from rubbing together, leading to a more fluid and comfortable walking pattern.
Alleviates Pain: Removing inflamed, fibrotic tissue reduces the hypersensitivity and pain that often make movement difficult.
Increases Independence: Better mobility allows you to perform daily tasks—such as household chores, grocery shopping, and maintaining employment—with far less effort and reliance on others.
Lipoedema National Hub
As a National Centre of Excellence for Lipoedema surgery, Wood MediSpa serves patients nationwide. Our Devon facility is the premier destination for advanced lipoedema liposuction for patients from all major UK cities. Wondering if you are Stage 1 or Stage 2 or Stage 3? Our online self-test uses clinical markers to help you identify your lipoedema stage instantly from home, before travelling for consultation.
The Destination for Specialist Care
Lipoedema surgery is a major decision: patients from all over the UK choose Wood MediSpa for our 5* reputation. Our approach to lipoedema care is unique within the UK.
The C.O.R.E approach enables you to feel fully supported from the beginning, whether you are in the early stages of lipoedema or have been a life-long sufferer of the condition. When you book in for a consultation with us, you will be offered the opportunity to join us for a Lipoedema Care Package. We highly recommend you choose this option if you want the most comprehensive care provision available. Find out more about our Lipoedema Care Package.
Host of World-Class Lipoedema Masterclass Training for Surgeons
At Wood MediSpa we believe that the best way to maintain clinical excellence is to learn from surgeons leading in their specialism. Our surgeons frequently travel abroad to visit peers and attend global meetings, ensuring they bring recent international developments back to their practice in Devon. We also host Masterclass Training sessions for surgeons. At our most recent lipoedema workshop led by renowned lipoedema expert Dr Jafar Jorjani with Mr James McDiarmid hosting and assisting, delegates were presented with two complex lipoedema cases with live surgery demonstrations on advanced lipo-sculpture techniques using systems like Microaire PAL and groundbreaking InMode Quantum RF skin tightening technology. Wood MediSpa’s commitment to continuous training and development directly elevates the patient experience through keeping our surgeons at the ‘cutting edge’ of the industry. We have also hosted specialist training courses for MLD therapists specialising in Advanced Lipoedema Liposuction Aftercare.
Your Wood MediSpa Experience
From your first contact with us, and throughout the entirety of your recovery and follow-up, you will experience the thoroughness, attention to detail, and warmth with which our fantastic team welcome and care for you. The first visit is an opportunity for your surgeon to get to understand your desires, to examine and evaluate physical requirements, to thoroughly inform you about the procedure or alternative treatments that will suit you best, to answer any questions you may have, and to introduce you to our professional and friendly staff.
Mr Mouzakis: Your Expert Plastic Surgeon
Mr Mouzakis has specialised expertise in lipoedema having treated many women with lipoedema: he is familiar with its diagnostic criteria, the nuances of its presentation, and the most effective industry-leading treatment protocols. Mr Mouzakis prioritises functional results, including pain reduction and restored mobility, but also achieves high quality aesthetic outcomes.
Mr Mouzakis is one of only a few surgeons in the UK to achieve the Total Definer Master accreditation. This certification was granted by Dr. Alfredo Hoyos, the creator of Vaser High Definition Liposculpture, after intensive training in advanced body-contouring techniques. He applies this expertise to his lipoedema surgery, utilising high-precision tools, such as Vaser Ultrasound and micro-cannulas, to break down diseased fat cells while protecting the delicate lymphatic system. Mr Mouzakis has spent extensive time in Columbia, the global hub for body contouring, to study and treat patients with advanced stages of lipoedema particularly specialising in large-volume fat removal and aesthetic reconstruction.
Best Surgical Techniques Used
Not all liposuction is equal. Mr. Mouzakis employs techniques designed to be gentler on the lymphatic system. Where needed, specialised micro-cannulas are used for a slower, more precise approach that often results in smoother finishes and quicker recovery times. Wood MediSpa offers Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL) and Vaser Liposuction.
The Lymphatic-Sparing Approach
For Lipoedema patients, protecting lymphatic drainage is critical. Mr. Mouzakis often utilises Vaser Liposuction, which uses ultrasound energy to specifically target diseased fatty tissue while leaving blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues largely undisturbed. This leads to reduced swelling, faster recovery and less post-operative bruising. A focus on removing the nodular fat typical of lipoedema to create a natural, smooth and even contour.
Renuvion and Quantum RF Skin Tightening Technology Integration
Renuvion and Quantum RF Integration: Frequently combines liposuction with Renuvion (helium plasma) or Quantum RF to provide skin tightening for patients with moderate skin laxity post-fat removal. Mr. Mouzakis is an expert in the leading technologies that tighten skin from the inside out. This often allows patients to avoid the large scars associated with traditional skin-removal surgery and undergo skin tightening at the same time as lipoedema surgery.
At Wood MediSpa, Mr Mouzakis has access to a complete range of best-in-class equipment to ensure that there is no compromise for the patient: depending on the specific presentation of the skin laxity of the patient, Mr Mouzakis can select the most appropriate skin tightening technology. These technologies are often used in patients with moderate skin laxity post-fat removal.
After Lipoedema Treatment: Skin Removal Surgery
For those concerned about significant skin laxity after lipoedema surgery, Wood MediSpa is an excellent choice: we also offer skin removal surgery and body recontouring. In some cases, lipoedema liposuction can leave behind loose skin. If Renuvion is not a viable option due to the level of loose skin, Wood MediSpa offers a complete suite of skin tightening surgery found in the Post-Weightloss surgery selection. These procedures can be tailored to each patient to tackle the area of concern.
Under the right conditions, lipoedema reduction surgery can be combined safely with other procedures like breast reduction or abdominoplasty. These combinations can improve physical function (enhancing posture, reducing discomfort in the chest or abdomen, and easing joint strain) while also shortening recovery time and limiting exposure to general anaesthesia. However, the longer surgery duration and the sensitivity of the lymphatic system in lipoedema patients require careful planning to prevent issues like prolonged swelling or slow healing. Choosing the most appropriate procedure for each individual patients, careful timing, and clear communication about recovery are essential for safe, effective results. Your surgeon will advise on whether it is possible to combine procedures, or whether your anatomy is best suited to a staged approach.
Self Test for Suspected Lipoedema
Although an estimated one in ten women are affected by lipoedema, it is often misunderstood and mistaken for simply being overweight. This misdiagnosis can lead to significant delays in receiving the care lipoedema sufferers truly need. To support women on their journey towards understanding their bodies and to foster awareness about this condition, we are pleased to provide Mr. Mouzakis’ lipoedema self-test. Start your journey with a virtual self assessment from the comfort of your home. Invest just a few minutes of your time to complete this test and gain clarity on your next steps.
Next Steps?
If you suspect you may have lipoedema, even in the early stages, or you have had a positive result on the lipoedema Self Test, we recommend arranging a consultation with Mr Mouzakis. Early clinical intervention and management can help manage the progression of the disease. Even if you are in early Stage 1, you are welcome to attend a consultation. At consultation, Mr Mouzakis is able to determine a formal diagnosis. Utilising his CORE framework, you will feel fully educated about your condition and management options. Consider whether you might want to opt for our Lipoedema Care Package at the same time as your consultation.
Information for Travelling Patients
Your National Destination for Lipoedema Excellence
We understand that seeking specialist lipoedema surgery often requires travelling beyond your local area to find the highest standard of consultant-led care. Our Devon-based Centre of Excellence is a dedicated sanctuary for patients from across the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Distance should never be a barrier to life-changing results. We have designed a bespoke National Patient Pathway to support you every step of the way – from your first virtual Self-Test to your final recovery.
- Travelling from London & the South East: Many patients enjoy a relaxing 2.5-hour direct rail journey from London Paddington to Exeter St Davids. Opt for a taxi or take the train to our local Okehampton station.
- Access from the Midlands & Northern England: With direct M5 motorway links and rail services from Birmingham New Street, our clinic is a straightforward destination for patients in Manchester, Leeds, and Birmingham.
- South Wales & The West: We are the primary specialist hub for Cardiff, Swansea, and Bristol, offering a tranquil alternative to city-centre clinical environments.
- Scotland & Ireland Fly-In Service: For those flying from Belfast, Dublin, or Glasgow, we are just a short transfer from Exeter Airport.
A Place to Recover
You will stay with us overnight for one or two nights, but some of our national patients choose to extend their stay in Devon after surgery. We provide a curated list of quiet, accessible local hotels in the surrounding countryside, ensuring you are rested and clinically cleared before your journey home to Scotland, Wales, or the North. Alternatively, you can extend your stay with us at Wood MediSpa either in our ward or at the Lodge House.
Lipoedema Care Package
When booking an appointment at our specialist lipoedema clinic, you will have the opportunity to choose a Lipoedema Care Package. Many women suffering from lipoedema have endured years of being overlooked by healthcare professionals; our care service is designed to change that narrative. Women often feel isolated in their lipoedema journey, but with our service, you’ll receive the support you need. An optimised Lipoedema Care Package following your consultation delivers validation, education, and a clear roadmap, empowering you with the confidence to manage your condition successfully.
You will receive an introductory manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) therapy session from our trusted MLD therapist to experience the relief it offers for lipoedema pain. You’ll gain a greater understanding of optimisation and how you can manage your condition.
By starting lifestyle and nutritional changes during the consultation phase, patients are better equipped to maintain their results and prevent disease progression after surgery or to manage the disease progression to delay surgery.
You will have the opportunity to have a compression garment fitting session with one of our team to find high-end, comfortable medical-grade garments rather than standard NHS options.
Also included in your package is a YunoPod Body Scan: a high-tech, objective baseline that is essential for both clinical planning and patient peace of mind. The YunoPod uses 360-degree optical scanning to create a virtual twin, capturing precise measurements of limb circumferences, volume, and surface area. For lipoedema patients, this provides an indisputable record of the diseased tissue before any intervention. Medical-grade Bio-Impedance sensors to calculate body fat percentage, lean muscle mass, and visceral fat. This is vital for differentiating between lipoedema-related fat and general weight, helping to tailor the “Optimisation” phase of the CORE Method.