Liposuction for Lipedema Significantly Reduces Benzodiazepine Dependence: A Prospective Cohort Study.
Liposuction for lipedema associated with reduced benzodiazepine use in most patients
Liposuction for Lipedema Significantly Reduces Benzodiazepine Dependence: A Prospective Cohort Study.
Recent research suggests that body contouring surgeries may reduce benzodiazepine (benzodiazepine) use in patients with anxiety or depressive disorders.
This study explores whether similar benefits occur in women with lipedema-a chronic adipose disorder causing pain, limited mobility, and psychological distress-who are often prescribed benzodiazepine.
We conducted a retrospective observational study on 100 adult female patients with Stage I-III lipedema undergoing tumescent or water-assisted liposuction between 2019 and 2024.
most patients cut back or stopped their anti-anxiety medication after surgery
The primary outcome was benzodiazepine usage at six months postoperatively.
Statistically significant improvements were also observed in anxiety, pain, sleep quality, and body image (all p < 0.001).
Reductions in benzodiazepine use correlated with improvements in pain (r = 0.56), anxiety (r = 0.47), and body image (r = - 0.52).
Only minor complications occurred (8%), and no major adverse events were reported.
Liposuction for lipedema not only improves physical symptoms but also supports psychological recovery, reducing dependence on benzodiazepines.
These findings highlight the potential of surgical treatment as part of an integrated approach to managing chronic conditions with both somatic and mental health components.
Further research is needed to confirm long-term effects and underlying mechanisms. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I: Level I, therapeutic study using a properly randomized controlled trial.