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June, World Lipedema Month

Why WAL (Water Assisted Liposuction) is an Effective, Fast and Safe Surgical Technique

body-jet® WAL: Lymphatic Preservation and Surgical Precision Backed by Clinical Evidence

UpViser is the exclusive distributor of this technology in Spain and Portugal. June, officially declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) as International Lipedema Month, reminds us that this inflammatory, progressive and painful adipose tissue disorder primarily affects women. Unlike obesity, lipedema doesn’t improve with diet or exercise, and can significantly reduce mobility and quality of life.

World Lipedema Month | UpViser Spain

June 2025

When conservative treatments (like compression therapy, lymphatic drainage and physiotherapy) aren’t enough, liposuction becomes the only effective long-term solution. However, not all surgical technologies are equal, especially for a delicate condition like lipedema. This article examines, with scientific support, why water-assisted liposuction (WAL) with body-jet® technology is considered the most suitable, safe and precise technique.

What is WAL and How Does It Differ?

WAL (Water Assisted Liposuction) uses a fan-shaped saline jet that gently separates adipose tissue from connective tissue without thermal or vibrational damage. Thanks to body-jet®’s special cannula design, surgeons can simultaneously infiltrate and aspirate, allowing:

  • Constant maintenance of the surgical plane.
  • Maximum precision in critical areas (thighs, hips, calves, arms).

Unlike traditional tumescent liposuction (used in PAL or VASER), where complete tissue inflation causes loss of anatomical visibility, WAL offers continuous controlled procedure. This technique:

  • ✓ Reduces local anesthesia (less infiltration = fewer side effects).
  • ✓ Minimizes tissue trauma and fibrosis risk.
  • ✓ Accelerates recovery (less inflammation and bruising).
  • ✓ Protects lymphatic system (gentle hydrodissection vs. vibration/heat).

Technical Comparison of Liposuction Methods for Lipedema

(Based on scientific evidence: Stutz & Krahl 2009, Münch 2017, Witte 2020, Smith 2018)

Technique Tissue Trauma Lymphatic Protection Surgical Control Recovery Lipedema Evidence
WAL (body-jet®) Low High (Witte 2020Münch 2017) High Faster Multiple studies
PAL Moderate Variable Moderate Variable Limited
VASER High (heat) Thermal risk Good Slower Scarce
Traditional Tumescent Moderate Limited Low Slower Outdated

Note: Technique selection should be based on surgeon expertise and scientific evidence.

Clinical Outcomes with WAL (Study-Backed)

1. Stutz & Krahl (2009)

  • Landmark 30-patient study*: First to demonstrate lymphatic structure preservation with WAL. » Full study
  • 2. Witte et al. (2020)

  • 63 patients: Pain reduction (VAS 6.5→1.4), 2.7-week recovery, zero lymphatic complications. » Study
  • 3. Münch (2017)

  • WAL vs. Tumescent: 48% less vascular trauma + shorter OR time. » Publication
  • 4. Smith (2018)

  • Lymphedema textbook chapter: Positions WAL as preferred surgical option. » Chapter

WAL Clinics in Spain & Portugal

UpViser maintains an updated directory of hospitals and clinics using body-jet® WAL technology. This tool helps both patients and medical professionals locate the nearest facility offering this advanced treatment.

View our interactive clinic map

Follow Our WAL Ambassadors in Instagram

Spanish surgeons share cases:
@upviser_spain
#WALliposuction #LipedemaTreatment #BodyJetTech

Conclusion

WAL with body-jet® is the gold standard for lipedema due to:

  • Lymphatic Safety (Avoids thermal/vibrational damage to delicate vessels).
  • Surgical Precision (Continuous anatomical control during procedure).
  • Evidence-Based (Peer-reviewed studies from 2009-2024 confirm efficacy).

Want to Enhance Your Outcomes?

For technical details, clinical training or demonstrations:

Video AquaShape | UpViser Spain

List of » scientific studies and scientific publications about hydrodissection and water-jet assisted harvesting, processing and grafting WAL.

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