Marbella vs Madrid - Which Would You Choose?

Ocean Clinic patients now have two fantastic locations to choose from - we have world-class facilities in Marbella on the Costa del Sol and in Madrid, Spain’s capital.

Not sure where you’d rather travel to for treatment? To help you make your mind up, here’s what you can expect in both destinations.

Climate 

Marbella - The Costa del Sol’s climate is a big part of its appeal. Located in southern Spain - the sunniest region of the country - the Costa del Sol enjoys more than 320 days of sunshine each year (hence the name). Even in winter you can enjoy very mild temperatures and blue skies making it a pleasant place to recover post-treatment.

Vs

Madrid - Madrid’s weather is a little more seasonal, with hot summers and cold winters. However, the climate in Madrid is low in humidity, which means high temperatures aren’t so hard to tolerate. Likewise, even when the mercury dips in the winter you’ll still be able to enjoy  warming midday sun. Because there is little rainfall, cloudless skies are very common all year round. 

Surroundings

Marbella - La Concha mountain provides a stunning backdrop, while the Mediterranean sea embraces the city from the front. Marbella boasts a fabulous selection of golden sand beaches and two marinas. Puerto Banus is renowned for its glitzy designer shops, super yachts and super cars, but traditional Spanish charm is on offer in Plaza de los Naranjos (Orange Square) and the cobbled streets of the Old Town.

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Madrid - Madrid is an electric city, buzzing with life. Culture lovers can indulge in first class museums such as the Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofia, while those who want to take it easy, can stroll the city’s green parks and sample its many tapas bars, delis and cafés. Madrid has some of the best shopping in Spain, from quirky boutiques to big brands, as well as non-stop nightlife.

Cuisine 

Marbella - While the north is heavily influenced by French cuisine, Andalucía, located on the southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula, has an altogether different flavour. Typical dishes include gambas pil pil (garlic and chilli prawns served in sizzling olive oil), espetos de sardinas (skewered sardines roasted over an open flame) and boquerones (deep-fried marinated anchovies).

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Madrid - Madrid is a melting pot of food from every region of Spain - there’s an amazing array of restaurants and bars to choose from. Dishes the capital is famed for include cocido madrileño (traditional Spanish stew with chickpeas, chorizo sausage, and pork), huevos rotos (freshly-fried potatoes topped with perfect over-easy eggs) and churros con chocolate (fried doughnut noodles dipped in melted chocolate).

Clinic

Marbella - Ocean Clinic Marbella is located in the heart of the Old Town overlooking the city’s iconic Alameda Park. It is one of the few clinics in the region to have its own in-house operating theatre with the latest surgical equipment. It also boasts comfortable and modern guest rooms each featuring an en suite bathroom, flat screen TV, Wi-Fi, and large sofa for visitors. Ocean Clinic Marbella is headed up by Dr. Kai Kaye, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Germany, Spain and the UK, and a well known lecturer.

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Madrid - The recently opened Ocean Clinic Madrid is situated on the grand boulevard of Velazquez, known for being a centre of plastic and cosmetic surgery. The clinic itself is housed in an elegant historic building, which has been luxuriously renovated. It provides a discreet location for consultations, minor surgeries and injectables, while procedures under sedation or full anaesthesia are performed in two nearby hospitals. Ocean Clinic Marbella is overseen by Dr. Richard Fakin, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Spain and Switzerland, and associate professor at The University of Zurich.

Made your choice? Visit our website to make an appointment at either location or arrange an online consultation.

Lipoedema: The Condition You May Not Realise You Have and How to Treat it

Lipoedema, a condition that causes abnormal swelling and fat deposits on women's legs, is thought to affect around 11% of females across the world. But the real number could be much higher.

This is why it is often misdiagnosed as obesity. In many cases women are too embarrassed to go to their doctor because they think they’re simply overweight and will be shamed for eating too much. In reality, there’s nothing they can do to prevent this condition.

Could I have lipoedema?

Lipoedema (also known as lipedema) is a chronic condition where there's an abnormal build up of fat cells in the legs, thighs and hips, and sometimes also in the arms. There are three main episodes in a woman's life when symptoms start; puberty, during pregnancy and menopause, but most women first notice a problem between the ages of 18-25 years.

In the beginning, limbs become swollen, spongy and feel heavy. Next, they become lumpy with fat deposits that resemble cellulite but are firmer. As the condition progresses, the deposits of hard fat grow larger and can become painful. Eventually mobility is affected as it becomes uncomfortable to walk or stand for too long. Balance is also impaired meaning you might become more clumsy.

One indication that you are suffering from lipoedema is if your lower body region is size-wise out of proportion compared to the rest of your body - giving your figure an exaggerated pear shape. You may have tried dieting without making any difference. Another sign is that the skin feels cold to the touch and bruises very easily.

What causes lipoedema?

Little is known about lipoedema but it is thought to be a hereditary condition linked to hormones. It is possible for the condition to skip a generation, so you could inherit it from your grandmother, even if your mother isn’t affected. Unfortunately there's no cure for lipoedema at the moment.

How can lipoedema be treated?

Right now, the most effective way to treat this tissue enlargement caused by lipoedema is with liposuction. Studies have found that using liposuction in patients with lipoedema reduces tissue bulk, pain and bruising, and improves mobility, functioning and quality of life (Reich-Schupke et al 2012; Peled & Kappos, 2016).

At Ocean Clinic Group we use a special type of water-jet assisted liposuction (WAL), known commercially as Body-jet, which is an especially gentle and effective method. Fat is detached using a fan-shaped water-jet, and then removed through aspiration.

The benefit of this type of liposuction is that the surrounding tissue, nerves, lymph vessels and blood vessels experience far less trauma, which is extremely important in the treatment of lipoedema. It means there will be quicker wound healing and recovery, and less pain and discomfort, while the risk of complications is also reduced.

Typically, 1.5 to 6.5 litres of fat can be removed per liposuction session. Most patients will require two to three operations to complete treatment.

Before

After

Why is WAL is the best choice for treating lipoedema? 

Water-jet assisted liposuction ensures that no damage occurs to the body’s lymphatic system. In lipoedema patients this is particularly important because the flow of lymph fluid within the lymphatic system is vital to reducing oedema (fluid build up). 

Unlike other types of liposuction, water-jet assisted liposuction can be performed under local tumescent anesthesia (not general anesthesia), which further protects the lymphatic system against stress. 

Research shows lymph-sparing WAL liposuction yields good long term results in reduction of lipoedema pain and in stopping the progression of this disease (Stutz & Krahl, 2008; Rapprich et al., 2011, 2012).

 

What is the after care following liposuction for lipoedema?

Following liposuction you will be required to wear compression garments. These may only be necessary for a few weeks in early-stage cases, but more advanced cases require long-term use of compression garments.

Compression garments encourage the blood- and lymph fluid flow and therefore help to prevent the worsening of lipoedema symptoms. The garments also encourage fluid within the tissues to move towards the root of the limb, where it can be drained away more easily.

If you receive liposuction surgery at Ocean Clinic, we will also arrange a course of lymphatic drainage massage and ultrasound therapy sessions. These treatments are used to stimulate lymphatic flow, help to reduce fluid build up, reduce swelling and speed up healing.

 

What are the long term results from liposuction for lipoedema?

Liposuction can’t cure lipoedema but it can treat and manage the symptoms. It can greatly improve the appearance of affected limbs, but the results offered by this treatment are more than cosmetic. Removing excess fat will alleviate pain, increase mobility and and prevent the progression of lipoedema which can severely limit a patient’s daily activities.

The longer term benefits are evidenced by a study of 112 patients, who had prior undergone tumescent liposuction. Hereby positive changes could be found in seven parameters. These included pain, bruising, oedema, mobility and quality of life (Schmeller et al, 2012; Baumgartner et al; 2016).

Before

After

How can I get liposuction treatment for lipoedema? 

While experts agree that liposuction for lipoedema is not a cosmetic procedure but something that is medically necessary, most national health services and private health insurance providers are unwilling to cover this treatment. 

Even when liposuction is available through the national health service, it’s likely patients will have to join a long waiting list. Unfortunately, as the condition can develop rapidly, this can result in patients becoming increasingly immobile. The best outcomes can be achieved when the condition is treated in its early stages, so if you believe you may have lipoedema, it’s important to try to get a diagnosis as soon as possible.

If you have been diagnosed with lipoedema, consulting with a plastic surgeon will help you understand what can be done in your case and the cost of treatment. Armed with this knowledge, you can take control of your future. Many clinics, including Ocean Clinic, offer payment plans, to help you manage the cost.  

Contact Ocean Clinic Group for a consultation at our Marbella, Madrid or Zurich clinics.