Reconstructive Liposuction for Residual Lipodystrophy After Remission of Cushing’s Disease: A Case Report

TL;DR

A teenage girl with Cushing’s disease experienced improved well-being after reconstructive liposuction for persistent body image issues following treatment.

Contribution

This case highlights reconstructive liposuction as a potential intervention for psychological recovery in post-Cushing’s disease lipodystrophy.

Findings

The patient showed reduced psychological distress and improved self-esteem after liposuction.

Persistent lipodystrophy can significantly impact mental health even after hormonal normalization.

Surgical intervention may be necessary to address long-term physical and psychological effects of Cushing’s disease.

Abstract

Cushing’s syndrome (CS) is often presented due to an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary adenoma, characterized by high chronic cortisol levels. Surgical resection of the pituitary adenoma is the primary treatment, but long-term metabolic and physical sequelae can persist, affecting psychological well-being and social functioning. Glucocorticoids are directly involved in alterations of fat metabolism, favoring centripetal adiposity. Even after hormonal normalization, patients may experience residual lipodystrophy. Impairment of body image may cause psychological distress and social isolation. The objective is to illustrate the potential therapeutic value of reconstructive liposuction in restoring body image and psychological well-being in a patient with persistent lipodystrophy after Cushing’s disease remission.

We report a case of a 16-year-old female with recurrent Cushing’s disease secondary to a pituitary microadenoma, confirmed by elevated urinary free cortisol and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It was initially treated with transsphenoidal resection in 2019; disease recurrence was confirmed and again treated in 2024. Despite intervention, the prolonged hypercortisolism developed into secondary lipodystrophy, leading to severe body image dissatisfaction and social withdrawal. Thyroid function remained euthyroid, ruling out metabolic contributors. Because of the psychological distress caused by persistent fat redistribution, the patient underwent elective liposuction in 2025. Postoperative follow-up revealed reduced psychological distress and improved well-being and self-esteem. Reconstructive liposuction can play a key role in the treatment and management of persistent post-CS lipodystrophy, contributing significantly to psychological recovery. Prospective studies evaluating surgical criteria and long-term psychosocial outcomes are needed to define eligibility criteria and assess outcomes, leading to the development of clinical guidelines for aesthetic interventions in post-CS recovery.

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