It is very important to choose the right surgeon for your lipedema liposuction. You must find a surgeon with expertise and experience in this unique field. Looking for a liposuction specialist is wise, but always choose one with extensive experience of treating lipedema patients. You should also seek out a surgeon who inspires your confidence and who communicates well with you.

Can Any Cosmetic Surgeon Treat Lipedema?

While many cosmetic surgeons offer to treat lipedema, not all have the right experience to treat sufferers well. Lipedema is a specialized condition, and there is still limited understanding of it. Therefore, surgeons must have in-depth knowledge and extensive expertise. Understanding the nature of lipedema is especially crucial when carrying out liposuction on patients. Surgeons must take an extra cautious approach to avoid causing damage to the patient's lymphatic system. A high level of skills is necessary to achieve this.

Not only is lipedema a specialized condition, but it also affects areas of the body that are challenging to treat.  Usually, liposuction for lipedema involves treating the lower legs as this is where the abnormal fat typically accumulates. Surgeons must remove excess fat from the ankles and calves to produce good results for lipedema sufferers.

Unfortunately, though, most cosmetic surgeons lack experience in treating such areas. Some surgeons avoid treating the calves and ankles at all due to the complex nature of treating them. The awkward shape and curve of the lower leg make it hard to achieve a smooth and even outcome.

Some sufferers also require arm treatment to eliminate the fat lobules that develop in the later stages of the disease. Many surgeons take a very conservative approach to treating the arms, only removing small volumes of fat. That approach produces poor outcomes for lipedema sufferers. With this in mind, it's vital to choose a surgeon with expertise in treating these areas.

Essentially, surgeons must be both a liposuction specialist and a lipedema specialist to achieve the best results. So, you must carry out your research thoroughly to make sure you've made the right choice for your needs.

Which Areas Will a Surgeon Treat for Lipedema?

Lipedema can affect many parts of the body. There are different types of lipedema. Some patients have most of their excess abnormal fat only on their legs from thigh to ankle. Others have excess fat around their buttocks and hips, too. Some will have fat lobules on their arms as well. Therefore, the areas that surgeons treat for lipedema patients vary depending on the individual's own needs.

Skilled and experienced cosmetic surgeons can treat all areas of the body affected by lipedema. However, they must take a 360-degree treatment approach to ensure maximum fat removal and the best outcome. Treating the full circumference of the arms and legs ensures a smoother and more aesthetically pleasing result.

It's important to note, though, that some patients may need multiple procedures. Lipedema progresses and worsens over time. Patients at an early stage of the disease may require only a single surgery. Those at later stages may need to return a second or third time for further treatments. It isn't possible to remove large volumes of fat in one appointment. For patients at stage 3 or 4, it's likely their surgeon will only treat a single area at a time.

Should I Have Lipedema Surgery or Choose Conservative Treatments?

Lipedema surgery isn't the only option for lipedema sufferers. Conservative treatments are available, too. These conservative options include having manual lymphatic drainage massages and wearing compression garments. Sufferers should also make lifestyle changes, such as exercising more and eating more healthily.

Conservative options are an option for sufferers who don't want surgery. But it's important to understand their limitations. Conservative treatments only address the symptoms, not the cause of the condition. The results are short-term, and the diseases continues to progress over time.

Surgery, on the other hand, treats the cause not just the symptoms. The results are long-lasting, and patients enjoy a better quality of life in the long term. After surgery, patients enjoy improved mobility and reduced pain. Surgery also restores a more proportionate appearance for better emotional and mental well-being. Conservative treatments do not offer these benefits. Therefore, it is well worth considering surgery to treat lipedema.

Where Can I Find a Lipedema Specialist?

Finding a lipedema specialist who is also an expert in the field of liposuction is key. Dr. Su at ArtLipo meets both criteria. Leading the way as a liposuction pioneer, he has developed cutting-edge, highly effective treatment techniques. He has years of experience in treating lipedema patients too, producing impressive results for sufferers.

Take a look at the ArtLipo before-and-after image gallery to see some of Dr. Su's recent patient outcomes. To find out more, get in touch with the ArtLipo team today to arrange your consultation.