The question of how to treat lipedema is one that sufferers often struggle with. Even getting a diagnosis can prove to be a problem in the first place. Despite the prevalence of this condition among women, lipedema is still poorly understood even by the medical profession. A misdiagnosis of lymphedema or obesity is all too common. This means many women don’t get the diagnosis they need until the disease has progressed considerably.
Even after getting a diagnosis, it can still prove a challenge to get the best advice about treatment. Many medical professionals recommend taking a conservative approach.
There is no way to cure lipedema. This means any treatment can only alleviate the symptoms. The symptoms can be very severe, including pain, discomfort, and issues with mobility. Therefore, choosing a treatment that will be most effective is imperative.
What Is the Conservative Option?
Although many doctors recommend conservative treatment, this isn’t the best option for everyone. It involves wearing compression garments along with receiving a manual lymphatic drainage massage. While this can help relieve pain and discomfort, the benefits are very short-lived. This means regular treatment on an ongoing basis is necessary.
What Is the Surgical Option?
Surgically treating lipedema is a long-lasting solution for relieving the pain and mobility issues associated with this condition. The surgical treatment involves liposuction of the affected areas of the body. While many people traditionally associate liposuction with cosmetic improvement, it serves medical purposes, too. When used as a treatment for lipedema, it physically removes the problematic fat cells. This means a person will have improved mobility, and it will greatly reduce the pain that the fat cells cause. Patients can enjoy a much better quality of life, and they can also experience improved self-esteem. This is something that makes a huge difference for lipedema sufferers who often suffer from low self-confidence.
How Is Lipo for Lipedema Carried Out?
Liposuction for lipedema is, essentially, carried out in the same way as lipo for cosmetic purposes. The patient receives a local anesthetic in the treated areas. The surgeon then makes tiny incisions in the affected areas. He or she then inserts a narrow cannula into the incisions to break up the fat cells. This sucks out and permanently removes them. The patient can then return home on the same day.
Are There Any Downsides to Surgical Treatment for Lipedema?
Although liposuction is an excellent and long-lasting way to treat lipedema, it’s important to bear the possible drawbacks in mind. When surgeons carry out lipo on lipedema patients, the emphasis is on relieving distressing symptoms. The surgeon, therefore, doesn’t focus on aesthetics. As a result, there may be some loose skin afterward, and the result may not be cosmetically flawless. It’s also important to be aware that a patient may require further treatment in the future. Unfortunately, lipedema is a progressive condition. This means a patient may eventually need more liposuction to remove more problematic fat cells.
Choosing A Surgeon
Here at Artlipo, Dr. Su is a specialist in treating lipedema surgically. As a liposuction expert, he is best-placed to help relieve your suffering and improve your quality of life. If you’re wondering how to treat lipedema surgically, contact us today to find out all you need to know.
Dr. Thomas Su, is the owner and cosmetic surgeon of Artistic Lipo. He has led our full-time clinic specializing in awake-only liposuction since 2007. Dr. Su began his medical career in internal medicine, practicing that until 2005, when he began to provide a full spectrum of non-invasive cosmetic procedures.
