Lipedema, sometimes known as “the big leg disease,” is a surprisingly widespread problem among women. It’s believed that 11% of women worldwide suffer from this condition. Unfortunately, though, it’s still a poorly understood disease. Many women still receive a diagnosis of obesity rather than lipedema due to the symptoms they experience. Sufferers of lipedema often experience distress and embarrassment due to the appearance of their legs. So, could liposuction address the problem and improve the way their legs look?
Lipedema – The Misunderstood Disease
Lipedema is a progressive condition that involves the accumulation of diseased fat. This fat builds up over time and accumulates on the lower body. There may be fat build-up on the upper arms too. Women with this condition often look disproportionate. Their upper body may be several sizes smaller than their lower body. That causes embarrassment and low self-esteem.
Unfortunately, many doctors have little or no knowledge of lipedema. They often misdiagnose their patients, telling them that they are obese. Sufferers try to lose weight by dieting and working out. However, lipidemic fat differs from regular fat and doesn’t respond to diet and exercise. That only causes further distress and even lower self-confidence.
Lipedema has no cure, but there are treatments available. Many doctors recommend conservative treatments, but they don’t produce lasting results. Surgery is the only real solution for long-lasting relief from the pain and discomfort of lipedema.
Also Read: Treating Lipedema – The Large Leg Disease
Does Liposuction Cure Lipedema?
Although lipedema is incurable at present, liposuction is an effective way to address the cause of the problem. Conservative treatments address only the condition’s symptoms, so they are less effective. Lipo permanently removes the diseased fat cells. As a result, it reduces pain, restores mobility, and creates a more proportionate appearance. Patients who have lipo to treat their lipedema enjoy a better quality of life afterward.
What Does Lipo For Lipedema Involve?
Liposuction for lipedema is the same procedure as any other kind of liposuction. The surgeon performs the procedure under a local anesthetic. They make tiny incisions in the area that they are treating. They then pass a narrow tube through the incisions, using it to break the fat up. They suction out the excess fat, removing it permanently. The result is a more proportionate appearance which boosts their self-confidence and self-esteem. As the surgery removes the diseased fat, the patient also experiences far less pain. They also become more mobile. The benefits of surgery can last for a long time. Many patients experience years of relief from pain and mobility problems after having liposuction.
To undergo liposuction for lipedema, you need to find a specialist surgeon in the field. Dr. Su at ArtLipo is highly experienced and is a liposuction specialist. Get in touch with ArtLipo’s professional team today and arrange a consultation. If you don’t have a diagnosis of lipedema, or big leg disease, our surgeons can confirm it for you. Dr. Su can then offer you the treatment that will change and improve your quality of life.
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.
