Is Conservative Treatment A Better Solution Than Lipedema Surgery?

If you are suffering from lipedema, it can be difficult to cope. This chronic condition can be distressing and painful. It can also prevent you from carrying out your daily activities. Getting treatment is, therefore, a top priority for lipedema patients. There are two categories of lipedema treatment available to choose from. There are conservative options that are easy to implement and, usually, safe. There are also lipedema surgery options that are more invasive. However, they have proven to be effective. So, which solution is right for you? Here, we take a closer look at both options so you can make an informed choice.

What Is Conservative Lipedema Treatment?

It’s important to know that there are no conservative treatments that can completely cure lipedema. In fact, they cannot eliminate the associated symptoms either. Conservative treatments help you to manage the symptoms and prevent the condition from getting worse whenever possible. There are a number of conservative treatment options. They all work to reduce the affected limb’s size. Sometimes, this is by reducing the fluid volume, and, sometimes, it involves reducing the adipose tissue. 

Lipedema is a chronic condition with symptoms that worsen over time. The fat deposits and swelling that occur in this condition actually increase the amount of new swelling and fat deposition. When fluid accumulation overburdens the lymphatic system, the result can be lipo-lymphedema. This is a condition that combines symptoms of both lymphedema and lipedema. 

Some conservative options include:

• Exercise therapy – This increases the drainage of fluid from the lower limbs.
• Weight loss – This may help to a certain extent, but it won’t cure lipedema since it isn’t an obesity-related condition.
• Compression bandages or garments – These reduce fluid accumulation. They also reduce pain and tightness by reducing the swelling. Compression also improves mobility and prevents the condition from getting worse.
• Manual Lymphatic Drainage – MLD helps to reduce swelling in the affected limbs. It is especially effective for those in later stages of the condition. It is also useful for those with lipo-lymphedema. It’s a form of gentle massage that draws fluid through the lymphatic channels from the limb. Then, it returns it into circulation. MLD reduces bruising and pain, particularly when used in combination with compression garments. It boosts mobility and prevents the condition from worsening.
• IPC – Intermittent pneumatic compression is a device that reduces swelling in the limbs. It is often prescribed for lymphedema and for venous insufficiency. It is a sleeve with a pump and air chambers. It applies air pressure sequentially and squeezes the limb to push out any fluid. It is effective in reducing swelling in some cases of lipedema. It works best in conjunction with exercise therapy, MLD, and compression. For some patients, however, it is too painful and may lead to complications, such as fluid cysts.

What About Lipedema Surgery?

There is only one true treatment for lipedema, and this is liposuction. Liposuction for lipedema is a surgical option that removes the fat cells permanently. The type of lipo used for this medical condition is, essentially, the same as that used for aesthetic treatments. Tumescent liposuction involves injecting a liquid solution into the affected area before inserting a cannula and sucking out the fat. It can produce a very complete result and gets rid of virtually all the excess fat cells. As a result, patients can have the normal appearance of their limbs restored. This helps lipedema sufferers both physically and mentally. They can restore their self-confidence and self-esteem and they can also reduce their pain and improve their mobility.

Having Surgery for Lipedema

If you are looking for a permanent solution for your lipedema, you should seek out a skilled cosmetic surgeon. Finding a surgeon with plenty of experience in treating lipedema patients is key to ensuring the best possible result. Here at Artlipo, we are proud of our impressive results in helping patients who suffer from lipedema to find relief. We carry out tumescent liposuction on lipedema sufferers under a local anesthetic. This means that the recovery time is relatively short, and you will be able to go home the same day. Although liposuction is more invasive than conservative methods, it is also considerably more effective. If you’ve already tried conservative measures and had no success, it’s time to consider the surgical option. Here at Artlipo, we can offer you our expert advice so you can determine whether lipo is right for you.

Contact our team today and arrange your first consultation. We can help you to make an informed decision about whether to go ahead with lipedema surgery. When you choose our team, you can be confident that you are in the safest hands. We’re here to restore your confidence and improve your overall well-being with our safe and effective liposuction treatments.