Understanding the Lymphatic System and Why Lipedema Liposuction Works
If you’re planning to have lipedema liposuction, it helps to understand how the lymphatic system works. Lipedema is a problematic fat-related condition. However, the lymphatic system has an important role to play in the development of the condition. Here, we take a closer look at the lymphatic system and why lipo works as a lipedema treatment.
What Does the Lymphatic System Do?
The lymphatic system is responsible for removing extra fluid from the body’s tissues. People who suffer from lipedema struggle to clear water from their bodies. This is especially the case if they are upright for extended periods. It’s possible that a poorly functioning lymphatic system could lead to water retention. This, in turn, could result in the swelling of the body’s fat cells, which then, eventually, become abnormal.
Does Lipedema Cause Lymphatic System Problems?
Lipedema causes an excess amount of fatty tissue to build up. This tissue compresses the lymphatic system’s lymph collectors. This causes them to transport less fluid in the affected area.
Should there be a significant reduction in the lymphatic system’s capacity, it may become unable to remove fluid from the body’s tissues. Fluid will, thus, accumulate, causing edema to develop alongside lipedema.
Initially, the swelling might recede with rest. However, if a person doesn’t receive suitable treatment over time, this will put the lymphatic system under constant strain. The result can be damage to the body’s lymphatic vessels, further reducing their transport capacity. This causes swelling to be present constantly.
Also, if there is prolonged overstrain placed on the lymphatic system, lymphedema can develop. Called lipo-lymphedema, it is a secondary condition to lipedema. This makes it even more difficult to treat.
Why Is Early Treatment Important?
Since lipedema progresses and will eventually compromise the lymphatic system severely, a sufferer should treat it early. Unfortunately, many women don’t receive a diagnosis until their conditions have already progressed to a later stage. Yet, getting treatment as quickly as possible can make a big difference to the sufferer’s long-term prognosis. It can help prevent long-term damage to the lymphatic system. This will reduce the likelihood of lipo-lymphedema developing.
Treating Lipedema Conservatively
Some doctors recommend conservative treatment for lipedema. This type of treatment will reduce hypersensitivity and pain and improve mobility. It isn’t a long-term solution, though. Complete Decongestive Therapy is one of the conservative approaches to treating lipedema. It doesn’t address the accumulated fatty tissues. Instead, it focuses on reducing edema and preventing the development of lipo-lymphedema. Patients must also wear compression garments. While the garments help to relieve pain and swelling, they can be restrictive. But if a person stops using them, the swelling and pain will return. Therefore, conservative treatments must be continually ongoing to achieve results.
Surgical Treatment of Lipedema
Although lipedema has no cure, surgical treatment is often the best option. It addresses the cause of the problem – the diseased fat. The standard surgery for lipedema is liposuction, permanently removing the problematic fat cells in the affected areas. When a surgeon carries out lipo for lipedema, the limb immediately reduces in size. Although the patient must wear compression garments for a short while after surgery, she can eventually discontinue their use. A patient with lipo-lymphedema will still need to wear compression garments long term after having liposuction. This is because swelling will occur again if the patient doesn’t maintain compression. For this reason, it’s best to get surgery before the disease progresses to this stage.
What Will Lipedema Surgery Involve?
Liposuction involves using a hollow, thin tube called a cannula to loosen fat manually and remove it. This allows a surgeon to create a better shape while reducing the limb’s volume. The surgeon will make tiny incisions in the skin of the treated areas. He or she inserts a cannula through and then applies suction, so he or she can remove the fat. There is a large volume of fluid infiltrated into the limb so the cannula can glide easily through the tissues. This will minimize the likelihood of any damage to the lymphatic system.
Following the surgery, the surgeon will place compression garments over the treated area. You must remove these for brief periods each day so you can wash and so your skin can breathe. Your surgeon will give you full instructions to help you through your recovery period. As long as you adhere to them, you should see improvements.
Arranging Your Lipedema Surgery
If you’re ready to find out more about how lipedema surgery could help you, contact the Artlipo team today. As an experienced cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Su has carried out liposuction on many lipedema patients. He understands the complexities involved in carrying out lipedema liposuction and knows how to overcome them. So, give us a call today and start your journey toward treating your condition and improving 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.
