Lipedema is a problematic and distressing condition that affects a surprisingly large percentage of women. If you are one of them, you’re probably wondering about the best course of treatment. Unfortunately, this condition is incurable. The good news, though, is that liposuction represents an excellent and effective long-term solution.
Women who undergo liposuction can experience physical and emotional benefits. It’s possible to reduce or eliminate their distressing symptoms, such as mobility and pain issues. Not only that, but they can enjoy better self-confidence and self-esteem as their bodies return to a more proportionate appearance.
Often, women who suffer from this medical problem do lots of research and may have heard about manual lipedema extraction. So, what is it, and is it an alternative to liposuction?
Nodules – What Are They?
One characteristic of this disease is tender, firm nodules of fat. Another name for them is “pearls.” Sometimes, though, they can grow very large and can be as big as a golf ball.
The fat that develops is because of an inflammatory process. This means the nodules that develop, and the body’s connective tissue intertwine. The nodules firmly attach to the skin.
Patients who reach Stages 3 or 4 have fat that is very fibrous and thick. This makes it harder to remove during liposuction because of the size of the cannula. This is where a reduction treatment may be able to help.
Which Technique Can I Use?
For patients with beaded fat, it’s possible to express and dislodge the pearls during surgery. You can use a massage technique similar to the one used for MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage). This ensures you can have the maximum amount of fat removed during the procedure. As a result, the skin will be softer and smoother in texture. This is manual lipedema extraction.
Can I Use This Technique Instead of Liposuction?
No, this technique forms part of the liposuction procedure. Women who suffer from this condition require liposuction surgery to permanently remove the problematic fat cells. This reduces the pain and mobility issues associated with the disease.
Liposuction is a very effective treatment for women at all stages of the disease. However, for those at a more advanced stage, there may be some nodules left behind. Seeking treatment from a highly skilled and experienced surgeon is, therefore, the best solution. This will ensure that patients experience:
- An improved texture of their skin.
- Improved mobility.
- Increased blood circulation.
- More effective breaking up of the lymphatic fluid that can cause pain.
- Alleviation of the long-term pain associated with this condition.
Women who are at an earlier stage of the disease may not have pearl-like fat nodules. They, therefore, can benefit from a regular lymphatic sparing liposuction technique. Nevertheless, seeking treatment from a top surgeon is imperative. This will ensure the best possible outcome in the long run.
Contacting Artlipo
Here at Artlipo, Dr. Su is our resident specialist in the field of liposuction. He’s an expert at treating patients at all stages of lipedema and improving their quality of life. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.
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.
