Liposuction surgery for lipedema is similar to liposuction for cosmetic purposes. The surgical instruments and technique are the same. However, the aim of the surgery is different, and the surgeon must take even more care. Surgeons can perform the procedure under a local anesthetic. That means the patient is awake throughout but pain-free and comfortable.

What is Involved in Liposuction Surgery for Lipedema?

Liposuction surgery for lipedema is almost the same as liposuction for cosmetic purposes. For example, the instruments the surgeon uses are the same. When treating lipedema patients, surgeons must take a more cautious approach. They have to take care not to damage the lymphatic system.

Another difference with liposuction surgery for lipedema is the aim of the surgery.  Surgeons carry out cosmetic liposuction to achieve a flawless physique for the patient. Lipedema liposuction, on the other hand, has a different purpose. Patients undergo liposuction for lipedema to improve their quality of life by reducing their pain and boosting their mobility.

Surgeons perform the liposuction for lipedema procedure with the patient under local anesthetic. They are awake and alert throughout the surgery, but they do not experience any pain.

The surgeon makes tiny incisions in the areas they are treating. They pass a narrow tube into the incision and use the cannula to break the fat up. After this, they remove the fat using suction.

In the first few days after surgery, patients will probably experience swelling, bruising, and pain. Fortunately, this is short-lived. During this early period, patients must rest, stay hydrated, and wear their compression garments as prescribed. After a few days, patients can begin taking exercise, but they should avoid anything too rigorous or strenuous.

The most important thing after liposuction is to follow the surgeon's advice carefully. Attending all follow-up appointments is crucial to ensure that healing is progressing well. The surgeon will advise when patients can return to work and exercise normally.

The final outcome is noticeable after around six months, although it can take as long as a year.

Will I Need More Than One Lipedema Liposuction Procedure?

It is possible that patients may require multiple liposuction procedures to treat their lipedema fat. It depends on the amount of abnormal fat to remove and the stage of the disease the patient is at. If patients are at an early stage of lipedema, a single procedure may achieve good results. On the other hand, if patients are at stage 3 or 4, they may need several procedures. That is because it isn't safe to remove too much fat in a single procedure. In such cases, the surgeon may treat different areas of the body separately depending on where the fat has accumulated.  The surgeon will advise in advance how many procedures a patient will need.

Are There Any Alternatives to Lipedema Liposuction?

Some patients worry about undergoing surgery to treat their lipedema. They wonder whether there are any non-surgical treatments that they can try. There are conservative alternatives to surgery. Unfortunately, though, these produce only limited results.

The conservative options to address lipedema include wearing compression garments and having manual lymphatic drainage massages. These treatments address the symptoms of lipedema. Patients experience short-term relief from their pain and swelling, but they must commit to ongoing treatments to maintain the level of relief. Also, the condition of lipedema will continue to progress, despite these treatments.

Surgery, on the other hand, addresses the cause of lipedema - the diseased fat. While some doctors recommend trying conservative treatments first, surgery is the gold standard treatment for lipedema sufferers. It produces long-lasting results while also significantly slowing the progression of the disease.

Patients should be aware that the sooner they have liposuction, the better their outcome will be. They will also require fewer surgeries.

What Can I Expect After Liposuction Surgery for Lipedema?

Following liposuction surgery for lipedema, patients can expect an improved quality of life. Liposuction improves mobility by reducing bulk in the lower limbs and making them lighter and easier to move. It removes the abnormal, painful fat, and thus afterward, patients experience less pain.

A further advantage of liposuction surgery for lipedema is that the surgery restores a more proportionate body shape. As a result, patients feel more confident and enjoy better self-esteem. Their mental and emotional well-being improves, too.

Perhaps the best thing about liposuction surgery for lipedema is that the result is long-lasting. Many patients experience years of improved life quality. Surgery significantly slows down the progression of the condition, often by many years.

To achieve the best outcomes from lipedema liposuction surgery, choosing the right surgeon is crucial. Not all surgeons have an equal level of skill and expertise in treating lipedema sufferers. Therefore, it's vital to choose a surgeon with proven experience and a specialism in the field. Dr. Su at ArtLipo is an outstanding surgical choice, thanks to the excellent outcomes he achieves for lipedema sufferers. Get in touch today to find out more.