There is only one type of surgery available for lipedema in the arms. That is liposuction. Lipedema liposuction addresses the cause of the condition – the diseased fat. By removing the diseased fat, liposuction reduces patients’ pain and improves their quality of life.
Why Do Patients Need Surgery to Treat Lipedema in the Arms?
It’s important to understand that lipedema fat is not the same as regular fat. While both types of fat may appear identical at first glance, there are some significant differences. Lipedema fat is fibrous and nodular in texture. It also doesn’t respond to lifestyle changes like dieting and working out. Once lipedema fat accumulates, only surgery can remove it.
Lipedema fat causes unpleasant symptoms that are hard to live with. Sufferers experience pain and swelling as well as difficulty with movement. The accumulation of fat is also aesthetically unappealing, leading to low self-esteem. Sufferers are generally eager to find solutions to relieve these symptoms.
There are non-surgical treatments available such as wearing compression garments and having manual lymphatic drainage. These treatments can bring temporary relief from the worst symptoms. Unfortunately, the relief is short-lived. Also, the disease continues to progress despite undergoing these treatments on a regular basis.
Lipedema surgery is a long-term solution. It addresses the cause of the condition, the diseased fat. Removing the lipedema fat gives patients long-lasting relief from the symptoms it causes.
Also Read - Can I Get Lipo in My Arms if I Have Lipedema?
Do Surgeons Perform Excisional Surgery to Treat Arm Lipedema?
While liposuction surgery is the gold standard treatment for lipedema, some surgeons may offer excisional surgery. Excisional surgery involves removing the fat deposits surgically by cutting away large amounts of diseased tissue. Needless to say, it’s a very invasive form of surgery. It has a long recovery time, comes with more risks, and produces larger scars than liposuction. Therefore, surgeons rarely offer this treatment.
Can Surgery Treat Arm Lipedema?
Although excisional surgery isn’t the best solution for arm lipedema, there is a surgical solution for this condition. Lipedema liposuction is the gold standard treatment for lipedema in any part of the body.
Lipedema liposuction is, in many ways, the same as cosmetic liposuction in terms of the instruments the surgeon uses. There are some significant differences though. Lipedema liposuction has a medical aim. Surgeons carry it out with the aim of improving the patient’s quality of life by reducing pain and improving mobility. The technique is also different. Surgeons must take greater care and spare the patient’s lymphatic system when performing lipedema liposuction.
Surgeons perform lipedema liposuction with the patient under local anesthetic. They make small incisions in the area they’ll treat. They carefully use a cannula to break up the fat through the incisions. Then they use suction to remove the abnormal lipedema fat from the area they’re treating.
It’s an effective treatment for lipedema as it removes the cause of the problem – the diseased fat. It’s a far better option than excisional surgery as it’s less invasive. It also has a shorter recovery time, smaller scars, and fewer risks for the patient.
What Are the Benefits of Liposuction for Arm Lipedema?
Liposuction for arm lipedema offers many benefits. These include:
- Relief from unpleasant symptoms such as pain and discomfort.
- Reduction in arm size for a more proportionate appearance.
- Restored mobility for greater freedom of movement.
- Minimal scarring.
- Short recovery time.
Another excellent benefit of liposuction for arm lipedema is that it slows down the progression of the disease. It can sometimes even halt the progression for an extended period of time. As a result, patients enjoy a better quality of life for many years, sometimes as many as ten or more.
What Happens After Surgery for Lipedema in The Arms?
Immediately after surgery, patients can return home the same day. They’ll be wearing compression garments. They must wear these at all times unless showering until advised by their surgeon. Patients must adhere to their surgeon’s instructions post-surgery to ensure the best possible outcome.
In the first few days, patients will experience pain, swelling, and bruising, but these symptoms are completely normal and short-lived. Painkillers can help relieve any discomfort. After a couple of weeks, patients can return to many normal activities such as work and household chores. While the treated areas will appear smaller and lighter, it takes some time to see the full result. Patients must wait up to six or even twelve to see the full impact of their procedure. The most important thing you can do to ensure the best possible outcome is to choose the right surgeon. Selecting a skilled expert will minimize any risks and give you confidence in the success of your procedure. Dr. Su at ArtLipo is a specialist in treating patients with lipedema. The outcomes he achieves for his patients are outstanding. To find out more contact the ArtLipo team now.