Lipedema Treatment

Lipedema, a chronic condition characterized by abnormal fat accumulation in the lower body, can cause substantial discomfort and difficulties with mobility. Several treatment options are available for lipedema. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Solomon Azouz specializes in lipedema and understands the non-surgical and surgical treatments of lipedema. Many patients start with conservative measures; however, they find that they only get temporary relief from these options. In most cases, surgical treatment is the best option for removing the painful lipedema nodules and regaining mobility for daily living.

Nonsurgical Treatment for Lipedema

• Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): MLD is a gentle massage technique that stimulates the lymphatic system, resulting in less swelling and improved lymphatic drainage.
• Compression Therapy: Compression garments provide pressure on the affected areas, which promotes lymphatic fluid circulation and reduces swelling.
• Exercise and Physical Activity: Swimming, walking, and cycling are low-impact workouts that can increase lymphatic drainage and general fitness to help manage weight.
• Dietary Changes: Eating a well-balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can help with inflammation, energy levels, and weight management.

Do I need surgery for lipedema?

Conservative options are useful for symptom management and improving quality of life; nevertheless, they may not remove fat deposits or provide long-term relief. On the other hand, surgical treatments reduce symptoms and fat deposits more significantly and often permanently, making it a superior option for treating lipedema. Conservative treatments require a lifelong commitment to therapy and lifestyle adjustments, which can be more costly in the long term. While surgery is initially thought of as expensive, Dr. Azouz has created the Lipedema Center of Excellence in an effort to obtain insurance coverage for these surgical procedures. Dr. Azouz’s goal is to treat lipedema in the most cost effective manner.

Surgical Treatment for Lipedema

During your consultation, Dr. Azouz will create a customized surgical plan after reviewing your medical history and performing a physical examination. In most cases, the treatment plan includes liposuction and skin excision procedures that are staged in a specific order. Dr. Solomon Azouz is a highly regarded lipedema specialist, and his extensive experience and compassionate nature make him an excellent choice for anyone seeking effective lipedema treatment. During your consultation, Dr. Azouz factors in your goals, BMI, and past medical history to stage the surgical procedures in a way that is safe for you.

• Liposuction: Liposuction for lipedema involves the removal of abnormal fat deposits through small incisions. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Azouz uses a combination of tumescence liposuction, power-assisted liposuction (PAL), and lymph sparing liposuction techniques.
  
  • Tumescent liposuction is the process of injecting a significant volume of a diluted local anesthetic solution (tumescent solution) into the fatty tissue before performing liposuction. The solution includes lidocaine, epinephrine, and saline. Lidocaine numbs the area, epinephrine constricts blood vessels to decrease bleeding, and saline swells and firms the fatty tissue, making it easier to remove. This approach minimizes bleeding, swelling, and pain during and after the treatment, allowing for more equal and smooth fat removal.
  • Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL) is a method that uses a customized cannula with a motorized, vibrating tip to break up fat cells, making them easier to suction. The vibration helps to release fat with less effort, allowing for more precise fat removal while reducing harm to surrounding tissues. This approach is very successful for treating larger areas, resulting in less bruising and a faster recovery.
  • Lymph Sparing Liposuction is a specialized procedure developed specifically for situations such as lipedema, where protecting the lymphatic system is essential. This method requires precise planning and execution to prevent harming lymphatic vessels while removing extra fat. By sparing the lymphatic veins, this approach lowers the chance of postoperative problems.
• Skin excision procedures: Skin excision procedures are frequently required for lipedema patients who have lost significant weight or had liposuction, resulting in extra skin. These procedures are designed to remove excess skin and improve the contour and appearance of the affected areas, thereby improving both function and aesthetics. Skin excision operations for lipedema, such as abdominoplasty, brachioplasty, thigh lift, and calf lift, provide considerable benefits by removing excess skin and fat from the affected areas, enhancing their overall form and functionality.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Azouz

Lipedema can be managed using both conservative and surgical procedures. A nonsurgical approach can provide temporary relief, but surgical procedures can provide considerable and long-term benefits for people with lipedema. Consulting with an expert, such as Dr. Solomon Azouz, can assist in determining the best treatment strategy for your goals. Contact us online or call us at (972) 702-8888 to learn more about lipedema today. Be sure to ask about how you can use insurance for your lipedema treatment.