Is There a Difference Between Liposuction as a Lipedema Treatment and Lipo for Cosmetic Purposes?

Finding the best lipedema treatment is imperative after receiving your diagnosis. The best option for most patients is surgery. Liposuction is the surgical solution to treat lipedema. It addresses the cause of the problem – the diseased fat. As a result, it is a better choice than conservative treatments that only address the symptoms. Wearing compression garments and having manual lymphatic drainage massage helps to relieve the symptoms temporarily. However, liposuction surgery is a long-lasting treatment as it permanently removes the affected fat cells. Although there is no cure for lipedema, liposuction is the best option available at the present time.

Most people only associate liposuction with cosmetic procedures. Yet, in the case of lipedema patients, it is an effective medical treatment. Here, we take a look at liposuction as a treatment for lipedema and compare it with lipo for cosmetic purposes. Read to find out more about the similarities and differences between the two.

What Does Liposuction to Treat Lipedema Involve?

Liposuction to treat lipedema is very similar to liposuction for cosmetic purposes in terms of the instruments and techniques used. Surgeons perform the procedure under a local anesthetic. They inject a numbing solution into the areas of the body that they are treating. The area swells and then it is more accessible so surgeons can treat it. Surgeons then make tiny incisions and pass a narrow cannula through. They break up the excess fat and suction it out. They permanently remove the diseased fat cells. Liposuction for lipedema can help patients to enjoy a better quality of life. After the procedure, they can move more easily and experience less pain.

Also Read – What Is the Best Treatment for Lipedema in Its Early Stages?

Why Is Lipo a Good Choice to Treat Lipedema?

When it comes to treating lipedema, patients have two options. They can either opt for a conservative approach or undergo liposuction surgery to address their condition. Many medical professionals recommend taking a conservative approach first. But these treatments address only the symptoms and not the cause of lipedema.

The conservative treatments available include wearing compression garments and undergoing manual lymphatic drainage massages. These treatments can help to relieve the symptoms of the condition temporarily but aren’t a long-term solution. Their condition continues to worsen over time since lipedema is a progressive disease.

There is no cure for lipedema; however, liposuction is the best treatment to address the disease at its source. Rather than only addressing the symptoms, it addresses the diseased fat that causes the symptoms. It is a long-term way for patients to gain relief from the pain and mobility issues lipedema causes.

Liposuction permanently eliminates the fat cells that are causing the sufferer pain. It also makes the limbs smaller and less heavy, making mobility easier. As liposuction creates a more proportionate look, patients’ mental and emotional well-being improves. They will enjoy a better quality of life overall thanks to this surgery’s long-lasting positive impact.

How Does Cosmetic Liposuction Differ from Medical Lipo?

There are many similarities between cosmetic and medical lipo. Both use the same techniques and instruments. However, the purpose of the surgery is very different. Cosmetic liposuction has no medical purpose; it’s solely to improve appearance. Medical liposuction, meanwhile, improves patients’ health both physically and mentally.

The focus of lipo for lipedema patients isn’t on cosmetic improvement, so the results aren’t as flawless or perfect. Nevertheless, patients will see dramatic improvements in the shape and size of their limbs.

Usually, cosmetic liposuction patients only require a single procedure to achieve their desired result. Lipedema patients may require multiple procedures over several surgeries. The reason for this is that the condition affects large areas of the body. Surgeons can only remove a certain amount of fat from a patient during a single surgery for safety reasons. Therefore, they must undergo several procedures to complete the full treatment they need.

Which Surgeons Perform Liposuction for Medical Purposes?

It’s imperative to find a skilled surgeon who can carry out liposuction for medical purposes. There are many cosmetic surgeons offering liposuction procedures. However, not all treat patients suffering from lipedema. It’s essential to find a surgeon who is a specialist in treating patients with this condition. Lipedema patients require special care. Their surgeon must, therefore, understand their condition to ensure appropriate and effective treatment.

Dr. Su at ArtLipo in Tampa, Florida, is a specialist cosmetic surgeon with specific expertise in the field of liposuction. He treats many patients who suffer from lipedema and produces excellent results for them. You can see from our image gallery the before and after images of some of his lipedema patients. With his help, they experience great improvements in their condition and enjoy a long-lasting better quality of life.

To find out more about liposuction as a lipedema treatment, contact Dr. Su today. You can obtain the information you need from our helpful team and arrange a consultation.