Lipedema surgery is the best solution for many sufferers who want to enjoy a better quality of life. While liposuction for lipedema can help women with this condition to feel more self-confident, it can also improve mobility. This is something that presents a host of benefits for lipedema sufferers who experience pain and movement issues.
Knee Problems and Lipedema
Lipedema causes disproportionate fat accumulation. This, in turn, can cause mechanical imbalances in the body. As a result, orthopedic problems can arise. One of the most common side effects of lipedema is degenerative joint disease in the knees. This can be very disabling for sufferers.
When fat accumulates abnormally on the inner thigh, the knee can develop a valgus deformity. Another name for this is “knock knees.” This puts more pressure on the knee’s lateral compartment leading to accelerated degeneration of the knee joint. Furthermore, abnormal fat accumulation on the proximal calf also significantly restricts the individual’s range of movement.
All these factors add up to significant mobility issues for the sufferer. Once degeneration of the knee joint has occurred, the only solution is a knee replacement operation. Yet, lipedema also greatly complicates this procedure. In addition, even patients who undergo surgery may continue to suffer from chronic pain in their knees in the long term. As a result, finding effective ways to prevent degeneration of the knee joint from initially occurring is essential. Liposuction is one effective solution.
How Can Liposuction Help?
Liposuction of the legs can greatly help lipedema sufferers who have mobility issues. By permanently removing the fat cells in this area, their range of movement can increase. Also, less fat on the thigh and inner knee means less pressure on the joints. This reduces the likelihood of permanent degeneration of the joint occurring. As a result, lipedema sufferers can enjoy better mobility for longer without ongoing pain.
For patients at an early stage of lipedema, liposuction can help to prevent mobility issues from occurring in the first place. Yet, even for those at a more advanced stage, it can delay the onset of significant movement problems. The procedure can delay the need for knee replacement surgery for an extended period. For those patients who do require knee replacement surgery, liposuction can greatly improve their outcomes. It can improve and speed up their recoveries after the operation.
Reduced Pain And Better Mobility
Lipedema sufferers who have liposuction can see great improvements in their levels of pain. They often find that they can get up from a seated position pain-free. They may also find it easier to climb stairs if degeneration of the knee joint has not yet occurred. Removal of the abnormal fat deposits from the anterior and posterior thigh and the upper calf improves the knee mechanics. It also improves stress on the mechanical joints during everyday activities.
To find out more about how lipedema surgery can improve your knee joint function, contact the Artlipo team today.
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.
