Lipedema is a painful condition that causes excessive accumulation of fat in the hips, legs, thighs, etc. It causes several individuals around the world to feel uncomfortable in their own skin. Even while lipedema is common, many people have their conditions misdiagnosed or left untreated, believing they have cellulite, lymphedema, or obesity. Fortunately, there is an effective and life-changing solution that has gained popularity in recent years, i.e., liposuction surgery that can help treat lipedema.
This article will explore what lipedema is. Then, we will get into the symptoms of lipedema and how liposuction can be a life-changing solution for patients with this painful fat disorder. We will also discuss the benefits of the surgery as well as post-surgery care and maintenance. Regarding this, we took references from an expert plastic surgeon, Dr. Sandhya Balasubramanyan, who is renowned for performing the best liposuction surgery in Hyderabad. Let’s start by knowing what lipedema is.
What is Lipedema?
Lipedema is a condition of abnormal fat accumulation that affects 11% of the population, most commonly women. It is most commonly seen in the legs and thighs and affects the abdomen, hips, and arms. The condition can lead to disproportionate swelling of adipose tissue.
What Causes Lipedema?
Lipedema often starts during puberty and progresses through the individual’s lifetime. The accumulation of fat can cause a lot of emotional anxiety. That is why individuals are recommended to pursue effective treatment and a weight management plan at the earliest.
It is important to acknowledge that lipedema is not a lifestyle condition, and it can not be blamed on the individual. The actual cause of lipedema is not known. It is believed that individuals can inherit it from their parents. The condition mostly affects women and typically occurs during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.
What are the Symptoms of Lipedema?
The early signs of lipedema often appear during puberty. Following are the signs and symptoms of lipedema:
- Disproportionately heavy arms
- Swelling in the ankles and calves
- Fat accumulated around the kneecap
These symptoms often affect one’s appearance. But there are also a few physical symptoms of lipedema that others can not see. These include:
- Pain in the limbs
- Mobility issues
- Swelling
The psychological symptoms of lipedema include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Eating disorder
If one is experiencing any of these above, one must seek the help of an expert plastic surgeon to get a diagnosis. In such a case, one can consult Dr. Sandhya Balasubramanyan, the best plastic surgeon in Hyderabad. Now, let’s understand what liposuction for lipedema surgery involves.
What Does Lipedema Surgery Involve?
Liposuction for lipedema is very similar to traditional liposuction. In this procedure, small incisions are made in the skin, and a small cannula is used to suction out the fat cells. During a lipedema surgery, the area with excessive fat tissues is numbed, and liposuction is performed. Some patients will require multiple treatment sessions to get rid of the affected fat. Most patients notice differences on the night of surgery. It usually takes 3-4 hours to perform liposuction, depending on the treatment size. The small incisions are closed with a small dissolvable stitch, and a waterproof plaster is applied.
The patient will be placed in compression garments, and they will be removed for a short period to enable one wash and let the skin breathe. Liposuction procedures for lipedema are generally carried out under general anaesthesia. However, it can also be performed under a spinal block where the legs are numb, yet one is awake. The plastic surgeon can also use a combination of spinal anaesthesia and general anaesthesia to make sure one is comfortable immediately after the surgery. Mobilizing is encouraged the next day, and swelling will be marked for up to six weeks, which gradually disappears with time.
What are the Benefits of Lipedema Surgery?
The benefits of the lipedema procedure are numerous. The procedure offers the following benefits:
- Painful swelling
- Heaviness
- Bruising
- Tenderness
Beyond just providing immediate physical comfort, lipedema liposuction surgery can also enhance a patient's overall well-being and mental health. Lipedema liposuction surgery can result in an enhancement of:
- Mobility
- Self-esteem
- Quality of life
For people who have been dealing with lipedema for years, liposuction is a viable treatment option. Following lipedema surgery, patients usually see a significant improvement in their overall quality of life and a considerable reduction in their symptoms.
How is Post-surgery Care and Maintenance With Lipedema Treatment?
For the first few weeks following surgery, patients are recommended to rest as much as possible and avoid strenuous activities. The recovery process after liposuction for lipedema can take a few months, and the patients must be prepared to commit to their post-surgery plan to achieve the desired outcomes. Post-surgery lipedema treatment involves compression therapy and proper diet and exercises.
Compression therapy usually involves wearing compression garments that help to reduce swelling and inflammation, improve blood flow, and prevent blood clots. Lymphatic drainage massage is beneficial in promoting lymphatic flow, which helps eliminate excessive fluid and toxins from the body. A healthy diet and exercise regimen are vital in maintaining the results of lipedema surgery. Patients should also engage in regular exercises if the surgeon suggests, and the patient must aim to eat a balanced diet.
How is the Recovery Process After Lipedema Surgery?
The recovery time after lipedema surgery can vary depending on the complexity of the treatment and the patient's overall health. After surgery, patients can expect bruising, swelling, and pain for a few weeks. Patients should refrain from intense exercise for at least 3–4 weeks and take at least 1-2 weeks off from work.
Final Takeaway
Lipedema is a painful condition that causes excessive fat accumulation in the hips, legs, thighs, etc. Fortunately, it can be effectively treated with liposuction surgery if other methods, such as compression therapy, do not work. However, a plastic surgeon can decide if liposuction can effectively help one get rid of lipedema symptoms.
If one is searching for a renowned the best plastic surgeon in Bangalore, one can consult Dr. Sandhya Balasubramanyan. The expert plastic surgeon offers several types of liposuction, such as traditional liposuction/ manual liposuction, power-assisted liposuction (PAL), smart lipo, and VASER liposuction.
The liposuction cost offered by Dr. Sandhya Balasubramanyan would vary between Rs. 80,000 and Rs. 2.5 Lakhs (depending on the area treated).
To know more about the treatment or the exact cost, consult Dr. Sandhya Balasubramanyan today
