Lipedema Surgery
Lipedema is a chronic condition characterized by abnormal fat buildup, primarily in the legs, arms, hips, buttocks, and stomach.
Lipedema is genetically inherited and is symmetrical in distribution, with both sides of the body being affected equally. In contrast to obesity, lipedema fat deposits are typically unaffected by weight loss measures.
To relieve their symptoms, some patients consider compression therapy, elevation, or lymphatic drainage massages. Most patients find that surgery is the most effective treatment for lipedema. Dr. Azouz, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Dallas, Texas, has expertise in treating lipedema to help ease symptoms and improve the quality of life.
What are the symptons of lipedema?
- Symmetric swelling of affected areas including legs, arms, hips buttocks, or abdomen
- A disproportion of legs compared to the knees or the disproportion of hips, stomach, or buttocks
- Easy bruising
- Pain
- Sensitivity to touch in any of the lipedema-affected areas
- Spider veins
- Swelling
- Orange-peel texture to the skin
The “Normal” leg has a smooth, even appearance.
The “Lipoedema” leg appears larger, with an uneven surface described as having an “orange peel” texture.
Additional labels point out that the leg affected by lipoedema appears heavier and that lipoedema often affects the lower body, creating a noticeable size difference between the legs and the upper body.
This visual highlights the characteristic symptoms of lipoedema, including disproportionate fat distribution and skin texture changes.
Can I get a Lipedema Diagnosis
Dallas plastic surgeon Dr. Solomon Azouz diagnoses lipedema with a history and physical.
History
Lipedema often presents with hormone imbalance. It is critical to provide a history of the occurrence of lipedema in puberty, pregnancy, peri-menopause, menopause, and following gynecologic surgery.
Physical
Dr. Azouz will examine the fat distribution and palpate the areas of lipedema to determine if fluid, nodules, or scarring are present.
Am I a candidate for lipedema surgery?
Candidates for lipedema surgery are usually those who have been diagnosed with lipedema and have not improved with non-surgical interventions such as manual lymphatic drainage or compression therapy.
Many patients continue to experience symptoms from lipedema nodules, despite significant weight loss with bariatric surgery: gastric sleeve, bypass, or lap band.
Ideal candidates suffer from significant discomfort, mobility issues, or diminished quality of life. They should have a stable body weight, be in good overall health, and be nonsmokers.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Azouz optimizes patients for surgery to help improve their recovery. This includes achieving a healthy BMI, taking iron supplements, and an anti-inflammatory lipedema diet.
Surgical Treatments for Lipedema
Surgical options for lipedema include liposuction, lipectomy (direct removal of fat and nodules), and excess skin removal.
Many major medical organizations have listed liposuction as the only effective treatment for lipedema. Liposuction and surgical excision remove the lipedema nodules in the calves, legs, thighs, abdomen, and arms. Once the nodules are removed, less stress is placed on lymphatics and blood vessels, which can decrease pain and improve lipedema symptoms.
Dr. Solomon Azouz utilizes a variety of liposuction techniques to remove stubborn and scarred fatty tissue.
Dr. Azouz may need to perform multiple procedures to address all areas of lipedema. It’s important to note that some surgeries may need to be spaced apart to allow for adequate healing between each procedure.
Anesthesia for Lipedema Surgery
Dr. Solomon Azouz most commonly uses local and sedation anesthesia when performing lipedema surgery. Dr. Azouz has found that his patients recover more quickly and have less nausea with the use of local and sedation anesthesia versus the use of general anesthesia.
Recovering from Lipedema surgery
After undergoing lipedema surgery with Dr. Solomon Azouz, it is important to give yourself a few days to completely rest, recover, and elevate your legs as much as possible. Within the first few weeks following lipedema surgery, many patients can return to desk work as long as they continue to elevate their legs. During your follow-up appointments, Dr. Azouz will help guide you on when you can add in prolonged standing time and more vigorous activities.
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