Using Lipedema fat in BBL? Is this safe?

Question

I’m dealing with a lifelong issue with stage 1 Lipedema, I’m thin and very fit but carry the Lipedema fat in thighs and legs only. I had my cankles liposuctioned last year, but want to do upper legs/thighs now. The surgeon said my shape would be much better with a small fat transfer to butt and hips but they only have Lipedema fat to use, but it’s “cleaned and scrubbed.” Any professional opinions?

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

Lipedema is a very underdiagnosed condition in the US and the world. This is mainly from a lack of understanding. There are a lot of symptoms and differences from just weight gain. However, I would need to understand a lot more about your particular case. As an FYI, there is a small group of us that is working very closely with the lipedema community to educate as well as develop Standard of Care Guidelines for the US. I have transferred lipedema fat many times. Overall, since it is very fibrous, the "take" is not as good as regular fat.
For more information please visit our lipedema educational website.

Hope this helps!
Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS

Diplomate, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
Fellow, American College of Surgeons
Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery
USC Keck School of Medicine
Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
#RealSelf100Surgeon

#RealSelfCORESurgeon

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

The lipedema aspirate from your lower extremities can be used successfully for the Brazilian Butt Lift procedure.

Boris Volshteyn, MD, MS · Answer

This is not an easy question to answer. We are still determining what lipedema is. We do have theories. In the United States, based on the work of Dr. Karen Herbst, we believe that lipedema is associated with lymphatic system malfunction. If that is a primary problem, the fat abnormality is secondary.On the other hand, not everybody shares the same opinion, and some people believe that the problem with fat is primary. If the fat is abnormal, transferring to another area would not be safe. Technically, the procedure can be performed, and if it's unsuccessful or causes additional pain, it can also be sectioned off later on. I don't think anybody will give you any medical clearance to do it safely. At this point, you're taking a risk. If this risk is acceptable to you, then you do it. If it's not, you don't.

Jorge Jiménez Toribio, MD · Answer

Hello darling! Thank you for your question..Yes, it could be used and won't affect the procedure. Just make sure to ask your doctor for further explanations and more detailed techniques that he will use while performing the operation. Hope this helps and Good luck!Dr. Jiménez ToribioPlastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.

Using Lipedema fat in BBL? Is this safe?

Answers (4)

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