I am having lipedema and planning legs liposuction in November. Which one should I go for? (Photos)

Question

My surgeon says he wouldnt be doing it on anterior surface ie on my quads area as there are lots of vessels and he doesnt want to disturb them...he will do on lateral and medial parts ...but other drs say thay they will do all around ....can some one please guide me ...which one i should go for?...need to remove a lot ...how much can be removed max in one sitting?thanks

Aaron Stone, MD · Answer

Your submitted photos show stage 3 lipedema. Since the condition is not curable liposuction is only part of the treatment. You will also need to wear compression stockings and undergo regular manual lymphatic drainage massage after surgery to prevent recurrence. The liposuction has to be circumferential above and below the knees sparing the femoral triangle where the blood vessels are. At surgery the legs are wrapped with an esmarch to drain them of blood and a tourniquet is placed on the upper thighs while the liposuction cannula removes the fat. Without this the liposuction is likely to be inadequate. No one should under the surgery without the postoperative care being fully planned out including where/who will perform the after surgery lymphatic drainage. Since this is a chronic medical condition that if left alone likely leads to lymphedema with its associated problems it should be covered by health insurance. You would of course need to have it preauthorized and will likely have to fight for the coverage but coverage is justified by current medical literature.I hope you realize that this format of posting questions and receiving answers lacks the face to face direct communication required for you to make an informed decision regarding your surgery.
My response to your question/post does not represent formal medical advice or constitute a doctor patient relationship. You need to consult with i.e. personally see a board certified plastic surgeon in order to receive a formal evaluation and develop a doctor patient relationship in order to know if this assessment is valid.

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

I would suggest doing circumferential thigh liposuction.  You can expect to have significant post operative swelling but the end result will be much better.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This needs an in-person evaluation, but the entire leg can be treated. Water assisted liposuction is very gentle and considered a gold standards approach, but what matters the most is the physician performing the procedure, and their familiarity with lipedema and the needs of lippy patients. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

I am having lipedema and planning legs liposuction in November. Which one should I go for? (Photos)

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I am having lipedema and planning legs liposuction in November. Which one should I go for? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Lipedema Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.