Is lipedemia resistant to SculpSure?

As a liposculpture specialist, I treat patients with Lipedema from all over the country. In our practice, we use water-assisted liposuction and energy / ultrasound-based devices to gently extract the fat while also providing shaping and contouring improvements. For Lipedema patients in particular, this procedure requires a great deal of skill and precision, so you'll want to see someone meticulous. Don't let distance dissuade you; see an expert for a formal evaluation. Best, Dr. Emer

Dear EA,
Hello and thank you for your excellent question. In my experience, SculpSure will not appropriately treat lipedema. You may want to look into a body contouring procedure that combines liposuction with laser, radiofrequency (RF), and acoustic therapy to produce the best balance of fat reduction and skin tightening and smoothing for your body type and anatomy. We use Smart / Laser Liposuction or VASER (ultrasound) to reduce dense, fibrous fat, and stimulate collagen formation; Radiofrequency-based skin tightening to maximize skin contraction; and Ultrasound, RF, or subcision (Z Wave, Venus, Cellfina) to treat cellulite, maximize fat reduction, and smooth out any irregularities postop. These procedures are usually performed in the office, with only local anesthesia. Patients go home the same day as surgery, do not need any narcotics postop for pain control, and can return to light exercise and work two days after their procedure. In my practice, we select the appropriate treatment for each patient based on their skin quality, amount of fat and surgical goals. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. Preoperative visualization with Crisalix can simulate what your body will look like after surgery and can help you make your decision. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. Good luck!

Best,

Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS

Harvard educated plastic surgeon

Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon