SlimLipo for Lipoedema?

Question

Hello, I'm a lipoedema patient. I'm in the 1st/beginning of 2nd stage. Since I have lost a lot of weight 17 years ago I already have some loose skin. I know liposuction would greatly help my lipoedema, but I do not want more loose skin as that would deepen my depression and sadness about my body to an unbearable level. I'm planning SlimLipo for my lower legs and hips (in stages). Is SlimLipo a good safe option? Thank you!

Thomas Wright, MD · Answer

Studies have shown Lipedema Reduction Surgery can improve pain, swelling and quality of life. Liposuction for lipedema should not be done for purely cosmetic reasons.  Liposuction, especially larger volume liposuction can result in loose skin. Slim Lipo like other laser liposuction may improve skin tightness, however, there is a chance you may need an open surgical lift. It is generally a safe procedure in experienced hands.  The chance you will need a lift  is small but honestly, it is dependant on your assesment of your skin appearance. The need for thigh lift is cosmetic decision and really has to be decided by you after your liposuction.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Flabby thighs typically don’t respond well to Liposuction regardless of technique used. Patients can expect size reduction to fit better into clothing but it will not improve the skin and the skin can look worse.

Secondary laser treatments which is marketed through a variety of names like slim Lipo, smart Lipo, try scoped, air scoped etc. etc. etc. ads little to nothing.  Non-surgical skin tightening remains the holy grail in plastic surgery and has not yet been discovered despite the claims providers with radio frequency devices such as bodytite and J plasma are claiming.

I speak from first-hand experience having used just about every device made for body contouring.

The only single variable that matters is the skill of the surgeon  and the candidacy of the patient.

It’s important to differentiate what an atomic area you are referring to. The leg is the part of the lower extremity between the knee and the foot. The thigh is the part of the lower extremity between the hip and the knee.

When you say lower leg it is redundant and I’m assuming you’re referring to calf and ankle liposuction.  Liposuction below the knee is technically challenging and many plastic surgeons do not offer Liposuction on this area.

The recovery is extensive compared to Liposuction and other parts of the body.

I suggest you schedule multiple in person consultations with local board-certified plastic surgeons who have a good reputation for Liposuction. During the consultation ask the providers to show you all of their before and after pictures of lower extremity Liposuction. I highly experienced a plastic surgeon should have no difficulty showing lots of before and after pictures of patients with Similar body contours to your own.

Patients with flabby skin typically don’t see great contour improvements from Liposuction but like I said size reduction to fit better in the clothing may be possible. This is especially true for the upper inner thigh.

For some patients debulking with Liposuction followed by a thigh lift may be an option.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom, MD

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