Is it worth it to invest in liposuction/CoolSculpting for lipedema on legs in my late 20s?

Question

I'm 26 and noticing the onset of Lipedema in my legs (both my grandmother and mother have it ) I'm not overweight but I recently went from being underweight to average weight this last year... I've always had issues with my weight and to be honest the thought of lipedema terrifies me. I am wondering the best way to maintain this without letting it progress any further, and if it would be worth investing in liposuction now while there is still a relatively small amount of fat.

Thomas Wright, MD · Answer

There is no cure for lipedema. It can be managed with both nonsurgical and surgical treatments. There is no need to rush into surgery.  We Don't recommend  CoolSculpting for lipedema as it can is some cases worsen the disease.   I would recommend waiting until the symptoms or conditions of the lipedema are affecting you to make a meaningful improvement in your life. Wishing you the best of health.

Aria Vazirnia, MD · Answer

Lipedema tends to progress throughout one's lifetime. We know that it can flare during times of hormonal change (e.g. pregnancy, menopause). There are non-surgical treatment options for lipedema, which include dietary strategies and compression therapy (e.g. compression stockings, compression pumps). Certain supplements may also help with symptoms of lipedema, but it is always a good idea to consult with your primary care provider before taking any supplements. Liposuction is the most effective way to treat lipedema, but this is in combination with a lipedema-respectful diet and regular use of compression stockings. Coolsculpting is a great non-surgical treatment for body contouring, but does not address the fibrosis aspect of lipedema. 
A good resource for dietary strategies is a book written by Chuck Ehrlick et al (Lymphedema and Lipedema Nutrition Guide). Please see below for an article that discusses various supplements for lipedema. 
If there is any question that you have lipedema and if you'd like to discuss non-surgical treatment options, then it is important to make an appointment with a lipedema expert.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

when you are younger it is better to do liposuction, Internal heating, store your stem cells for the future, and then after surgery do truscupt FLEX and RF treatments regularly to maintain resul and prevent worsening of. the condition.  I have. been treating this for 13 years now and find the earlier you treat the better!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear julila,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

It is difficult to answer your question without any photos or a consultation as every patient is different. That being said, you would likely benefit from high defintion VASER liposuction. You are encouraged to have a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon. The Gold Standard for superior liposuction results requires use of the advanced technology of ultrasound assisted VASER liposuction. As an official trainer of VASER liposuction, I perform full body liposuction cases every week. VASER liposuction has been the only modality that has consistently resulted in outstanding liposuction outcomes. VASER liposuction ensures a smooth contour regardless of degree of excess fat by virtue of being able to remove any and all remaining fat comprehensively and uniformly. If skin redundancy is observed, Renuvion technology can be simultaneously applied to tighten your skin to optimize your overall contour outcome. A Skype or FaceTime consultation with a VASER specialist will help you get an accurate recommendation and pricing.
Respectfully, 
Arian Mowlavi MD, FACS
Realself 100 Hall of Fame Inductee

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Your best preventative measure is to avoid significant weight fluctuations.
Lipedema is unforgiving for those who have weight fluctuations.
Liposuction can give relief in size reduction but often don’t make the lower extremities look much better.
More definitive treatment requires Debunking and skin reduction.
The goal is often to help patients fit better into clothing.
I suggest considering having Liposuction with the condition bothers you enough to have surgical intervention.
Best, 
Mats Hagstrom MD

Perry Liu, MD FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Lipedema is a very difficult condition to deal with for patients and I’m sorry that you have a Family history of this condition. While the idea of performing liposuction early on as a prophylactic measure seems attractive, you have to have enough fatty tissue to allow the surgeon to perform liposuction of your calves. liposuction of the calves is a very difficult procedure to do well. When there is not that much fat there, it becomes even more difficult. I would consult a specialist In your are who has experience treating lipedema and performing calf liposuction to determine the best option for you. Some people also use Sculpsure and or Kybella injections as an off-label use to address small amounts of lipodustrophy in the calves.

Is it worth it to invest in liposuction/CoolSculpting for lipedema on legs in my late 20s?

Answers (7)

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