41, 158lbs, 5'4 - arm lift with lipo for lipedema? (Photos)

Question

I have been told I have lipedema fat in my arms, you can feel fatty nodules some as big as marbles. They are very heavy despite weight loss as well as a lot of loose skin. I have also been told I should only have a "lipedema specialist" do my surgery but they are hard to find and charge 2X as much. I am 41 158 lbs 5'4. Is it true that many plastic surgeons don't believe in lipedema or don't treat it properly when doing Lipo with lift on arms?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello resinrustics, and thank you for your question regarding arm lifts with liposuction for lipedema.

You don’t necessarily have to go to a "lipedema specialist," but it is crucial to choose a plastic surgeon who has experience performing arm lifts and liposuction on patients with lipedema. While not all plastic surgeons may focus on or fully understand lipedema, many are highly skilled in treating patients with this condition, particularly those with significant experience in body contouring procedures like arm lifts and thigh lifts.

As a plastic surgeon who specializes in skin removal after weight loss, I frequently perform arm lifts and thigh lifts on patients with lipedema. The key is to select a surgeon who understands the unique characteristics of lipedema fat, can carefully remove the fatty nodules, and address the loose skin in a way that provides both functional and aesthetic benefits.

By examining your photos, you're an excellent candidate for an arm lift and reduction. I think you'd get amazing results.

Please consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has specific experience in treating lipedema to discuss your options and ensure you receive the best possible care.

Good luck with your journey!

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

You would see a dramatic difference with liposuction alone, and if desired, a brachioplasty can be done in the same setting. I would 100% confidence in liposuction being successful in removal of the fat in your arms. The key is to get a practitioner that is experienced in doing liposuction, skill and experience is very important when it comes to liposuction. I would not hesitate to proceed. Thank you.

Kristopher Hamwi, MD · Answer

I treat many patients with lipedema. Liposuction is usually needed in these situations to help manage the lipedema which can deflate the skin so a combination of liposuction and an arm lift (brachioplasty) is often performed.

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

While there is a lot of information on the internet regarding lipedema, the true definition remains relatively vague and is more of a clinical diagnosis (in other words, there is not definitive radiographic or blood tests to perform for an "official" diagnosis). Most surgeons do not take on the cases not because the do not "believe" in it or that they don't "treat it properly," but rather because the treatment for lipedema is notoriously difficult. Your options consist of either liposuction or excisional surgery (formal arm lift). Liposuction is likely to leave you with extra skin and may not remove all of the hard, fatty nodules under the skin (and, in fact may make them worse if you develop any fat necrosis). Excisional surgery is difficult in lipedema patients because of the high rate of wound breakdown. If you do choose to pursue a surgical correction, I would ensure that you are seeking care from a board certified plastic surgeon who truly understands (and describes to you in detail) the actual risks, benefits, and alternatives to the procedure.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You have excess skin as well as fat.  You would benefit from a long arm brachioplasty with simultaneous liposuction.  You also need to consider a breast lift and back lift in the future.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Based on these photos, it would be very difficult to define your condition as a lymphedama; it looks more like regular lipodustrophy with skin laxity. A combination of aggressive liposuction and skin excision in form of brachioplasty, would be my suggestion. In person or teleconference consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon is recommended. Good luck.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Fist, lipedema does exist, but is very uncommon in arms. It does have some specific characteristics in the fat as well as the skin. Your two photos do not show this. Liposuction can be done to remove excess fat as normal fat and as lipedema. Sometimes with lipedema, the process will be divided into two stages for safety to the circulation for the lower arms. Once the fat is removed, you will still need the arm tuck to deal with the excess skin. Also, trying to use the diagnosis of lipedema to get insurance to cover this procedure in the arms is usually not successful, especially since your lower arms and hands are not swollen.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Based on the submitted photos it appears you are a good candidate for an arm lift.  It would remove excess fat and skin to improve the contour of the arms.  I encourage you to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon who can examine you and review your medical history.