Vaser for lipedema: is there a special type of lipo for people with lipedema?

Question

I found out I have lipoedema. It's uncomfortable and swollen. I would like to liposuction on my full legs & bottom. For me, there would be health & cosmetic benefits. I spoke to a surgeon who said can do Vaser Lipo in 1session. My concern is that I read it has to be a special sort of Lipo for lipedema as they have to be careful not to damage the lymph system which irreparable. Is this true or will any Vaser do? Do I need a lipedema expert or is an experienced surgeon enough?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

you may have lipedema but that needs an expert in lipedema not necessarily the type of liposuction that matters. you will need internal heating and sometimes skin removal to see the best results.You need a formal evaluation by an expert in body shaping and contouring to determine what is best. Traditional liposuction awake and smart liposuction are old methods and do very poorly for tightening skin or significant skin tightening or contouring. Small problem areas can be improved slightly by these methods. The best in body contouring not only removes fat with energy devices like VASER ultrasound but also internally heat the skin with radio-frequency devices such as J PLASMA/RENUVION, InMode BodyTite, ThermiRF to heat the under surface of the skin and tighten it at the same time as fat removal. These combinations are called 4D HIDEF VASER contouring and can only be done by a well . trained body contouring specialist. At the same time fat should be harvested, PRP and stem cells added and injected into muscles or indentations/cellulite to get body shaping and contouring. This is known as a Brazilian butt lift when you inject the fat to the buttock for contouring and lifting, but fat can also be used in areas such as the chest/breast, arms/shoulders, calves and face. Cellulite should also be treated with cellfina, sculptra, subcision and/or fillers such as bellafill, renuva synthetic fat, or sculptra. If skin is very loose before surgery then it will need to be removed such as lower abdominal skin (tummy tuck/abdominoplasty), breast skin (breast lift), arm skin (brachioplasty). Overall you need a full assessment, but simple liposuction alone will not tighten skin and needs a combination of various methods -- fat removal, skin tightening, defining, fat grafting, skin removal -- to get the best in body contouring and body sculpting. Dr. Emer.

Thomas Wright, MD · Answer

Many Surgeons see Lipedema Reduction as just another surgical procedure.   It could not be farther from reality. Lipedema is genetically acquired connective tissue disease.  Surgery cannot cure it.  Lipedema should be treated comprehensively with a low refined carb anti-inflammatory diet, medical grade compression, and after they have been adopted then lymph sparing liposuction.  Many surgeons who see lipedema as a procedure paycheck do not believe or understand the lymphatic changes that have been documented pre- and post-surgery in women with lipedema.  Vaser is not necessarily contraindicated for lipedema surgery, but the best outcomes are seen from surgeons who have years of experience treating lipedema.

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

Liposuction can be beneficial for Lipoedema patients as it can remove the excess fat, however, the opinion is only based on the pictures you provided. Proper examination and further information about your medical history would be required to make a final decision and propose a full treatment plan.

Dennis Wolf, BScHons, MBBCh, MRCSEd · Answer

Hi there,
thanks for your question.  There is no scientific evidence that shows that any particular lipo technique to be better than any other for Lipoedema.
What is important is that you are seen by someone that has experience in assessing, managing and treating Lipoedema patients.

Hope that helps,
Dr Wolf

Boris Volshteyn, MD, MS · Answer

Vaser has been used in liposuction for many years. I have used it for over 20 years in my practice. However, in patients with potential or diagnosed Lipedema, Vaser should be used in areas with no significant major lymphatics. Although, it can help with more even result, it can also help with some additional skin tightening. This is not a tightening device. Vaser is not a different kind of liposuction. This is an ultrasonic device, which provides treatment of the fat before liposuction. In essence, it separates fat cells from one another, making them more liquefied and easier to remove with less trauma to the body.

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

You would benefit from high defintion VASER liposuction. 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

Respectfully, 
Arian Mowlavi MD, FACS
Realself 100 Hall of Fame Inductee

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Based on your picture I’m not convinced you have lipedema. The tell tale sign of this condition is increasing lower extremity size with age despite no change other areas.To my knowledge there’s no lymphatic component to lipedema. Lipedema and lymphedema while they sound similar are two completely separate and unrelated conditions.Best, Mats Hagstrom MD

Vaser for lipedema: is there a special type of lipo for people with lipedema?

Answers (7)

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