Happy with my Results So Far

I was diagnosed with stage 1 lipedema in 2024 after years of suspecting I had it. I knew I'd get surgery; it was just a matter of when and which surgeon.

After a lot of research and seeing client testimonials and results, I decided to get a quote from ArtLipo. The consultation was easy and done via email. I had to submit photos, then Dr. Su drew on them to show what my legs could look like if I do uppers (thighs/knees) or lowers (calves/ankles) or both.

I felt a bit pressured when I called to book the surgery. I did not appreciate that, as I was so nervous to do this and it's a huge financial commitment. Regardless, I ended up booking my 1st surgery for thighs/knees in April 2025 with Dr. Kardashian - his prices were a bit lower than Dr. Su and he was available sooner.

The procedure was not easy - it was quite painful at certain points and I was shaking due to the epinephrine in lidocaine. I was very cold and not prepared for that. But the doctor and nurse talked me through the whole thing, made me as comfortable as possible, and added more numbing solution as needed. It took about 3.5 hours. They put compression on after they clean you up and that's quite uncomfortable. The follow-up the next day is also painful when they remove the compression, then reapply it. The recovery was long and painful; I definitely used all the pain meds that were prescribed! It takes time for the body to heal - it took about 1 month to start to feel better, but 3-4 months to feel normal.

But it was worth it and I was pleased with the results. I did have some unevenness and feel that more fat could have been removed in some areas but they can only take out so much.

After a couple months, I decided to do my lowers as well so my calves would look more proportioned to my thighs. I booked my 2nd surgery with Dr. Su - they said lower legs is his specialty.

When I went for my 2nd surgery, he agreed to touch up my thighs and knees. I'm glad he did as I didn't want my calves to look too skinny. My surgery was scheduled for 10:30, but he didn't come to my room until about 12:30. That was a little frustrating. But he took his time with me, looking at my results from my first surgery and we agreed on touch-ups. He did a great job on my calves and I'm happy he took more out of my knee area. He also smoothed out some of the lumpiness in my outer thighs. That surgery was much easier for me - less pain than the first. The first two weeks of recovery were pretty rough though. Lots of resting, elevating legs, pain meds.

Now I'm almost 4 weeks post-op and I'm feeling much better, but cannot go for long walks yet. I am quite pleased overall, though I'm still very early in the recovery process and suspect my results will look quite good in 6-12 months, especially with a healthy diet and exercise.