Lipedema Liposuction Surgery in New York, New Jersey, and the Tri-State Area

Lipedema liposuction is a common technique used to treat Lipedema patients. It’s crucial to understand that while Lipedema liposuction offers relief, it doesn’t cure the underlying lymphatic problem of loose connective tissue disorder. This procedure focuses on removing affected fat cells from areas like the lower extremities, torso, and arms to alleviate pain and improve functionality.

Understanding Lipedema Liposuction

Lipedema liposuction is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and there are various methods to consider. We want to provide clarity amid the abundance of information available online.

Types of Lipedema Liposuction

1. Tumescent Liposuction: This technique involves infusing subcutaneous tissues with a solution containing saline, Lidocaine, and Epinephrine. Lidocaine offers pain control, while Epinephrine tightens blood vessels, reducing bleeding. Tumescent is not liposuction itself but a preparation technique.
   Common liposuction methods include standard, power-assisted, ultrasonic-assisted, water-assisted, and laser-assisted.
2. Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL): PAL is a more advanced version of standard liposuction. It involves use of a cannula that vibrates back and forth, making it less physically demanding on surgeons. PAL allows for smaller cannulas and less trauma to tissues, resulting in less pain, bruising, swelling, and lower complication risks.
3. Water Assisted Liposuction (WAL): This technique uses a cannula with a water jet inside to dislodge fat cells. While WAL is less popular in the U.S., it’s believed to be less traumatic to tissues. However, concerns exist about its suitability for Lipedema patients due to cannula size and potential tissue damage. Also, it is not very helpful when a large volume of liposuction is expected.
4. Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction (UAL): UAL utilizes ultrasound to disrupt fat cell connections and promote skin tightening. It’s suitable for cosmetic patients but lacks clear evidence of skin tightening in Lipedema patients. In our experience it is more helpful for thinner patients with earlier stages of lipedema.
5. Laser Assisted Liposuction: Laser-assisted liposuction uses laser energy to heat tissues before or after liposuction. However, it can randomly damage various local tissues, making it less suitable for Lipedema patients due to the risk of severe damage to lymphatics.
6. Lymph Sparing Liposuction: This approach minimizes lymphatic vessel damage through careful technique selection and anatomical knowledge, rather than specialized equipment.

Duration of Lipedema Liposuction Surgery

The length of a Lipedema liposuction procedure depends on the number of areas treated, the volume of fat removed, and the use of ultrasonic devices. Typically, it ranges from two to four hours.

Differences Between Cosmetic and Lipedema Liposuction

While both procedures may use ultrasonic liposuction and Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL), the direction, level, cannula size, and other details vary significantly. Lipedema liposuction often takes longer and may be more expensive.

Where is Lipedema Liposuction Performed?

Lipedema liposuction is typically done in accredited surgery centers with overnight observation or in hospital outpatient settings.

Fat Removal Limits

Traditional guidelines suggest that up to 5 liters of fat can be safely removed from a lipedema patient in an outpatient setting. New York and New Jersey and National Society guidelines align with this recommendation.
However, Lipedema patients often require more fat removal. In that case the procedure will be performed at a hospital facility or surgery center with capability for overnight observation.  Safety protocols include DVT prophylaxis and antibiotics to manage potential complications.

Pain and Recovery

Lipedema liposuction involves moderate pain, especially when large amounts of fat are removed. Compression garments significantly help manage pain and swelling. Lipedema patients may experience prolonged and increased swelling due to lymphatic abnormalities.

Compression Garments

Lipedema patients often require compression garments indefinitely due to lymphatic dysfunction. Garment size adjustments are common as swelling decreases.

Use of Mechanical Compression Devices

Mechanical lymphatic compression devices like LymphaPress, Flexitouch and Biocompression are recommended after the first week after surgery, depending on the areas treated.

Timing Between Lipedema Liposuction Surgeries

Lipedema liposuction or excision surgeries are usually spaced three months apart.

When Will Results Be Visible?

Initial swelling may make the legs temporarily larger than before surgery. Results become more apparent over several weeks or months, depending on the extent of fat removal.

Treatment of Painful Fat Bumps and Nodules

Extraction of painful fat bumps or nodules is performed as needed for specific patients but not universally required in al patients.

Traveling After Surgery

Patients are recommended to stay in the area for about a week after surgery to monitor and manage potential complications.

Flying After Surgery

We advise against flying the next day after surgery. Staying in the area for about a week is strongly recommended, especially if you lack sufficient local support. Arrangements can be made for outpatient observation facilities with nursing supervision through insurance if needed.