You might be hearing about lipedema lately.
Searches for the term lipedema surgery have recently spiked by 400%.
Its hard to pinpoint just one reason for this spike.
Getty Images / Collage by Bella Geraci
(This is especially important for people with high BMIs, which many people with lipedema have.)
The overall impact here is that lipedema is finally getting some attention.
Heres what to know.
What is lipedema?
Lipedema is most common in females and most common in the lower extremities in the legs.
Lipedema may affect the arms as well, though thats less common.
Typically, people gain and lose weight all over their body.
But with lipedema, areas of fat are disproportionate to the rest of the body and may stop abruptly.
Weight loss doesnt seem to help.
And, says Dr. Neligan, there is a familial element.
They think, My mom had [legs like this].
Its just the way our family is, says Dr. Neligan.
Another complicating factor is that doctors have tended to miss making a lipedema diagnosis.
It may bemisdiagnosedas obesity, according to the American Society for Plastic Surgery.
All of this can make lipedema a difficult condition to manage.
Onesurveyof 209 lipedema patients found that the condition was commonly associated with depression and migraines.
Lipedema and cellulite: How are they different?
The fat in lipedema is different fromcellulite.
Cellulite is more easily recognizable, says Dr. Neligan.
Lipedema and lymphedema: How are they different?
What is lipedema surgery?
In a word:liposuction.
And the amount of tissue youre removing is quite enormous.
The risks are greater with this kind of liposuction.
One of the problems with extensive liposuction is excessive bleeding and fluid loss, says Dr. Neligan.
In some cases, a patient may need skin tightening after the liposuction to remove excess skin.
This could mean another surgery, such as a leg lift.
What kind of doctor is qualified to perform lipedema surgery?
When he diagnoses patients with lipedema, he then refers them to a specialist.
It shows that that particular physician has a track record of performing the procedure, says Dr. Leipziger.
What are the risks of lipedema surgery?
There are serious risks of excessive bleeding and fluid loss.
Blood clots a risk after any surgery can belife-threatening.
How long do the results of lipedema surgery last?
Who is a candidate for lipedema surgery?
What is the cost of lipedema surgery?
One surgery can typically run from $7,500 to $20,000.
A lot of patients have difficulty getting coverage.
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