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Lipedema is a condition that occurs when fat is unevenly distributed in an irregular manner beneath the skin, most often in the legs, arms, and buttocks. Although for many patients it begins as a cosmetic concern, once it progresses, it can eventually cause pain and other symptoms. Lipedema is often mistaken for obesity or lymphedema, but it is a unique condition that requires treatment from a skilled, experienced surgeon. Over time lipedema fat can become hard and fibrous and scar tissue can form around the fat due to inflammation. If this happens veins and lymphatics can become restricted, which will cause pain. Although there is no cure for lipedema it can be treated.
A person who is symptomatic of lipedema (most likely to present in women — in fact, one in nine) will look symmetrically swollen in the affected area. In the lower body, the thighs, knees, and calves may look extremely disproportionate to the rest of the body. The fat will stop at the ankle and not affect the feet. In the midsection, lipedema will cause the lower abdomen skin to hang (like an apron). The buttock will not have an even amount of fat either because lipedema causes it to collect on the upper region only – thus the need for an upper buttock shelf treatment. The upper arms are the most visible area that can exhibit lipedema. The arm skin gets so heavy that it atrophies rapidly and looks pendulous (even at an early age). Like the feet, the hands will not show the signs of lipedema as it will stop at the wrist. The fat may take on a cellulite-like appearance, which is also known as “mattress skin.” Lipedema can be very frustrating and debilitating, especially if it is undiagnosed. If you have lipedema, you may also experience the following:
Dr. Jaime Schwartz sees patients in all stages and types of lipedema who suspect something is wrong or “not right” with their health when diet and exercise are not helping – no matter the level of effort. If you have lipedema, you may feel like you can’t do anything for your situation. Dr. Jaime Schwartz is one of the few plastic surgeons that treats lipedema, and he wants his patients to feel normal and healthy.
Although lipedema is one of the most common medical disorders, it is not very well known or understood even by the medical community. Very few physicians spend their time to educate, treat as well as advance the care of women with lipedema. Dr. Jaime Schwartz is on the forefront of international lipedema standards and treatments. He has been developing specialized procedures to maximize the amount of lipoedema fat that can be removed, which speeds recovery time and the amount of surgeries needed to treat lipedema.
If you have been diagnosed with lipedema, please do not lose hope. While learning that diet and exercise will not help this medical condition can make you feel hopeless, take heart in knowing that you have Dr. Jaime S. Schwartz and our team at Total Lipedema Care (TLC) in your corner. Planning your treatment is a partnership we navigate together, which is why we want you to know that you have options in managing lipedema to help you live a normal, healthy life. Depending on the severity of your condition and how it impacts your day-to-day life plays a major role in what options are available to you for treatment. In the earlier stages, diet and exercise modifications can be implemented to see how your body responds first. Lymphatic massage can also ease the pressure of fluid-filled areas. The most effective, primary treatment for lipedema is medically necessary liposuction. American Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Jaime Schwartz, can perform lymphatic sparing liposuction on the calves, thighs, buttock, abdomen, and arms where lipedema has emerged and impacted your health. If you would like to learn more about the diagnosis and treatments for lipedema, please call and schedule a private consultation with Dr. Schwartz.
Once you have a lipedema diagnosis or are in the diagnostic process, there are nonsurgical treatments you can implement into your daily routine that may soothe some of your symptoms. While nonsurgical methods will not produce the same results as surgery, they can certainly relieve some of the symptoms and pressure associated with this disorder.
If you are worried that you will not meet the weight requirement for lymphatic sparing liposuction, please consider making an appointment to discuss your concerns with Dr. Schwartz. As stated above, there are interventions he can propose to make you start to feel better or tolerate your condition more efficiently so that you can exercise to drop some weight. Rest assured, the only reason there is a weight restriction for surgical procedures, like liposuction, is to keep you safe. If deemed appropriate, he may recommend water-assisted liposuction.
HOW MANY SURGERIES WILL YOU NEED?
There are four stages to lipedema and five different types. Every patient is different. The average patient needs 2-4 surgeries. Dr. Jaime Schwartz always does what is best for his patients and takes out as much fat as he can, but at the safest limit.
At TLC, we offer Schwartz Rapid Recuperation, which is how Dr. Schwartz focuses on getting you on your way to a faster recovery. As stated above, Dr. Schwartz implements anesthesia protocols with TIVA, which are gentle yet effective. He feels that putting you under a general anesthetic actually impedes the healing process because it lingers in your body so much longer after surgery. This puts more stress on your body for several days after surgery. Meanwhile, you continue to feel groggy and nauseous as your body adjusts to the anesthesia leaving your body — not on healing from surgery. Dr. Schwartz feels this causes more complications and takes time away from you unnecessarily.
With the Schwartz Rapid Recuperation, Dr. Schwartz focuses on enhancing your patient experience both before and after their surgical procedure. He will use TIVA, which is a gentler form of general anesthesia, plus neurotoxins and a long-lasting local anesthetic. This powerful combination decreases your swelling, bruising, and overall discomfort. Many patients report to only needing an over-the-counter pain medication to manage the post-op pain after their procedure at TLC. Using Schwartz Rapid Recuperation, nearly all (90%) of our patients are able to stand, walk, and even go out to dinner a day after their surgery. There is no additional cost to you for the implementation of these protocols.
Dr. Jaime Schwartz comes to Dubai bi-monthly. After your surgery, Dr. Schwartz will create a plan for your follow-ups and to ensure the best possible result.
