joints that bend further than normal (e.g., elbows, knees, fingers)
Get Rid of Stubborn Fat
Reach new heights of relief when you get lipedema surgery in Tucson!
With our expert care and compassionate network of specialists at your fingertips, you can finally rid yourself of climbing out of discomfort. Our innovative surgery at Larson Plastic Surgery & ZL Medspa specializes in addressing this lipedema and providing you with renewed confidence.
Procedure Highlights
Procedure Highlights
Consultation Required?
Yes
Treatment Type:
Surgery
Surgery Length:
1 to 4 hours
Number of Treatments:
1 to 3
Downtime:
2 to 3 weeks
Duration of Results:
8 to 12 years
In Depth Look
Lipedema surgery involves the targeted removal of excess fat and tissue, addressing the disproportionate accumulation characteristic of the condition.
Dr. Larson utilizes specialized techniques such as tumescent liposuction or lymphatic sparing procedures to sculpt the affected areas, typically the legs and arms.
The goal is to alleviate discomfort, improve mobility, and enhance body contour, providing patients with relief and a renewed sense of confidence in their appearance and overall well-being.
What It Treats
Lipedema surgery targets the excessive fat accumulation and tissue swelling characteristic of lipedema, improving the contour and symmetry of the affected areas, typically the legs and arms.
What it Treats:
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Excessive fat accumulation
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Tissue swelling
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Disproportionate fat distribution, commonly affecting the legs and arms
What is Lipedema?
Lipedema is a chronic medical condition where fat cells build up abnormally, most often in the legs, hips, buttocks, and sometimes arms and abdomen.
In bodies with lipedema, fat cells are unable to mobilize calories after they are stored because they lack the appropriate hormonal receptors. This leads to “one way” fat cells that tend to get bigger and bigger with time.
One way fat cells can also grow even larger when more calories are consumed, meaning that lipedema tissue is frequently resistant to diet, exercise, weight loss drugs, and even weight loss surgery. The most effective method for getting rid of lipedema cells is surgical removal by way of liposuction and manual extraction.
Lipedema typically affects women and often runs in families. By examining relatives who have the disease at later stages in life, patients may be able to predict how their lipedema will develop.
What Triggers Lipedema?
While experts are not entirely sure why lipedema develops, research shows genetics and hormones may be the cause. Many patients notice symptoms beginning or worsening during times of hormonal change, such as:
- Puberty – this critical development stage often coincides with the first onset of visible symptoms.
- Pregnancy – Symptoms of pregnancy, like weight gain and fluid changes, may trigger progression.
- Perimenopause and menopause – During these processes, patients experience changes in estrogen and progesterone levels, which may worsen lipedema symptoms.
- Hormonal therapies (e.g., birth control, fertility treatments, HRT) – in some cases, lipedema may flare or accelerate during hormonal therapies.
These triggers suggest that estrogen and other hormones play an important role in how lipedema develops and progresses.
loose ligaments cause injuries to occur more often
frail skin that often heals less efficiently
skin that bruises as a result of minor bumps and grazes
long-lasting irritation and tiredness, seemingly without cause
Tips for Diagnosing EDS
Doctors may use the Beighton Score to test flexibility and hypermobility. This includes checking if you can:
- Bend your pinky finger back beyond 90°.
- Bend your thumb to touch your forearm.
- Hyperextend elbows or knees beyond 10°.
- Place your palms flat on the floor with knees straight.
As your provider performs this test, they may assign points based on how freely your joints move. A score of 5 or more out of 9 suggests generalized joint hypermobility. If a provider suspects you have EDS, they may make a referral to a geneticist, rheumatologist, or connective tissue specialist.
Why This Matters for Lipedema
It’s important to consider whether patients have EDS before treating lipedema, because this joint condition may affect the treatment process. Patients with EDS may bruise more easily and heal more slowly after lipedema surgery in Tuscon.
We may also need to adjust compression garments for comfort. The physical therapy process changes as well—therapists should focus on joint stabilization and safe exercise. Pain and fatigue management are especially important.
Improve circulation, reduce swelling, and support mobility.
A gentle massage technique that encourages lymphatic fluid movement.
Low-impact activities (walking, swimming, cycling, vibration plates) can help with mobility and comfort.
Anti-inflammatory and low-salt diets may reduce swelling, though diet alone cannot remove diseased fat.
Devices that gently squeeze the limbs to reduce swelling.
Medications, physical therapy, and integrative approaches can reduce harmful symptoms.
Benefits of Surgery
There are many reasons why patients should consider lipedema surgery in Tuscon to treat this chronic condition, including:
- Reduction of pain, heaviness, and swelling.
- Improved mobility and endurance.
- Better body proportions and clothing fit.
- Slowing or stopping disease progression.
- Improved self-confidence and quality of life.
Risks of Surgery
Of course, surgery is not without its risks. Patients who elect to receive lipedema surgery in Tuscon may encounter:
- Bleeding, infection, or poor wound healing.
- Numbness or nerve irritation.
- Fluid collections (seromas or hematomas).
- Scarring or uneven skin surface.
- Blood clots (rare but serious).
- Complications stemming from anesthesia
Patients may also require additional surgeries following their initial procedure.
ZL Medspa
Larson Plastic Surgery
Our Process
At Larson Plastic Surgery and Med Spa, our process for lipedema surgery in Tucson begins with a thorough consultation to assess your unique needs and goals.
Our skilled surgeons utilize advanced techniques to target and remove excess fat and tissue, tailored to your specific condition. We prioritize patient comfort and safety throughout the procedure, with comprehensive pre- and post-operative care to optimize results and ensure a smooth recovery. Trust us to help you achieve relief and enhanced confidence through lipedema surgery.
Why Us?
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Yes, rest assured that we have comprehensive treatment plans that combine various procedures with lipedema surgery in Tucson for your specific needs.
Depending on the individual’s healing capabilities and the complexity of the procedure, the recovery time typically falls within the range of 1 to 4 weeks.
The main objective of lipedema surgery in Tucson is to specifically address the excessive fat and tissue that is commonly associated with lipedema, a medical condition that leads to the disproportionate accumulation of fat in the legs and arms.
Surgery is not a cure for lipedema, but it can permanently remove infected fat from treated areas and significantly improve symptoms. Remaining fat cells may still enlarge if lipedema progresses.
Many patients need more than one surgery, depending on how many areas are affected and how far the disease has progressed.
Following lipedema surgery, patients may expect swelling, bruising, and soreness for several weeks. Most people return to light activity in 1–2 weeks, but full healing can take months.
Yes, providers recommend patients wear compression garments after their procedure. These garments help control swelling, support healing, and improve surgical results. Patients usually wear them for several months.
Yes, we strongly recommend manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) after lipedema surgery in Tuscon. The lymphatic system moves toxins, otherwise known as lymph, through the body for processing. When this process becomes interrupted, it can result in swelling in the arms, legs, ankles, and more, MLD pushes lymph from the tissue to reduce swelling and support healing.
Coverage varies. Some insurers recognize lipedema as a medical condition, while others consider surgery cosmetic. Documentation and medical necessity letters are often required.
After your surgery, your provider will give you aftercare instructions to promote effective healing. These will likely include:
- Staying well hydrated
- Wearing compression garments as instructed.
- Walking regularly to reduce blood clot risk.
- Attending MLD sessions.
Follow all post-op instructions closely for the best possible results.
