Lipedema Treatment

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Newport Beach, Upland and Ontario, CA

Lipedema Treatment Dr. Azra Ashraf Dr. Azra Ashraf

Lipedema treatment is a means by which patients can manage their lipedema symptoms to improve their quality of life. What many individuals may not know is that insurance may cover lipedema treatments in some cases. If lipedema is affecting your quality of life, your insurance may cover medically necessary treatments to address it.

Millions of Americans struggle with lipedema, a chronic condition that affects approximately 11% of women (1) and is characterized by fluid build-up in the lower body, typically the legs, hips, and/or arms that does not reach the feet, creating what is colloquially known as a “tree trunk” appearance in the legs. The condition is often mistaken for weight gain due to the appearance caused by fluid retention. Liposuction is one treatment option that has helped thousands of patients manage the condition.

Dr. Azra Ashraf is a double-board-certified plastic surgeon and one of the only female physicians performing lipedema treatments in Southern California. At Panache Plastic Surgery, she has helped many patients improve their lipedema with innovative treatments. She champions patient education in regards to their treatment options and how to navigate the insurance process.

Contact our office online or call to learn more:

About Lipedema Treatment Covered by Insurance

Lipedema treatments can improve your quality of life by addressing excess fluid that causes pain and affects your ability to participate in exercise. Some patients with the condition struggle to fit into their clothing, they feel uncomfortable when touched, and their skin bruises easily. Although the exact cause of lipedema is unknown, it has been thought to have genetic origins and is linked to the hormonal changes that come with puberty, pregnancy, and/or menopause. Lipedema treatments can rebalance your body proportions, improve your quality of life, and restore your confidence in your appearance.

Stages of Lipedema

There are three main stages of lipedema:

  • Mild: We can address mild fluid retention affecting your figure so you can enjoy a slimmer appearance and improve your mobility.
  • Moderate: If you have fluid build-up in addition to sensitivity to the touch, we can address it with lipedema treatments. Some patients also experience a cold sensation or numbness and fatty nodules that look like cellulite, which is typically a sign that the condition is progressing.
  • Severe: If excess fat and fluid build-up is affecting your mobility or you are experiencing chronic pain, treatment can improve your ability to participate in daily activities, including work. Approximately 49% of individuals suffer from work-related issues due to the condition. (2)

Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for a lipedema treatment procedure that is covered by insurance. The best way to find out if your lipedema treatment could be covered by insurance is to attend a personal consultation at our office, where Dr. Ashraf can walk you through each step of the process.

Liposuction for Lipedema

Liposuction is considered to be a viable treatment option for all three stages of lipedema. Although liposuction cannot cure lipedema, as there is no current cure for the condition, it can provide lasting relief by reducing fluid and excess fat in the affected areas with gentle suction that preserves the surrounding tissue. Dr. Ashraf can address multiple areas of the body for a smoother, healthier appearance. Dr. Ashraf specializes in awake liposuction, a treatment that only requires local anesthesia and oral sedation to minimize downtime. Dr. Ashraf can discuss the most effective treatment option for your lipedema during your consultation.

Lipedema Treatment Benefits

After a lipedema treatment, you can enjoy feeling more comfortable in your body with balanced proportions. Many patients find that their mobility improves, and after treatment, they can enjoy several benefits:

  • Less discomfort
  • Reduced sensitivity
  • Smoother skin
  • Enhanced self-esteem
  • Slimmer, contoured figure
  • Improved mobility

Candidates & Consultation

Suitable candidates for lipedema treatments are typically nonsmokers who lead a healthy lifestyle and would like to address fluid retention and/or excess fat in the arms and/or lower body. Candidates should not have any pre-existing conditions that could affect their ability to heal.

During your consultation, we will ask about your medical history, medications, and lifestyle to determine the most effective treatment plan for you. If you have additional goals, Dr. Ashraf can recommend relevant treatments to help you achieve them.

Preparation

To prepare, you will need to:

  • Stop smoking temporarily (if applicable)
  • Stop taking blood-thinning medications and supplements 1-2 weeks before
  • Arrange for time off work
  • Ask a trusted adult to drive you home

During your consultation, Dr. Ashraf can provide specific instructions to help you prepare based on your specific treatment plan. Schedule a consultation to learn more about how lipedema treatments can improve your quality of life!

Treatment Process

During a lipedema treatment, we will cleanse your skin, and Dr. Ashraf will mark it for surgery. She will then make a thin incision in the treatment area. The incision is typically only 1.5 cm long. Dr. Ashraf will administer tumescent fluid–a combination of saline, epinephrine, and lidocaine–to the treatment area, causing the fat cells to swell for easier removal. Next, she will use the cannula to remove fluid and fat from the affected areas for a smoother appearance and improved comfort.

Liposuction vs Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT)

Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is a treatment that reduces excess fluid with massage techniques. Although CDT treatments are not as long-lasting as liposuction treatments, they can be used to address fluid retention for a smoother appearance. Patients may need multiple appointments of CDT to achieve results. Some patients choose to combine liposuction treatments with CDT to maintain their results for longer. If you are interested in CDT, Dr. Ashraf may be able to refer you to a specialist.

Recovery

You can return home to recover after a monitoring period following your liposuction procedure. You may need someone to care for you for the first 24-48 hours. You can take light walks during the first 24-48 hours after your treatment to stimulate blood flow, but you should avoid strenuous activities. Throughout your recovery, you should continue to wear your compression garments as directed to help your body heal. After the first few weeks, any swelling and/or bruising should significantly subside.

Results

Lipedema Treatment Dr. Azra Ashraf Dr. Azra Ashraf

After lipedema treatments, you can enjoy lasting relief and improved mobility. Addressing the excess fat and fluid with liposuction can also reduce pain and sensitivity. However, lipedema is a chronic condition, and the excess fluid and/or fat may return over time. There is no current cure for lipedema, but Dr. Ashraf is dedicated to helping patients improve their quality of life with the most effective treatment options available.

Cost of Lipedema Treatment in Newport Beach and Ontario, CA

If you are experiencing pain or mobility issues from lipedema or your primary care physician determines that lipedema treatment is medically necessary for you, you may be eligible for insurance coverage. Our office staff can help you navigate your options.

Contact our office or call to learn more about how lipedema treatments can significantly improve your quality of life for long-lasting results:

FAQ

Is lipedema the same as obesity or lymphedema?

No, however, lipedema is often mistaken for obesity. If you have excess fluid and painful fatty nodules that are affecting your quality of life, lipedema treatments can help you find relief.

Will lipedema go away on its own without treatment?

No, lipedema is a chronic condition that does not respond to diet or exercise. However, liposuction is an effective treatment that has helped thousands of patients find lasting relief. There is no current cure for lipedema.

Will I need more than one lipedema treatment?

Since lipedema is a chronic condition, you will likely need more than one treatment. We can help you address fluid build-up with a few appointments throughout the year.

Can you perform liposuction on multiple areas of the body?

Yes, we can sculpt multiple areas for a slimmer figure, depending on your aesthetic goals.

How long will it take to see the results of a lipedema treatment with liposuction?

You can enjoy the full results of the treatment 4-6 months later, and we can help you maintain your results with touch-up appointments.

How often will I need lipedema liposuction treatments to maintain my results?

This depends on your specific treatment plan and the stage of lipedema you have. We can discuss the most effective treatment plan for your needs during your consultation.

References

  1. Christoffersen, Vilde, and Merete Kolberg Tennfjord. “Younger Women with Lipedema, Their Experiences with Healthcare Providers, and the Importance of Social Support and Belonging: A Qualitative Study.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 20, no. 3, 20 Jan. 2023, p. 1925, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20031925.
  2. Matthias Hamatschek, et al. “Characteristics and Patient Reported Outcome Measures in Lipedema Patients—Establishing a Baseline for Treatment Evaluation in a High-Volume Center.” Journal of Clinical Medicine, vol. 11, no. 10, 17 May 2022, pp. 2836–2836, https://doi.org/10.3390/j cm11102836. Accessed 12 Sept. 2023.