Lipedema

Lipedema, also known as lipoedema, is an often poorly understood condition. It is estimated to exist in up to 11% of women, with an estimated 17 million women in the United States and 370 million women affected worldwide. In lipedema, pathologic fat accumulates in legs and arms and can be very painful and debilitating.

Dr. Granzow is an internationally acclaimed surgeon. He developed the Lipisuction® technique specifically to safely and effectively treat the pain and fat present in lipedema.

Unfortunately, effective November 1, 2024, we are no longer accepting new lipedema patients.

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Facts About Lipisuction® Surgery:

  • Proven safety, effectiveness, and results
  • Performed by Dr. Granzow, who is a fully Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
  • The option of local or general anesthesia provides more comfort and more flexibility
  • Fewer surgeries possible, which means less recovery and less down time
  • Options include WAL (water-jet assisted liposuction) or Nutational Infrasonic Liposculpture
  • Lipedema therapy is included with treatment for best results
  • Preserves the delicate lymphatics to prevent lymphedema
  • Option of surgery in hospital for even greater safety
  • Most effective treatment known

Fully Trained and Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

For plastic surgery procedures, such as liposuction, why wouldn’t you go to someone who has been fully trained and Board Certified in Plastic Surgery?

Only fully trained and Board Certified Plastic Surgeons who are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgery may display the special ASPS symbol:

Regardless of any claims or advertising, any doctor’s true Board Certification can easily be verified through the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).

Top 10 Things to Ask Your Lipedema Surgeon

  1. Why should I work with a board certified plastic surgeon? ABMS Board Certification
  2. Are there advantages to having lipedema surgery at a hospital or an ambulatory surgery center (ASC)?
  3. If I am in the early stage of lipedema, will I still need surgical treatment?
  4. What factors would cause greater risk for lipedema to come back after surgical intervention or treatment?
  5. Is it important for a lipedema surgeon to have advanced knowledge about the lymphatic system?
  6. How do you determine which medical equipment is right for my lipedema surgery?
  7. What are the advantages of having lipedema surgery in the hospital under general anesthesia versus awake using tumescent?
  8. Which type of therapy is recommended after lipedema surgery and are there physical therapists that are lipedema certified?
  9. Will insurance pay for my lipedema surgery?
  10. Does your office help me navigate through insurance and obtain insurance coverage?

How Often Does Laser Liposuction Cause Lymphedema?

We have seen several patients, and have heard of many more, who have experienced new lymphedema after having had laser liposuction performed elsewhere. Usually marketed for tightening loose skin after liposuction, the lasers used may actually burn and damage the delicate lymphatics. Laser liposuction vendors such as SmartLipo have gone by varying descriptions such as “laser lipolysis”. Dr. Granzow does not recommend laser liposuction for lipedema patients.

Tell Me More About Lipedema

The cause of lipedema is currently unknown. Exacerbations of lipedema occur typically during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. Some lipedema patients inherit this disorder from their family, while other patients develop this disorder after surgery or trauma. Lipedema patients have a difficult time managing the size of their affected areas even with exercise, weight loss, physical therapy or bariatric surgery. In short, unlike other fat, the pathologic fat in lipedema patients responds poorly to standard weight loss.

In lipedema patients, fat distributes differently than other, normal fat. Lipedema fatty accumulations often resemble tumors and can be quite painful to the touch. The fat mainly deposits on the insides of the legs and knees, causing pain when the legs touch and rub together. This causes the legs to be pushed further and further out during walking, causing eventual damage to the knees and ankles, with significant wear on the insides of the feet and shoes. Lipedema symptoms can worsen over time.

Lipedema vs. Lymphedema

Some patients with lipedema develop lymphedema as well. Dr. Granzow’s extensive expertise in treating lymphedema is crucial in treating these patients. For patients who have both lipedema and lymphedema, a combination of the Granzow SystemSM program and Lipisuction® surgery provides the best treatment. He uses his extensive knowledge of lymphatic anatomy and careful mapping of the lymphatic channels to maximize protection of these vital structures.

To learn more about how lipedema therapy can help complement your lipedema treatment, contact Dr. Granzow for a consultation at our Center of Excellence.

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