According to the Obesity Action Coalition, it is thought that lipedema affects around 11% of the female population at least – the real figures could be higher. Estimates place the number of people in the US living with lipedema between 11 million and 17 million, for both men and women combined.
Those afflicted with this condition will know the pain and emotional turmoil the condition can bring. Often mistaken for obesity, weight loss treatments don’t impact lipedema, and the fat buildup creates a significant disproportion in a person’s body. It can affect even the smallest movements and every aspect of a person’s life.
It makes sense that those living with this condition will seek treatment to help them overcome this condition and restore their quality of life.
But who should you trust with your lipedema removal? In this post, we’re going to look at 7 providers who can work with you to get the results you need so you can go back to living your life lipedema-free.
Dr Bravo Plastic Surgery – Best for Combining Excellence with Travel
At Dr Bravo Plastic Surgery, Dr Bravo is an expert and highly renowned in his field. He practices out of Elyzee Hospital in Abu Dhabi and delivers a high level of care and standards.
Dr Bravo is affiliated with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons as well as other international boards, and he is a Spanish board-certified plastic surgeon.
The focus is on delivering expert care that goes far beyond a cosmetic procedure; it’s an intervention in your health that improves daily living.
The surgical treatment offered is tailored to each patient to deliver the best results using lymphatic sparing techniques such as Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL). This method targets the affected areas while also preserving lymphatic structures.
When meeting with patients, Dr Bravo makes it his priority to uncover what each patient is about to help him unlock the right course of treatment moving forward, and by meeting every patient at their level, he can use his skills and expertise to deliver exceptional results you can’t attain with a one-size-fits-all approach.
The Roxbury Institute – Best for Pioneering Treatment
Dr. David Amron has fast become one of the best-known names in the US for lipedema. Such is his success and passion that he created his own approach called the Advanced Lipedema Treatment (ALT) system. This method is designed to protect the lymphatic system while reducing the fat deposits that make the condition so painful and limiting.
Based in Beverly Hills, Dr. Amron’s patients travel far and wide thanks to his focus on innovation and track record of results. The idea behind the ALT system is that surgeons aren’t just treating a condition; they’re treating a person.
It’s more than just “lipo”; it’s a complete restoration for the patient to improve results and outcomes.
Lipodema Center of Excellence – Best for Comprehensive Care
Dr Solomon Azouz runs the Lipedema Center of Excellence in Dallas, Texas. It’s here that he blends diagnostic conservative care with surgery into a complete program. It’s not a case of operating on the lipedema, it’s about taking on the condition as a whole.
Patients can expect conservative treatment options, such as compression and lymphatic drainage, to be considered first before surgery is an option.
Starting with an extensive consultation and diagnosis, the treatment will be recommended based on your circumstances, and it can include nutritional counseling, lymphatic sparing liposuction surgery, manual lymphatic drainage, compression decongestive therapy, and more.
If you want an approach that is more than just surgery, with Dr Azouz, you can expect cutting-edge diagnostics and tailored treatment programs.
Hagopain Plastic Surgery – Best for Lymphatic Sparing Surgery
Based in Atlanta, Dr. Thomas Hagopian at Hagopian Plastic Surgery has a specific technique he uses specifically for lipedema patients, not just cosmetic fat removal. The aim is to protect the lymphatic system while delivering results that benefit the patient’s lifestyle.
Dr Hapogian ensures that each treatment plan is developed with the needs of the patient in mind and helps you understand what the process means for you, whether it requires one surgery, 2, or even 4, to get the desired results.
The emphasis is on understanding the difference between cosmetic liposuction and the medical treatments of lipedema, so everyone has realistic expectations of the results and life after surgery.
Larson Plastic Surgery – Best for Communication
One of the top-rated Lipedema surgeons in the country, Dr Larson offers a safe and highly effective treatment plan for patients spanning 12-18 months. His approach is to use a multi-modal plan involving both liposuction and skin excision to deliver results in fewer treatments. The exact treatment plan depends on whether you have lipedema or your current stage, with earlier stages requiring fewer operations.
At Larson Plastic Surgery, the emphasis is on patient care, meaning that the team is dedicated to delivering care and support uniquely to each patient to complete the treatment journey.
Granzow Lymphedema & Lipedema Center – Best for Integrating Lymph and Fat Care
Dr Jay Granzow is based out of Jacksonville, Florida, and his background in lymphedema allows him to offer a slightly different perspective as he has a more in-depth understanding of swelling fluid balance and lymphatic function, all of which intertwine with lipedema.
Using advanced techniques, surgery, and treatment options, Dr Granzow has developed the Granzow System and was the first truly successful integrated system of surgery and therapy for lymphedema.
Lipedema Medical Solutions – Best for Research-Driven Care
Dr Thomas Wright is well known for combining surgical lipedema reduction with a vast knowledge in venous and lymphatic medicine. Among the first 200 surgeons to achieve diplomate status from the American Board of Phlebology, he is recognized within his field, and his commitment to research and lymph-sparing techniques ensures he delivers outstanding results for each and every patient. If you’re after a surgeon who is committed to only delivering the best and latest care that is backed by research, Dr Thomas is often a top pick for many lipedema patients.
Final Words
Lipedema can be a life-altering condition and one that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise to remove the fat buildup. Understanding the care and treatment process allows you to uncover the right surgeon for your needs to help remove the painful fat deposits and improve your quality of life. Not all surgeons offer the same approach as this post demonstrates, but these 7 names are ones you should know in your journey.
