Lipedema Surgery Turkey & UK

Do I Have Lipedema?

If you have one or more of these common symptoms you may have Lipedema:

• Large stove-pipe shaped legs
• Fat cuffs around ankles
• Upper body much smaller that lower body
• Swollen legs that bruise easily
• Legs that are painful to touch
• Lumpy tissue that looks like cellulite
• Excess tissue gathered around knees and on inner thighs
• Fat size doesn’t reduce with diet or exercise
• Changes in skin

What Causes Lipedema?

Though the disease was first identified in 1940, the exact cause is
still being studied. What we know is Lipedema often begins with
hormonal shifts during puberty, pregnancy or menopause. Heredity
a may also play a role. The disease is rarely found in men.

Will Dieting Reduce Lipedema?

Unlike the fat of common obesity, Lipedemic fat cannot be reduced by diet or exercise alone. It’s found in 11% of women worldwide and affects both underweight and overweight woman alike.

What Happens if Lipedema is not Surgically Treated?

Lipedemic Liposuction is not a cosmetic procedure but a medically necessary procedure to relieve pain and halt the progression of the disease. If not removed, Lipedemic fat continues to collect in the lower limbs and eventually accumulates in the upper arms and torso. As Lipedema progresses, pain and swelling increase, mobility declines, and blood circulation and lymphatic functions are compromised.

What is the Difference Between Lipedema and Lymphedema?

While it is possible to have both Lipedema and Lymphedema, the two diseases differ in these ways:

• Lipedema does not cause swelling in the hands or feet.
• Lipedema affects both sides of the body equally.
• Lymphedema presents with one limb noticeably larger than they other.
• Lipedema tissue is soft and buttery — Lymphedema tissue is hard.
• Lymphedema presents with pitting edema — Lipedema does not.

Lipedema Surgery with Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)

Because it can be difficult to move a cannula (the liposuction tube used to remove fat), back and forth through fat tissue, surgeons are not always able to effectively remove all unwanted fat. Power Assisted Liposuction features devices that are easier for surgeons to control, allowing for more precise and thorough fat removal. These devices produce rapid, small vibrations to break up fat so that it can easily be suctioned out through the cannula.

PAL is performed using a special cannula which uses tiny, rapid vibrations to break up fat cells so that they can be suctioned out of the body. Doctors can remove more fat in a shorter period of time, which leads to enhanced results, a safer procedure, and faster recovery. PAL is performed using the tumescent liposuction technique, in which an anesthetic liquid is injected into the treatment area for smooth fat transfer through the cannula and out of the body.

Vibrating Cannula

In PAL the tip of the cannula, the tube used to extract fat from the body, vibrates rapidly. This vibration actually makes liposuction gentler on the body’s tissues because it loosens fat cells and allows them to be easily suctioned away. This specialized cannula allows for smaller incisions and reduced recovery time compared with other liposuction techniques. The vibrating tip used in PAL allows for safer liposuction because of its small, precise motions. Surgeons can target specific areas without damaging surrounding tissue.

PAL Benefits

Doctors do not need to use as much force during a power assisted liposuction because the vibrating cannula helps release fat cells from the body. In a study led by the Department of Dermatology at Tulane University Health Sciences Center, researchers found that 30 percent more fat was removed with PAL than with manual liposuction, while bruising and recovery time were significantly reduced. This makes PAL useful for treating areas that are notoriously difficult to sculpt, including the inner thighs, belly button area, and male breasts. Because the power assisted liposuction procedure takes less time to perform than manual liposuction, patients are less susceptible to complications and safety risks. Patients report many long-term benefits of fat removal with liposuction.

After Lipedema Surgery

Dr. Aktas has devised a specific postoperative care plan for each patient who undergoes surgery at his practice. Directly after the operation, patients are drained on the table to remove excess fluid and are placed in custom-made compression garments. Patients are advised to wear the compression garments 24 hours a day for two weeks after their surgery, followed by an additional two weeks wearing the garments, but for 12 hours a day.

Directly following surgery, patients will be up and walking within 15-30 minutes, and will leave the surgical center in the care of a family member or nurse. Patients are instructed to take it easy on the day of surgery, and are encouraged to resume a normal diet, and drink one glass of water every hour on the day of their surgery.

The following day, Dr. Aktas recommends patients take a 1-2 mile walk to help drain out any fluid remaining in the muscles. This also helps mobilize fluid from the tissues.

Bandaging After Lipedema Surgery

Patients with stage one lipedema require little to no bandaging; however, patients with stages two, three or four lipedema will have their feet and legs bandaged immediately after surgery.

Lipedema vs Lymphedema Surgeon

Resat Aktas M.D. is an internationally acclaimed surgeon. While she is very knowledgeable on the Lymphedema disease, she has decided to focus strictly on Lipedema surgery. He has developed a surgical technique for treating Lipedema that has been hugely successful in relieving the pain and removing the lipedema fat.

What Should I Expect From Lipedema Surgery?

Patients will discuss their procedure in detail with their cosmetic surgery before the surgery. For example, a consultation with Dr Aktas or one of his associates could envelop discussing your general health, more information about the procedure itself as well as an evaluation of the problem. You will also be required to sign a consent form before the procedure can take place, this ensures you understand the procedure as well as the associated risks.

Once the surgery has taken place, patients will need to take some time to recover. During your recovery, you will receive special guidelines from The Dr Aktas Clinic, giving you more information about post-operative recovery and care. You will also be required to attend a follow-up appointment; this ensures your cosmetic surgery can check on your progress and look for any signs of complications.

How Long Is The Recovery Time For Lipedema Surgery?

This varies from patient to patient. Some patients can return to their regular activities quickly, while others need more time. Please refer to the guidelines provided by The Dr Aktas Clinic to ensure your recovery goes smoothly.