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Surgical Management of Lipedema

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Lymphedema

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Abstract

Lipedema patients suffer from excess and hypertrophied adipose tissue, typically involving the lower trunk and extremities in a symmetric distribution. Surgical interventions for lipedema include liposuction and excisional procedures. These interventions, in combination with postoperative compression therapy, are helpful in managing the condition. The goal of surgical treatment is to debulk areas of excess adiposity, normalize gait, relieve pain and sensitivity to pressure, normalize body contour, and improve psychosocial well-being. Operative planning should take into account the volume and location of excess adipose tissue, the patients goals and expectations, the possible need for multiple procedures and patient safety.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Northwell Health System, Lake Success, NY, USA

    Mark L. Smith MD, FACS

  2. Department of Plastic Surgery, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA

    Bianca J. Molina

Authors
  1. Mark L. Smith MD, FACS
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  2. Bianca J. Molina
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mark L. Smith MD, FACS .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Center for the Lymphedema and Vascular Malformations, Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA

    Byung-Boong Lee

  2. Falk Cardiovascular Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA

    Stanley G. Rockson

  3. La Jolla, California, USA

    John Bergan

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Smith, M.L., Molina, B.J. (2018). Surgical Management of Lipedema. In: Lee, BB., Rockson, S., Bergan, J. (eds) Lymphedema. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-52423-8_57

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-52423-8_57

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-52421-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-52423-8

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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