Lipedema is the abnormal accumulation of subcutaneous fat in the body. It can cause social embarrassment, difficulty walking, and can even be painful. Whilst obesity can also cause fatty accumulation, lipedema predominantly affects only the buttocks and the legs, with the rest of the body being of normal size. It is refractory to exercise and diet, and affects only women, with incidences reported at up to 11%. Physiological lymphedema techniques are ineffective for pure lipedema, which usually requires liposuction or excisional techniques to treat. However, in some cases, both conditions can co-exist. See a specialist plastic surgeon who is trained in these techniques and he can advise you accordingly.
The short answer is yes. Lymphedema surgery does not treat 100% of the condition, therefore it is always recommended to continue your lymphedema maintenance and garments post-operatively. However, there are some patients who, after a while, find that they no longer need their pressure garments.
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