Lipedema surgery safely removes the excess fat while protecting the important lymphatic channels to prevent the possibility of lymphedema. Marcia Byrd, M.D.’s integrated system for lipedema treatment combines effective therapy and her unique lymphatic sparing liposuction surgery to provide the best results for patients suffering from lipedema. The lipedema surgery safely removes the excess fat while protecting the important lymphatic channels to prevent the possibility of lymphedema.

Types of Liposuction Used:

At the Byrd Lipedema Surgery Center, we create an individualized treatment strategy for each of our patients. We have performed well over 2,000 Lipedema surgeries with localized anesthetic using the latest lymph-sparing WAL (Water-Jet Assisted Liposuction) and PAL (Power-Assisted Liposuction) techniques.

Water-jet assisted liposuction (WAL) for lipedema is an excellent choice. WAL uses a fan-shaped jet of water to more gently remove the pathologic fat cells which cause lipedema patients so much trouble. This can produce less bruising and quicker healing.

Power- Assisted Liposuction (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. Dr. Byrd 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.

Does Insurance Pay for Lipedema Surgery?

Insurance companies now are much better at approving some patients. Until recently, they did not approve at all, and considered it a cosmetic procedure. Dr. Byrd says, “There are two insurance companies that have been accepting coverage for Lipedema surgery and that is Blue Cross and Aetna. However, it is important to know, the patient must go through a protocol prior to surgery so they can meet the requirements of being approved.” The most important part is to get pre-qualification from the insurance prior to having surgery.

Aetna has covered lymph sparing liposuction for patients with lipedema before and now they have an updated policy which makes it more likely that they will cover it in the future but there always be restrictions. To read more about Aetna insurance for lipedema surgery read this clinical policy bulletin.

How Many Surgeries Will You Need?

Most patients require between 1 and 4 surgeries. The number of surgeries needed is determined by the patient’s own body and the amount of excess fat that needs removal. The number of surgeries and the types of surgeries also depends on which stage of lipedema you are, and your size. If you’re an earlier stage at a smaller size, you might only need 1–2 surgeries, and If you’re a later stage and are bigger, however, you’ll likely need more surgeries and might also need skin removal.

Local Anesthesia Used for Lipedema Surgery

Dr. Byrd prefers to use local anesthesia for her lipedema surgeries. Her surgical suite is located within Byrd Lipedema Surgery Center in Roswell, Georgia. Dr. Byrd’s training and experience give her the maximum flexibility in determining the most appropriate course of treatment for each and every patient. Most patients can have their procedure performed safely with local anesthesia.