While customized surgical combinations such as “Mommy Makeovers” are often associated with cosmetic goals, these same procedures adapted for patients with lipedema-related functional impairment can provide significant health benefits.
Advanced Lipedema Treatment at The Roxbury Institute has developed a highly specialized surgical protocol that addresses both the cosmetic and functional challenges of this progressive fat disorder. For patients in the later stages of lipedema, the combination of strategic liposuction and abdominoplasty can significantly reduce pain, restore mobility, and improve overall quality of life—while also offering the added benefit of more balanced and contoured body proportions.
Lipedema is a chronic condition characterized by abnormal fat accumulation, most commonly in the legs, resulting in a column-like appearance and often sparing the feet. In more advanced cases, the arms and abdomen may also be affected. When fat builds up in the abdominal region, it can place additional pressure on the spine, compromise posture, and weaken the core. Over time, this can lead to low back pain, instability, and difficulty with everyday movements such as standing, walking, or climbing stairs. For patients already dealing with lipedema in the lower extremities, the added weight from the abdomen can exacerbate symptoms in the legs—intensifying pain, swelling, and joint stress, and further limiting mobility. Additionally, lipedema-related inflammation and tissue fibrosis can impair abdominal wall function.
At Advanced Lipedema Treatment, liposuction is performed using advanced techniques to remove fibrotic, diseased fat while preserving lymphatic and vascular structures. When combined with abdominoplasty—commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, this approach not only removes excess skin and fat but also tightens weakened abdominal muscles and restores core strength. By reducing the weight carried in the midsection, an abdominoplasty may also help ease pressure on the lower body, leading to improved balance and mobility.
This dual-procedure strategy represents a comprehensive response to the medical and emotional toll of lipedema, giving patients the opportunity to reclaim their health, confidence, and quality of life.
How to Know if Lipedema Has Affected the Abdomen
While lipedema most commonly begins in the lower body—particularly the hips, thighs, and legs—it can progress over time to include the upper arms and abdomen. Identifying lipedema in the abdominal region can be more challenging, especially when it coexists with general weight gain or hormonal changes. However, there are key indicators that may suggest lipedema has advanced to this area.
Patients with abdominal involvement often report a distinct heaviness or fullness in the midsection that feels disproportionate to their overall body weight. The fat in this area may feel nodular, thickened, or unusually tender to the touch. Unlike typical fat accumulation, lipedema fat is resistant to diet and exercise, and may become increasingly fibrotic over time. Some individuals may also notice a shelf-like overhang of tissue, known as a pannus, that contributes to discomfort, hygiene issues, or postural imbalance.
Other signs of progression may include:
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms—especially in combination with diagnosed or suspected lipedema in other areas—it may be time to consult with a lipedema specialist. A thorough evaluation can help determine whether your abdominal region has been affected and whether a combination approach, such as liposuction and abdominoplasty, could offer both medical and quality-of-life benefits.
Lipedema Treatment with the ALT 360° Method: How Liposuction and Abdominoplasty Can Restore Function and Comfort
At Advanced Lipedema Treatment by The Roxbury Institute, patients requiring surgical intervention are treated using Dr. David Amron’s signature ALT Method, a comprehensive, multidisciplinary program developed specifically to address the complex nature of lipedema. Offered at state-of-the-art surgical centers in Beverly Hills and Salt Lake City, The Advanced Lipedema Treatment (ALT) Program is globally recognized for its individualized care, advanced surgical protocols, and emphasis on restoring function and improving quality of life.
Advanced Lipedema Treatment’s 360° approach is built on the understanding that lipedema is not just a cosmetic issue, but a medical condition that impacts the lymphatic system, joints, skin integrity, and overall mobility. Each patient undergoes a detailed medical evaluation, including symptom analysis, diagnostic imaging, lab testing, and a full consultation with a team of lipedema specialists. Treatment plans are never one-size-fits-all, they are designed to reflect each patient’s symptoms, stage of disease, and overall health goals.
Our team includes plastic and reconstructive surgeons who specialize in treating lipedema. With extensive experience in the unique tissue characteristics and surgical challenges presented by this condition, these specialists work closely with Dr. Amron to ensure each patient receives care that is both functionally effective and anatomically precise.
Management may include:
For patients who require surgical treatment as part of their plan, Dr. Amron performs lymphatic-sparing liposuction using tumescent anesthesia—a technique that ensures safety and comfort without the risks of general anesthesia. His signature liposculpture method begins by precisely targeting fibrotic, diseased fat. This is followed by water-assisted or VASER-assisted liposuction to emulsify fat and release granular fibrosis. Once the diseased fat is removed, Dr. Amron reshapes the tissue to support mobility, function, and natural body mechanics. Radiofrequency-based skin tightening can be used as a final step to stimulate collagen production and enhance skin support.
For patients whose lipedema has progressed to the abdomen, abdominoplasty—commonly known as a tummy tuck—may be a vital part of their treatment plan. Abdominal involvement can impair core stability, posture, and balance while increasing pressure on the legs. A tummy tuck removes excess skin, fat, and tissue from the abdomen and tightens the underlying muscles, relieving strain on the lower body and improving overall movement and function.
When integrated into the ALT Method, abdominoplasty serves not only as a corrective measure but as a key component in restoring structural support and improving long-term function. In select cases, it complements lymphatic-sparing liposuction by addressing abdominal wall laxity and residual tissue burden that may continue to impact posture, core strength, and mobility. The goal is not simply to remove tissue, but to reestablish core integrity, reduce physical strain, and help patients move more freely and comfortably in daily life.
Not all patients with lipedema require abdominoplasty as part of their treatment. However, for those who carry excess fat, tissue, or skin in the midsection—especially when it contributes to instability, postural problems, or added strain on the legs—this procedure can be an essential part of restoring comfort and function.
During your comprehensive consultation at Advanced Lipedema Treatment, your symptoms, body structure, and overall health will be carefully evaluated to determine whether abdominoplasty should be included in your surgical plan. The decision is based on a range of clinical factors and is always personalized to meet your specific medical and mobility needs.
Recovery from abdominoplasty combined with lymphatic-sparing liposuction is managed with a focus on comfort, safety, and optimal results. Most patients can expect an initial healing period of 2 to 4 weeks, during which light walking is encouraged, and compression garments are worn to support recovery and reduce swelling. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is often recommended to promote fluid movement and aid in healing.
Improvements in core stability, mobility, and reduced strain on the legs may begin within weeks, with continued benefits developing over the following months. Final results, including improved posture, strength, and range of movement, typically become more noticeable between 6 to 12 months after surgery.
When lipedema affects the midsection, it can impact far more than appearance—it may interfere with posture, strain the lower back, and add pressure to the legs. For patients in this stage, abdominoplasty is sometimes recommended not for aesthetics, but as a way to restore strength, reduce discomfort, and improve daily function.
At Advanced Lipedema Treatment by The Roxbury Institute, the focus is always on long-term wellness. If you're exploring next steps in your care, a consultation with our team can provide clarity, guidance, and a personalized plan built around your unique needs and goals.
Schedule a consultation today to find out whether abdominoplasty may be a supportive addition to your lipedema treatment plan.
