Which Surgery Setting is Appropriate and Safe for Lipedema Reduction Surgery?

Let's clear up the confusion

Photo by Artur Tumasjan on Unsplash

Hi Everyone!

It will be overwhelming when you first start your quest for a surgeon. You’ll be thrown into a world of medicine and insurance which is confusing and, at times, contradictory. You’ll get bombarded with a ton of information. Unfortunately, some of that information will be false. Wrong info will cost you a lot of precious time and money, neither of which any of us have enough of.

When I started looking into surgeons and insurance, I spoke to many “experts” in the field about approaching my insurance for a successful preauthorization. Wow! Right off the bat, I realized these experts either didn’t know or didn’t want to divulge how medical procedures and insurance works.

Withholding info and misguiding people who need help irks the hell out of me.

One falsity I came across was that lipedema surgery must always be performed in the hospital, and you must stay overnight for monitoring. Any surgeon who performed Lipedema surgery outside of the hospital was unsafe.

This is not only false, but it goes against The Standard of Care for Lipedema.

When I first started my quest for a surgeon, I was told this A LOT in an attempt to persuade me towards particular surgeons who only work in a hospital setting. However, for Surgical Lipedema Specialists knowledgeable about debulking surgery and aftercare, it is safe and appropriate to perform lipedema reduction surgery in an outpatient setting.

According to The Standard of Care for Lipedema:

Lipedema reduction surgery can be safely accomplished in an outpatient setting

Consider overnight observation after surgery for significant comorbid medical illness or high-volume aspirate. ~Standard of Care for Lipedema

Don’t let anyone tell you that you MUST have your surgery and aftercare in a hospital. Hospitalization is an option, not a necessity. There are considerations for inpatient care, such as significant comorbidities or other higher-risk conditions. Overnight monitoring is also essential if the surgeon plans to take out a large volume of Lipedema. Discuss this with your surgeon to know which setting is right for you.

If you aren’t sure where the surgeon operates, ask them. If they always perform surgeries in their clinic, then ask under what conditions would they not perform surgery in an outpatient setting? If they perform surgeries inpatient (a hospital), ask them which hospital(s) they have privileges with (this is also essential info for insurance reimbursement).

Also, know that you don’t have to go to a surgeon who doesn’t operate in the setting you’re more comfortable with. Find a surgeon more in line with you. You may have to travel farther or wait longer for surgery, but you will be more content with your surgical plan. That peace of mind is extremely important.

Also know many surgeries are performed outpatient: Orthopedic surgeries such as hip and knee replacements, shoulder surgery (including replacements), several types of cardiac (heart) and venous procedures, gallbladder, hernia, and other abdominal surgeries, and some female pelvic and breast surgeries. These are also surgeries that may be performed inpatient at the surgeon's discretion.

Starting your quest for surgery involves many factors, so consider this when choosing your surgeon.

Take care!

Michelle

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