Lipedema is a chronic condition primarily affecting women, characterized by the abnormal accumulation of fat in the legs and arms. Unlike obesity, where fat is distributed evenly, lipedema fat is disproportionate, often painful, and can lead to heaviness and sensitivity in the affected areas. Understanding this distinction allows us to provide compassionate and effective care tailored to your unique needs, ensuring a comprehensive approach to managing your health.

While there's no definitive cure for lipedema, you can change how lipedema affects your life. Our focus is on significantly managing and alleviating symptoms through personalized treatment plans. These plans include lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, exercise, dietary counseling, and, when necessary, surgical interventions. Our holistic approach aims to improve your quality of life, helping you feel better and more empowered on your journey to wellness.

Lipedema primarily manifests as disproportionate fat accumulation in the lower and upper extremities, causing pain, heaviness, and sensitivity. Patients often experience easy bruising and mobility limitations. By recognizing these symptoms, we can provide targeted treatments that support your active lifestyle and enhance your overall well-being.

Diagnosing lipedema involves a detailed physical examination and an assessment of your medical history. Key indicators include increased limb volume, pain, heaviness, and a family history of lipedema. Additional tests, such as ultrasound, help us evaluate the severity and ensure a precise diagnosis. Our thorough approach ensures you receive the best possible care tailored to your needs.

Our treatment options include: Conservative treatments - Regular lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, physiotherapy, exercise, dietary counseling, and mental health therapy to address depression and low self-esteem are essential components of managing lipedema. Surgical treatments - Water-assisted liposuction is used for advanced cases to remove accumulated fatty tissue. Each plan is tailored to your unique needs, aiming for the best possible outcomes and a better quality of life. Learn more about our treatment process here.

Insurance coverage for lipedema treatment varies by provider and policy. We recommend reviewing your policy's terms and conditions and discussing with your insurer. Some providers, like UnitedHealthcare, offer coverage under specific criteria. Our team is here to help you navigate these requirements, ensuring you receive the necessary care and support.

Lifestyle changes play a crucial role in managing lipedema symptoms and preventing progression. A balanced diet can reduce inflammation, and low-impact exercises like swimming and yoga improve mobility and manage pain. Regular use of compression garments and lymphatic drainage massages further aid in reducing swelling and enhancing your overall well-being.

Surgical treatments, like water-assisted liposuction, carry risks such as lymphatic system injury, infections, contour deformities, and changes in skin sensitivity. We discuss these risks with you, ensuring you are fully informed and comfortable with your treatment plan. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities, and we take every precaution to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Recovery typically ranges from 3 to 6 weeks. Initially, you may experience pain, swelling, and bruising. Most patients can resume light activities within two weeks, but intense physical efforts should be avoided for at least a month. We provide comprehensive postoperative care, including the use of compression garments and physical therapy, to support your recovery and ensure optimal results.

Long-term management of lipedema involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle to prevent recurrence. This includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and the ongoing use of compression garments. Our team offers continuous support and follow-up care to help you manage symptoms and maintain the benefits of your treatment, empowering you to live a fuller, healthier life. Regular monitoring and adjustments to your treatment plan are essential to ensure lasting success and well-being.

Living with lipedema can significantly impact mental health, leading to feelings of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. The physical symptoms, such as pain and mobility limitations, combined with the emotional burden, can be overwhelming. Our holistic treatment approach includes mental health support to address these challenges. We offer counseling and therapy to help you manage the emotional aspects of lipedema, empowering you to improve your mental well-being and overall quality of life.