Treating Lipedema
Some of the primary goals of Lipedema treatment are to: Manage Inflammation, Reduce Fibrosis, Decrease Adipose Tissue, Improve Lymphatic Flow, Increase Mobility, Minimize Fatigue, Manage Pain, Prioritize Emotional and Mental Health, and Promote Overall Health. There are various cost-effective treatments that patients can do at home. Many of these treatments are demonstrated and discussed in the FDRS Self-Care playlist on YouTube.
This page contains extensive information about various Lipedema treatments and how to treat Lipedema. Use the links in this table of contents to navigate the page:
LF Lipedema Treatment Graphic
Lipedema Treatment Overview
While there is currently no cure for Lipedema, there are various care and Lipedema treatment options available that can effectively manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients. It is important to recognize that Lipedema affects each individual differently. Therefore, this resource aims to provide a wide range of treatment ideas that can be customized to meet patients' specific needs. LF has compiled numerous examples of treatments that have been shared by both patients and clinicians. Although the extensive list of treatment options may seem overwhelming, it is intended to demonstrate the diverse possibilities that can contribute to patient well-being.
It is recommended that patients work with their healthcare providers and start slowly by selecting one therapy and assessing its impact on their body, gradually incorporating additional options that align with their schedule and lifestyle. It is important to understand that not every treatment will be suitable for every patient. By starting slowly and incorporating one therapy at a time, a patient can discontinue a therapy quickly if it causes intolerable negative impacts. Many patients find that engaging in some form of treatment on a daily basis is a crucial factor in a successful treatment regimen.
Before starting or stopping any therapy or treatment, patients should consult with their healthcare provider. Individual medical needs and conditions vary, and certain treatments may have contraindications for individuals with Lipedema and/or other health conditions. Only a qualified healthcare professional can provide personalized recommendations and guidance. The information here should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
How to Treat Lipedema: LF Treatment Tables
What are the LF Treatment Tables?
LF has designed the Treatment Tables to enhance the comprehension and comparability of various Lipedema treatments utilized by patients and clinicians.
The three Treatment Tables below all include the same therapies, each organized a different way:
Sorted by Therapy
Sorted by Primary Intended Outcome
Sorted by Therapy Category
Additional information included in the Treatments Tables: Secondary Intended Outcomes, Relative Costs, Costs Breakdown, and Support needed after initial instruction from/consultation with an HCP.
How to best view the Treatment Tables
We recommend you view the Treatment Tables on a desktop or laptop. Click “View larger version” at the bottom right of each table.
Once you are viewing the tables in the larger version, you can filter, open and collapse categories, and view more of the columns and rows in a single screen view.
Therapy Cost and Insurance Coverage
The relative cost breakdowns described below are based on out-of-pocket costs. Some treatments may be covered by insurance; however, patients need to check with their individual insurance providers for verification of coverage and cost.
Please use the following key for Cost Breakdown (per month, without insurance): $ = $1-100; $$ = $101-500; $$$ = $500+; $$$$ = $1000+
Treatment Table: Sorted by Therapy
Treatment Table: Sorted by Primary Intended Outcome
Treatment Table: Sorted by Therapy Category
Conservative vs. Surgical Treatments
When considering treatments, keep in mind which are “conservative” meaning non-invasive, and which are invasive/surgical. In the US, many insurance plans require patients to attempt conservative treatments before they will consider coverage for invasive procedures.
Moreover, some surgeons will not operate unless a patient first establishes healthy routines with conservative treatments. Surgery may not correct the underlying issues, and patients will still need healthy conservative treatment habits after surgery.
-
Conservative treatments can be thought of as lifestyle changes (better nutrition and more moderate exercise), mechanical (MLD, compression garments and compression pumps), and supplements/medications. Treatments that are cheap and easy to start include deep breathing, dry brushing and walking.
Therapy
A proof-of-principle study published in 2022 by Donahue et. al found that patients with early stage Lipedema could benefit from physical therapy to manage leg pain and improve quality of life. Nine 60-minute therapy sessions spanned a total of 6 weeks and included manual therapy, tailored exercise guidance for a home program, education and compression needs. Post-therapy, pain and function had clinically significant improvements and sodium levels in the skin and SAT regions had reduced, indicating lower inflammation in the treated areas. See more from that study here.Seeing a therapist familiar with treating Lipedema, typically a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT), can be helpful. These professionals usually consist of physical therapists, occupational therapists, and licensed massage therapists, and have typically received Lipedema-specific training.
Nutrition
Research surrounding nutrition for Lipedema is still evolving, and there is not much data to support one particular diet. Some diets that have been utilized in the field include: paleo, keto, LCHF (low carb high fat), RAD (rare adipose disorder diet), and anti-inflammatory. As Lipedema tissue is typically resistant to caloric restriction; it is generally suggested to utilize diet to lower overall inflammation and alleviate symptoms.
For many who are trying new diets to support their health, it can be helpful to take note of which foods may aggravate or relieve symptoms.
The Lymphedema and Lipedema Nutrition Guide book is a resource that helps people identify practicable changes to eat healthier foods that can support people with Lipedema and Lymphedema.
Exercise
Exercise recommendations are usually: walking, aquatic exercise of any kind, Pilates, cycling, and yoga. The goals are to get the lymphatic system moving, take care of your joints if you are hypermobile, and build strength to help combat extra weight.
CLTs and other Lipedema-aware therapists can help develop a tailored exercise program designed to support patients with Lipedema.
Supplements
Certain vitamin and/or mineral deficiencies may present with Lipedema, and these deficiencies may warrant the use of supplements. Current research does not give a definitive answer on this subject. Patients should consult with a physician that can perform appropriate testing to assess the need for use of supplements and monitor use as needed.Keep in mind that supplements are not tested by the FDA so there limited data on safety and side effects. Most diuretics do not help alleviate the swelling of Lipedema.
Compression
Several recent studies have upheld compression as an effective non-surgical treatment modality. Both compression garments and pneumatic compression devices (pumps) can deliver benefits for quality of life and potential changes to body composition.
Compression garments should be tailored to the patient. There are many types, sizes, and strengths of compression garments and all of these factors will likely have an impact on how effective the garment is at reducing inflammation, pain, and swelling. For the best chance of finding appropriate compression garments, patients can work with an experienced therapist or compression fitter to ensure accurate fit.
-
Lipedema patients often seek surgery in order to alleviate pain, increase mobility, decrease joint stress, and improve their quality of life.The procedures most often considered for Lipedema patients include: Liposuction, vein surgery, knee and/or hip replacements, excisions of fat nodules, bariatric surgery to treat abdominal obesity*, and debulking/lifts/resections.
Whenever surgery is considered for Lipedema patients, the pre-op routine, surgical technique and post-op care should be very carefully tailored to the patient and the protocols can vary greatly by surgeon. Some surgeons advise their patients to develop healthy routines before surgery, especially incorporating healthy eating and exercise habits. Many surgeons and clinicians advise that surgeons should go to great lengths to avoid damaging shallow and deep lymphatics and vasculature in this patient group.
Venous procedures have not been found to effectively treat Lipedema symptoms. Be sure to ask your clinician for clarification if these procedures are being recommended, as well as information on non-invasive, conservative treatments.
Many insurance plans require a trial of conservative treatments prior to covering surgical procedures. Individual insurance plans vary, so it is important to contact your insurance provider to gather more information.
Notes on Liposuction
Not all doctors who perform liposuction know about working with Lipedema patients, and seeking out a doctor with demonstrated knowledge of Lipedema and Lipedema patients is important.
Realistic expectations should be set with patients receiving liposuction as to aesthetic outcomes, which may vary. Many surgeons place a focus on alleviating pain, preventing worsening progression, and improving gait and mobility.
Although a very small number of surgeons claim to be able to remove all Lipedema fat, thereby “curing” the patient, there is no way to know if that is truly the case because there is no way to definitively say all Lipedema fat is gone, or if the underlying problem was fixed.
Other Surgical Considerations
Post-op care often includes compression, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and light exercise like walking to stimulate lymphatic vessel pumping.
Surgery can sometimes have a significant mental health impact on patients. It is important to have realistic expectations about recovery and surgical goals.
Adherence to pre-op and post-op protocols is important, and setting healthy routines before surgery should be advised (eating well, MLD, compression).
The lymphatic system and lymphatic dysfunction can impact anesthesia.
It is important to do careful research prior to electing for surgery. Social media can be a useful tool to connect with other Lipedema patients who have shared their surgical experiences.
*While bariatric surgery has very limited (if any) effect on lipedematous tissue directly, non-lipedema fat and obesity can be reduced. Patients should be aware of this when they are considering which treatments to pursue.n text goes here
About the Lipedema Foundation
The Lipedema Foundation aims to define, diagnose and develop treatments for Lipedema, and is the largest funder of Lipedema research. The Lipedema Foundation’s work is currently focused on better understanding and defining the biology of Lipedema, and improving the Lipedema diagnosis.
The context, text, graphics, data, and services offered herein are provided solely to educate consumers on health care and medical issues that may affect their daily lives. Nothing in the Content should be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.