Lipedema Treatment Options: Understanding Your Choices for Better Health

By Dr. Thomas Su | May 12, 2025

If your legs are disproportionately larger than other parts of your body, you have a reason to be concerned. If the size comes with heaviness and pain, then you could be dealing with lipedema. 

Lipedema is a health condition that affects 11% of women globally. Unfortunately, many women realize a little late that they have lipedema because it gets mistaken for obesity. One aspect that differentiates lipedema from obesity is that it is harder to shed the weight that comes with lipedema. None of the traditional weight-loss methods can reduce the weight associated with lipedema.  

You must seek treatment for lipedema. If you wait for too long, you could suffer extreme consequences like excessive swelling, immobility, and emotional distress. There are different treatment options for lipedema, with each option either treating it completely or managing the symptoms.

If you are looking for ways to regain your health, here is a list of the lipedema treatment options available for lipedema.

Non-Surgical Lipedema Treatment

In many cases of lipedema, patients often opt for non-invasive treatments to ease symptoms and improve daily life. Even though these methods do not remove lipedema fat, they can slow progression and enhance comfort. There are various non-surgical ways of managing lipedema. 

Diet and Lifestyle Modifications

A common myth suggests that lipedema is caused by poor diet or lack of exercise. Lipedema is a genetic and hormonal condition, and according to research, traditional weight-loss strategies are largely ineffective when it comes to getting rid of lipedema fat​.

However, the right diet can help reduce inflammation and swelling and make life a little easier. Although there isn’t one specific anti-inflammatory diet, low-carb and ketogenic plans may help manage lipedema symptoms​. A heart-healthy diet can also support vascular health, which is important for circulation and mobility​.

Exercise for Mobility and Circulation

If you have lipedema, high-impact workouts can sometimes leave your legs throbbing. Do not push through the pain. Instead, go for gentle, joint-friendly exercises. These include swimming and water aerobics, which can help reduce pressure on your joints and improve circulation​.

Additionally, you should incorporate walking and cycling to support overall fitness. However, they do not significantly reduce lipedema fat​. You need to be continuously active. It helps prevent complications like lipo-lymphedema, where excess fat blocks lymphatic flow, leading to extreme swelling​.

Compression Therapy and Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

If you have lipedema, medical-grade compression stockings can help reduce swelling. However, they only work while you wear them​. It is normal to find compression uncomfortable, especially before inflammation is under control​.

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a gentle massage technique that stimulates fluid movement and may relieve discomfort​. If you combine compression and lymphatic drainage, you can experience the best symptom relief.

Medications and Supplements

Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications for lipedema treatment. Some supplements that show promise​ include:

  • Diosmin and hesperidin to improve circulation.
  • Quercetin and pycnogenol to help reduce inflammation.
  • Selenium and rutosides to support lymphatic function​.

Liposuction for Lipedema

While non-surgical methods provide temporary symptom relief, only liposuction can remove diseased lipedema fat. It is the most effective treatment for moderate to severe cases.

Benefits of Liposuction for Lipedema

Liposuction for lipedema treatment can help patients regain mobility, relieve pain, and stop disease progression. The procedure removes up to 90% of lipedema fat, giving patients significant relief​. 

Liposuction can also halt disease progression and prevent further fat buildup in treated areas. Additionally, the procedure helps reduce orthopedic complications, minimizing knee and hip strain. Liposuction also restores a more natural body shape, easing emotional distress​.

For many women, the psychological impact is just as profound as the physical relief. Patients often describe feeling lighter, more mobile, and more confident after surgery.

Lymphatic-Sparing Liposuction

Liposuction techniques have evolved, making the procedure safer and more effective. Tumescent awake liposuction is performed without general anesthesia. It preserves the lymphatic system while removing fat​.

ArtLipo offers circumferential liposuction (360° lipo). Unlike standard cosmetic procedures that target small areas, our approach treats the entire leg, calf, ankle, and arm, guaranteeing even, natural-looking results​.

Recovery and Long-Term Outcomes

Healing takes time, and proper aftercare is key. Patients experience severe swelling for one to two months. Moderate swelling can last for 2 to 4 months, while light swelling may persist for up to a year​.

It is important to follow post-op care, including MLD, compression, and gentle movement, to promote the best recovery. Although the results are long-lasting, significant weight gain of 30+ lbs can cause fat redistribution​.

How to Choose the Right Lipedema Treatment for You

There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to lipedema treatment. The best lipedema treatment depends on symptom severity, lifestyle, and personal goals. For instance, mild cases may benefit from non-surgical treatments, while moderate to severe cases often require liposuction for meaningful relief​.

We Can Help You Manage Lipedema Symptoms

At ArtLipo, we understand that lipedema treatment is a life-changing journey. We have helped over 10,000 patients regain their mobility, confidence, and comfort with our lymphatic-sparing liposuction techniques. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident you.

Related Topics:

Is There an Alternative to Surgical Lipedema Treatment?
Is Lipedema Surgery A Permanent Cure?
Finding the Right Lipedema Treatment for You
A Guide to Managing Your Condition After Lipedema Surgery