The best lipedema treatment available today is lymphatic-sparing liposuction. This surgical approach removes diseased fat and protects the lymphatic system. Techniques such as tumescent liposuction and water-assisted liposuction provide long-lasting pain relief, reduce swelling, restore mobility, and prevent the disease from progressing. Compared to conservative therapies, liposuction eliminates lipedema fat, which does not respond to diet, exercise, or standard weight-loss interventions.
Understanding Lipedema
Lipedema is a chronic fat disorder that leads to an abnormal and disproportionate buildup of fat, primarily in the lower body. The condition typically affects the thighs, buttocks, hips, and calves. In some cases, it also affects the upper arms.
Fat buildup occurs bilaterally and symmetrically and often spares the hands and feet. This is what distinguishes lipedema from lymphedema. Lipedema progresses over time and can eventually lead to mobility challenges. Further complications of the disease include joint issues and secondary lymphedema.
Estimates indicate that lipedema may affect up to 11% of post-puberty females, and at least 17 million women in the United States potentially live with the disease. Although lipedema was first described in 1940, it is still underdiagnosed, frequently mistaken for obesity, and is often left untreated until the symptoms worsen.
The symptoms of lipedema include:
- Painful fat deposits that feel tender to touch
- Swelling and heaviness in the legs
- Easy bruising
Non-surgical Lipedema Treatments (Palliative Management)
Many individuals living with lipedema often start their care journey with non-surgical approaches. Although these methods are known to alleviate symptoms, they cannot stop the disease or remove lipedemic fat. The most common non-surgical lipedema treatment options include:
- Compression Therapy: This method is commonly used to manage swelling. Patients who wear custom-fitted garments, such as stockings or sleeves, may experience temporary relief. However, the benefits stop once the garments are removed.
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): This specialized massage technique helps reduce fluid buildup and encourages lymph flow. Although it can support symptom relief, it does not affect fat volume.
- Diet and Exercise: People with lipedema should maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, traditional weight-loss methods cannot effectively address lipedema fat. Patients may lose weight in unaffected areas of the body, but fat in the legs and arms remains unchanged.
- Medication and Supplements: Supplements such as selenium, metformin, and diosmin may help reduce inflammation and support vascular health. However, results vary and are not curative.
Liposuction Is the Best Treatment for Lipedema
Surgical removal of fat through liposuction is the most effective and comprehensive lipedema treatment available today. It directly addresses the underlying cause of the disease by eliminating abnormal fat tissue.
Below, we discuss the two techniques considered the gold standard.
Tumescent Liposuction
This technique uses a local anesthetic and epinephrine solution to firm the tissue and constrict blood vessels. It thus facilitates precise fat removal and minimizes trauma, bleeding, and recovery time. Tumescent liposuction protects lymphatic vessels and is widely recognized for its safety and effectiveness in treating lipedema.
Water-Assisted Liposuction (WAL)
This technique involves the use of a pulsating water jet to dislodge and suction fat from the body. It is particularly gentle on the lymphatic system and ideal for patients with advanced disease or areas that are difficult to treat.
ArtLipo’s liposuction removes up to 90% of lipedemic fat, halting the progression of the condition in most cases. Our patients often describe post-surgical relief as feeling like a heavy burden has been lifted from their legs. In contrast, traditional cosmetic liposuction typically removes only 50–60%. Furthermore, traditional lipo is not tailored to treat lipedema.
In addition to reducing pain and swelling, liposuction can:
- Improve mobility and prevent long-term orthopedic complications
- Restore natural movement and reduce stress on the knees and hips
- Boost confidence and support emotional well-being
Recovery & Long-Term Results
A successful lipedema treatment requires proper recovery planning. After surgery, patients should expect and consider the following:
- Wear compression garments for several months to control swelling and support the healing process.
- Swelling and bruising are common and can persist for an extended period.
- Reduced swelling by the third month, although minor swelling can continue for up to a year.
In the long term, liposuction halts or significantly slows lipedema from progressing. Fat rarely returns to the treated areas unless a patient gains more than 30 pounds. If you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle, you can enjoy lasting results and a dramatic improvement in daily comfort, activity levels, and quality of life.
Why Choose ArtLipo for Lipedema Surgery?
At ArtLipo, we are proud to offer a highly specialized approach to lipedema treatment. Our team has treated more than 10,000 patients with advanced liposuction techniques. We are one of the most experienced centers in the world.
We perform awake liposuction, which allows for greater precision and safety. Our signature 360-degree circumferential liposuction guarantees complete fat removal from all affected areas. Many cosmetic surgeons avoid treating lower legs or ankles. In contrast, we have made these areas a focus of our practice.
Every patient receives a tailored treatment plan based on individual anatomy and disease stage. We believe in addressing both the functional and aesthetic impact of lipedema to help patients feel better and live fully.