Lipedema Treatment
Lipedema has distinct stages which help with diagnosis from a qualified physician. Learn more about the Stages of Lipedema.
Treatment for Lipedema
Lipedema is progressive, meaning it usually gets worse. Like Lymphedema, Lipedema can be managed, or controlled.
Compression for Lipedema
Compression helps many people who have lipedema. The problem is that because most compression is “off the shelf,” meaning it is pre-made for a handful of shapes and sizes, it often doesn’t fit lippy legs and hips.
Two manufacturers make compression garments for lipedema:
Lipedema Treatment Additional Resources
In addition to coming to Pain & Swelling Solutions for your Lipedema Therapy, I highly recommend that you pick up a copy of Lipedema Treatment Guide: A Certified Lymphedema Therapist’s advice for her clients with lipedema. You can get it here on Amazon.
The Lipedema Treatment Guide is written by Kathleen Lisson, CLT. She is a colleague of mine, and we have been through much of the same training on lipedema. Her recommendations are in line with the therapies I provide, so I strongly recommend that my clients grab a copy to help them better understand the therapies and strategies I recommend for Lipedema management.
Lipedema Diets
Ketogenic Diet
A popular diet known to reduce “Lippy” fat is the ketogenic diet. It does not come without its own risks, however. You should speak with a knowledgeable physician and dietician to determine if this diet is safe for you.
In essence, the ketogenic diet eliminates most carbohydrates from the diet. These carbohydrates are the body’s normal source of energy. In their absence, the body will go into a state known as ketosis which forces it to use fat as fuel. The ketogenic diet has been shown to reduce “Lippy” fat.
Always consult your physician before beginning any new diet.
Eating to Starve Lipedema (and Lymphedema):
A Keto Alternative
Two quick notes about this “diet.” First, it’s not a diet in the common sense of the word. It is a way of eating. Second, you aren’t starving yourself in this “diet” (quite the opposite). You are starving the condition.
In the book, Lymphedema and Lipedema Nutrition Guide: Foods, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements, Ehrlic, and others (including the famous Dr. Karen Herbst) describe how to eat to positively impact major lymphatic organs and related processes, including:
- Gut Lymphatics
- Gut Microbes
- Grains and Gluten Metabolism
- The Liver
- The Skin
- Abnormal Biological Signals
- Lipedema Fat
They also describe in great depth the vitamins, minerals and supplements that have a positive impact on both Lipedema and Lymphedema.
This way of eating to starve out Lipedema and Lymphedema is primarily (but not exclusively) a whole foods, plant-based diet tailored to combat these conditions.
The book provides a number of sample recipes, meal plans, a shopping guide, a list of ingredients to avoid, and practical tips such as how to eat when you are not at home.
In the following video, “Eating to Starve Lymphedema & Lipedema” presented at the Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN) Patient Symposium in 2019, Chuck Ehrlich, MS, MBA discusses how to make dietary modifications to help both Lymphedema and Lipedema.
Lipedema and Exercise
“Lippy” fat is exercise resistant and will not reduce even under the most strenuous exercise programs. Exercise is recommended, however, as it does help to keep the body’s normal fat at normal levels.
While exercising despite the inability to reduce Lipedema fat may seem unimportant, there seems to be a clear link to obesity and the more severe cases of lipedema. Although exercise does not reduce Lipedema fat, it does reduce normal fat elsewhere on the body.
Women who are not obese typically have an easier time keeping the Lipedema from progressing as rapidly. So, keep exercising because it is helping to keep your Lipedema from getting worse faster.
Liposuction for Lipedema
As was mentioned before, Lipedema is a progressive disease, and due to the fact that most women do not get a diagnosis until it is far progressed it often does require specialized liposuction for reduction of the leg size.
The type of liposuction used is referred to as lymph-sparing liposuction because it uses very small tools that do minimal damage so as not to further impair the lymphatic system.
Is Liposuction for Lipedema Covered By Insurance?
Liposuction for Lipedema may be covered by insurance, but it is an uphill battle.
Start by getting a diagnosis from a recommended physician who is familiar with Lipedema.
Document EVERYTHING you are told by EVERYONE. Write out a detailed personal story on how it has affected your life and how having surgery would change your everyday activities.
Expect to be denied. Most women are. Plan on going through an appeal. Expect a fight, but don’t back down.
Find help in support groups on Facebook and other social media sites.
Don’t give up hope.
Lymphatic Drainage combined with Myofascial Release can help reduce the signs and symptoms of lipedema, improve your immune function, and help to keep you healthier.
Make an appointment with
Pain & Swelling Solutions
and feel better today!
