Are There Non-Surgical Options to Treat Lipedema?
Posted December 03, 2025 in Lipedema Surgery by Josef Hadeed, MD
After years of feeling frustrated and confused by stubborn, disproportionate weight gain in your legs, hips, or arms, you’ve finally gotten an answer: lipedema. This condition is characterized by abnormal fat buildup that is resistant to traditional weight loss methods. A lipedema diagnosis explains why no amount of dieting or exercise has had any effect on certain areas of your body—it’s because this condition isn’t caused by “normal” fat accumulation.
While it’s true that the most effective treatment for lipedema is liposuction, many patients prefer to explore their non-surgical options first. In this blog, we’ll explore some non-surgical lipedema treatments that can help relieve your symptoms, improve your mobility, and slow the progression of the disease.
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What Is Lipedema?
Lipedema is a chronic, progressive disorder of fat distribution that primarily affects women. Symptoms include pain, tenderness, easy bruising, swollen legs, and a feeling of heaviness in the affected limbs. The main clinical features are a symmetrical, abnormal accumulation of adipose tissue, particularly in the legs, thighs, and buttocks, and sometimes in the arms. This abnormal accumulation of fat tissue is characterized by thickening and nodular changes in the tissue, which do not respond to traditional methods of weight loss. The affected tissue feels different from regular fat, as it can be tender, painful, and prone to bruising, often leading to swelling and a feeling of heaviness in the affected limbs.
Unlike general obesity or lymphedema (swelling caused by a buildup of lymph fluid), lipedema is the result of an abnormal increase in fat cells that mostly affects the subcutaneous tissue. Over time, untreated lipedema can worsen, causing discomfort and restricting your mobility, which is why early diagnosis and symptom management are essential.
Facts About Lipedema
What Causes It?
The exact cause of lipedema isn’t fully understood, but genetics and hormones play significant roles. The condition often runs in families, and typically appears or worsens during times of hormonal changes, such as puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. This correlation leads researchers to believe that hormonal shifts combined with genetic predisposition are the culprits behind lipedema.
Who Does It Primarily Affect?
Lipedema almost exclusively affects women, though rare cases have been documented in men. It’s estimated that up to 11% of women worldwide may have some form of lipedema, though it could be more, as many people are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as simply being obese. The condition can begin as early as adolescence and often progresses slowly over time.
Is It Preventable?
Unfortunately, lipedema itself is not preventable because it is primarily genetic and hormonal in nature. However, early diagnosis and proactive management of the condition can help prevent complications like mobility issues, lymphatic dysfunction (leading to lipolymphedema, a combination of lipedema and lymphedema), and worsening pain or swelling. Lifestyle adjustments and conservative, non-surgical treatments can help keep you comfortable while also slowing the progression of the disease.
Non-Surgical Options for Treating Lipedema
While liposuction surgery remains the only procedure that can permanently remove diseased lipedema fat, many patients prefer to avoid invasive procedures when possible. Non-surgical options, such as moderate exercise, can help encourage lymphatic drainage, reduce discomfort, and support your overall wellness. These treatments can also improve lymph flow and support the function of lymph vessels, which is especially beneficial for lymphedema patients. Swelling and fluid retention may occur when fat buildup obstructs the movement of a fluid called lymph, leading to further complications.
Compression Garments
Wearing compression leggings, stockings, or sleeves can help reduce swelling and discomfort associated with lipedema. These specialized compression garments work by applying gentle, graduated pressure to encourage the efficient flow of lymphatic fluid and prevent excess fluid from building up in the areas affected by lipedema. Consistent use can also reduce the feeling of heaviness and fatigue in your legs. It’s important to work with an expert (like Dr. Josef Hadeed) to ensure your garments are properly fitted, as improper compression can cause more harm than good.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
Manual lymphatic drainage is a specialized massage technique that stimulates the lymphatic system, helping to gently move lymph fluid away from areas where it has accumulated. Regular massage sessions performed by a therapist specifically trained in MLD techniques can improve your circulation, reduce swelling, and provide temporary pain relief. While the method doesn’t remove lipedema fat, it can significantly minimize secondary swelling (edema) and discomfort, especially when combined with compression therapy.
Pneumatic Compression Devices
These at-home devices use inflatable sleeves that rhythmically compress and release air pressure around your legs or arms to mimic the effects of manual lymphatic drainage. By improving lymphatic flow and reducing fluid retention, pneumatic compression pumps can provide symptom relief and help maintain results between MLD sessions. Lipedema patients often find them beneficial for daily management of swelling and discomfort.
An Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Nutrition plays a significant role in how your body manages inflammation and maintains the proper balance of lymph fluid. While dietary changes alone won’t eliminate lipedema fat or prevent it from developing further, focusing on a diet of anti-inflammatory foods can help reduce the discomfort and swelling associated with the condition. Good options include:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants
- Omega-3 fatty acids from fish, flaxseed, and walnuts
- Whole grains and legumes
- Lean proteins
- Limiting processed foods, added sugars, and salt
Some lipedema patients also find success with low-carbohydrate or keto-style diets, which may also help minimize inflammation and fluid retention. Hydration is equally essential—adequate water intake supports a healthy lymphatic flow and metabolism.
Engaging in Regular, Low-Impact Workouts
Exercise can improve your circulation, strengthen your muscles, and support proper lymphatic function without placing excessive strain on your joints. Low-impact activities, such as swimming, water aerobics, cycling, and walking, are ideal for patients dealing with lipedema. Aquatic exercise, in particular, offers gentle compression through water pressure, helping to relieve swelling and joint discomfort. Your goal isn’t to aim for intense calorie-burning sessions, but rather to engage in consistent movement to help maintain your mobility and slow the progression of your lipedema.
Laser or Photobiomodulation Therapy
Photobiomodulation (also known as low-level laser therapy) is a non-invasive procedure that uses specifically targeted wavelengths of light to stimulate cell repair, reduce inflammation, boost lymphatic flow and circulation, and accelerate healing. Some studies suggest that photobiomodulation therapy may help reduce lipedema-related pain and fluid buildup. When performed by an experienced provider, photobiomodulation can be a valuable addition to compression and massage therapies in the management of lipedema.
Managing Lipedema Pain and Discomfort
Pain and discomfort are among the most challenging symptoms for lipedema patients, often affecting daily life and mobility. Conservative treatments play a key role in alleviating these symptoms and improving overall well-being. For those with more advanced symptoms, surgical intervention such as liposuction may be considered to remove excess fat tissue and improve symptoms. Working closely with your healthcare provider ensures that your pain management plan is personalized and effective, helping you maintain a better quality of life.
Enhancing Quality of Life
Living with lipedema can impact not just your physical health, but also your emotional and social well-being. Lifestyle modifications, such as adopting a balanced diet and engaging in regular, low-impact exercise, can help alleviate symptoms and support overall health. Compression garments and lymph-sparing liposuction surgery can improve mobility and reduce discomfort, making daily activities more manageable. Addressing related conditions, such as venous insufficiency and varicose veins, can further relieve symptoms and prevent complications. By focusing on both physical and emotional health, and working with your healthcare provider to create a comprehensive plan, you can improve your mobility, comfort, and confidence—leading to a more active and fulfilling life.
Working with a Specialist
Working with a lipedema specialist like Dr. Hadeed is crucial for effective management. Specialists in lipedema understand the diagnostic and management challenges unique to this condition and can differentiate it from similar issues like obesity or lymphedema. They are equipped to offer a full range of treatment options, from conservative lipedema treatments like compression therapy to advanced surgical procedures when needed. A knowledgeable provider will tailor your care plan to address your specific symptoms, goals, and lifestyle, ensuring the best possible outcomes for your quality of life.
Ongoing Care and Support
Lipedema is a chronic condition that requires ongoing care and support to manage symptoms and maintain quality of life. Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider allow for monitoring of your progress and timely adjustments to your treatment plan. By prioritizing long-term care and building a strong support network, you can better manage your symptoms, maintain mobility, and continue to improve your overall well-being.
How Dr. Hadeed Uses His Advanced Liposuction Technique to Treat Lipedema
While non-surgical therapies, such as those mentioned above, can alleviate uncomfortable symptoms and enhance your quality of life, they cannot eliminate the abnormal fat that defines lipedema. For his patients seeking a long-term solution, Dr. Josef Hadeed offers a surgical intervention and surgical treatment for lipedema, utilizing advanced, lymph-sparing liposuction techniques specifically designed to eliminate diseased lipedema fat.
Dr. Hadeed’s approach to lipedema liposuction focuses on precision fat removal and contouring, while also preserving your delicate lymphatic and venous system. Using a specialized surgical technique tailored for lipedema patients, he combines VASER and power-assisted liposuction (PAL) with tumescent liposuction—a minimally invasive surgical technique that involves injecting a tumescent solution to facilitate fat removal. This method gently removes the diseased fatty tissue while minimizing trauma to the blood vessels and surrounding tissues, helping maintain healthy circulation and reduce postoperative swelling and pain. He is also careful to avoid any aggressive or deep suction in areas where lymph nodes are concentrated so as not to cause complications like secondary lymphedema, lipo lymphedema, or infection. Using customized cannulas to expertly contour the affected areas, he restores balanced proportions and mobility, not only relieving physical symptoms but also dramatically improving your self-confidence.
Dr. Hadeed also integrates comprehensive aftercare into your lipedema treatment plan, including compression therapy and photobiomodulation, to help you maintain your results and enjoy long-term comfort. Monitoring wound healing is an essential part of aftercare to prevent complications and ensure optimal recovery.
Explore Your Lipedema Treatment Options in Beverly Hills
Living with lipedema can be physically and emotionally challenging, but with the right combination of treatments, you can effectively manage your symptoms. Non-surgical options, such as compression, manual lymphatic drainage, and lifestyle changes, can offer relief and improve your overall quality of life. However, when you’re ready to take the next step in your lipedema treatment, Dr. Josef Hadeed’s advanced liposuction technique offers a proven method for safely removing lipedema fat, restoring your comfort, mobility, and confidence. To learn more about lipedema surgery, schedule a consultation today by calling (310) 970-2940 or requesting an appointment online.
