Treating lipedema in Australia involves a multi-faceted approach, starting with non-surgical methods like compression therapy, Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), exercise, and diet to manage symptoms, with surgery (specialized liposuction like Water-Assisted Liposuction - WAL) being a key option for significant fat removal when conservative methods aren't enough, though it often requires private funding as it's not typically covered by Medicare. A team of healthcare professionals, including dietitians, physiotherapists, and specialists, helps manage the condition.
Treatment
Surgical Treatments
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.
Medicare and Private Health Cover
Private health funds also do not provide rebates for consultations or surgery for true lipoedema. We are aware that some practitioners use Medicare item number 45585 for liposuction in patients with lipoedema.
The exact cause of lipoedema isn't known but it may be caused by changes in your hormones: during puberty. when you're pregnant. when you're going through the menopause.
Starve lymphedema and lipedema by avoiding added sugars (especially fructose), refined grains (especially grains containing gluten), and chemically modified fats.
There's currently no cure, but there are things that can help and stop it getting worse. Your treatment will depend on how severe your symptoms are and how they're affecting you. The main treatments are: eating healthily, doing more exercise and trying to maintain a healthy weight.
The etiology of lipedema is unknown, although genetic inheritance is believed to be a factor, as suggested by patient reports of a positive family history in 60%–80% of cases.
Endocrinology & Obesity Medicine Specialists
Since many women with Lipedema often have a long relationship with their endocrinologist, these doctors may provide an important resource for documenting changes over time, responsiveness to therapies, and helping strategize referrals and insurance issues.
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.
Lipedema doesn't have a cure, but treatment can help improve symptoms.
Kelly Clarkson, a famous singer and songwriter, has openly discussed her struggles with Lipedema. Diagnosed in 2006, Clarkson has managed her symptoms through lifestyle changes, healthy eating, and proper treatment.
Of course, Ozempic also helps with weight loss. That is helpful for those suffering from secondary obesity as well as lipedema. It's important to understand, though, that Ozempic can't cure lipedema. At the present time, lipedema has no cure, only treatments.
Patients from 18 to 80+ can see meaningful improvements in comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life. Early diagnosis can be greatly beneficial, and if Lipedema is actively affecting daily life and you are not able to manage symptoms with conservative therapies, it's worth considering surgical evaluation.
Exercising and using compression stockings can give you a better outcome. Liposuction can help you feel better. Having other conditions like depression, obesity or lymphedema can make lipedema worse. A provider can refer you for counseling, physical therapy or help managing your pain.
No, you generally cannot safely lose 10 kg (about 22 lbs) with liposuction, as it's a body contouring procedure for localized fat, not significant weight loss; typically, only 2-5 kg (4-11 lbs) of fat is removed safely in one session, and attempting more increases serious health risks like fluid imbalance and organ damage, making it unsuitable for major weight loss, which is better addressed with diet, exercise, or weight loss surgery.
Tirzepatide, originally developed for diabetes and obesity, is now being studied as a possible tool in treating lipedema. Besides regulating blood sugar and suppressing appetite, tirzepatide also seems to reduce inflammation, fibrosis, and fat cell growth.
Any employer-sponsored medical insurance plan is subject to ERISA regulations. This means that if there is no specific exclusion in the SPD (Summary of Plan Benefits) for lipedema surgery, then insurance coverage is required to provide coverage.
What are the best ways to improve lymphatic drainage?
Lipedema requires a clinical diagnosis, meaning there is not yet a standardized test such as bloodwork or imaging that can confirm the presence of Lipedema. Diagnosis should be reached in the context of a thorough patient history and physical exam.
Vitamins that support the lymphatic system include, vitamin A, C, E, and B-6. Common herbs that also help include goldenseal, echinacea, and poke root.
Lymphedema Treatment
Strength training builds up and tones the muscles, which can lead to better support for the affected areas. Strength training is an effective method of building muscle and stimulating the metabolism. By specifically building muscle mass, lipoedema tissue can be better supported and fat tissue reduced.
Place one hand on the inside of your leg and one hand on the back of your leg, without straining your wrist, hand or arm. Gently stretch and release the skin from the inside of your leg towards the side of your leg and up towards your hip. Shift your hands lower on your leg and repeat.
The most stubborn fat is usually visceral fat, which is the fat that surrounds your internal organs, especially in the belly area. This type of fat is harder to lose compared to the fat just under your skin (subcutaneous fat) and is linked to higher health risks.