Lipedema Blog

Lipedema is a life-changing disease that can greatly impact everyday life. Seeking out treatment is a big ordeal, and with each treatment option available there are certain risks that must be reviewed. Liposuction is typically a safe and effective procedure when performed by trained hands and additional precautions are followed. Current technology allows properly trained vascular, cosmetic plastic surgeons to remove the subcutaneous fat tissue safely and greatly reduce the impact lipedema has on your mobility as long as specialized surgical techniques are followed which limit injury to lymphatics. However,

The symptoms of lipedema can be extremely difficult to manage without the proper treatment plan. Lipedema is a condition that causes disproportionate fat buildup in the limbs, but it can also cause other adverse effects, such as fluid buildup in your limbs that is the result of the lymphatic system malfunctioning. When this occurs, your lymphatic system is unable to properly drain fluid back through the system. A variety of treatment options that are effective include compression garments and Complete Decongestive Therapy. Another option to help you manage your symptoms

What Is Dercum’s Disease? Dercum’s disease, also known as Adiposis Dolorosa, is a rare condition that is characterized by multiple, painful fatty lipomas (benign, fatty tumors). It occurs in men and women but is more common in post-menopausal women. The lipomas are located primarily in the subcutaneous tissue. They can occur almost anywhere but often occur on the arms near elbow, legs near the knee and the trunk. Unlike ordinary lipomas, there is also pain that can be severe and sometimes debilitating. It is a chronic condition, meaning that it is a long-lasting condition that is often progressive. Treatment

There has been some movement from a major health insurance provider, Aetna.    Policy number 0031, which addresses Aetna’s policy on cosmetic surgery was updated on March 29, 2019.  This updated policy does include a subheading for “Liposuction for Lipedema”. The policy summarizes the literature Aetna reviewed when updating the policy.  This literature included the standard of care clinical guidelines from Dutch and German lipedema experts. The policy also reviews studies showing the benefit of liposuction for Lipedema. It is not entirely clear from the update what this means because

Currently, most of the supplies needed to manage lipedema and lymphedema are not covered by Medicare. Compression garments, donning devices and wraps, which are critical for the proper care and management of these diseases are not covered except when caused by cancer treatment. These garments are quite expensive and need to be replaced as often as every six months. The lymphedema can be just devastating when caused by an inherited condition as is the case of lipedema or an infection. If lymphedema is not properly controlled by compression garments it

On the tv show The Doctors, lipedema has once again come up. This time it’s with someone who’s big behind has made her a star. This isn’t the first time I’ve run into Raylynn on the internet. I came across her picture elsewhere, where people were less kind about her body type. I went to her Instagram account and could instantly tell what she had was lipedema. It’s just so obvious with the tiny waist and flat stomach. You can see her arms getting slightly bigger now too. Anyhow, on

              A little-recognized disorder, lipedema, may be responsible, says a local expert. Lipedema makes you look like you’ve been eating too much when in fact, your fat cells are retaining fluids and growing exponentially larger than normal because of this condition. Instagram star Randalin is someone with lipedema who is not shy about her large hips and thighs from lipedema. In fact Randalin seems to have embraced her shape and see her curves as assets. Read More  

Dr Wright and Dr Buck are enrolling patients ina study on Lipedema. The study aims to determine the effect of weight loss on body composition and fat distribution, metabolic function (insulin sensitivity) and adipose tissue biology in women with lipedema before and after diet intervention. These results will be compared to women with obesity without lipedema. The study will last ~8-9 months and requires 5 outpatients visits and 1 inpatient visit before weight loss, and 5 outpatients visits and 1 inpatient visit after weight loss. We aim to achieve 8%-10%

Dr. Thomas Wright and Dr. Karen Herbst go into detail on lipedema and the Treat Study. With their expertise, you will get the inside scoop of what the top doctors of today are interested in the world of lipedema and the treatments for lipedema.    

Lipedema Educational Seminar WHERE: Meeting Room at Staybridge Suites O’Fallon 1155 Technology Drive, O’Fallon, MO 63368 WHEN: Thursday, June 14, 9 am to Noon. WHAT: A casual, educational seminar that will discuss what Lipedema is, how it is diagnosed, and the stages of Lipedema. Conservative and surgical treatments will also be discussed. Dr Vincenza Cifarelli, from Member of Washington University Research Team will be on hand to discuss current NIH funded study looking at Lipedema and Fat Metabolism. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, meet Dr. Thomas Wright