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Ongoing lymphatic care · South Berkeley
Manual Lymph Drainage for Lipedema. You cannot diet or exercise lipedema away.
Lipedema is a connective tissue disorder that changes how fat is distributed in the body. It mostly affects women and often runs in families. It is not caused by a lack of willpower, and eating less or exercising more does not make it disappear. Many doctors were never taught to recognize it.
- What it is
- A connective tissue disorder
- Often
- Genetic, runs in families
- I can help with
- Fluid, comfort, surgery recovery
- First step
- A free phone call with me
The question I always ask
I often ask about the women in your family.
Lipedema often runs in families, so I ask about your mother and grandmother. People often say, “We all have big legs. That is just how we are built.” Nobody knew there might be a medical reason.
It can be hard to get diagnosed now. It was even harder for the women before you. They may never have known that compression or specialized care could help. They were often told they were simply fat, and that message stayed with them for years.
You do not need to be certain before you call me. I cannot diagnose lipedema, but I can listen, look at what is happening, and share what I notice. Sometimes you need someone who knows what to look for and can point you toward informed care.
It is not the same as being fat. It never was.
What I can and cannot do
What lymphatic drainage can and cannot do.
MLD does not remove lipedema fat. What it may help with is fluid, heaviness, tenderness, and daily comfort.
Fluid and heaviness
As lipedema progresses, the lymphatic system may become involved too. Gentle drainage can help keep that fluid moving.
Pain and tenderness
Lipedema tissue may be painful, and firm nodules may form. Gentle work may make it more comfortable.
Helping you find informed care
Very few doctors are deeply informed about lipedema. I can help you work out who to contact and what to ask so you are not starting from nothing.
Before surgery
There is specialized liposuction for good candidates. If you are considering it, call before surgery so we can plan ahead.
After surgery
Recovery after lipedema surgery can involve a lot of swelling. I have done this post-operative work many times.
Facts, not sales talk
A lot of products are sold online for lipedema. Some may contain useful ingredients, but they are not cures, and many of the finished products have not been properly tested.
Diagnosis
Where you can start now.
If you already have a diagnosis, bring what you know and tell me what care is in place. We start there.
If you suspect lipedema but nobody has confirmed it, you are not alone. Set up a call and I will help you think through who to approach and how to describe what you are experiencing. Getting taken seriously can be hard, and the words you use may help.
If you are considering specialized surgery, call me before it if you can. Recovery can be demanding, and it is much easier to make a plan and hold appointment times before you are sore and swollen.
Worth saying plainly
What I will not promise you.
That drainage removes lipedema fat
It does not. MLD may help fluid and comfort, but it cannot remove lipedema fat.
That a supplement will fix it
Some products contain ingredients that may support lymphatic function. That does not make the product a cure, and many have little testing behind their claims.
That I can diagnose you
I cannot diagnose you. I can share what I notice and help you find someone who can.
That you should have done something differently
You worked with the information you were given. For many women with lipedema, that information was incomplete or simply wrong.
Before you call
Questions people ask me.
What is the difference between lipedema and lymphedema?
Lymphedema is ongoing swelling caused by a lymphatic system that cannot drain normally. Lipedema is a connective tissue disorder that changes how fat is distributed. It mostly affects women, often runs in families, and cannot be dieted or exercised away. Some people have both conditions.
Can lymphatic drainage cure lipedema?
No. MLD may help with fluid, heaviness, pain, and tenderness, and it can be useful around surgery. It does not remove lipedema fat or cure the condition.
Who diagnoses lipedema?
A doctor with real experience in lipedema should make the diagnosis. There are not many of them. On the call, I can help you think through who to approach and what questions to ask.
Is there surgery for lipedema?
Yes. There is specialized liposuction for people who are good candidates. It is a major decision and the recovery can be demanding, so it is worth getting informed before you choose a surgeon or date.
Do the supplements sold for lipedema work?
They are not cures. Some contain ingredients that may support lymphatic function, but the finished products are often not well tested at all, and they do not change the underlying condition.
I think I might have lipedema but I am not sure. Can I still come?
Yes. Many people call while they are still figuring it out. I cannot diagnose you, but I can listen, share what I notice, and help you find a next step.
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These may help too.
The next step
Tell me what you notice.
Set up a free 15-minute call. Whether you have a diagnosis or are only beginning to wonder about lipedema, tell me what you have noticed. I will explain where I may be able to help and what kind of specialist you may need next.