Lipedema Blog

June is a significant month for the Lipedema community as it marks Lipedema Awareness Month, with World Lipedema Day celebrated on June 11. This month is dedicated to increasing awareness about lipedema, a chronic condition that affects millions of women worldwide. Despite its prevalence, lipedema remains underdiagnosed and misunderstood. At Lipedema Surgical Solutions, we are committed to spreading awareness, educating the public, and supporting those affected by lipedema. Understanding Lipedema Lipedema is a chronic condition characterized by the abnormal and symmetrical accumulation of subcutaneous adipose tissue  [fat]  in the legs,

Lipedema, a chronic condition marked by the disproportionate accumulation of fat in the legs and arms, has perplexed and challenged the medical community for decades. Originating from the pioneering observations of Drs. Allen and Hines in 1940, the journey of lipedema treatment has evolved dramatically, from rudimentary recommendations of diet and compression stockings to groundbreaking surgical interventions. Dr. Wright’s upcoming talk with the Fat Disorders Resource Society (FDRS) from April 19-21 promises to shed light on this transformative journey and highlights the innovative strides in treating this often misunderstood disease.

Lipedema is a chronic and progressive disease that primarily affects women. It is often misdiagnosed as obesity or primary lymphedema, leading to a lack of understanding and appropriate treatment options. Lipedema’s physical and psychological consequences significantly impact the quality of life of those who suffer from it. This comprehensive guide will delve into women’s experiences with lipedema, highlighting their challenges and the importance of providing adequate care and support. What is Lipedema? Lipedema is characterized by the abnormal deposition of subcutaneous adipose tissue, primarily in the lower body parts, such

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Wright accepts patients for Lipedema Reduction Surgery in-network with United Healthcare.  We are delighted that United Healthcare is working with us to provide the lipedema patient community with in-network lipedema treatment options.  Please be aware that United Healthcare’s medical necessity criteria must be met to their satisfaction before approval.  This includes six months of conservative therapy (diet, exercise, compression), photo documentation showing disproportionate tissue of the extremities, and documentation of functional impairment. We also highly recommend that patients document their personal journey to

In celebration of Lipedema Awareness month back in June, Dr. Wright and Dr. Herbst updated the world on the latest insights and understandings on Lipedema vs normal fat. Sponsored by Lipedema UK and Lipedema LIO ITALIA, we’ve summarized the key learnings and helpful information below. Don’t miss updates in the future on our “Lipedema in the News” section, and feel free to watch the full 1.5-hour webinar here. What is Lipedema? Lipedema is a fat disorder, mainly affecting women, that causes an enlargement of both legs due to deposits of

Lipedema is a fat disorder, mainly affecting women, that causes an enlargement of both legs due to deposits of fat under the skin. It’s characterized as a “progressive disorder,” meaning it generally gets worse over time. Sufferers living with lipedema experience easy bruising and tenderness, pain in the affected areas, and significant disability in daily life. In severe and more progressive cases, the trunk and upper body may also be affected, including the arms and upper back. Little is known about the disorder, and it’s often misdiagnosed and incorrectly treated

Despite affecting an estimated 11% of women around the world, Lipedema is not yet widely known. Fat tissue, (also referred to as adipose tissue) provide the human body with both cushioning and insulation. Lipedema affects the accumulation of these fat cells and adjoining connective tissue in the body, resulting in bulging, irregular fat in the affected areas. The legs are the most commonly affected area, but sometimes spreading occurs in the torso, and in many cases, excessive clustering of fat cells is noticed in the arms as well. Regardless of

As we ring in the new year, the world continues to create find new normals in a pandemic as the coronavirus variants keep us on our toes. As we now well know, people of any age and gender can be infected with COVID-19, but there are a number of conditions that make individuals more likely to get severely ill from the virus. New research has shown that the risk of severe COVID-19 increases as the number of underlying medical conditions increases in a person and that individuals with an increased

An estimated 17-million women in the U.S. and nearly 370 million women across the globe suffer from a condition known as Lipedema. What is regularly associated with rapid and uncontrollable weight gain in its initial stages can quickly spiral out of control if left undiagnosed. Lipedema is a disease that leads to the excessive buildup of fat cells, primarily in the arms and legs. Going far beyond the appearance of extra pounds, those who suffer from Lipedema often have large pockets of fat on their limbs that appear disproportionate in

June is Lipedema Awareness month, one in which the Lipedema community focuses (even more than usual) on how to reach women who have lived with this painful and distressing disease. While we’ve seen great strides in awareness, insurance coverage, and slightly greater recognition of this disease in the medical community, we continue to fight an uphill battle as women are underdiagnosed or completely dismissed when discussing their struggles and side effects with their providers. As a result, our team has put together some of the most important and most impactful