Lipedema

If you’re reading this, you probably know that lipedema is not just ordinary fat. As a result, living with lipedema can be a challenging journey, marked by physical discomfort, emotional distress, and the frustration of a condition often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. If you’re searching for “lipedema surgery near me,” you’re taking an essential step toward improving your health, comfort, and quality of life. Dr. Sepideh Saber can.

Lipedema liposuction can remove the painful, disproportionate fat deposits that accumulate in the legs and lower extremities. Lipedema liposuction targets the diseased fat tissue that causes swelling, tenderness, and a heavy, aching sensation in the thighs, calves, and ankles, restoring both comfort and proportion to the lower body.

What is lipedema?

Lipedema is a chronic and progressive medical condition. It is characterized by a symmetrical buildup of fat. It usually affects the lower body. In other words, the hips, thighs, lower legs, and sometimes the arms. It is not just obesity (excess fat), and it does not improve with a traditional diet or exercise.

The disproportionate buildup of painful fat and diseased fatty tissue occurs almost exclusively in women. Over time, lipedema may worsen, leading to increased pain, mobility limitations, and emotional distress. A successful lipedema treatment plan requires care from a knowledgeable and board-certified plastic surgeon who can tailor a comprehensive treatment plan best suited to your needs

Who does lipedema usually affect?

Lipedema affects about 11% of women worldwide. Although cases in men have been reported, this is rare. The main reason for this inequality is that hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause often trigger the start or progression of lipedema. Genetic factors are also a cause.

What are the telltale signs and symptoms of lipedema?

Because lipedema is not merely ordinary adipose tissue (body fat), recognizing its signs can facilitate early diagnosis. Here are the main things to look for:

• Disproportionate fat distribution: Characterized by bilateral (on both sides), symmetrical swelling of the legs (upper and lower legs), hips, and sometimes arms. The hands and feet are typically unaffected, creating a distinct “cuff” at the ankles or wrists. The upper body remains comparatively slim.
• Pain and tenderness: Affected areas are often painful, tender, or heavy.
• Easy bruising: Many people with lipedema find they bruise very easily in the affected limbs, even without significant trauma such as a fall or collision with an object.
• Resistance to weight loss: Lipedema fatty tissue does not respond to strict dieting or exercise.
• Psychological impact: The physical changes and chronic pain can lead to significant emotional and psychological distress, including anxiety and depression.

What are the different stages of lipedema?

Lipedema typically progresses through four stages, each with distinct physical attributes. Of course, Dr. Saber will identify the stage to guide your personalized treatment plan.

• Stage 1: The skin is smooth, but the underlying fat tissue has started to enlarge. Swelling may increase during the day.
• Stage 2: The skin develops indentations and a texture similar to a mattress, and larger fat nodules can be felt.
• Stage 3: Large masses of fat and skin cause significant lobules (skin flaps) and deformities, particularly around the thighs and knees.
• Stage 4: Lipedema is accompanied by lymphedema (lipo-lymphedema), in which the lymphatic system is compromised, leading to additional fluid buildup.

This link to the Lipedema Foundation website has excellent pictures that clearly show the different stages.

What is the difference between lipedema and obesity or lymphedema?

Lipedema is frequently misdiagnosed as simple obesity or lymphedema. However, there are key differences:

• Lipedema vs. obesity: Lipedema fat is painful, disproportionate, and resistant to diet and exercise. Obesity is generalized and often responds to lifestyle modification.
• Lipedema vs. lymphedema: Lipedema involves abnormal fat deposition and is typically symmetrical. Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid that often affects only one limb and is characterized by swelling in the hands and feet.

Dr. Saber knows that an accurate diagnosis is essential.

How does Dr. Saber diagnose lipedema?

Dr. Saber’s diagnosis depends on a thorough medical history and physical exam. This includes an assessment of fat distribution, tissue texture, pain, and the sparing of the hands and feet. There is no single blood test or imaging scan. However, experienced lipedema specialists can reliably diagnose lipedema based on clinical evaluation.

What are the comprehensive lipedema treatment options?

There are both non-surgical and surgical options. While there is no cure for lipedema, treatment can significantly reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life.

What are the common surgical procedures used in lipedema treatment?

Dr. Saber offers many common surgical procedures, and your surgical care will be tailored to your individual situationbased on disease distribution, the type and severity of your symptoms, and your functional goals. The goal is to enhance your comfort, mobility, and quality of life through controlled debulking combined with intentional shaping and contouring—not just simple fat removal—while safeguarding your lymphatic structures.

The common lipedema surgery procedures include:

When should your surgeon enhance results with excision?

The short answer is when it is medically indicated. Let’s dive in a little deeper.

Following lipedema liposuction or when the disease is more advanced, some patients may develop excess or redundant skin that interferes with mobility, hygiene, or effective use of compression garments.

In these cases, surgical excision—such as a thigh lift, an arm lift, or abdominal excision (including abdominoplasty when appropriate)—may be recommended to remove excess tissue and improve functional comfort, mobility, and garment fit. The decision to pursue excisional surgery is individualized and based on your anatomy, type and number of symptoms, and overall treatment goals

Why does early lipedema diagnosis and treatment matter?

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment may help slow disease progression, reduce pain, preserve mobility, and lower the risk of lipo-lymphedema. This helps to increase long-term quality of life.

Is lipedema surgery covered by insurance​? Is there financing?

Insurance coverage varies by plan. Insurers may require a formal diagnosis, documentation of failed conservative therapy, and a letter of medical necessity. Financing options and medical spending accounts can be discussed during your consultation.

What does lipedema surgery recovery look like?

Recovery timelines vary, but most patients experience gradual improvement over weeks to months when postoperative care and the recommended treatment plan are adhered to.

Post-op lipedema care may include:

• Compression garments
• Pain management
• Leg elevation
• Light activity to promote circulation
• Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) with a certified therapist when appropriate
• Scheduled follow-up visits

Schedule your lipedema consultation with Dr. Saber

Living with Lipedema? Dr. Saber understands what you’re going through. You don’t have to navigate lipedema alone. Schedule a consultation to receive your personalized evaluation, discuss conservative and surgical options, and develop a plan focused on your comfort, function, and long-term outcomes.

Dr. Sepideh Saber, MD, FACS, offers a more sensitive female perspective for patients of all ages, genders, and orientations. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Saber brings years of specialized experience, guaranteeing patient safety and satisfaction.

A graduate of Stanford University’s world-renowned medical school, Dr. Saber did her reconstruction and plastic surgery residency at the University of Southern California (USC). She then completed a fellowship at New York University (NYU) in the highly challenging and delicate fields of hand and microsurgery.

To request a consultation, call (877) 205-4100 or schedule a consultation online.

Dr. Saber’s practice is located in Encino, CA, serving patients throughout the Los Angeles area. We are also convenient to Encino, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Northridge, North Hollywood, Malibu, Topanga, Canoga Park, Reseda, Valley Glen, Chatsworth, West Hills, Winnetka, Universal City, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Downtown Los Angeles, Silverlake, and Echo Park. Online consultations are also available.