Frequently asked questions — Lipedema
Lipedema: recognising & treating it non-surgically
Answers to the most common questions about lipedema and the non-surgical, supportive approach. BodyFix offers supportive guidance, not a medical diagnosis or cure; with lipedema, always consult your GP or specialist. This is general information that does not replace medical advice. BodyFix has specialised in connective-tissue and fascia techniques in Amsterdam since 2008, and treats women only.
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Recognising & understanding lipedema
Most questions about lipedema begin with recognising it: what are the signs, what is the difference from lymphoedema or excess weight, and how is it classified? Below we explain the essentials in plain language. Important: lipedema is a medical diagnosis that only a doctor can make — the answers below are general information and do not replace medical advice.
How do you recognise lipedema and what are the symptoms?
According to the literature, lipedema often involves an often symmetrical build-up of fatty tissue — usually in the legs, sometimes in the arms — with a heavy or tight feeling, pressure sensitivity and bruising more easily. The feet and hands are usually spared. This is general information and not a diagnosis: always have lipedema confirmed by a doctor. You can read more background in our knowledge base on recognising and treating lipedema.
What is the difference between lipedema and lymphoedema?
Lipedema is described as a fatty-tissue theme: it is often symmetrical, the feet are usually spared and the tissue can be pressure-sensitive. Lymphoedema is a fluid problem because the lymphatic system drains insufficiently; it is more often asymmetrical, can also affect the feet or hands and sometimes causes pitting (a dent that remains when pressed). Both are medical conditions that only a doctor can confirm; they can also occur together (lipo-lymphoedema). We do not make a diagnosis ourselves. Read more about lymphatic drainage in Amsterdam.
Is it lipedema or simply excess weight?
With lipedema, the contrast between a slimmer upper body and heavier legs is often striking, and the affected fat usually barely responds to weight loss or exercise. With ordinary excess weight, fat is often distributed more evenly and responds better to weight loss. Even so, only a doctor can reliably tell the difference. In doubt? Discuss your symptoms with your GP; this information does not replace medical advice and is not a diagnosis.
What are the stages of lipedema?
In the literature, lipedema is often classified into stages based on the skin surface and the amount of tissue, increasing in severity: from a still smooth skin surface with thickened tissue beneath, to a more uneven skin relief with dimpling, through to larger fat lobes and skin hardening. This classification is a broad orientation and does not say everything about how many symptoms someone experiences. Grading and assessment belong with a doctor or dermatologist; this is not a diagnosis.
Treating
Non-surgical treatment & support
Lipedema is a chronic condition and cannot be cured. The usual first choice is a conservative, non-surgical approach aimed at relieving symptoms. Below we explain honestly what that involves and what the role of BodyFix is — and is not. Our treatment is a supportive element alongside — not instead of — medical care and does not replace medical advice.
How is lipedema treated without surgery?
According to the literature, the conservative, non-surgical approach usually consists of manual lymphatic drainage, compression and movement, aimed at relieving symptoms and supporting the course of the condition as well as possible — not at curing it. Medical oedema therapy and compression belong with a recognised oedema or skin therapist or physiotherapist. With the combination of lymphatic drainage and connective tissue massage, BodyFix can be a supportive element alongside — not instead of — this medical care. We make no promise of a cure.
Do lymphatic drainage or connective tissue massage help with lipedema?
Massage and lymphatic drainage are often used as part of the conservative support. Many clients find this pleasant and experience relief from, for example, a heavy or tight feeling; results differ from person to person. It is not a cure, and the extent to which it affects the lipedema fat itself is a matter of professional discussion — so we promise nothing about that either. Our treatment is a supportive element alongside — not instead of — medical care and does not replace medical advice. With lipedema, always consult your GP or specialist. Read more about our approach on lipedema in Amsterdam.
Can lipedema be cured?
No. Lipedema is a chronic condition and there is no known treatment that makes it disappear completely. However, with the right, often ongoing support, symptoms can be kept as manageable as possible. We are deliberately honest about this and make no promise of a cure. The medical management of lipedema belongs with your GP or specialist.
Why does losing weight or dieting not help (or barely help) with lipedema?
According to the literature, the affected lipedema fat usually responds poorly to weight loss or exercise — that is precisely one of the things that distinguishes lipedema from ordinary excess weight. At the same time, a healthy weight and a healthy lifestyle remain important for your overall health. For advice that suits your situation we refer you to your GP or specialist; this is not medical advice.
Symptoms, care & self-help
Pain, your GP & what you can do yourself
Common practical questions about symptoms of lipedema, when to see a doctor and what you can do yourself. Safety first: if you suspect lipedema or your symptoms increase, your GP is the right point of contact. The answers below are general and do not replace medical advice.
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Why does lipedema hurt and why are my legs pressure-sensitive?
Pressure sensitivity, a heavy feeling and pain in the affected tissue often go hand in hand with lipedema. During a treatment we therefore always adjust the pressure to what you can tolerate — feel free to say so if something feels too intense. We do not make a diagnosis; with increasing or persistent pain, contact your GP. This information does not replace medical advice.
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When should I see my GP about lipedema?
If you suspect lipedema, see your GP for a diagnosis and, if needed, a referral to a specialised centre or an oedema or skin therapist. BodyFix does not make a diagnosis and does not provide medical lipedema care. In case of doubt, increasing symptoms or a rapidly changing picture, your GP is also the right point of contact. This answer does not replace medical advice.
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Does a compression garment help with lipedema?
Compression is a fixed part of the conservative approach to lipedema and can support symptoms. Which garment and which compression class are appropriate is determined by a doctor or a skin or oedema therapist; they also measure you for it. BodyFix does not supply or fit compression garments itself and refers you to your doctor or (oedema) therapist for this. This does not replace medical advice.
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What can I do myself with lipedema?
Sufficient movement, a healthy lifestyle and — in consultation with your practitioner — compression can be supportive for your overall wellbeing. This does not replace medical treatment and is not a cure. For a plan that suits you, consult your GP or specialist. If you would like to know whether a supportive treatment at BodyFix is a good fit, take a look at our page on lipedema in Amsterdam.
Guidance at BodyFix always starts diagnosis-first with a Bodyreading: a thorough analysis of your connective tissue and your complaint pattern. The BodyFix Method was developed by founder Agnieszka Kadula and is carried out by medically trained therapists with an HBO physiotherapy background and 2,500+ hours of training. BodyFix treats women only and is a private practice, not reimbursed by health insurance. We do not cure lipedema and do not make a diagnosis — always discuss lipedema first with your GP or specialist.
Read more
Further reading on lipedema & oedema
Explore lipedema and the supportive treatment options further via the pages below.
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Lipedema treatment in Amsterdam — what the supportive BodyFix approach looks like.
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Lymphatic drainage in Amsterdam — background on this part of the treatment.
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All our treatments — an overview of what we offer.
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Contraindications — when a treatment is not suitable.
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All frequently asked questions — back to the overview.
Questions about lipedema? Ask them during your free consultation
During a free 20-minute consultation we look at the condition of your connective tissue and your complaint pattern, and explain how the BodyFix Method may support your care around lipedema — diagnosis-first via a Bodyreading, with no obligation and no medical promises. Always discuss lipedema with your GP or specialist as well. This is general information and does not replace medical advice.
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