The treatment of lipedema
A new Dutch-based scientific study (Halk AB, Damstra RJ. Phebology 2016), "First Dutch guidelines on lipedema using the international classification offunctioning,disability and health," examined the treatment of lipedema. In doing so, they reviewed all internationally available research and studies on the subject.The conclusion of this study is that in individuals with lipedema, treatment should consist of multiple pillars, namely:
- Adherence to a healthy lifestyle;
- regular exercise, individual supervision by a physical therapist through graded activitity (slowly building up physical activity) may be required;
- Controlling fluid in the legs (if present);
- tumescent liposuction, as this is the best approach when it comes to reducing lipedema fat.
The above advice is consistent with the National Guideline on Lipedema.