In this guide, we’ll break down water retention vs lymphedema in a clear, practical way so you can better understand what your body may be experiencing.

Water Retention vs Lymphedema: What’s the Difference?

At a basic level, both conditions involve fluid buildup in the body. The key difference lies in why that fluid is there and how the body handles it.

Water retention, also known as edema, happens when excess fluid collects in the tissues. This may be influenced by things like diet, hormones, medications, or long periods of sitting or standing.

Lymphedema, on the other hand, is a condition involving the lymphatic system. It occurs when lymph fluid cannot properly drain, leading to a buildup that the body cannot easily resolve on its own.

While both can cause swelling, the underlying mechanisms and long-term patterns are very different.

What Water Retention Usually Feels Like

Water retention is often temporary and can fluctuate throughout the day or week. Some common signs include:

• Swelling that comes and goes
• Puffiness in the feet, ankles, hands, or face
• Indentations left behind after pressing on the skin (called pitting edema)
• A feeling of heaviness, especially after long periods of inactivity

You might notice water retention after a high-sodium meal, during hormonal shifts, or after travel. It often improves with movement, hydration, or simple lifestyle adjustments.

What Lymphedema Typically Feels Like

Lymphedema tends to be more persistent and can become progressive without appropriate management. It may develop after surgery, radiation, or lymph node removal, but it can also occur for other reasons.

Some common signs of lymphedema include:

• Swelling that does not fully go away with rest
• A feeling of tightness or fullness in the affected area
• Skin that may feel thicker or firmer over time
• Reduced flexibility or range of motion
• Clothing or jewelry feeling tighter on one side of the body

Unlike general water retention, lymphedema often affects one limb more than the other and follows a more consistent pattern.

Key Differences to Pay Attention To

When comparing water retention vs lymphedema, a few patterns can help you start to distinguish between the two:

Timing and consistency
Water retention often changes throughout the day, while lymphedema tends to stay consistent or gradually worsen.

Response to rest and elevation
Swelling from water retention usually improves when you elevate the area or move around. Lymphedema may not respond as easily.

Location and symmetry
Water retention is often more generalized or affects both sides of the body. Lymphedema frequently appears in one arm or leg.

Skin changes
With water retention, the skin typically remains soft. With lymphedema, the skin may gradually become thicker or feel different to the touch.

These differences are not diagnostic on their own, but they can provide helpful clues.

Why It’s Important to Know the Difference

Understanding water retention vs lymphedema is important because the approach to care is not the same.

Water retention is often managed through lifestyle adjustments such as:

• Staying hydrated
• Reducing excess sodium
• Moving regularly throughout the day
• Supporting circulation through gentle activity

Lymphedema, however, benefits from more specialized support. This may include:

• Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)
• Compression garments
• Targeted movement or exercise
• Skin care to protect the affected area

Because lymphedema involves the lymphatic system, early support can make a meaningful difference in how it progresses and how it feels day to day.

When to Seek Support

If swelling is new, persistent, or changing, it’s worth paying attention. You may want to seek professional guidance if:

• The swelling does not go away with rest
• One limb is noticeably more swollen than the other
• The area feels tight, heavy, or different over time
• You have a history of surgery, especially involving lymph nodes

A trained professional can help assess what you’re experiencing and guide you toward the most appropriate care.

How Manual Lymphatic Drainage Can Help

For those dealing with lymphatic-related swelling, manual lymphatic drainage can be a gentle and supportive option. This technique works with the body’s natural lymphatic pathways to encourage fluid movement and reduce congestion.

It’s not about forcing fluid out of the body, but about helping the system function more efficiently. Many clients describe it as both calming and relieving, especially when swelling has been persistent.

Making Sense of the Swelling

When it comes to water retention vs lymphedema, the symptoms can overlap, but the patterns tell a deeper story. Water retention is often temporary and influenced by daily habits, while lymphedema involves the lymphatic system and tends to require more consistent support.

If you’re unsure what kind of swelling you’re experiencing, you don’t have to figure it out alone. With the right guidance and care, it’s possible to better understand your body and find relief that actually lasts.

Why Do My Rings Feel Tight Some Days but Not Others?

The short answer is that your body is constantly adjusting how it holds and moves fluid. These small fluctuations can show up quickly in areas like the fingers, where there is less space for expansion.

A few common factors can contribute to this:

Temperature
Warmer weather can cause blood vessels to expand, which may lead to more fluid moving into the surrounding tissues. This can make your fingers feel fuller and your rings tighter.

Sodium and hydration

Higher sodium intake can encourage the body to hold onto more fluid. At the same time, not drinking enough water can make it harder for your system to maintain balance, leading to temporary swelling.

Activity level
Long periods of sitting or standing can slow circulation and fluid movement. On the other hand, repetitive use of the hands can also lead to mild inflammation, which may make rings feel tighter.

Hormonal changes
Hormonal shifts, including those related to menstrual cycles, can affect how the body retains fluid. This can cause noticeable changes in the hands and fingers from one day to the next.

Time of day
Many people notice more swelling later in the day. After hours of being upright, fluid can naturally settle in the lower extremities and sometimes the hands as well.

When It’s Likely Just Water Retention

In many cases, occasional tightness in your rings is related to temporary water retention. This type of swelling tends to:

• come and go throughout the day or week
• improve with movement or elevation
• feel soft rather than firm
• affect both hands in a similar way

These patterns are usually influenced by daily habits and environmental factors rather than an underlying condition.

When It Might Be Something More

If the swelling feels more consistent or doesn’t follow the usual patterns, it may be worth paying closer attention.

You may want to seek guidance if:

• one hand or finger is consistently more swollen than the other
• the swelling does not improve with rest
• the area feels tight, heavy, or different over time
• your rings no longer fit at all, even on “good” days

These patterns can sometimes point to issues with circulation or the lymphatic system, which benefit from more targeted support.

Supporting Healthy Fluid Movement

If your rings feel tight from time to time, small adjustments can often help your body move fluid more comfortably.

Some simple ways to support this include:

• staying well hydrated throughout the day
• taking breaks to move, especially if you sit for long periods
• gently stretching or opening and closing your hands
• being mindful of sodium intake when possible

When swelling lingers or starts to follow a more consistent pattern, it can be a sign that your body may need more support with fluid movement.

This is where manual lymphatic drainage can be especially helpful. Rather than forcing anything to change, it works with the body’s natural pathways to encourage fluid to move more efficiently. At The Supine Studio, this approach is tailored to what your body is already doing, helping reduce that feeling of fullness or tightness in areas like the hands and fingers.

Paying Attention to the Pattern

One of the most useful things you can do is notice when the swelling happens and what might be influencing it. Patterns often tell a clearer story than any single moment.

If your rings feel tight more often than they should, or the swelling doesn’t seem to resolve the way it used to, it may be worth taking a closer look. With the right support, your body can often return to a more comfortable baseline, and those day-to-day fluctuations can become much less noticeable.

What Is Lymphatic Drainage?

Before answering who needs lymphatic drainage, it’s helpful to understand what it actually is. Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle, rhythmic technique that encourages the natural movement of lymph fluid. Unlike Swedish or deep tissue massage, it isn’t about muscle tension or stress relief (though those can be welcome side effects). Instead, the goal is to reduce swelling, encourage detoxification, and restore balance to the lymphatic system.

Who Needs Lymphatic Drainage?

The short answer: more people than you might think. While it’s often associated with medical recovery, lymphatic drainage can benefit everyday individuals too. Here are the groups of people most likely to need it:

1. People Recovering from Surgery

Post-surgical clients are one of the top groups who need lymphatic drainage. Whether it’s cosmetic surgery, orthopedic surgery, or even dental work, swelling and fluid retention are common. Lymphatic drainage helps reduce that swelling, speeds up healing, and makes recovery more comfortable. Some surgeons even recommend it as part of the aftercare process.

2. Individuals with Lymphedema or Chronic Swelling

Lymphedema is a condition where lymph fluid builds up in certain areas of the body, often the arms or legs. It can occur after cancer treatments that involve lymph node removal, or due to other medical conditions. For these individuals, lymphatic drainage isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for maintaining mobility and comfort.

3. People Seeking Postpartum Recovery

Pregnancy places incredible demands on the body, and after childbirth, swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet is very common. Many new mothers discover that lymphatic drainage provides gentle relief from this discomfort, while also offering a calming, restorative experience during the hectic postpartum period.

4. Athletes and Active Individuals

Athletes push their bodies to the limit, and with that can come inflammation, sore muscles, or sluggish recovery. While massage therapy is often part of an athlete’s routine, lymphatic drainage specifically helps reduce swelling and speeds up the elimination of metabolic waste after intense workouts or injuries. It’s like giving the body’s recovery system a boost.

5. People with Desk Jobs or Sedentary Lifestyles

You don’t need to be recovering from surgery or training for a marathon to need lymphatic drainage. If you sit for long hours at a desk, you may notice puffiness in your legs or ankles. Gentle lymphatic techniques can help move stagnant fluid and refresh your system, leaving you feeling lighter and more energized.

What to Expect During a LMD Session

If you’ve never experienced it, you might wonder what a lymphatic drainage session feels like. It’s not painful or deep like a typical massage. Instead, it’s soothing and feather-light, using gentle, rhythmic strokes that follow the body’s lymphatic pathways. Many clients describe it as deeply relaxing, almost meditative, while also noticing real physical changes like reduced swelling and a sense of lightness.

Specialized Lymphedema Care at The Supine Studio

At The Supine Studio, we focus on post-operative recovery and lymphedema care. Our approach combines advanced training with compassionate support, helping clients manage swelling, reduce discomfort, and improve mobility. Whether you are recovering from cosmetic or orthopedic surgery, or living with the daily challenges of lymphedema, we create tailored lymphatic drainage sessions designed to help you heal and feel more like yourself again.

Challenges Lymphedema Can Bring in the Summer

During summer, high temperatures and humidity can lead to increased fluid retention and make swelling worse. Heat dilates blood vessels, which can add to the discomfort. Outdoor activities, like swimming, hiking, or gardening, might also put you at risk for injuries or infections that complicate lymphedema management.

But don’t worry! With a little extra care, you can minimize these risks and enjoy all that summer has to offer. Here’s how:

Stay Cool and Hydrated

Managing your body temperature is key. Here’s what I recommend:

1. Drink Plenty of Water: Staying hydrated helps regulate your body temperature and supports your lymphatic system. Make it a habit to drink water consistently throughout the day, especially when you’re outside.
2. Keep Cool: Use cooling towels, portable fans, or cold compresses to beat the heat. Just remember not to apply ice directly to your skin as it could cause damage.
3. Choose the Right Clothes: Lightweight, breathable fabrics and compression garments designed for warm weather can help you stay comfortable.

Take Care of Your Skin

Healthy skin is your first line of defense against infections. Here are some tips:

1. Apply Sunscreen: Protect your skin with a broad-spectrum, hypoallergenic sunscreen to avoid burns or irritation.
2. Inspect Your Skin Daily: Check for cuts, scratches, or insect bites and treat them promptly to prevent infections.
3. Moisturize Regularly: Use gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers to keep your skin hydrated and avoid dryness or cracking.

Stay Active—Safely

Exercise is great for encouraging lymphatic flow, but it’s important to choose activities that are gentle and safe. Here are my suggestions:

1. Try Swimming: It’s a fantastic low-impact exercise that keeps you cool while promoting circulation. If you’re in a chlorinated pool, be sure to rinse off thoroughly afterward.
2. Opt for Gentle Exercises: Activities like yoga, tai chi, or walking are perfect for staying active without overexerting yourself.
3. Take Breaks: Whether you’re traveling or engaging in outdoor activities, make time to rest and elevate the affected limb to reduce swelling.

Make the Most of Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Regular LMD sessions can make a big difference during the summer months. Here’s how I can help:

1. Tailored Massage Sessions: I’ll adjust your treatments to address the challenges of summer and keep you feeling your best.
2. Teach You Self-Massage: Between appointments, simple self-massage techniques can help you manage swelling.
3. Support Compression Therapy: I’ll work with you to ensure your compression garments fit well and are appropriate for warm weather.

Plan Ahead for Travel

If you’re heading out on a trip, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s what to keep in mind:

1. Pack Your Essentials: Don’t forget your compression garments, skincare products, and a small first-aid kit.
2. Take Breaks on Long Trips: Stop to stretch and move around to keep your lymphatic system active.
3. Monitor Your Symptoms: Be mindful of changes in swelling, and don’t hesitate to seek medical care if needed.

Teamwork Makes the Difference

Managing lymphedema is easier when you’ve got a team behind you. Here’s how to build your support network:

1. Stay in Touch with Your Healthcare Providers: Regular check-ins with your doctor or lymphedema specialist ensure your care plan stays effective.
2. Communicate with Me: Keep me updated on how you’re feeling so we can adjust your treatments as needed.
3. Find a Support Group: Connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can be incredibly encouraging.

Lymphedema doesn’t have to hold you back this summer. With a little extra planning and the right care strategies, you can enjoy the season’s activities while minimizing discomfort. If you’re ready to take the next step in managing your lymphedema, book an appointment with me today. Together, we can keep you feeling great all summer long!

Lipedema or Lipoedema:

Lipedema, sometimes referred to as lipoedema, is a connective tissue disorder that affects somewhere between 11-19% of women worldwide. As lipedema is often misdiagnosed as obesity or lymphedema, women don’t often receive an official diagnosis so it’s hard to determine the exact percentage of women who have lipedema. While lipedema is primarily found in women, men can develop signs of lipedema. There are also other connective tissue and fat disorders, like dercums, that affects primality men.

Traditionally, lipedema was characterized by fat only in the legs, but as more research is being done, lipedema can be presented in the torso and arms as well. This abnormal fat is usually symmetrical, meaning both sides of the body will look the same. Most women with lipedema have abnormal accumulation of fat in the legs, hips, and buttocks, with their upper body being disproportionally smaller. Women often use the term “heaviness” to describe the feeling of their limbs.

Lipedema can also cause pain, tenderness, and easy bruising in the affected areas. For these women, putting on a pair of jeans or other restrictive clothing would be incredibly uncomfortable.

The exact cause of lipedema is unknown, but studies by Dr. Karen Herbst and others suggest there is a genetic marker that when combined with other generic markers could predispose a women to develop lipedema. Women with lipedema often have a family history of the condition, and it is believed to be related to hormonal changes, such as those that occur during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. A throughly family history is one of the tools for a correct lipedema diagnosis.

Lymphedema:

Lymphedema, on the other hand, is a condition that results from damage to the lymphatic system, which is responsible for draining lymphatic fluid from the body. Lymphedema can occur in any part of the body, but it most commonly affects the arms or legs. When the fluid cannot drain on its own, the fluid begins to build up. The fluid back flow is often first noted as “dermal back flow” where there’s a puffiness to the skin. In easy stages, this swelling is intermittent and goes away with elevation. As the lymphatic system becomes more damaged, this swelling becomes more persistent and can become fibrotic, meaning the ares becomes hard.

If lymphedema was present at birth, even if the swelling was not noticeable until later in life, it is considered primary lymphedema. For primary lymphedema, there is often a vascular issue as well.

If the damage is the result of cancer treatments or trauma, it is considered secondary lymphedema. In the United States, breast cancer is the leading cause of lymphedema. There are several reasons for this. First, the removal of lymph nodes puts strain the the remaining nodes. If the remaining nodes are overwhelmed, fluid begins to back up. Second, there seems to be a correlation of radiation and lymphedema. Radiation destroys the lymphatic system. While the lymphatic system can regenerate, the scar tissue left by radiation makes it difficult for the lymphatic system to reconnect effectively.

Misdiagnosis or Undiagnosis:

Health professionals are severely undereducated in both lipedema and lymphedema. Being unaware of these conditions makes it difficult for them to diagnose lipedema and lymphedema. Most women with lipedema have done their own extensive research and present their research to their doctor. On average, women bring up lipedema as a possible diagnosis more than a dozen times before a medical professional considers lipedema.

Most doctors are not familiar with these conditions and may mistake them for other conditions, such as obesity or venous insufficiency. Lipedema is often misdiagnosed as lymphedema or obesity. Part of this is a blessing because insurance is better equipped to understand and cover lymphedema, especially cancer related lymphedema, than lipedema. This may change in the coming years with the passing of the Lymphedema Treatment Act, expected to go into effect January 1, 2024. The lipedema community believes that the Lymphedema Treatment Act will pave the way for more comprehensive coverage for the necessary compression garments and care.

Lymphedema is often missed in the early stages when swelling is intermittent. It can be dismissed as simple weight gain due to aging or lifestyle. When the swelling becomes persistent and/or hard, is when it’s more likely to be correctly diagnosed.

To avoid misdiagnosis or undiagnosis, it is important to seek out a healthcare provider who has experience in diagnosing and treating these conditions. A specialist such as a vascular surgeon a dermatologist can provide an accurate diagnosis. A Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) can be an excellent resource in finding a doctor to diagnose as CLTs work with lipedema and lymphedema.

Lipedema and Lymphedema Treatment Approaches:

Both lipedema and lymphedema are progressive diseases that require lifelong management. Although there is no cure for either condition, there are treatments available that can help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life. Early diagnosis can allow for management of symptoms before swelling begins affect gait and mobility.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and compression therapy are the two most common treatment approaches for both lipedema and lymphedema. MLD is a specialized manual therapy technique that helps stimulate the lymphatic system, improve lymphatic flow, and reduce swelling. Compression therapy involves wearing special compression garments or bandages that help compress the affected area, promoting lymphatic drainage and reducing swelling. Success of compression garments depends heavily on proper fitting and consistent use. A professional fitter, someone trained in compression garment fitting, is the best resource to make sure the correct compression is selected. Compression garments should be worn daily, washed after every use, and replaced every six months. Pneumatic compression devises can help with provide additional compression therapy. For both conditions, insurance often covers the majority of the cost for one pump every five years.

For lipedema, there are other manual therapies that help with fluid build up under the fascia. Dr. Karen Herbst suggests use of Myofascial Release (MFR) to move build from under the fascia to where the lymphatic system can drain the fluid. A CLT trained in MFR is a valuable addition to a lipedema care team. Many women with lipedema often undergo liposuction or lipectomy to remove abnormal fat. While this is not a cure for lipedema, it can help reduce pain and allow a woman to regain mobility. These procedures are different from cosmetic liposuction and should be performed by a surgeon familiar with lipedema.

For lymphedema, MLD and compression therapy are the cornerstone of treatment. Proper skin care, including using pH appropriate products, and exercise are important parts of lymphedema management. Monitoring limb size is an excellent way to determine if swelling is present. To do this at home, only a flexible tape measure is required. A change of 1-2 cm, or 3-5% limb volume, should be reported to primary care provider or oncology team. While this seems to be a small change, it can start the process of getting into a lymphedema clinic for treatment. Many clinics have a six month waiting period.

Advocating for Lipedema or Lymphedema Diagnosis:

As with any health condition, it’s important to advocate for care. If you believe you have either or both conditions, educate your providers and ask for them to evaluate you. Your local CLT will have resources and materials. If you need additional resources, here a few:

Lipedema Foundation

Lipedema Project

Fat Disorders Recourse Society

National Lymphedema Network

Lymphatic Education & Research Network

What is Lipedema?

Lipedema is a chronic and progressive disorder that affects the adipose tissue or fat cells. It primarily affects women, with an estimated 11% of women worldwide experiencing lipedema. Traditionally, lipedema has been characterized by abnormal collection of fat in the legs. Recent studies show that lipedema can also present in the arms in addition to the legs or just the arms, sometimes even just around the hips. The location of the fat helps us determine the type of lipedema. For example, if the fat is just in the upper legs (think thighs), it’s likely Type II. If the fat is in the whole leg, from hips to ankles, it’s likely Type III. Type III is most commonly diagnosed as lipedema. 

The fat feels different from normal fat. The limbs will be tender to the touch. Wearing jeans or other restrictive clothing often feels painful. There is often unexplained bruising. The most common complaint we hear from our lipedema clients is the “tight, heavy feeling” they live with. 

Symptoms of Lipedema:

1. Disproportionate accumulation of fat cells, usually in the legs but can also be in the hips and arms.
2. Swelling and tenderness in the affected areas.
3. Pain and discomfort in the affected limb.
4. Easy bruising in the affected areas.
5. Skin hypersensitivity to touch or pressure.
6. Stiffness and reduced mobility.

Causes of Lipedema:

There is not a known cause of lipedema. Though recent studies believe genetics and hormones play a role. Lipedema is often first noticed during puberty. At that time, it is often misdiagnosed as obesity. For some women, pregnancy or menopause can be the trigger for the fat accumulation to exponentially increase. 

Treatment of Lipedema:

While ketogenic diets may have some effect on fat, no amount of exercise or diet resolves lipedema fat. There is no cure for lipedema.  There are some treatments available to manage the symptoms. Some of these treatments include:

1. Compression therapy: Wearing compression garments, such as stockings or sleeves, can help reduce swelling and discomfort in the affected areas. There is some trial and error for finding the right compression to fit your body and your lifestyle. There are also different styles of compression from ready made garments to compression wraps to custom garments. Working with a professional helps you find the right size and fit to decrease compilations from an ill-fitting garment. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): This is a specialized massage technique that helps to stimulate lymphatic flow and reduce swelling.
2. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): A specific type of manual therapy that increases lymph flow. With lipedema,  the fat cells can impede the lymphatic flow and can cause swelling. This swelling can lead to further complications, including lymphedema. MLD is best when paired with compression. MLD is also a large part of lipedema liposuction recovery. 
3. Liposuction: Liposuction may be recommended to remove the excess fat cells from the affected areas. This is often done through multiple procedures. The recovery can be several months of intensive work, including compression and regular Manual Lymphatic Drainage. When looking for a qualified surgeon, it’s important to ask if they have worked with lipedema patients. An acute knowledge of the lymphatic system is crucial to a successful outcome. 

To learn more about lipedema, visit The Lipedema Project. You can find research, events, ebooks, and medical professionals. The Supine Studio is listed as a professional with Bailey B. R. Maddox being our in-house Certified Lymedema Therapist who is trained in compression and MLD for lipedema.

What is Cellulite?

Cellulite is a common condition where fat cells push against the connective tissues affecting the skin’s appearance. Cellulite is characterized by the appearance of dimpled or lumpy skin, especially in the thighs, buttocks, and hips. Cellulite is not a medical condition and does not cause physical  pain or discomfort, but it can affect one’s self-esteem.

Symptoms of Cellulite:

1. Dimpled or lumpy skin in the thighs, buttocks, and hips.
2. Orange-peel or cottage cheese appearance of the skin.
3. Mild skin discoloration.

Causes of Cellulite:

The exact cause of cellulite is unknown, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of factors, including:

1. Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal imbalances, especially estrogen, can contribute to the development of cellulite.
2. Genetics: Some people may be genetically predisposed to developing cellulite.
3. Lifestyle factors: Sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and smoking can contribute to the development of cellulite.

Treatment of Cellulite:

There are several treatments available to improve the appearance of cellulite. Some of these treatments include:

1. Topical creams: There are several creams and lotions available that claim to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
2. Massage: Massaging the affected areas can help improve blood flow and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Typically these massages are called “Body  Sculpting” and utilize techniques such as: wood therapy, cupping therapy, Lypossage, and vibration. 
3. Low-level laser therapy: This is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level lasers to reduce cellulite.

For Lipedema Care:

• MLD is a gentle “massage” technique that uses specific strokes and pressure to encourage lymphatic flow. While it may look like massage, it’s not because MLD is not deep enough pressure to effect muscles. It’s important to find a qualified MLD therapist. When looking for a therapist, ask questions about the technique.
• It can help to reduce the accumulation of lymphatic fluid and fat in the affected areas, which can lead to a reduction in swelling, pain, and discomfort.
• In addition to MLD, individuals with lipedema may also benefit from compression therapy, which involves wearing specially designed garments to support lymphatic flow and reduce swelling.
• Exercise and weight management can also be important components of lipedema management, as regular physical activity can help to improve lymphatic function and promote overall health. We typically recommend a minimum of 10-15 minutes of walking to help improve lymphatic flow. Often, we will recommend wearing compression during exercise to decrease the reaccumulation of lymphatic fluid. Each person if different, so before beginning any exercise routine, with or without compression, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider.

It is important to note that lipedema is a chronic condition and there is currently no cure. However, with proper management, it is possible to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

After Liposuction for Lipedema:

For those living with lipedema who undergo liposuction, MLD may also be recommended as part of the recovery process after liposuction for lipedema. Liposuction can help to remove excess fat and fluid from the affected areas, but it can also cause swelling and discomfort. MLD can help to reduce swelling, promote healing, and enhance the overall results of the procedure.

• Liposuction can be an effective treatment for lipedema, as it can remove excess fat and fluid from the affected areas.
• However, liposuction can also cause swelling, bruising, and discomfort.
• MLD can help to reduce these symptoms by promoting lymphatic flow and enhancing the body’s natural healing processes.
• MLD can also help to prevent the formation of scar tissue and enhance the overall results of the procedure.
• It is important to note that MLD should only be performed by a trained therapist with expertise in lipedema care, and that it is not recommended for everyone. Your healthcare provider can help you determine if MLD is appropriate for your individual needs and circumstances.

Our Recommendations:

• For clients living with lipedema:
  • We recommend MLD every 2-4 weeks and daily compression to manage symptoms. There is a wide array of compression garments available. We work with our clients to find the right type of garment and fit for their individual needs.
  • We may also recommend the use of a specialized pump.
• For clients who chose to undergo liposuction, we recommend the following protocol:
  • Before liposuction: weekly MLD of the effected area(s) for the 4-6 weeks prior.
  • Immediately before liposuction: one full body MLD 24-72 hours prior.
  • Immediately after liposuction: 2-3 MLD sessions in the first approximately 6 weeks after. This depends on your doctor’s recommendation and your healing. If you develop an infection, we postpone all manual therapy until the infection has resolved.
  • After “Swell Hell” we reduce MLD sessions to weekly and eventually taper off to as needed. During this transition, we will alternate MLD with other manual therapy techniques to reduce hard, fibrotic tissue as it develops.

If you are considering MLD for lipedema care or after liposuction for lipedema, it is important to work with a trained therapist with expertise in these areas. Your healthcare provider can help you determine if MLD is appropriate for your individual needs and circumstances.