Can Lipedema be Cured? | What you Need to Know

There is currently no cure for Lipedema. That might feel disheartening, especially if you’ve just been diagnosed and are desperate for a fix. I know I was devastated when I first discovered I couldn’t cure it myself.

But here’s the good news: it can be managed, and even significantly improved, with conservative measures for Lipedema.

In this blog post, I’ll share:

• Why Lipedema isn’t curable (yet)
• What treatment options exist
• What you can do to take back control
• And why ‘no cure’ doesn’t mean no hope

Why Isn’t Lipedema Curable?

Lipedema is a progressive fat disorder believed to have hormonal and genetic roots. 

That means:

• Lipedema doesn’t respond to diet and exercise like regular fat
• It tends to get worse over time without treatment
• There’s no known way to reverse or stop it entirely 

Research is ongoing, which is why so many women are only now getting an official Lipedema diagnosis after decades of painful symptoms. But things are changing…fast.

So, What Can You Do About It?

Even though Lipedema can’t be cured, there are powerful tools that can reduce Lipedema symptoms, slow progression, and dramatically improve your quality of life.

Here’s a breakdown below:

Conservative Treatments for Lipedema

These don’t necessarily banish Lipedema fat but help manage symptoms:

• Lipedema compression garments
• Massage for Lipedema (MLD)
• Lymph-friendly movement (like walking and swimming)
• Anti-inflammatory diet for Lipedema 
• Dry brushing for Lipedema 
• Rebounding for Lipedema
• Elevation & rest

With some consistency, these methods can reduce pain, swelling, and discomfort – helping you feel more in control of your body. Don’t feel pressured to try all of the conservative measures at once, start with one or two and monitor your symptoms like swelling and tenderness.

Surgical Treatments for Lipedema

Liposuction (specifically lymph-sparing methods like WAL Liposuction or tumescent lipo) is the only known way to completely remove Lipedema fat.

It’s not a cure, but for many women, including me, it’s been utterly life-changing.

Benefits include:

• Reduced Lipedema related pain
• Better mobility
• Fewer flare-ups
• Emotional relief

Read all about my experience having Lipedema Reduction Surgery with Lipemedical.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Small, consistent changes in your daily lifestyle can help manage Lipedema symptoms long-term:

• Staying active but gentle
• Managing stress
• Prioritising rest
• Tracking flares to identify triggers

You don’t need to be perfect. Just consistent. 

Why a Lipedema Cure Still Matters and What’s Being Done

Researchers are making progress in understanding Lipedema, especially in:

• Hormonal triggers for Lipedema 
• Lymphatic dysfunction
• Genetic markers
• Inflammatory pathways

With greater Lipedema awareness comes more funding, clinical trials and pressure on healthcare systems to recognise this condition properly. Until then, Lipedema advocacy and community support are key.

So, Can Lipedema Be Cured?

Rather than a depressing article from a medical website telling you that you’re stuck with Lipedema forever and there is no cure, I hope this blog has opened your eyes to the various treatments that can help manage Lipedema – it doesn’t have to be as bleak as it sounds online!

Of course, we’ll still have our bad days – Lipedema and mental health go hand in hand – but by incorporating the above treatments into your routine, you can try and slow the progression and then look into surgical treatments if that’s the route you’d like to go down. 

Can Lipedema be cured? No. Can Lipedema be treated? Hell yes!

Disclaimer: My blogs talk about Lipedema, diet, surgery and much more. I’m talking from my point of view to help women, and remind them they are not alone. I am not a medical professional, so the content above is from my own perspective with research I have done into the topic. It’s not meant as medical advice, you should always consult your doctor or a specialist for both your diagnosis, and a treatment plan. Also, this blog contains some affiliate links to products. I may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links. I only ever link to products that I use and recommend for the management of Lipedema symptoms. Thank you for your support.

You may also be interested in:

• What are the Benefits of Using a Vibration Plate for Lipedema?
• Red Light Therapy for Lipedema
• Lipedema in the Upper Arms