Lipedema Treatment in Gig Harbor, WA
Surgical lipedema care with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Melissa Larsen, serving Gig Harbor, Tacoma, and the greater Puget Sound area.
What Is Lipedema?
Lipedema is a medical condition — not a lifestyle issue — caused by an abnormal accumulation of fat cells in specific areas of the body. It is distinct from ordinary weight gain and does not respond to diet or exercise.
Common characteristics include:
Disproportionate fat accumulation in the legs, hips, and buttocks — often with a noticeably smaller upper body
Tenderness, heaviness, or aching in affected areas
Easy bruising
A distinct "column-like" appearance to the legs
Fat that stops abruptly at the ankles or wrists, creating a cuff-like appearance
Progressive worsening over time, particularly around hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy, or menopause
Lipedema is a recognized medical diagnosis. If you suspect you may have it, Dr. Larsen can evaluate you during consultation and help determine the most appropriate path forward.
Lipedema is a chronic, progressive condition characterized by an abnormal and painful buildup of fat — most commonly in the legs, hips, buttocks, and sometimes the arms. It overwhelmingly affects women and is frequently misdiagnosed as obesity or lymphedema, leaving many patients frustrated after years of dieting and exercise that simply don't work.
If you've been told to "just lose weight" but nothing changes below the waist, lipedema may be the reason why.
Dr. Larsen understands the physical and emotional burden of living with lipedema, and offers surgical treatment to reduce painful fat deposits, improve mobility, and restore quality of life.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Surgical treatment for lipedema may be appropriate for patients who:
Have a confirmed or suspected lipedema diagnosis
Experience pain, heaviness, or tenderness in affected areas
Have not seen improvement through diet, exercise, or conservative management
Are at a stable weight and in good overall health
Have realistic expectations about the goals of surgical treatment
Surgical treatment is not a cure for lipedema, but it can significantly reduce the volume of abnormal fat, relieve pain, and improve mobility and quality of life. Dr. Larsen will discuss your stage of lipedema and what outcomes are realistic for your specific case.
Procedure Overview
Lipedema is treated surgically using liposuction to remove abnormal fat deposits from affected areas. Surgery is performed at an accredited outpatient facility.
Duration: Varies depending on the areas being treated and volume of fat removed — often 2–4 hours
Anesthesia: General
Technique: Liposuction tailored to lipedema — (Dr. Larsen to confirm specific technique)
Areas treated: Commonly the thighs, knees, lower legs, hips, and buttocks; arms in some cases
Staged procedures: Extensive lipedema often requires more than one surgical session to treat all affected areas safely
Unlike cosmetic liposuction, lipedema surgery prioritizes pain relief, functional improvement, and preservation of the lymphatic system. Dr. Larsen's approach is individualized based on your stage, symptoms, and goals.
Recovery
Recovery varies depending on the areas treated and the volume removed. General expectations:
Week 1 Swelling, bruising, and tenderness are normal. Compression garments are worn and are an important part of recovery. Light walking is encouraged to support circulation.
Weeks 1–2 Bruising begins to fade. Most patients manage comfortably at home. Desk work and light activity are typically possible by the end of week two.
Weeks 3–4 Swelling continues to decrease. Mobility improves noticeably. Light exercise may resume as directed.
Week 6+ Most normal activities can resume. Compression may be recommended longer term to support lymphatic health. Full results continue to develop over several months.
Dr. Larsen provides detailed postoperative care instructions and closely monitors healing, particularly given the lymphatic considerations specific to lipedema treatment.
Results
Surgical treatment for lipedema can produce meaningful, lasting improvements:
Significant reduction in the volume of abnormal fat in treated areas
Reduced pain, tenderness, and heaviness
Improved mobility and ease of movement
Better proportion between upper and lower body
Many patients report a dramatic improvement in daily comfort and quality of life
Results are long-lasting when weight is kept stable. While lipedema fat does not typically return after surgical removal, the underlying condition remains, and ongoing conservative care — such as compression and movement — supports the best long-term outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lipedema covered by insurance? In some cases, yes. Insurance coverage for lipedema surgery is evolving, and some plans now recognize it as a medical condition warranting surgical treatment. Dr. Larsen's team can help you understand your options and provide documentation to support an insurance claim where applicable.
How is lipedema different from lymphedema? Lipedema involves abnormal fat accumulation and is a distinct condition from lymphedema, which involves fluid retention due to lymphatic system damage. The two can co-exist — a condition called lipo-lymphedema — which Dr. Larsen takes into account when planning treatment.
How is lipedema surgery different from regular liposuction? Lipedema surgery is performed with careful attention to preserving lymphatic vessels, which run throughout the affected tissue. The goal is not purely cosmetic — it is to remove painful, abnormal fat while minimizing disruption to the lymphatic system. The technique and approach are specifically adapted for lipedema patients.
Will I need more than one surgery? Many patients with moderate to advanced lipedema require staged procedures to safely treat all affected areas. Dr. Larsen will outline a realistic treatment plan during your consultation based on your individual presentation.
What does lipedema surgery cost? Cost depends on the areas being treated and the number of stages required. Financing options are available, and our team can assist with insurance documentation where applicable — learn more here.
Meet Dr. Melissa Larsen, MD
Dr. Melissa Larsen is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon serving patients in Gig Harbor and the greater Tacoma area. She is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and completed her six-year Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Integrated Residency at Oregon Health & Science University. Dr. Larsen is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and is committed to personalized care that achieves natural, balanced results. Learn more about Dr. Larsen →
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you've been living with the pain and frustration of lipedema, you don't have to manage it alone. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Larsen to discuss your symptoms, explore your options, and take the first step toward relief.