Lipedema Treatment in Beverly Hills, CA | Hakimi Plastic Surgery Hakimi Plastic Surgery

Overview What is Lipedema Stages of Lipedema Lipedema Treatments Is Lipedema Liposuction Right for Me FAQ

Many women struggle with stubborn fat in their legs and arms that refuses to budge despite their best efforts with diet and exercise — but what they don’t realize is they may be dealing with lipedema, a chronic condition that requires specialized treatment. At Hakimi Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, Dr. Hakimi offers advanced liposuction techniques that provide real relief from this often-misunderstood condition, helping patients reclaim their comfort, mobility and confidence.

Lipedema Liposuction Overview

01 // What It Is

A minimally invasive procedure that removes stubborn lipedema fat.

02 // How We Do It

Lipedema liposuction is typically performed as an awake procedure with no general anesthesia and just two days of downtime.

03 // Why You Want It

Lipedema fat doesn’t respond to diet or exercise — liposuction provides effective results and restores more proportionate, balanced body contours.

04 // Recovery Time

With Dr. Hakimi’s precision and expertise in awake liposuction, you can expect to resume light activities within 48 hours.

What Is Lipedema?

Lipedema is a chronic condition that causes an abnormal build-up of fat, particularly in the hips, legs and sometimes the arms, but sparing the hands and feet. Often mistaken for obesity, lipedema fat deposits are symmetrical and accumulate bilaterally, creating a disproportionate appearance between the upper and lower body. Other hallmarks of lipedema include:

Unlike ordinary body fat, lipedema is often painful
Areas with lipedema tend to bruise easily
Inflammation and swelling in the affected limbs
Skin texture changes (bumps, dimples and a rubbery feeling)
A feeling of heaviness or aching in the legs
Lipedema fat doesn’t respond to diet and exercise

While the exact cause of lipedema is unknown, it almost exclusively affects women and usually appears (or worsens) during puberty, pregnancy or menopause, so female hormones are thought to play a role. Having a family history also increases the risk of developing lipedema.

Lipedema is often mistaken for obesity or lymphedema (swelling due excess lymph fluid), so those with the condition don’t always get proper treatment. However, celebrities like Kelly Clarkson who have publicly disclosed a lipedema diagnosis have helped raise awareness and shed light on how this condition can impact your mental health, body image and quality of life.

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Stages of Lipedema

Lipedema progresses through distinct stages, each presenting unique challenges and symptoms that affect patients differently.

Stage 1 (Early)

Smooth skin surface with minimal texture changes
Fat deposits primarily in the hips, thighs and buttocks
Mild tenderness and sensitivity to touch
Symmetrical distribution becomes noticeable
Legs may feel heavy, especially at the end of the day

Stage 2 (Moderate)

Skin develops an uneven, dimpled texture (similar to cellulite)
Fat deposits become more pronounced and lobular
Increased pain and tenderness in affected areas
Mobility may begin to be affected
Swelling becomes more persistent throughout the day

Stage 3 (Advanced)

Large, bulky fat deposits
Skin develops deep folds and overhangs
Severe pain and limited mobility
Secondary lymphedema may develop
Daily activities become increasingly challenging

Stage 4 (Severe)

Lymphedema is present alongside lipedema (lipolymphedema)
Significant functional impairment and disability
Higher risk of complications and infections
Requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment approach

Left untreated, lipedema often worsens over time, but specialized treatment and liposuction techniques can provide significant relief and prevent your symptoms from progressing.

Lipedema Treatments

01 // Conservative Treatments

Conservative treatments offer some relief from lipedema symptoms like pain and swelling but do not directly address the abnormal build-up of fat. These treatments might include:

Compression stockings
Lymphatic drainage massage
Diet and exercise for overall health

02 // Lipedema Liposuction

Liposuction is an effective way to eliminate stubborn deposits of lipedema fat. Dr. Hakimi’s advanced awake liposuction technique removes unwanted fat safely and precisely while minimizing damage to the surrounding tissues. It provides significant and long-lasting relief with just two days of downtime. This approach stands out because it is:

Minimally invasive with a quick recovery (two days of downtime)
Performed under local anesthesia (avoids the risks of general anesthesia)
Highly targeted (precision techniques protect the lymphatic system)

Is Lipedema Liposuction Right for Me?

Lipedema affects millions of women worldwide, yet many go years without proper diagnosis or treatment. Unlike regular weight gain, lipedema fat is painful and doesn’t respond to diet and exercise, leaving many patients feeling frustrated and discouraged.

If this sounds familiar, it’s worth looking deeper into a lipedema diagnosis. Dr. Hakimi provides personalized evaluations and treatment at his Beverly Hills office, analyzing your unique symptoms and medical history to determine if you might be dealing with this often-misunderstood condition. Lipedema liposuction is typically suitable for patients who:

Have symmetrical, abnormal fat accumulation in the legs, hips, thighs or arms that doesn’t improve with lifestyle changes
Experience chronic pain, tenderness or mobility issues related to lipedema
Feel self-conscious about their appearance and lower body proportions
Are in good overall health and have reasonable expectations about surgical outcomes
Prefer an effective, long-term solution to lipedema fat

Dr. Hakimi understands that each lipedema case is unique. During your consultation, he’ll assess the severity of your condition, discuss your symptoms and determine whether you’re a good candidate for surgical intervention. Some patients benefit from conservative treatments first, while others may need immediate surgical relief to improve their quality of life.

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Experience Life-Changing Results at Hakimi Plastic Surgery

If you’re ready to stop struggling with lipedema and start living comfortably again, Dr. Hakimi can help. His specialized approach to lipedema treatment has transformed the lives of patients who thought they were out of options. Call Hakimi Plastic Surgery today at 424-239-5201 or request a consultation online and discover how lipedema liposuction can change your life.

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FAQ

What’s the difference between lipedema and lymphedema?

Lipedema involves an abnormal accumulation of fat, typically affecting legs and arms while sparing the hands and feet. Lymphedema is fluid retention due to compromised lymphatic drainage and often includes swelling in the hands and feet. Both conditions can occur together.

How can I tell if I have lipedema?

Common signs include symmetrical fat deposits in legs/arms that don’t respond to diet or exercise, pain in affected areas, easy bruising and unbalanced lower body proportions compared to your torso. A proper medical evaluation is essential for accurate diagnosis.

Can I lose lipedema fat naturally?

Unfortunately, lipedema fat doesn’t respond to traditional weight loss methods like diet and exercise. While maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for overall health, surgical intervention is typically the only effective way to remove lipedema fat deposits permanently.

Do GLP-1 weight loss injections help with lipedema?

GLP-1 medications may help with overall weight management but won’t specifically target lipedema fat. However, losing excess weight can reduce the pressure on affected areas and may improve your symptoms. After liposuction, they may also help you maintain your results. Dr. Hakimi can discuss whether these medications fit into your long-term treatment plan.

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