Lipedema Treatment in Asheville, NC
Compassionate evaluation and personalized treatment for symptoms and disproportionate fat associated with lipedema.
Quick Facts
RECOVERY
About one week of downtime
RESULTS
Initial improvements may be visible immediately, with final results developing over approximately nine months
PRICE RANGE
$10,000-$20,000
PROCEDURE LOCATION
Restore & Reveal in Asheville, NC
Explore Lipedema Treatment
Understanding Lipedema
Overview
Lipedema is a chronic condition in which abnormal fat tissue develops in a symmetrical pattern, most commonly in the lower body and sometimes the arms. It can create noticeable disproportion and is distinct from ordinary weight gain.
For many women, understanding the reason behind these changes can be validating. A careful clinical evaluation can help determine whether lipedema may be contributing and provide a clearer path forward.
At Restore & Reveal, Dr. Ryan Marshall—who is board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery (AOBS)—provides personalized lipedema treatment in Asheville, NC. Each treatment plan is guided by the patient’s health, anatomy and personal goals.
AI-generated image shown for illustrative purposes only. Individual anatomy and symptoms may vary.
Signs and Symptoms of Lipedema
Lipedema can look and feel different from one person to another. Common signs and symptoms include:
Symmetrical Distribution
Lipedema tissue typically develops on both sides of the body in a similar pattern.
Hands and Feet Spared
The arms or legs may be affected while the hands and feet remain relatively unaffected.
Resistant to Weight Loss
Affected areas may change very little despite diet, exercise or overall weight loss.
Having one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have lipedema. A personalized evaluation can help determine whether your concerns are consistent with the condition and what next steps may be appropriate.
What Causes Lipedema?
The exact cause of lipedema is not yet fully understood. Because the condition often begins or worsens during puberty, pregnancy and menopause, hormonal changes are believed to play an important role.
Researchers are also studying the possible influence of genetics, inflammation and metabolism. Some women with lipedema have relatives with a similar body shape or pattern of symptoms, suggesting that the condition may run in families.
Although research is ongoing, lipedema is not caused by a lack of willpower or an unwillingness to exercise. Recognizing it as a medical condition can be an important and validating step for women who have spent years struggling to understand changes in their bodies.
How Is Lipedema Diagnosed?
There is no single standardized blood test, X-ray or imaging study that can confirm lipedema. Diagnosis is clinical and is based on a detailed medical history and physical examination, including the distribution, appearance and feel of the affected tissue.
A complimentary virtual consultation can be a useful first step. Dr. Marshall can review your health history, discuss your symptoms and examine photographs to determine whether your concerns appear consistent with lipedema and whether an in-person evaluation is appropriate. Photographs and a virtual consultation alone do not provide a definitive diagnosis.
This preliminary review allows you to learn more without traveling to Asheville for your first appointment. If lipedema is suspected, the team will explain the appropriate next steps, including any needed in-person examination, testing or medical clearance.
Lipedema Treatment Areas
What Areas Can Lipedema Treatment Address?
Lipedema can affect several areas of the body, with the pattern and severity varying from patient to patient. Common treatment areas include:
Arms
Lipedema may affect the upper arms, forearms or both, creating symmetrical fullness that often changes very little with weight loss.
Hips, Thighs and Knees
Lipedema commonly creates disproportionate fullness through the hips, thighs and knees, sometimes accompanied by tender or nodular tissue and pads around the knees.
Knees, Calves and Ankles
Lipedema may extend from the knees through the calves and ankles, often ending in a distinct cuff above the relatively unaffected feet.
STAGED LOWER-BODY TREATMENT
When lipedema affects the entire lower body, treatment is generally divided into two procedures.
First Procedure
Hips, Thighs and Knees
Approx. 3 Months
Recovery Between Procedures
Second Procedure
Calves and Ankles
This staged approach allows Dr. Marshall to treat each area carefully while giving your body time to recover between procedures.
Treatment Options
Nonsurgical vs. Surgical Lipedema Treatment
Both nonsurgical and surgical treatments can play a role in managing lipedema. The right approach depends on your symptoms, overall health, affected areas and personal goals.
Conservative Management
Surgical Treatment
Benefits of Lipedema Liposuction
Lipedema liposuction is designed to reduce abnormal tissue and may provide both functional and aesthetic benefits. Depending on your symptoms and treatment areas, potential benefits may include:
- Reduced pain and tenderness
- Less heaviness in the arms or legs
- Greater comfort during everyday activities
- Improved mobility
- More balanced proportions
- Smoother, more refined contours
- Greater confidence when choosing clothing
- Enhanced quality of life
- Additional skin tightening when BodyTite is used
Results vary, and surgery cannot guarantee that every symptom will resolve completely. Dr. Marshall will explain what treatment may realistically accomplish based on your anatomy and condition.
Risks of Lipedema Liposuction
As with any surgical procedure, potential risks may include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Temporary discomfort
- Contour irregularities
- Loose or lax skin following fat removal
Removing a large amount of tissue may make existing skin laxity more noticeable. When appropriate, Dr. Marshall may incorporate BodyTite to encourage additional skin contraction.
Dr. Marshall will evaluate your health, anatomy and treatment areas and explain the risks specific to your procedure during your consultation.
Am I a Candidate for Lipedema Liposuction?
You may be a candidate for lipedema liposuction if you have symptoms consistent with the condition or disproportionate areas that have not responded meaningfully to weight loss.
You may be a good candidate if you:
Not sure whether your symptoms are consistent with lipedema?
A complimentary virtual consultation is an easy, private place to begin.
Dr. Marshall will review your health history, medications, BMI and ability to safely tolerate the required surgical positions. Medical conditions such as diabetes should be appropriately controlled, and a BMI below 40 is generally preferred. Patients taking blood-thinning medication may need approval before temporarily discontinuing it, while patients over age 65 will need preoperative bloodwork and medical clearance.
Compression, massage, healthy nutrition and weight management may be encouraged before surgery, but previous nonsurgical treatment is not required.
COMPLIMENTARY VIRTUAL CONSULTATION
Start With a Private, Personalized Review
Your consultation begins with a simple inquiry. Our patient coordination team will explain pricing, local anesthesia, procedure details and postoperative compression. If you would like to continue, you'll receive secure instructions for submitting photographs before meeting virtually with Dr. Marshall.
All-Inclusive Lipedema Surgery Pricing
Prices are approximate and are based on the treatment area and whether BodyTite is included.
A personalized cost estimate will be provided after Dr. Marshall reviews your photographs, symptoms and potential treatment areas.
Arms
$10,000
Arms With BodyTite
$15,000
Knees, Calves & Ankles
$15,000
Hips, Thighs & Knees With BodyTite
$20,000
What's Included
Your Lipedema Treatment Journey
What to Expect Before, During and After Surgery
Every treatment plan is personalized, but the process follows three clear stages. Here is what you can generally expect as you prepare for surgery, complete treatment and recover.
Dr. Marshall will review your health history and give you instructions based on your treatment plan. Preparation may include:
During surgery, you may be asked to stand, flex your muscles or change positions so Dr. Marshall can assess the treatment area from multiple angles. Your appointment also includes photographs, surgical markings, treatment and compression-garment placement.
BodyTite may be incorporated when treating the arms, thighs or knees if additional skin tightening would be beneficial. It is not used on the calves or ankles.
Early Recovery
Expect drainage, significant bruising, swelling, garment changes and mild-to-moderate discomfort. Prescription pain medicine is often needed for only one or two days.
Typical Return to Work
Most patients plan for about one week away from work. Driving may resume after two days if you are no longer taking prescription pain medicine.
Full-Time Compression
Wear your compression garments around the clock. Lymphatic massage may begin three to five days after surgery if discomfort is controlled.
Continued Compression
Continue wearing compression garments as much as possible while swelling gradually improves.
Final Contour Development
Your body continues to heal and the treated contours gradually refine. Final results typically take about nine months to develop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Obesity generally causes an increase in fat throughout multiple areas of the body, which may include the abdomen, back, neck, breasts, arms and legs. Lipedema typically creates a disproportionate, symmetrical accumulation of fat in the arms or lower body. Someone can have both lipedema and obesity, but they are separate conditions. Lipedema is not caused by a lack of effort, poor eating habits or an unwillingness to exercise.
Lipedema generally affects both sides of the body symmetrically and usually stops at the wrists or ankles without affecting the hands or feet. Lymphedema may affect one or both limbs and frequently includes swelling in the feet or toes. Because symptoms can overlap, an evaluation is important for determining which condition may be contributing to your concerns.
Lipedema tissue often does not respond to diet and exercise in the same way as ordinary body fat. You may lose weight from other areas while noticing very little change in the arms or legs affected by lipedema. Healthy nutrition, weight management and appropriate exercise are still valuable for supporting your overall health and helping manage certain symptoms.
Lipedema is diagnosed clinically through a detailed medical history and physical examination. There is no single standardized blood test or imaging study that can confirm the condition. A virtual review of symptoms and photographs can help determine whether your concerns appear consistent with lipedema, but an in-person physical examination is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Yes. Dr. Marshall performs lipedema liposuction using local anesthesia while you remain awake. Pro-Nox nitrous oxide is also available to help you feel more comfortable and relaxed. Being awake allows you to change positions, flex your muscles and stand when directed, helping Dr. Marshall carefully evaluate and contour the treatment areas.
Lower-body treatment is generally divided into two procedures. Dr. Marshall typically treats the hips, thighs and knees during one surgery and the knees, calves and ankles during another. When both procedures are needed, they are usually scheduled approximately three months apart to give your body time to recover.
You should wear your compression garments around the clock for the first two weeks and as much as possible during the following six weeks. Restore & Reveal provides two postoperative compression garments as part of your treatment cost.
You will be able to see an initial contour change immediately after surgery. Swelling and bruising will develop during recovery, but your results will become more noticeable as your body heals. Final results may take approximately nine months to develop.
The fat cells removed through liposuction do not grow back. However, lipedema is a chronic condition, and it is not possible to guarantee that new symptoms or tissue changes will never occur in untreated areas. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help support your overall health and long-term results.
Request Your Complimentary Consultation
If painful, heavy or disproportionate fat has not responded to weight loss, there may be a medical reason. A complimentary virtual consultation with Dr. Marshall can help determine whether your concerns appear consistent with lipedema and whether an in-person evaluation or another next step may be appropriate.