The Truth About Lipedema - October 14, 2025 -
Lipedema is one of the most misunderstood conditions women face. It shows up as uneven fat in the lower body that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise, often leading to frustration, pain, and a feeling of being dismissed by healthcare providers. Beyond the physical symptoms, the emotional toll is huge. Once treated, many women celebrate simple wins like finally zipping up a pair of boots.
San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Hector Salazar and massage therapist Linda-Anne Kahn explain what lipedema really is, how it differs from obesity, cellulite, and lymphedema, and why early diagnosis and treatment make such a difference.
With over 40 years of experience working in integrative health, Linda-Anne shares how being diagnosed herself inspired her to help other women find relief through manual lymphatic drainage and holistic care.
Dr. Salazar explains how he treats it surgically with liposuction, and how combining surgery with massage therapy, nutrition, and lifestyle changes can improve symptoms at every stage.
Together, they break down what works, what doesn’t, and why awareness of lipedema matters for patients, families, and providers alike.
Links
If you have lipedema and want to learn how we can help you get the answers and treatment you deserve, request a free consultation with Dr. Salazar https://www.ljcsc.com/consultation-request/
Meet San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Hector Salazar-Reyes https://www.ljcsc.com/about/meet-the-team/plastic-surgeons/dr-hector-salazar-reyes/
Learn more about lipedema treatment https://www.ljcsc.com/procedures/cosmetic-surgery/body/lipedema/
Learn more about San Diego lymphatic drainage massage therapist Linda-Anne Kahn https://lymphatictherapyservices.com/about-linda-anne-kahn/
Check out the book Linda-Anne co-authored, Lymphedema and Lipedema Nutrition Guide https://a.co/d/dDXTAJK
Learn from the talented plastic surgeons inside La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre, the 12x winner of the San Diego’s Best Union-Tribune Readers Poll, global winner of the 2020 MyFaceMyBody Best Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery Practice, and the 2025 winner of Best Cosmetic Surgery Group in San Diego Magazine’s Best of San Diego Awards.
Join hostess Monique Ramsey as she takes you inside LJCSC, where dreams become real. Featuring the unique expertise of San Diego’s most loved plastic surgeons, this podcast covers the latest trends in aesthetic surgery, including breast augmentation, breast implant removal, tummy tuck, mommy makeover, labiaplasty, facelifts and rhinoplasty.
La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre is located just off the I-5 San Diego Freeway at 9850 Genesee Ave, Suite 130 in the Ximed building on the Scripps Memorial Hospital campus.
To learn more, go to https://www.ljcsc.com/or follow the team on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ljcsc/
Watch the LJCSC Dream Team on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@LaJollaCosmeticSurgeryCentre/
The La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Podcast is a production of The Axis: https://www.theaxis.io/
Theme music: Busy People, SOOP
Contents of this video:
00:00 - Intro to lipedema
01:40 - Welcome massage therapist Linda-Anne Kahn
04:23 - What is lipedema?
05:56 - What causes lipedema?
06:44 - Signs you may have lipedema
07:24 - Why does lipedema get misdiagnosed?
08:57 - Lipedema vs. cellulite
10:57 - Lipedema vs. lymphedema
12:40 - Stages of lipedema
15:08 - Treatments for lipedema
21:28 - Is lipedema treatment ongoing?
21:54 - Lymphedema and Lipedema Nutrition Guide
23:50 - Lipedema patient stories
26:50 - Lipedema awareness
29:40 - What doctors and patients should know about lipedema
32:17 - Takeaways and outro
