Artigos

Cureus. 2026 Feb 25;18(2):e104222. doi: 10.7759/cureus.104222. eCollection 2026 Feb.ABSTRACTBackground Lipedema is characterized by disproportionate gluteofemoral adiposity with anti-inflammatory properties. We hypothesized that this phenotype may confer immunological protection against T-helper 1 (Th1)-mediated autoimmunity (“Immunological Shield Hypothesis”). Objective The objective of this study is to explore whether women with a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-defined lipedema-like phenotype, characterized by disproportionate gluteofemoral fat accumulation, exhibit distinct immunometabolic profiles and lower prevalence of celiac disease (CD) autoimmunity in a nationally representative sample. Methods The cross-sectional analysis included 3,833 women from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2014. Celiac disease (n=11, 0.56% weighted prevalence) was defined by strict serology (tissue transglutaminase {tTG}-IgA+/endomysial antibody {EMA}-IgA+); lipedema phenotype was defined as leg-to-trunk fat ratio of >90th percentile via DXA. Results Women with celiac disease exhibited 7.4% lower gynoid fat (39.5% versus 42.6%, p=0.0007), persisting in overweight/obese strata. Conversely, the lipedema phenotype demonstrated superior metabolic health: 44.2% lower homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (p<0.001) and 7.6% lower neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (p=0.012). Conclusions This exploratory population-based analysis identifies phenotypic divergence in fat distribution between the DXA-defined lipedema phenotype and celiac disease autoimmunity, yielding observations consistent with, but not confirmatory of, the “Immunological Shield Hypothesis.” While limited by the small number of celiac cases (n=11), a sample size insufficient to detect prevalence differences for a ~7%-9% phenotype, for which approximately 225-600 celiac cases would be required, the observed differences in gynoid adiposity (7.4% reduction, p=0.0007) and the favorable metabolic profile of the lipedema phenotype (44.2% lower HOMA-IR and 7.6% lower NLR) suggest biological plausibility warranting validation in larger, targeted cohorts. These findings motivate targeted studies to evaluate whether dietary exposures, including gluten-related immune activation, interact with gluteofemoral adipose biology in lipedema.PMID:41909346 | PMC:PMC13023015 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.104222

J Clin Med. 2026 Mar 22;15(6):2428. doi: 10.3390/jcm15062428.ABSTRACTBackground/Objectives: Non-invasive radiofrequency (NIRF) therapy is increasingly used in physical rehabilitation. However, its efficacy across different lower limb pathologies remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of NIRF on pain intensity and functional status in patients with musculoskeletal, neurological, and vascular conditions of the lower limb. Methods: A systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for RCTs comparing NIRF with sham, standard care, or other physical modalities. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 to calculate Mean Differences (MD) and Standardized Mean Differences (SMD). Results: Nineteen RCTs comprising 911 participants were included in the qualitative review, of which 14 were included in the quantitative meta-analysis. The mean methodological quality was 7.78/10. The meta-analysis revealed favorable results for NIRF in reducing pain intensity compared to control groups (MD = -2.04; 95% CI = -3.14 to -0.93; p = 0.0003; I2 = 96%). Functional outcomes also showed significant improvement in favor of the experimental group (SMD = -0.51; 95% CI: -0.85 to -0.16; p = 0.004; I2 = 78%). Additionally, narrative synthesis indicated benefits for spasticity management (stroke) and limb volume reduction (lipedema/lymphedema). Conclusions: The results suggest a trend favoring NIRF for reducing pain and improving function in lower limb musculoskeletal conditions, particularly when used as an adjunct to active therapy. Evidence also suggests preliminary beneficial effects for neurological and vascular disorders. However, these findings must be interpreted with caution due to the high statistical heterogeneity observed, the broad diversity of the clinical populations included, and the wide variability in the treatment protocols applied. Further rigorous research with standardized protocols is highly recommended.PMID:41899351 | PMC:PMC13027387 | DOI:10.3390/jcm15062428

Aesthet Surg J Open Forum. 2026 Feb 24;8:ojag039. doi: 10.1093/asjof/ojag039. eCollection 2026.ABSTRACTLipedema is a chronic disorder characterized by abnormal subcutaneous fat accumulation, mainly in women’s lower limbs. The aim of the study was to analyze the safety and efficacy of liposuction in treating lipedema. A systematic review was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and MEDLINE until June 2024 using the terms “lipedema,” “liposuction,” “results,” and “complications.” Twenty-five studies were included (n = 2373 patients). Liposuction, mainly using the tumescent infiltration, reduced pain, BMI, and functional limitations, with improvements in mobility and quality of life. Mean aspirated fat volume was 3077 mL per session and 6111 mL per treatment course. Complications were uncommon (hematomas, edema, anemia, DVT, and rare methemoglobinemia). Moreover, improvements were maintained during the follow-up, suggesting that the beneficial results were sustained over time. Although 15 studies reported using tumescent, only 2 fully described the anesthetic fluid composition. Liposuction is a safe and effective treatment for lipedema, but variability in techniques and postoperative care highlights the need for standardized protocols and further research. Level of Evidence: 4 (Therapeutic).PMID:41884178 | PMC:PMC13010320 | DOI:10.1093/asjof/ojag039

Phlebology. 2026 Mar 26:2683555261435120. doi: 10.1177/02683555261435120. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTObjectiveTo analyse and compare the prevalence of comorbidities associated with lipedema in Spanish women with that in the general population.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted using an anonymous online questionnaire distributed among lipedema patient associations in Spain. Sociodemographic variables, clinical aspects, and comorbidities were collected. These were then compared with data from the 2023 National Health Survey, which represents the general Spanish population. The prevalence of each pathology was compared using odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals. Age-group contributions were assessed using standardised residuals from expected/observed contingency tables, considering absolute values >1.96 (95% confidence) to be significant.ResultsA total of 1001 responses were obtained, with a mean age of 44.2 years. The most prevalent comorbidities were vitamin D deficiency (63.4%), lower limb venous insufficiency (47.2%), and migraine (43.1%). Compared to the general female population in Spain, patients with lipedema were more likely to suffer from venous insufficiency (OR= 5.05; 95% CI: 4.3-5.8), urinary incontinence (OR= 4.93; 95% CI: 4.1-5.8), migraine (OR= 3.9; 95% CI: 3.4-4.5), thyroid disease (OR= 2.21; 95% CI: 1.8-2.6), and asthma (OR= 2.09; 95% CI: 1.7-2.5). However, the probability of hypertension (OR= 0.38; 95% CI: 0.2-0.4) and diabetes (OR= 0.36; 95% CI: 0.2-0.6) was significantly lower.ConclusionsSpanish women with lipedema have a higher prevalence of certain pathologies that should be considered in their medical care. Understanding these relationships is crucial to improving the detection and treatment of patients.PMID:41886595 | DOI:10.1177/02683555261435120

Br J Dermatol. 2026 Mar 25:ljag103. doi: 10.1093/bjd/ljag103. Online ahead of print.NO ABSTRACTPMID:41876905 | DOI:10.1093/bjd/ljag103

Br J Dermatol. 2026 Mar 25:ljag103. doi: 10.1093/bjd/ljag103. Online ahead of print.NO ABSTRACTPMID:41876905 | DOI:10.1093/bjd/ljag103

Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2026 Jan 16;14(1):e7383. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000007383. eCollection 2026 Jan.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: Lipedema is a progressive subcutaneous adipose tissue disorder predominantly affecting women. Characterized by painful nodules and inflammation, it impairs mobility and quality of life. Traditional nonsurgical treatments currently offer limited relief and necessitate additional interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of SMiLE (Softening, Mobilization, Liposuction, Extraction), a lipedema reduction surgery (LRS) technique. This technique combines lymphatic-sparing liposuction with manual lipedema extraction to comprehensively remove lipedema nodules.METHODS: Sixty-two women who underwent LRS with the SMiLE technique by the primary author participated in the study and completed an online survey. Data were collected on prior medical history related to lipedema development and comorbidities and outcome measures such as pain, activities of daily living, and quality of life before and after surgery.RESULTS: The findings demonstrate significant improvements in patients’ daily lives following surgery. Pain levels decreased by an average of 73.9%, with the most notable reduction in the buttock shelf (81.3%). Mobility improved for 93% of participants who had faced challenges before LRS, and quality-of-life assessments indicated a 47.5% reduction in the negative impact of lipedema postsurgery.CONCLUSIONS: The SMiLE technique offers an advancement in the surgical management of lipedema by enabling the effective removal of lipedema tissue. Alongside a reduction in pain and improvement in mobility, this method addresses physical and psychological burdens. This study suggested that the SMiLE technique could be considered an option as part of a comprehensive approach to treating patients with lipedema.PMID:41858708 | PMC:PMC12999120 | DOI:10.1097/GOX.0000000000007383

Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2026 Mar 17. doi: 10.1007/s00266-026-05745-y. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTLymphedema is a common, debilitating condition that challenges treatment efforts. The primary aim of treatment is to debulk the affected areas, providing relief without further damaging tissues or causing undesirable cosmetic outcomes. Liposuction has become a popular treatment for end-stage extremity lymphedema, yet there is no consensus on the most effective technique. Current practices include a range of methods such as dry, wet, superwet, laser-assisted, water-assisted, and power-assisted liposuction. Dry liposuction has sparked controversy, primarily due to concerns that it might be less gentle, and therefore potentially more harmful, than wet liposuction. Contrary to this, we posit that dry liposuction is a viable, low-risk alternative that minimizes the risk of tissue and lymph vessel damage while providing excellent and durable outcomes. This assertion is supported by current literature. In this video article, we present our systematic, step-by-step approach to performing dry liposuction for end-stage lymphedema, illustrating its efficacy and safety. Our personal experience is that patients experience significant reductions in limb volume and report high satisfaction rates, demonstrating that dry liposuction is both effective and reliable for the long-term management of end-stage lymphedema. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.PMID:41845080 | DOI:10.1007/s00266-026-05745-y

Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2026 Mar 16. doi: 10.1007/s00266-026-05741-2. Online ahead of print.NO ABSTRACTPMID:41840242 | DOI:10.1007/s00266-026-05741-2

Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2026 Mar 16. doi: 10.1007/s00266-026-05741-2. Online ahead of print.NO ABSTRACTPMID:41840242 | DOI:10.1007/s00266-026-05741-2

FP Essent. 2026 Mar;562:36-46.ABSTRACTLower extremity edema results from an imbalance between capillary hydrostatic pressure, oncotic pressure, and lymphatic drainage, leading to fluid accumulation in the interstitial space. Most cases are bilateral, typically due to systemic causes of volume overload such as heart failure, cirrhosis, or kidney dysfunction. Unilateral edema is more often due to localized pathology, including deep venous thrombosis, cellulitis, or trauma. Edema is a common presenting symptom and may be associated with pain, reduced mobility, and functional impairment. Initial evaluation should include a history and physical examination with attention to risk factors, symptom duration, laterality, precipitating factors, and associated signs and symptoms. Laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging are selected based on clinical suspicion, in some cases aided by tools such as the Wells criteria for deep venous thrombosis. Management targets the underlying etiology. Edema due to systemic causes often improves with disease-specific therapy. Edema due to chronic venous insufficiency and lymphedema respond to compression therapy. Lipedema is the painful localized accumulation of subcutaneous adipose tissue and treatment is focused on symptom management.PMID:41838993

Int J Obes (Lond). 2026 Mar 14. doi: 10.1038/s41366-026-02049-8. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Lipedema is a chronic and progressive adipose tissue disorder characterized by the abnormal accumulation of subcutaneous fat, predominantly in the legs and occasionally in the arms. The symptom that most significantly affects the quality of life is pain. Ultrasound elastography is an imaging technology that allows for measuring tissue stiffness quantitatively. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between accompanying pain in patients with lipedema and tissue elasticity measured using shear-wave elastography (SWE).METHODS: Our study was designed as an observational, analytical and cross-sectional study. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess pain, while the PainDetect questionnaire was utilized to evaluate neuropathic pain. The evaluation of tissue elasticity and fibrosis was conducted using the SWE method.RESULTS: This research assessed thirty-five patients, revealing an average age of 45.2 years and an average body mass index (BMI) of 33.6 kg/m². 60% of the patients had a lipedema diagnosis in their family history. Both age (p < 0.01) and BMI (p < 0.001) values were moderately correlated with all subcutaneous adipose tissue measurements, while no correlation was observed in SWE measurements. Only the level of the thigh in the SWE-Elasticity (SWE-E) values was related to VAS (r = 0.35, p = 0.03). Additionally, PainDetect scores demonstrated significant positive correlations with both SWE-velocity (SWE-V) and SWE-E measurements in the thigh region. Specifically, SWE-V showed moderate correlations with PainDetect scores in the right thigh (r = 0.38, p = 0.02) and left thigh (r = 0.47, p = 0.004), while SWE-E was also significantly correlated in both the right (r = 0.44, p = 0.007) and left thighs (r = 0.44, p = 0.008).CONCLUSIONS: While SWE measurements were not correlated with skin adipose tissue, SWE measurements were correlated with pain and neuropathic pain in patients with lipedema. This finding highlights a potentially important relationship between tissue elasticity and pain, which may warrant further exploration. SWE offers a novel, non-invasive approach to quantifying tissue stiffness, providing valuable insights into tissue alterations in women with lipedema.PMID:41832313 | DOI:10.1038/s41366-026-02049-8

Int J Mol Sci. 2026 Mar 1;27(5):2319. doi: 10.3390/ijms27052319.ABSTRACTLipedema is a chronic, progressive adipose tissue disorder characterized by disproportionate subcutaneous fat accumulation, pain, edema, and resistance to conventional weight-loss strategies. Although traditionally conceptualized as a disease of adipose expansion, increasing clinical and imaging evidence suggests that functional impairment in advanced lipedema cannot be explained by adipose pathology alone. This narrative, hypothesis-generating review proposes an integrated pathophysiological framework in which inflammatory myosteatosis serves as a mechanistic bridge between lipedema progression and dynapenia. We examine how chronic adipose inflammation, microvascular dysfunction, and impaired lipid mobilization may promote ectopic lipid deposition within skeletal muscle, leading to mitochondrial inflexibility, oxidative stress, and reduced contractile efficiency. Within this model, lipedematous dynapenic myosteatosis may explain the paradox of reduced muscle strength despite preserved or increased limb volume, particularly during the transition from Stage 2.5 to Stage 3. Unlike obesity-associated dynapenia, which is primarily driven by systemic metabolic overload, lipedema-related muscle dysfunction may involve localized adipose-muscle inflammatory crosstalk and mechanical intolerance to exercise. This framework reframes advanced lipedema as a disorder of coupled adipose-muscle dysfunction rather than isolated adipose excess. The model is conceptual and intended to generate testable hypotheses, highlighting the need for future studies incorporating objective measures of muscle quality, mitochondrial function, and inflammatory signaling to clarify mechanisms underlying functional decline.PMID:41828544 | PMC:PMC12985791 | DOI:10.3390/ijms27052319

Handchir Mikrochir Plast Chir. 2026 Mar 12. doi: 10.1055/a-2763-4919. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTDespite ongoing research, the prevalence of lipoedema still relies on estimates, with figures in the recent literature ranging from 1% to 10%. Large-scale epidemiological studies on lipoedema are lacking.This retrospective observational study analysed health insurance claims data from the second-largest health insurance fund in Germany (8.7 million insured individuals), focusing on women with lipoedema stages I-III. Propensity score matching was performed to compare co-morbidities in lipoedema patients with those in the general patient population and in patients with grade III obesity.Between 2017 and 2021, the documented prevalence of lipoedema increased by 123.5% (from 3.89 to 8.69 cases per 1,000 insured individuals). Stage II lipoedema was the most common, with a prevalence of 0.34% in 2021. Extrapolation of the data to the total population suggests approximately 338.200 affected women in Germany in 2021, corresponding to a prevalence of 0.95%.This study is the first to provide a robust nationwide extrapolation of lipoedema prevalence. The findings highlight the underutilisation of conservative treatment and the significant comorbidities present in the affected patient population.PMID:41819150 | DOI:10.1055/a-2763-4919

Handchir Mikrochir Plast Chir. 2026 Mar 12. doi: 10.1055/a-2763-4919. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTDespite ongoing research, the prevalence of lipoedema still relies on estimates, with figures in the recent literature ranging from 1% to 10%. Large-scale epidemiological studies on lipoedema are lacking.This retrospective observational study analysed health insurance claims data from the second-largest health insurance fund in Germany (8.7 million insured individuals), focusing on women with lipoedema stages I-III. Propensity score matching was performed to compare co-morbidities in lipoedema patients with those in the general patient population and in patients with grade III obesity.Between 2017 and 2021, the documented prevalence of lipoedema increased by 123.5% (from 3.89 to 8.69 cases per 1,000 insured individuals). Stage II lipoedema was the most common, with a prevalence of 0.34% in 2021. Extrapolation of the data to the total population suggests approximately 338.200 affected women in Germany in 2021, corresponding to a prevalence of 0.95%.This study is the first to provide a robust nationwide extrapolation of lipoedema prevalence. The findings highlight the underutilisation of conservative treatment and the significant comorbidities present in the affected patient population.PMID:41819150 | DOI:10.1055/a-2763-4919

Nutr J. 2026 Mar 11. doi: 10.1186/s12937-026-01304-y. Online ahead of print.NO ABSTRACTPMID:41808123 | DOI:10.1186/s12937-026-01304-y

Nutr J. 2026 Mar 11. doi: 10.1186/s12937-026-01304-y. Online ahead of print.NO ABSTRACTPMID:41808123 | DOI:10.1186/s12937-026-01304-y

BMC Womens Health. 2026 Mar 7;26(1):148. doi: 10.1186/s12905-026-04345-x.NO ABSTRACTPMID:41794729 | PMC:PMC12967002 | DOI:10.1186/s12905-026-04345-x

BMC Womens Health. 2026 Mar 7;26(1):148. doi: 10.1186/s12905-026-04345-x.NO ABSTRACTPMID:41794729 | PMC:PMC12967002 | DOI:10.1186/s12905-026-04345-x

Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2026 Mar 6. doi: 10.1007/s00266-026-05740-3. Online ahead of print.NO ABSTRACTPMID:41790229 | DOI:10.1007/s00266-026-05740-3

Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2026 Mar 6. doi: 10.1007/s00266-026-05740-3. Online ahead of print.NO ABSTRACTPMID:41790229 | DOI:10.1007/s00266-026-05740-3

JCEM Case Rep. 2026 Feb 27;4(3):luag018. doi: 10.1210/jcemcr/luag018. eCollection 2026 Mar.ABSTRACTLipedema is a lipodystrophic disease characterized primarily by a disproportionate increase in lower body subcutaneous fat. Although moderate weight loss decreases lower body fat mass in women with obesity and lipedema, it is possible that this decrease is due to a reduction in normal subcutaneous fat, rather than lipedema-affected fat. We evaluated the effect of moderate (11%) diet-induced weight loss on body fat mass and distribution, assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and magnetic resonance imaging, in a 56-year-old woman with lipedema who was normal weight (body mass index: 23.9 kg/m2) at baseline. Approximately 85% of the decrease in body weight comprised body fat. The relative reduction in upper body fat (abdominal subcutaneous, arm and trunk fat) was similar to the relative reduction in lower body (total leg fat and thigh subcutaneous fat). Accordingly, weight loss did not change the proportion of total body fat comprising leg fat (44.8% and 45.1% before and after weight loss, respectively) or arm fat (9.1% and 9.6% before and after weight loss, respectively). These data suggest weight loss decreases lipedema-affected adipose tissue and demonstrate the therapeutic effect of weight loss on body composition in women with lipedema even if they are normal weight.PMID:41767202 | PMC:PMC12946969 | DOI:10.1210/jcemcr/luag018

Front Glob Womens Health. 2026 Feb 13;7:1720708. doi: 10.3389/fgwh.2026.1720708. eCollection 2026.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: Lipedema is a chronic adipose tissue disorder predominantly affecting women and is frequently misclassified as obesity. While its physical manifestations are increasingly recognized, less attention has been paid to eating attitudes and psychological well-being in this population. The objective of this study was to descriptively explore eating attitudes and psychological well-being in women with lipedema.METHODS: This exploratory cross-sectional study used an anonymous online survey to describe eating attitudes and psychological well-being in women with lipedema. A total of 47 participants completed the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) and the World Health Organization-5 Well-Being Index (WHO-5). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize screening indicators of disordered eating risk and reduced psychological well-being.RESULTS: Approximately two-thirds of participants scored at or above the EAT-26 screening cut-off, reflecting elevated screening indicators of disordered eating risk. When behavioral risk indicators were included, over 70% screened positive according to EAT-26 criteria. Reduced psychological well-being (as indicated by a WHO-5 score of ≤50) was observed in about one-fifth of the sample.CONCLUSION: In this exploratory sample of women with lipedema, elevated screening indicators of disordered eating risk and reduced psychological well-being were commonly observed. These findings offer preliminary insights suggesting that eating-related risk and reduced well-being may be prevalent in this population. Further research using larger, clinically verified samples is needed to better understand the psychological aspects of lipedema.PMID:41767758 | PMC:PMC12945998 | DOI:10.3389/fgwh.2026.1720708

JPRAS Open. 2026 Jan 19;48:993-1007. doi: 10.1016/j.jpra.2026.01.004. eCollection 2026 Mar.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: Lipedema is a chronic condition characterized by abnormal fat accumulation, primarily in the lower extremities, affecting mostly women. Despite improvements in diagnosis and treatment, lipedema is often misdiagnosed as obesity or lymphedema. Patients with obesity and lipedema propose a distinct clinical challenge in treating both diseases. Improved recognition and understanding are necessary to enhance diagnosis and treatment outcomes.PURPOSE OF THIS REVIEW: Lipedema is thought to be hormonally driven, often manifesting during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. It presents as disproportionate fat accumulation in the lower body, often with microvascular changes. Misdiagnosis as obesity or lymphedema leads to ineffective treatments like weight loss programs and bariatric surgery. Effective management involves both conservative and surgical approaches, as well as a tailored strategy for patients with both lipedema and obesity. The focus of this review is to summarize the current literature addressing adequate treatment regimens for patients with both diseases and based on the literature we propose a treatment protocol.CONCLUSION: Patients with concurrent lipedema and obesity propose a distinct clinical challenge, in which early recognition can benefit adequate treatment. A combination of conservative measures and surgical options, particularly liposuction and/or bariatric and metabolic surgery, can be beneficial in treating patients with both diseases. However future research is needed to assess the effect of different treat regimens.PMID:41768116 | PMC:PMC12936841 | DOI:10.1016/j.jpra.2026.01.004

Turk J Phys Med Rehabil. 2025 Nov 10;71(4):560-573. doi: 10.5606/tftrd.2025.17157. eCollection 2025 Dec.ABSTRACTOBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of transfer energy capacitive and resistive (TECAR) therapy in females with Stage 2 lipedema, focusing on limb circumference, pain, functional status, and quality of life.PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted with 30 female patients diagnosed with Stage 2 lipedema between September 2024 and May 2025. Participants were randomized to a TECAR group (n=15; mean age: 52.7±13.1 years; range 39 to 66 years) or a control group (n=15; mean age: 45.9±12.9 years; range, 37 to 59 years). Both groups received compression garments and a structured exercise program. The TECAR group additionally underwent six TECAR sessions over three weeks. Outcomes included lower limb circumference, Visual Analog Scale for pain, Lower Extremity Functional Scale, and Lymphedema Quality of Life Questionnaire-Leg, assessed at baseline and at one and three months after treatment.RESULTS: The groups were comparable at baseline for age (p=0.163) and body mass index (31.85±4.08 kg/m2 in the TECAR group and 30.02±4.08 kg/m2 in the control group; p=0.112). The TECAR therapy resulted in greater reductions in lower limb circumference compared to standard care, with a statistically significant and sustained improvement observed only in the supramalleolar region at three months (p<0.05). A significant short-term reduction in pain was observed at one month (p=0.003) only in the TECAR group, but this effect was not maintained at three months (p>0.05). Functional scores showed a nonsignificant trend toward improvement (p=0.058). The overall quality of life score improved significantly in the TECAR group (p=0.002), although no individual Lymphedema Quality of Life Questionnaire subdomain reached statistical significance (p>0.05).CONCLUSION: As an adjunct to standard care, TECAR therapy appears to reduce pain and limb volume and enhance overall quality of life in Stage 2 lipedema. Further long-term studies are needed to confirm these findings.PMID:41717523 | PMC:PMC12914263 | DOI:10.5606/tftrd.2025.17157