On May 8, 2025, the Lipedema Open Day took place, an event organized by the Instituto Dra. Ana Torres at the Centro Médico Teknon in Barcelona. The event brought together professionals from various medical disciplines, patients, and associations, with the aim of disseminating and deepening knowledge about lipedema, a chronic, progressive, and still little-known disease that mainly affects women and compromises both their physical and emotional health.
A silenced disease that requires specialized care
The event was opened by Dr. Cristina Puigdellívol, a specialist in Angiology and Vascular Surgery. With scientific rigor and a very human clinical perspective, she highlighted the major diagnostic difficulties faced by many women with lipedema. “Many patients have been told too many times that everything is fine. And it isn’t,” she stated clearly.
Dr. Puigdellívol emphasized that the most common symptoms—pain, heaviness, swelling, bruising, difficulty losing weight, or body disproportion—are often confused with obesity, lymphedema, cellulite, or poor circulation. In fact, misdiagnosis and delays in appropriate treatment are a constant issue. She highlighted the need for early and differential diagnosis that includes a detailed medical history, subcutaneous tissue ultrasound, hormonal analysis, and non-invasive imaging tests.
She also shared updated data on scientific advances in this condition: more than half of the studies on lipedema have been published in recent years, reflecting a growing medical interest. She also highlighted the role of estrogens in the pathophysiology of the disease and the need to avoid simplifications based on body mass index (BMI), as it does not reflect the true distribution of fatty tissue.
Integrative nutrition: the invisible key to reducing inflammation
One of the most innovative parts of the event was the presentation by Beatriz Sala-Bellsolell, a pharmacist and nutritionist specialized in an integrative approach. Her message was clear: without adequate and sustainable nutrition, lipedema treatment loses effectiveness.
“Low-grade inflammation is a constant in lipedema. Adipose tissue becomes an inflammatory organ that perpetuates damage,” she stated. To counteract this, she proposed an approach based on:
• Anti-inflammatory low-carb diet with adequate protein intake.
• Specific diets such as the RAD (Rare Adipose Disorder) diet by Dr. Karen Herbst or a personalized ketogenic diet.
• Improvement of gut health and microbiota through prebiotic and fermented foods.
• Intermittent fasting adapted to each patient’s hormonal profile.
• Individualized strategic supplementation (with caution in preoperative patients).
• Epigenetic testing to tailor the nutritional plan to each individual’s metabolic characteristics.
She also introduced the option of using new-generation drugs (such as GLP-1 and GIP analogues) in cases of severe metabolic dysregulation, always under medical supervision.
She also emphasized intelligent exercise (strength training + aerobic activity), restorative sleep, and stress management as key pillars to reactivate metabolism and reduce inflammation.
Surgical approach to lipedema: when and how to intervene
The presentation by Dr. Ana Torres Maczassek, director of the Institute and an international reference in lipedema treatment in Barcelona, focused on the surgical approach from a medical, functional, and aesthetic perspective.
“Surgery is not an aesthetic solution, but a reconstructive one. It is about improving mobility, relieving pain, and restoring quality of life,” explained Dr. Torres. Although the initial approach should be conservative, around 40–44% of patients can significantly benefit from surgery if it is performed at the right time, following a thorough evaluation.
At the Institute, advanced techniques are used such as water-assisted liposuction (WAL), Micro-Air PAL, VASER, and complementary skin-tightening technologies like BodyTite or Morpheus8. These techniques aim to minimize lymphatic damage and optimize both functional and aesthetic outcomes. Success, Dr. Torres reminded, largely depends on factors such as skin type, the degree of fibrosis, and the individualization of the treatment.
Postoperative care is key: compression garments, early mobilization, manual lymphatic drainage, cold therapy (cryotherapy), Indiba-type radiofrequency, and gentle exercise such as cycling or aquagym are part of the Institute’s post-surgical protocol.
“The most important thing we have learned over these years is that patients must be treated from day one, with healthy habits and medical follow-up, understanding that each case is unique,” concluded the doctor.
A comprehensive and human approach proposal
The Lipedema Open Day was not only a scientific meeting. Above all, it was a day of active listening, emotional validation, and commitment to patients. The participation of associations such as LIMFACALL (thanks to Inés Plaza, board member of the Catalan Association of Lymphedema and Lipedema Patients) added a key community and institutional dimension to advancing the recognition and treatment of lipedema.
At the Instituto Dra. Ana Torres, the approach is clear: to treat lipedema through a medical, surgical, nutritional, and emotional model, integrating professionals and personalizing each treatment. Because behind every case there is a story, a woman, and an opportunity to transform her quality of life.
Do you suffer from symptoms compatible with lipedema? Are you looking for an effective and compassionate treatment?
At the Instituto Dra. Ana Torres, we offer a comprehensive approach to the treatment of lipedema in Barcelona, with a multidisciplinary team and state-of-the-art technology. Book an informational appointment with no obligation and take the first step towards your well-being!
