Cindy and Kristy welcome Dr. Grace Villaver from Levelupptdoc.com

• 7:45 — Lipedema fat is metabolically different and causes inflammation, muscle inhibition, and joint damage beyond just added weight. Even small amounts of joint swelling can significantly reduce muscle recruitment.

• 8:54 — Lipedema fat is metabolically distinct and creates a different kind of inflammation in the body.
• 16:24 — Custom compression garments are more effective and improve compliance — especially for patients with asymmetrical body shapes or sensitivity.
• 31:59 — Surgery is a valid option for many women — but vetting surgeons and having realistic expectations (including the possibility of deeper nodules becoming more visible post-surgery) is critical.
• 43:15 — CDT (Complete Decongestive Therapy) is the gold standard for lipedema management and includes MLD, compression, exercise prescription, and skincare.
• 44:52 — Your body is not failing you — it has been failed by a system that wasn't built to understand it.

Connect with Dr. Grace Villaver:

• Website: levelupptdoc.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Location: Leesburg, Northern Virginia
• https://www.instagram.com/levelup.therapy/

Sponsor:This episode is sponsored by Lipoelastic — compression garments designed specifically for patient comfort and support. Use code STLpodcast for 10% off your order. Link in show notes.