This prospective, controlled study explored whether adding an advanced pneumatic compression device (APCD; Lympha Press Optimal Plus, 20–30 mmHg) to standard compression leggings benefits women with lipedema. Twenty-two participants used the APCD at home for 30 days, while 24 controls wore only the leggings. Objective 3-D imaging, bioimpedance spectroscopy and ultrasound showed that APCD therapy significantly reduced left-leg volume and decreased both extracellular and intracellular fluid bilaterally. Sub-cutaneous adipose tissue depth fell in multiple thigh, knee and calf sites exclusively in the treatment arm. Concordantly, 87.5 % of RAND SF-36 quality-of-life domains improved (vs 37.5 % in controls), and leg swelling and tenderness markedly declined. Collectively, the findings indicate that APCD therapy not only ameliorates key symptoms of lipedema but may also lower the risk of secondary lymphedema by removing excess limb fluid and limiting adipose expansion. Methodological strengths include the randomized allocation, multimodal quantitative assessment (3-D volume, BIS, ultrasound) and the focus on clinically meaningful endpoints such as pain, swelling and function. The work is innovative because it provides the first randomized evidence that a home-use APCD can remodel both fluid and adipose compartments in lipedema, supporting a shift toward mechanobiological, non-invasive management strategies. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Karen L Herbst – The Roxbury Institute, Tucson, AZ, USA
Carlos Zelaya – Carolina Vein Center, Durham, NC, USA
Marianne Sommerville – Carolina Vein Center, Durham, NC, USA
Tatiana Zimmerman – Carolina Vein Center, Durham, NC, USA
Lindy McHutchison – Carolina Vein Center, Durham, NC, USA
Tags: advanced pneumatic compression device; bioimpedance spectroscopy; compression therapy; extracellular fluid; intracellular fluid; lipedema; lymphedema; ultrasound.
