Meet Michelle, a 54-year-old patient from Bunbury, Perth.
For years, Michelle searched for answers, asking doctors, “Why do my legs hurt? Why do they swell?” Despite numerous visits, Lipoedema was never mentioned. In her early 20s, a doctor noticed swelling in her legs, something she hadn’t even recognised herself at the time. He prescribed fluid tablets, but years later, another doctor warned her that continued use could severely damage her kidneys.
Around ten years ago, Michelle turned to the internet to research Lymphoedema, convinced it could explain her symptoms. But as she delved deeper, she started seeing references to Lipoedema. The images she found online looked just like her legs, and she realised she might have both conditions.
Michelle described her main symptoms as persistent exhaustion by the end of the day, a feeling of detachment from her lower legs, and severe bruising, which she particularly noticed after having her first child. Over time, the pain worsened, the bruising increased, and the swelling became more intense, spreading past her knees and into her feet, especially when she travelled.
While her condition didn’t stop her from living a full life, the physical changes were undeniable. “Over time, my legs kept getting bigger and bigger, and my knees were always quite big.” The feeling of physical detachment from her own body weighed on her.
Michelle was diagnosed with Stage 2 Lipoedema and secondary Lymphoedema, but it wasn’t a specialist who identified it – it was a skin cancer doctor. “Have you heard of Lipoedema?” the doctor asked before informing her that she may have it. She was then referred to an MLD therapist who focused on conservative management. Further online searches led her to Dr. Lekich at Lipoedema Surgical Solution.
Receiving the diagnosis was overwhelming. “It took a long time to process it. I couldn’t even talk about it without getting emotional. But once I had processed it all, I was excited about the thought of getting rid of some of these symptoms.”
In preparation for surgery, Michelle committed to conservative management strategies, using her Lympha Press machine, rebounding most days, following a keto anti-inflammatory diet, and wearing full compression daily.
In September 2024, Dr. Lekich performed Michelle’s first surgery using the Lymph-Sparing technique, removing 4.8 litres of Lipoedema fat from her lower legs. In March 2025, a further 2.4 litres were removed from her upper thighs, alongside Renuvion treatment. Her next surgery is scheduled for July 2025.
Reflecting on her journey, Michelle feels she has already achieved so much. “I wore shorts for summer. Even my son said, ‘Mum, I haven’t seen you in shorts in 20 years.’” She also expressed how liberating? it felt to wear dresses that weren’t full-length. “I can wear a dress that’s not full length and not panic. I’m in touch with my lower legs. I’ve started running, I’ve achieved a lightness, and I’m also not absolutely exhausted by the end of the day.”
Lipoedema awareness is important to Michelle because she spent decades searching for answers. “I see so many people in the community with Lipoedema and wonder if they know.” It took over 30 years for her to get a diagnosis, and she hopes other women won’t have to wait as long. She also acknowledges how fortunate she is to be able to afford surgery.
Her advice to others: “I guess I am very pro look into surgery. There is help out there. Be kind to yourself because you didn’t do anything to deserve this.”