DeviceLPG Alliance
mechanical lymphatic drainage that decongests and relieves from the first sessions
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Fluid retention, heavy legs and lipoedema: lymphatic care
Fluid retention and heavy, swollen legs improve with LPG Alliance mechanical lymphatic drainage, which activates circulation and reduces swelling from the first sessions. Lipoedema, a symmetrical, painful build-up of fat on the legs that does not respond to dieting, needs a plastic surgeon's assessment and conservative care, which we offer at Essentia.
At a glance
- Our solutions
- LPG Alliance · Carboxytherapy · compression and guidance
- Areas
- legs, thighs, abdomen, arms
- Sessions
- LPG twice a week at first, then maintenance
- What it feels like
- none; a massage feeling
- Downtime
- none
What is it and why does it appear?
The lymphatic system removes the fluid that leaks from the vessels into the tissues. When it cannot keep up, because of hormones, standing or sitting for hours, heat, salt, travel, the fluid stays in the legs: heaviness, swelling in the evening, a sock mark. Mechanical lymphatic drainage with LPG 'pushes' the fluid towards the lymph nodes with rhythmic suction and activates circulation, which is why relief comes quickly [1]. Lipoedema is something else: a chronic condition of the fat tissue, almost exclusively in women, with symmetrical build-up from the hips to the ankles (the feet stay slim), pain on pressure, easy bruising and fat that does not go with dieting. It is often mistaken for cellulite or 'heavy legs' and stays undiagnosed for years. Dr Papaioannou specialises in lipoedema: diagnosis and surgical options (lipoedema liposuction) are at his practice; at Essentia we offer the conservative care, that is LPG lymphatic drainage, guidance on compression, movement and diet, and the care after surgery.
Types
- Fluid retention: swelling that changes through the day, eases with the legs raised; responds immediately to LPG
- Lipoedema: symmetrical, painful fat build-up on the legs that does not change with dieting, with slim feet; needs a medical diagnosis
- Lymphoedema: swelling from damage to the lymphatics, often in one leg or after surgery; medical follow-up
- Swelling in one leg only, with pain or redness: see a doctor immediately
How we treat it
For fluid retention and heavy legs, LPG Alliance with a decongestion programme, twice a week at first, and carboxytherapy for circulation. For lipoedema, first Dr Papaioannou's assessment; then a conservative programme with LPG, compression and guidance, and, if surgery is done, the Beyond Surgery recovery programme.
Device
DeviceWhat to expect
Before and after: in fluid retention, relief and reduced swelling often show from the 1st–2nd LPG session and stabilise with the programme. In lipoedema LPG does not remove the fat, but reduces swelling, pain and the feeling of heaviness, and helps before and after lipoedema liposuction. The result lasts with maintenance, compression and movement.
Tips
- Water and less salt
- Daily movement and legs raised in the evening
- Compression stockings, especially when standing, in heat and when travelling
- For lipoedema: an anti-inflammatory diet and gentle exercise in water
Frequently asked questions
How fast does it show?
Often from the 1st–2nd LPG session the legs feel lighter.
Is it lipoedema or cellulite?
A doctor makes the distinction: lipoedema is symmetrical, painful on pressure, leaves the feet slim and does not change with dieting. Dr Papaioannou diagnoses it at his practice.
Lipoedema: what treatment is there?
Conservative care (lymphatic drainage, compression, movement, diet) for the symptoms, and lipoedema liposuction to remove the abnormal fat, at the practice.
Lipoedema and diet?
Dieting does not remove lipoedema fat, but an anti-inflammatory diet and a stable weight reduce swelling and pain.
Does LPG help after liposuction?
Yes: with the surgeon's approval, it reduces swelling and helps the skin adapt. See Beyond Surgery.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the treatments, areas and number of sessions. Add what interests you to your plan and the proposal with prices comes to you on WhatsApp, with no obligation.
Medically reviewed by Dr Prodromos Papaioannou, plastic surgeon, HESPRAS member · 20 October 2026