Lipedema Treatment
For those who carry the burden of lipedema, there is a path to relief and definition: LipeDefinition
Take the first step toward this transformation.
More than reshaping contours, it is about relieving pain, restoring confidence, and giving freedom back to women who, for far too long, were not heard.
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Understand lipedema in just a few minutes
DR. RAFAEL ERTHAL
A comprehensive journey
for an authentic result
An in-depth conversation, with the time and attention needed to understand your story, accurately identify the severity of your lipedema, and outline the safest approach for your case.
A proprietary technique that treats lipedema with precision, delivering high-definition aesthetic refinement—to restore shape, freedom, and self-esteem for the patient.
Integrated support throughout every stage of the journey, with a focus on health, efficient recovery, physical well-being, and genuine follow-up.
Proprietary technique for the treatment of deep cellulite associated with a collagen biostimulator and/or autologous fat grafting.
A modern, safe space designed to welcome patients from Brazil and around the world, with cutting-edge technology, absolute comfort, and consistent professional excellence.
The Technique
How LipeDefinition® works
For Surgeons
LipeDefinition® Mentorship
Exclusive mentorship for surgeons who want to master the proprietary LipeDefinition® technique and elevate their results in the treatment of lipedema.
A hands-on and theoretical immersion program in the LipeDefinition® technique, designed to empower plastic surgeons to deliver excellence and definition in the treatment of lipedema.
Learn more →Who is Dr. Rafael
Dr. Rafael Erthal – Born in Bom Jardim, in the countryside of Rio de Janeiro, Dr. Rafael Erthal built his career by combining discipline, dedication, and purpose in medicine.
He earned his medical degree in 2007, completing his foundational training and Plastic Surgery specialization in Niterói, where he established a strong technical base and rigorous surgical standards. Before dedicating himself to lipedema, he developed extensive experience in body-contouring surgery, with an emphasis on high-definition liposuction and breast surgery.
Over the course of his clinical practice, he began to focus his work on lipedema, pursuing specialized training due to the condition’s functional, emotional, and social impact. This path led him to Germany—a global reference in the field—where he deepened his expertise in techniques centered on lymphatic preservation, safety, and durable functional outcomes.
From this experience, he developed the proprietary LIPEDEFINITION technique, which integrates high-definition surgery with the precise treatment of lipedema.
Today, with more than a decade of medical practice, he dedicates his work to specialized care for women with lipedema, focusing on quality of life, mobility, and self-esteem.
What Sets the LipeDefinition® Technique Apart
With the proprietary LipeDefinition® technique, a new journey begins: a treatment that combines genuine functional improvement with high-definition contour—because treating lipedema goes beyond appearance. It is about restoring what was taken away: movement, lightness, and freedom.
CLINIC
A place where every detail reflects a unique experience
BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY
BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY
Located in Rio de Janeiro—renowned worldwide for its beauty and home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World—Dr. Rafael Erthal’s clinic unites the most advanced medicine with what every patient deserves: care, precision, and excellence.
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Clear your doubts
Frequently Asked Questions
What is lipedema?+
Lipedema is a chronic condition characterized by the disproportionate accumulation of fat, usually in the legs and arms, that does not respond to diet and exercise the same way. It mostly affects women and frequently causes pain and tenderness.
Is lipedema the same as obesity?+
No. Although both involve adipose tissue, lipedema is a specific, disproportionate distribution of fat, often accompanied by pain and easy bruising — features that distinguish it from common obesity.
What is the difference between cellulite and lipedema?+
Cellulite is an aesthetic change on the skin surface. Lipedema is a health condition involving deeper fat accumulation, with symptoms such as pain, heaviness in the legs, and tenderness to the touch. In cases with associated skin laxity and surface irregularities, Dr. Rafael Erthal uses his proprietary Sublift® technique, which treats the skin surface and restores firmness and contour — something common creams and aesthetic treatments cannot achieve.
Is there treatment for lipedema?+
Yes. Proper care combines conservative measures and, when indicated, a specialized surgical approach. Each case is assessed individually to define the best course of action.
How is the diagnosis made?+
The diagnosis is clinical, made through a specialized medical evaluation that considers history, symptoms, and physical examination. A detailed consultation is essential to confirm the condition and plan the next steps.
How is care handled at each stage of the treatment?+
Every patient is supported closely from start to finish: an individual assessment, careful planning, and each procedure performed in an appropriate hospital setting using the LipeDefinition® technique. The focus is always on care, peace of mind, and a natural result at every stage.
When is lipedema surgery recommended?+
Surgery is recommended when lipedema causes pain, limits mobility, or does not respond to conservative treatment. The decision is always individual, made after a careful assessment of each patient’s stage and needs.
Is lipedema surgery very invasive?+
No. The LipeDefinition® technique is minimally invasive: it uses microcannulas and preserves important structures, resulting in less trauma, fewer bruises, and a smoother recovery compared to conventional techniques.
What is the recovery like after surgery?+
Recovery is gradual and closely monitored. In most cases patients can walk within the first few days, wearing a compression garment and progressively returning to their activities. Every stage of the post-op is guided individually.
1. Is there a history of lipedema, obesity, or venous insufficiency among the women in your family?
2. Do you feel heaviness, fatigue, or swelling in your legs at the end of the day?
3. Do diet and exercise fail to reduce your legs in the same proportion as the rest of your body?
4. Do bruises appear easily, without any apparent trauma?
5. Do you feel pain when touching or applying pressure to your legs or arms?
6. Are your legs visibly disproportionate to the rest of your body?
Dr. Rafael Erthal
Plastic Surgeon