Initial Lipoedema Consultation
At Rubenesque, we've designed our booking process a little differently to most clinics because we want to ensure every patient receives a thorough assessment and a personalised management plan.
The first step for all new patients is an Initial Consultation with our Registered Nurse and Accredited Lymphoedema Therapist. During this appointment, we spend time understanding your individual story, symptoms, family history, and previous treatments. We also collect important clinical information such as measurements and body composition data, assess how lipoedema is affecting your daily life, and screen for features commonly associated with the condition.
One of the most valuable parts of this appointment is education. Lipoedema can be quite overwhelming, and many women tell us they've never had the condition properly explained to them. We take the time to help you understand what lipoedema is, why it occurs, and what evidence-based management options are available, whether you're considering conservative management, specialist referral, surgery, or simply wanting to better understand your body.
By the end of this consultation, you'll have a much clearer understanding of your condition and the pathways available to you.
If you would then like further medical assessment and management, the next step is a consultation with our GP. Because all of your assessment information has already been gathered, the GP can use this comprehensive clinical picture to focus on refining your management plan, discussing medical investigations, referrals, medications if appropriate, and any additional support you may need.
We've developed this pathway because it provides a much more thorough and patient-centred approach. Rather than spending your GP appointment gathering basic information, that time can be used more effectively to discuss your individual management options and next steps.
Many patients find they gain significant value from the nursing consultation alone, while others choose to continue through to the GP consultation for further medical input. The choice is always yours, but starting with the nursing assessment ensures we have the best information available to support you.
Who is This Consultation For?
This consultation is designed for women who:
Notice disproportionate fat distribution, particularly in the legs or arms
Experience tenderness, heaviness, or easy bruising
Feel confused by conflicting information online
Want professional assessment before considering surgical options
Are seeking conservative management options before considering surgery
What We Cover During Your Appointment
Your 60-minute consultation focuses on gaining clarity through a detailed medical history review, symptom assessment and education around the lymphatic and inflammatory factors involved in lipoedema. You will leave with a clearer understanding of your presentation and practical, conservative management options tailored to you.
Clinical Assessment
Based on your assessment, we outline realistic, individualised conservative management options and discuss appropriate referral pathways if needed. The focus is on creating a structured, manageable plan tailored to you.
Education & Clarity
You will receive clear explanations about how the lymphatic system functions, how inflammatory factors may contribute and how lipoedema differs from other conditions.
A high-quality body composition device for medical professionals to provide the most accurate measurements for subcutaneous fat, visceral fat, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, body adiposity index, conicity index, skeletal muscle mass, intracellular water and extracellular water levels and metabolic rate and so much more.
Medical Review History
We take a thorough medical history, including symptom onset, progression, hormonal influences, familial presence, mindset, current practices and previous treatments. This helps us understand your unique clinical picture.
Conservative Management Plan
InBody Medical Scanning
A structured assessment is performed to evaluate tissue characteristics, distribution patterns and physical indicators consistent with lipoedema. The option of Clinical Photography is available.
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Education on appropriate compression levels, garment types and correct wear to support lymphatic flow and symptom management.
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Discussion and trial of medical pneumatic compression pump therapy where appropriate to assist with swelling, heaviness and lymphatic support.
We are aligned with Medi-Rent Medical Devices and can assist in the rent to buy option or direct purchase.
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Guidance on strategies that support lymphatic function, including movement, self-care techniques and long-term maintenance considerations.
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After her assessment, Dr Lauren can refer you to other experienced health professionals for further assessment and support.
These can include, Plastic Surgeons, Endocrinologist etc.
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Development of a realistic, sustainable management approach that prioritises symptom control, quality of life and ongoing monitoring.
Conservative Management Options May Include:
Our goal is not overwhelm. It is structure, clarity and manageable next steps.
Further Medical Assessment Available
If required, you will have the opportunity to book an appointment with our Independant Lipoedema GP for comprehensive medical assessment and ongoing management. This collaborative approach ensures your care remains structured, personalised and evidence-based.