A Service of My Wellness Physicians
Lipedema and Lymphedema
Diagnosis & Management
in Northern Virginia
LiLy Collaborative: My Lipedema and Lymphedema Team
Physician-led diagnosis and comprehensive management for lipedema, lymphedema, and lipo-lymphedema.
The first dedicated lipedema and lymphatic care program in Leesburg and Loudoun County — combining physician expertise, certified lymphatic therapy, metabolic assessment, and hormonal evaluation in one coordinated visit.
✦ (703) 777-9355
"Seen. Diagnosed. Finally Treated."
LiLy Collaborative
My Lipedema and Lymphedema Team
Sound Familiar?
You've heard this before.
- "Just diet and exercise more."
- "That's normal for your body type."
- "Swelling is just part of getting older."
- "There's nothing else we can do."
- "It's probably genetics."
- "You should try harder."
There's a reason nothing has worked.
LiLy Collaborative is led by a physician double board-certified in Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine, with two decades of clinical experience. Together with a certified lymphatic therapist, vein specialist, registered dietitian, and mental health therapist, we diagnose, stage, and manage lipedema and lymphedema with the coordinated care that has been missing.
Understanding Your Condition
What Are We Actually Managing?
Chronically underdiagnosed. Life-changing to finally understand.
Photo: ccjm.org
Lipedema
A chronic fat disorder, almost exclusively in women. Disproportionate, painful fat in the legs, hips, and arms, while hands and feet stay slim. Diet and exercise don't touch it.
- Fat that doesn't shift with weight loss
- Pain, tenderness, or heaviness
- Easy bruising
- A visible line between limb and foot
- Onset during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause
No blood test confirms it. A trained eye does. That's where we start.
Lymphedema
Chronic swelling from a lymphatic system that can't keep up. Fluid builds in the arms or legs, causing swelling, skin changes, and recurring infection risk.
We treat it with Complete Decongestive Therapy:
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
- Compression therapy
- Therapeutic exercise
- Skin care education
- Self-management training
Lipo-Lymphedema
When lipedema progresses and damages the lymphatic system. Both conditions. One integrated management plan at LiLy Collaborative.
Photo: my.clevelandclinic.org
The Four Stages of Lipedema
Lipedema progresses gradually. Earlier diagnosis means more management options and better outcomes.
Lipedema Body Types
Lipedema presents differently from person to person. Recognizing your type helps shape the right care plan.
Symptoms
Do You Have These Symptoms?
Lipedema Signs
- Disproportionate leg/hip swelling despite diet and exercise
- Easy bruising or pain with light touch
- Hormonal triggers (pregnancy, menopause, HRT)
- Fat that never budges in certain areas
Lymphedema Signs
- Swelling after surgery or radiation
- Recurrent infections in the swollen area
- Progressive fluid buildup
If this is you, you deserve answers.
If this sounds like you, you deserve an answer, not another dismissal.
Is This Right for You?
Who Should Schedule an Evaluation?
You suspect you have lipedema
You've been told 'it's just weight' and you know that's wrong
You have swelling after cancer surgery or radiation
Your lipedema is progressing and you want physician-led management
You want one coordinated team, not multiple providers
Your legs feel heavy and standard care hasn't helped
You've been diagnosed but never properly managed
Hormonal shifts seem to be making things worse
You want a physician-led plan built specifically around you
Physician referrals welcome. Self-referrals welcome too.
Our Approach
How We Diagnose & Manage Lipedema
Physician expertise and lymphatic therapy, in one coordinated program.
Part 1: Physician Evaluation (60 min)
- Medical history and physical exam
- Stemmer's sign test (distinguishes lipedema from lymphedema)
- Lab work (metabolic, hormonal, inflammatory markers)
- Diagnosis and staging
Part 2: Lymphatic Therapy & Assessment (60-75 min)
- Lymphatic system assessment
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) — hands-on management
- Compression and home care plan
You Leave With
- One clear diagnosis
- A written management plan
- Therapy already underway
Our Care Team
Your Multidisciplinary Care Team
Dr. Minnie Cruz-Tolentino, MD, FAAFP, DABOM
Double board-certified in Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine. Twenty years leading diagnosis, staging, and management, where lipedema, hormones, and metabolism intersect.
Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Manual Lymphatic Drainage, compression therapy, and therapeutic exercise, woven into your LiLy Collaborative plan.
Cardiology & Vein Specialists
When venous and cardiovascular health intersect with lymphatic disease, our partners step in.
Registered Dietitian
Anti-inflammatory, lipedema-aware nutrition guidance woven directly into your care plan.
Mental Health Therapist
Support for the emotional toll of living with a chronic, often invisible condition.
Your First Visit
What to Expect: Your First Appointment
Two specialists. One coordinated visit. You leave with a diagnosis, a plan, and lymphatic therapy already underway.
Physician + Therapy, One Visit
Medical evaluation and lymphatic assessment, together. One clear picture, one plan.
A Concierge-Style Visit
Unhurried time with your physician and therapist, in a calm, private setting built around you, not a waiting room.
A Plan in Writing
Concrete next steps. Referrals if needed. A path forward that's actually yours.
The First Consultation
Two specialists. One visit.
min
min
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions we hear often.
Credentials and Location
Care you can verify.
LiLy Collaborative at My Wellness Physicians
1604 Village Market Blvd SE, Suite 119 | Leesburg, VA 20175
(703) 777-9355 | info@mywellnessphysicians.com
Physician
Dr. Minnie Cruz-Tolentino, MD, FAAFP, DABOM
Double board-certified: Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine
Serving Leesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Purcellville, Middleburg, Dulles, Herndon, Reston, Fairfax, Centreville, Manassas, Loudoun County, Fairfax County, and Prince William County.
Visit and Contact
We're here when you're ready.
Location
1604 Village Market Blvd SE
Suite 119
Leesburg, VA 20175
Hours
Monday through Friday: 8:30am to 5:30pm
Saturday: By Appointment
Sunday: Closed
Payment
Out-of-network, fee-for-service
Superbills provided
CareCredit financing available
You've waited long enough.
You deserve a physician who listens, a team that gets it, and a plan built for your body, not a generic one.
Book Your First ConsultationTake the Free Self-Assessment
Questions first? info@mywellnessphysicians.com
(703) 777-9355
