a number of treatments may be useful including physiotherapy and exercise. physiotherapy may help to preserve mobility for a little longer than would otherwise be the case. exercise, only as much as the patient is able to do without causing damage to the joints, may help with overall fitness but will not prevent progression of the disease. while surgery can remove fat tissue it can also damage lymphatic vessels. treatment does not typically result in complete resolution. it is estimated to affect up to 11% of women. onset is typically during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.