Fat Cavitation Safety Checklist: Can You Treat Clients with Oedema or Lipoedema?
- Tanya White
- Mar 30
- 3 min read
You’re not alone, Queen!
Between clients walking in saying “I think I have a bit of fluid retention,” and others mentioning lipoedema, it can get really confusing knowing who’s actually suitable for fat cavitation and who needs a full medical clearance first.
So, let’s clear it up – simply, safely, and confidently. This is your Fat Cavitation Safety Checklist, designed just for beauty techs and salon owners who want to do the right thing,
protect their clients AND their business.
What is Oedema (or Edema)?
Oedema is a build-up of fluid in the body’s tissues, often causing puffiness or swelling — especially in the legs, ankles, arms or face. It can be temporary (from heat, injury, hormones, or standing too long) or a sign of something more serious like heart, kidney, or lymphatic issues.
What is Lipoedema?
Lipoedema (different to "lipodema") is a chronic condition, mostly affecting women, where fat builds up in the legs, hips, buttocks, or arms — but not in the feet or hands. It’s not caused by lifestyle, and it can be painful, tender, and difficult to reduce with exercise or diet.
Here’s the key difference:
Oedema = fluid
Lipoedema = fat disorder (often confused as weight gain)
Fat Cavitation Safety Checklist
Before treating, ask your client the following:
Client Consultation Questions:
Have you been diagnosed with oedema or lipoedema?
Are you currently under medical care for a lymphatic, kidney, liver or heart condition?
Do you take medication that affects fluid retention or circulation?
Have you had surgery or injectables recently in the treatment area?
Are you experiencing swelling, tenderness, or unusual puffiness?
Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?
Major Red Flags – DO NOT Treat Without Clearance:
✖ Unexplained swelling or inflammation
✖ Diagnosed lipoedema or untreated chronic oedema
✖ Visible fluid retention that hasn’t been assessed by a doctor
✖ Any heat, bruising, or tenderness on the treatment area
✖ Heart, liver, kidney, or lymphatic conditions
✖ Pregnancy or breastfeeding
What You CAN Do as a Body Contouring Technician:
Support your client by recommending a GP or lymphatic specialist to get a diagnosis
If they’ve had fat cavitation before and it worked for them — only continue with their doctor’s okay
Offer gentler options like G5 Massage, RF Skin Tightening, or consult-only sessions
Educate your client about lifestyle changes and refer them to the right professionals
Keep this checklist in your client files to protect your salon, your insurance, and your client’s health
Why This Matters:
We’re in the body contouring industry — and we LOVE what we do. But we’re not doctors.That means we need to know when to step back, refer out, and keep our clients safe.
It’s not just about amazing results — it’s about ethical practice, protecting your licence, and becoming the kind of tech that clients trust for life.
Download Your FREE Printable Safety Checklist Here
You’ve got the steps, the support, and now the strategy. There’s never been a better time to launch your body contouring business. And remember—you don’t have to do it alone.
I'm here to guide you, hype you up, and make sure you build something truly amazing.
Tanya 💕
Ready to Join Australia’s #1 Body Contouring Training Academy?
Whether you’re diving into your first course or going all-in with a mega bundle, Bodi Slim has everything you need to start, grow, and succeed in the body contouring industry.
Want more expert tips and tricks on Body Contouring Salon Start-Up?
Meet Tanya White, the author of this blog and a Nationally Accredited body contouring trainer with over 15 years of experience in the beauty industry. Tanya runs Australia’s #1 online training academy, where she helps aspiring salon owners, beauty professionals, and entrepreneurs master the art of body contouring. She also offers personalised mentoring, certified training programs, and business support through her online courses. Created of the ContourIQ™️ technique, Australia’s first trademarked body contouring method.
Tanya is a nationally accredited trainer and has completed Training and Assessment (TAE40116). She has trained over 700+ students across Australia. Whether you’re looking to level up your skills with expert guidance or start your own body contouring business, Tanya’s got you covered!
About Tanya White
Tanya White is the proud owner of Australia’s #1 Body Contouring Training Academy, Bodi Slim. With over 15 years of experience in the beauty industry, she has trained more than 700+ students across Australia. Tanya is passionate about helping beauty professionals thrive by providing expert training and mentorship in body contouring techniques. Her dedication to sharing knowledge and supporting her students ensures that every client receives safe, high-quality treatments.
.
Comments