Managing Life with Lipedema and Reclaiming Your Movement

Lipedema is a condition where there is an unusual accumulation of fat on the lower body, primarily in the legs but sometimes also in the arms. This can lead to pain and difficulty in performing everyday tasks. Unlike regular fat, lipedema does not go away with diet and exercise. While there is no cure for this condition, there are treatments available that can improve your overall well-being.

What are the symptoms of lipoedema?

The signs of lipoedema differ and may not be experienced equally by everyone who has the condition. Individuals with lipoedema may exhibit some or all of the typical symptoms, which encompass:

• accumulation of fat deposits in the lower limbs, buttocks, thighs, and occasionally the upper arms
• There are thick circles around the ankles, but the feet generally look normal.
• swelling of the legs (oedema)
• easily bruised
• arthritis (joint inflammation) can manifest as joint stiffness and decreased flexibility
• Likewise, one may observe the presence of uneven, bumpy adipose tissue in various parts of the body such as the stomach, pelvic region, chest, and head.
• feeling of weightiness, soreness or unease in impacted regions
• areas that are responsive to touch and frequently experience a sensation of chilliness
• reduced hair growth on affected areas

Types of lipoedema

Medical professionals categorize lipoedema into five classifications based on the specific body region that is impacted. It is not uncommon for individuals to be affected by multiple types simultaneously. These classifications encompass:

• A saddle bag can impact your pelvis, buttocks, and hips.
• The area from the buttocks down to the knees, including the inner part of the knees, has excess fat that creates folds.
• full leg – buttocks to ankles
• arms
• lower leg only

Lipoedema progresses through different stages. Initially, the skin surface appears normal, but the layer of fat beneath it becomes enlarged. As the condition advances, the skin becomes uneven and develops a dimpled appearance, similar to an orange peel. In severe cases, the affected areas become lumpy and alter their shape. In the most advanced stage, both fat and fluid accumulate in the area, which is known as lipo-lymphoedema.

Causes of lipoedema

Lipoedema, a condition characterized by the abnormal accumulation of fat cells, can occur in individuals of any weight range, including those who are overweight or underweight. It can also affect individuals with eating disorders like anorexia. The exact causes of lipoedema remain unclear, although hormonal changes in women may play a role. If previous generations of women in your family have been affected by lipoedema, your risk of developing the condition increases. Lipoedema may develop or worsen over time.

• at puberty
• when you are pregnant
• after experiencing trauma, it is likely that lipoedema could be triggered.
• during menopause.

Lipedema Treatments

There is no known cure for lipedema, but treatment options are available to alleviate symptoms and enhance well-being.

• Engaging in low impact exercises like swimming can enhance your flexibility and boost blood flow.
• Compression aids such as pneumatic compression devices and compression stockings are inflatable garments that are worn on the legs. These garments fill up with compressed air to potentially alleviate pain and enhance symptoms.
• Moisturizing the skin aids in preventing it from becoming dry.
• Certain substances such as amphetamines, phentermine, metformin, resveratrol, diosmin, and selenium, whether in the form of medications or supplements, have the potential to alleviate inflammation, swelling, and various related problems.
• Liposuction is a procedure that can eliminate excess fat and improve ease of movement and discomfort. Medical professionals suggest wet-jet assisted liposuction as a safer alternative to regular liposuction, as it reduces the risk of harming your lymph vessels. In cases of lipedema where the individual has a body mass index (BMI) exceeding 35, a healthcare provider might recommend bariatric surgery.
• Bariatric surgery has been found to potentially decrease leg size in individuals with lipedema, according to certain studies.

Can lipoedema be prevented?

Lipoedema is not something that can be avoided. Your healthcare provider will assist you in managing your condition. Their goal is to prevent lipoedema from advancing or deteriorating. Taking care of your overall health and well-being, as well as maintaining a healthy weight, are crucial in effectively managing lipoedema and preventing any potential complications.

When is the appropriate time for me to schedule an appointment with my medical practitioner?

Your healthcare provider may require to see you on a monthly basis or at regular intervals in order to oversee your treatment progress. If you experience any problems with your treatments or if they do not show the expected results within the agreed time period, it is advisable to reach out to your provider. They can recommend alternative treatments that might be more effective for you.

How can I determine if I have lipedema or if it is simply excess fat?

Lipedema sets itself apart from regular body fat by causing pain and appearing uneven under the skin. It is characterized by a noticeable contrast in size between unaffected areas and the ones affected, such as the upper body versus the lower body.

The patient must carefully search for an appropriate service provider, have information, and ask about the surgeon and his experience. And also, checking examples of his previous operations.

Accordingly, we encourage you to contact the Health & Beauty to obtain all information and details, and to ensure that you have your operation done by the hands of the most skilled doctors working in this specialty.

Request a free consultation.