Lipedema is an abnormal fat buildup on both sides of your lower body, usually in your legs. But it can also be in your arms. It can cause pain and make daily activities difficult. Lipedema doesn't respond to diet and exercise like ordinary fat.
Many people confuse lipedema fat and general fat that forms as a result of being overweight. Though they may appear similar, that isn't at all the case. There's a clear difference between regular fat and lipedema fatty tissue that the trained eye can pick out.
Unlike normal fat accumulation, fat areas resulting from lipedema tend to be very tender if you apply pressure and may be easy to bruise. The fat deposits can also hurt for no apparent reason, and the skin can become less elastic feeling.
Types of lipedema fat. Lipedema fat may be located from the umbilicus down to the bottom of the hips (Type I), down to the medial knees usually including a pad of fat on the inner knee and below the knee (Type II), and down to the ankle (Type III) where a “cuff” of fat develops but spares the dorsal foot.
Lipoedema is an abnormal build-up of fat in your legs and sometimes arms. It can be painful and affect daily life, but there are things you can do that may help.
Lipedema is often confused with lymphedema, a similar disease that also causes swelling in the limbs. But under the microscope, the two disorders look different, and the causes, while similar, involve different effects on the vasculature. Both are often confused with obesity.
affected areas of your body can bruise easily, sometimes for no obvious reason. dimpled legs with a lumpy texture, fat may bulge at the knees.
The question of, “Why lipedema fat is hard to lose with lifestyle changes while non-lipedema fat can be lost?” remains unanswered. One theory is that size of the fat cells and the geloid layer of hyaluronic acid and water move the fat cells farther away from blood vessels and therefore slow the release of fat.
A helpful diagnostic tool to distinguish lipedema from lymphedema is to pinch the skin over the dorsum of the base of the second toe (Stemmer sign); thickened skin that is difficult to lift off of the underlying tissue is considered diagnostic for lymphedema.
Liposuction is the only treatment available to lipedema patients that eliminates the troublesome fat deposits from the legs, hips, buttocks, stomach, and/or arms. Liposuction enables doctors to improve the look of the legs and restore better mobility for the long-term.
Stage 1. In this early stage, it may be difficult to distinguish lipedema from excess fat on the lower body. Instead, providers look for certain characteristics, including: Extra fat in the buttocks, thighs, and calves, but not in the ankles or feet.
In fact, most doctors haven't heard of lipedema. A 2004 Stanford University study showed that most U.S. medical schools spend less than 30 minutes teaching the entire lymphatic system. "So, not surprisingly, doctors don't know a lot about these diseases or the underlying conditions," says Rockson.
Lipedema is often misdiagnosed as obesity, lymphedema, or chronic venous disease, although these diagnoses can often occur concomitantly [1,10,11]. Lipedema is not influenced substantially by diet or exercise [12].
STAGE 1. Smooth skin with an increase of enlarged subcutaneous fat tissue. Fat buildup around pelvis, buttocks, and hips.
Stage 2 (moderate lipoedema): fat bulges or lobes are more obvious at the knees and may influence gait. Arms and abdomen may be affected. Lipomas (small nodules) may be felt in the fat. Chronic pain may develop.
However, there is a stark difference between cellulite and lipedema. Lipedema is a medical condition that can result in pain, bruising, and swelling. On the other hand, cellulite is purely cosmetic and doesn't result in pain or require treatment.
Lipedema is a long-term condition that causes abnormal fat buildup in the lower part of your body. Lipedema most often involves your butt, thighs and calves. Some people have it in their hips or upper arms. It doesn't affect your hands or feet.
Traditionally, most common features of lipedema is excessive fatty tissue deposition in the lower extremities, buttocks, hips, legs, even abdomen. Because of abnormal connective tissue strength and large amount of fatty tissue accumulation, abdominal or stomach skin is extra prone to stretching, loosening and pain.
Lipedema requires a clinical diagnosis, meaning that there is no standardized test such as bloodwork or imaging that can confirm the presence of Lipedema.
Yes, lipedema can be mild. Mild lipedema is most often associated with the early stages of lipedema when symptoms are just beginning to appear. In fact, many people may not notice early-stage lipedema, or they may attribute the changes in their bodies to gaining weight.
When you first notice any signs or symptoms of lipedema, your general practitioner (GP) or a nurse is usually the one you refer to. The basic diagnostics for lipedema focus on your medical history and the physical examination of your body.
Age of onset: 10 to 30. Family history: Common. Areas affected: Buttocks, legs, thighs, arms.