Many women frequently feel that they are living in or carrying two different bodies and often find it difficult to find properly fitting clothes. There might be a genetic predisposition as it runs in some families.

When is it noticed:

During puberty

During pregnancy

Following gynecological surgery (may be related to some hormone therapy)

It is initially a distortion of the shape but eventually results in excessive deposition of fat, an embarrassing, painful, and potentially debilitating condition for many women suffering from it. It occurs in 11-15% of all women across the globe and rarely in men.

Unusual deposits of fat in the legs, thigh, hips, and buttocks (feet are spared), lower abdomen, and arms

Swelling that doesn’t pit on pressure

Swelling that doesn’t respond to elevation

Painful legs

Multiple small spider veins and or varicose veins around ankles initially and subsequently around knees and thighs

Unfortunately, most doctors also think of this condition as a part of obesity or associated with thyroid problems, heart disease, liver disease, or kidney failure. Some also think it is a clear case of lymphedema which usually occurs in one arm or leg.

Lipedema is almost bilaterally symmetrical and affects both arms, both buttocks, both thighs, and/or both legs in isolation or overall. Both feet and hands are not affected.

Lymphedema affects one limb usually and rarely bilaterally. The swelling usually starts in the feet and progresses upward to the legs and then the thighs. buttocks are last to be affected.

Healthy diet:

Nutrition plays a considerable role in the management of lipedema. The reduction of calories doesn’t reduce lipedema fat. A low carbohydrate, high fat and protein diet might be useful in the control of the disease.

The aim of exercise in lipedema is primarily to activate the lymphatic system to improve its efficiency. The other goal of exercise in lipedema is to build muscle strength to combat the extra weight of the lower body while taking care of the joints. Walking, cycling, yoga, and swimming are good exercises are recommended here.

Regular use of compression garments is useful before and after surgery too.

Lymphatic massage is done manually or with ultrasound or radiofrequency assisted devices has been found beneficial in reducing the edema more so after surgery.

This involves two phases:

Phase 1 - one-hour massage sessions for 2 to 12 weeks.

Phase 2 - this is the maintenance phase which involves self-massage to affected areas, regular exercises, and wearing compression garments day and night.

Assessment needs to be made if the patient has already developed spider veins or varicose veins. This needs to be addressed before the fat is removed by a process called liposuction. Liposuction is best done by a plastic surgeon well versed with the condition and has a knowledge and expertise in the lymph sparing tumescent liposuction. Good knowledge of the anatomy of the lymphatic system is essential while addressing the condition.

Unfortunately, lipedema is not only disfiguring, but it is also on many occasions painful, sensitive to touch, and bruises very easily.

Pain medications may be useful but MLD and CDT along with the reduction of swelling help in alleviating pain to a great extent.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is very important and weight reduction is essential for pain relief.

Exercises help reduce stress while improving blood circulation which might also give pain relief.

Lymph sparing body jet or tumescent liposuction helps in removing excess regional fat while preserving the lymphatics helps relieve pain.

MOST IMPORTANT - LIPEDEMA IS A MEDICAL DISORDER AND NEEDS A DIFFERENT APPROACH. DO NOT BE DEJECTED BY DOCTORS WHO DO NOT KNOW ABOUT LIPEDEMA APPROACH A SPECIALIST DOCTOR WHO CAN HELP YOU.

LIPEDEMA IS A MEDICAL CONDITION AND MAY BE ASSOCIATED WITH BUT NOT A PART OF OBESITY.