Lipedema is a condition that can seriously affect quality of life, manifesting itself with symptoms such as pain, tenderness, easy bruising and hardening of the fatty tissue under the skin. Failure to diagnose this condition correctly can lead to progression of the disease and serious health problems. Lipedema is often not only an aesthetic problem, but can also cause physical discomfort and psychological effects. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the effects of the disease can be managed and quality of life can be improved. Therefore, when lipedema symptoms are noticed, it is important to consult a specialist health professional for a correct diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.
What is lipedema?
Lipedema is an abnormal accumulation of fat, usually in the legs and sometimes in the arms. This condition is characterized by an excessive accumulation of fatty tissue in the lower body and can affect both sides. Lipedema manifests itself with symptoms such as pain, tenderness, and easy bruising, which can make it difficult for people to perform daily activities and reduce their quality of life.
This disease can cause fluid retention in the affected areas, which can lead to a condition known as lymphedema. Lipedema can sometimes be associated with or contribute to obesity, but these two conditions are different conditions. While obesity can usually be managed with diet and exercise, treating lipedema requires a more comprehensive approach and involves identifying the underlying cause and implementing appropriate treatment methods.
What are the symptoms of lipedema?
Lipedema presents with noticeable, tender, column-like symptoms in the lower body. If left untreated, this condition can lead to increased fat deposits and overall weight gain over time. This can create significant imbalances in body image; for example, the upper body may be a normal size (36) while the lower body appears much larger (42). As the disease progresses, tissue loss and hardened skin problems such as infections, slow wound healing and scarring can occur.
Lipedema symptoms include:
- Thickening or enlargement, especially in the legs and arms, due to fat accumulation
- Sensitivity, pain and discomfort in swollen areas
- Bruising in the affected areas
- General fatigue and weakness
- Appearance of varicose veins in the legs
These symptoms are an indication of the effects of lipedema that make daily life difficult and cause physical discomfort. Early diagnosis and treatment can slow down the progression of the disease and improve quality of life.
How is lipedema treated?
Lipedema is a condition that requires a multidisciplinary and holistic approach. This comprehensive treatment process often requires the collaboration of a number of healthcare professionals.
Which doctor treats lipedema?
The lipedema treatment team should include professionals such as a physical medicine and rehabilitation (PMR) specialist, lymphedema specialist, plastic surgeon, vascular surgeon, sometimes a bariatric surgeon, psychiatrist, physiotherapist, nurse, dietician and psychologist.
Standard methods used in the treatment of lipedema are:
- Diet and nutrition: Following a personalized lipedema diet under the guidance of a dietitian can help manage fat deposits.
- Physical activity and exercise: Regular lipedema exercises and increasing physical activity in the treatment of lipedema without surgery support the health of the skin and muscle tissue.
- Manual lymphatic drainage and complex decongestive therapy: These treatment methods can reduce fluid accumulation by helping the lymphatic system function properly.
- Skin care and infection prevention: Skin care and infection prevention help manage side effects.
- Use of compression garments: Compression garments, in particular, can reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Plastic surgery and liposuction: In advanced cases of lipedema, procedures such as plastic surgery or liposuction may be considered.
- Psychosocial support: Psychological and social support is important to increase patients’ motivation and quality of life during the treatment process.
Does lipedema go away with exercise?
Sports play an important role in the treatment of lipedema; however, individuals struggling with this disease may have difficulty exercising due to the thickness and swelling in the legs. Lipedema is known as a connective tissue disease and it can often be difficult to reduce the fat accumulation and swelling in the legs to the desired level with diet and exercise. Therefore, additional treatment options such as surgical methods should be considered to manage the effects of swelling and thickening. Surgical intervention can more effectively reduce the physical effects of lipedema and improve the quality of life of patients.