What is Lipedema?
Lipedema is a condition in which fatty tissue grows abnormally. Fat accumulation, which is usually seen symmetrically in the lower body areas such as the hips, thighs, knees and wrists, makes a significant difference when compared to the upper part of the body. This causes the body lines to deteriorate and the aesthetic appearance to be negatively affected.
What Are the Symptoms of Lipedema?
- Symmetrical Fat Accumulation: Lipedema is an abnormal fat deposition that usually appears in the lower parts of the body (legs, feet, calves) in a symmetrical manner.
- Disproportion with the trunk: The accumulation of fat in the affected areas causes disproportion with the trunk. The legs and feet may be noticeably thickened compared to the upper body.
- Pain When Touched: There may be pain, tenderness or discomfort when touching areas with lipoedema.
- Skin Texture Changes: The skin surface may not be smooth, regional swellings or a rough appearance may be observed.
- Capillary Expansion: In areas with lipoedema, capillaries may expand, which may lead to the formation of purple-colored spots and vascular networks.
- Fatigue and Weakness: Fatigue and weakness may occur due to heaviness and swelling in the lipoedema areas.
- Hormonal Effects in Women: Lipedema is generally more common in women. Hormonal changes can cause increased symptoms, especially during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.
- Resistance to Weight Changes: Fat accumulation in areas with lipoedema may not decrease despite weight loss efforts. Swelling that does not improve with diet and exercise can be observed.
- Mobility under the skin: Fat accumulation in the affected areas can create a feeling of mobility that slides and becomes stuck under the skin.
- Bruises Coming Easily in Burns: Skin sensitivity may increase in areas with lipoedema, and therefore, bruises and swelling may occur easily as a result of small blows or bumps.
What are Lipedema Types?
Lipedema can be classified into 4 types:
Type 1: It is the mildest type and usually occurs on the hips and feet.
Type 2: It is the more severe type and affects the hips, thighs and legs.
Type 3: The most severe type and affects the hips, thighs, legs, and arms.
Type 4: Also known as lipedema-fibrositis, it is usually characterized by thicker and harder skin.
What Are the Stages of Lipedema?
Stage 1 (Mild): In the first stage, a slight fat accumulation is seen under the skin. The skin is even and smoother than normal. Pain and tenderness are rare at this stage. Typically, a slight change in patients’ body contours may be noticed.
Stage 2 (Middle): In the middle stage, fat accumulation is more pronounced and lumps on the skin may be increased. The skin surface becomes more uneven and rough. Patients often feel tenderness and pain under the skin. Limitation of movement may also increase.
Stage 3 (Heavy): In this stage, fat accumulation becomes more noticeable and lumps under the skin are felt more clearly. The skin surface is rather uneven and rough. Pain, tenderness, and swelling become more intense. Limitation of movement and difficulties in daily activities increase.
Stage 4 (Very Severe): In stage 4, which is the most advanced stage, fat accumulation is very evident and common. Lumps and irregularities under the skin are felt intensely. The limitation of movement increases further, and the activities of daily living are greatly affected. Pain, tenderness and swelling can reach serious dimensions.
How is Lipedema Treated?
Liposuction is an effective surgical method that has a critical place in the treatment of lipoedema. Lipedema is a condition in which abnormal accumulation of fat occurs in certain areas of the body, and these fat deposits cannot usually be reduced by diet or exercise. Here are the importance of liposuction in the treatment of lipoedema and the benefits of this treatment method:
- Removal of Excess Fat Tissue and Correction of Body Shape
Liposuction surgery provides effective removal of excess adipose tissue accumulated in lipedema areas. This helps to correct the body proportion and achieve a more balanced, aesthetic appearance. Asymmetry and swelling, especially in the lower extremities, can be removed by liposuction.
- Improving Quality of Life by Reducing Pain and Discomfort
Lipedema is often associated with pain, tenderness, and discomfort. Liposuction surgery can help alleviate these symptoms, making patients feel more comfortable in their daily lives. In addition, physical activity and mobility may increase, and quality of life may be positively affected.
- An Alternative to Weight Loss and Dieting Impotence
Fat accumulation in areas with lipoedema usually does not improve with weight loss or diet. Since this excess fat tissue is directly removed with liposuction, it helps patients to get rid of unwanted fat accumulations. This significantly improves the body shape of the patients.
- Long-Term Results and Psychological Comfort
Since the fat cells removed by liposuction are permanently removed, the results obtained may be long-lasting. This allows patients to see permanent and positive changes in their bodies. Body shape improvement after liposuction can increase patients’ self-confidence and help them feel better psychologically.
What Orthopedic Problems Does Lipedema Cause?
Pain and Discomfort: Excessive fat accumulation in areas with lipoedema can cause extra pressure during weight bearing, which can lead to pain and discomfort. Standing or walking for a long time can increase the pain.
Imbalance and Restriction of Movement: Legs with lipoedema can make it difficult to stay in balance by disrupting the body proportion. In addition, as the volume of the legs increases, the freedom of movement may decrease, which can lead to restrictions in daily activities.
Joint Problems: Excessive fat accumulation can cause pressure on the joint areas, leading to joint pain and tightness. In particular, the knee and hip joints can often be affected.
Gait Problems: Weight gain and imbalance in areas with lipoedema may affect the gait pattern. This can lead to gait problems and posture disorders over time.
Obesity-Related Problems: The prevalence of obesity may be high among patients with lipoedema. Obesity may also cause orthopedic problems by itself, so the effects of these problems may increase in patients with lipedema.
What is the Difference Between Lipedema and Cellulite?
Lipedema and cellulite are two different conditions by different causes and treatment approaches are determined accordingly.
Lipedema
- It is associated with genetic predisposition.
- Abnormal fat accumulation is seen in certain parts of the body.
- There may be a symmetrical accumulation of fat in the affected areas.
- It usually affects the lower extremities (legs, thighs, calves).
- It can develop even when the person is of normal weight.
- The skin surface is usually smooth.
- Treatment usually includes surgical methods, especially in advanced stages, liposuction surgery may be considered.
Cellulite
- It is associated with hormonal changes, aging, genetic factors and lifestyle.
- Fat cells under the skin are trapped between the connective tissue fibers.
- It creates a rough appearance, pits and irregularities may occur on the skin.
- It mainly affects the hips, thighs and abdomen.
- It can be seen in overweight or normal weight individuals, and may become more prominent in case of weight gain.
- A rough appearance occurs on the skin surface.
- Treatment usually includes conservative methods; such as compression garments, exercise, massage, skin care products, and dietary changes.
