Lipedema

What is Lipoedema?

Lipoedema is a chronic health condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of fatty tissue, usually in women. First described in the 1940s, it is often misdiagnosed and confused with obesity or lymphedema.

Lipoedema usually leads to symmetrical swelling of the upper and lower parts of the body, such as the buttocks, legs and sometimes the arms, but not the hands and feet. Patients may complain of symptoms such as pain, tenderness and easy bruising in the affected areas.

What are the Symptoms of Lipoedema?

Lipedema is characterized by the accumulation of fat, usually in the lower part of the body, and various accompanying symptoms. We can list the common symptoms of lipedema as follows:

Symmetrical Swelling: In lipoedema, fat accumulation is seen equally on both sides of the body. This especially affects the buttocks, legs and sometimes the arms, while the hands and feet usually remain normal.
Pain and Sensitivity: Sensitivity to touch and a constant feeling of pain in the affected areas are common.
Easy Bruising: People with lipedema often have weak skin and bruising can occur with even the slightest bump.
Knots Under the Skin: Lumps or knots of fatty tissue can be felt under the skin.
Restriction of Movement: Fat accumulation and swelling can reduce mobility over time and make daily activities difficult.
Chronic Swelling: Swelling becomes more pronounced, especially in the evening or when standing for long periods of time.
Aesthetic Impairment: The lower part of the body appears wider than the upper part and this may cause aesthetic concerns in individuals.

The symptoms listed above may become more serious in the later stages and may negatively affect the quality of life of the person. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of lipoedema is very important.

What are the Causes of Lipoedema?

Although the exact cause of lipoedema is not known exactly, various factors are thought to be effective in the emergence of this condition. We have listed the most common causes of lipedema below.

Genetic Factors: Lipoedema is considered a genetic disease and similar conditions can often be found in family members.
Hormonal Changes: Periods of hormonal fluctuations such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause can trigger the emergence of lipedema.
Connective Tissue Weakness: Lipedema is a condition associated with weak connective tissue. This can cause abnormal accumulation of fatty tissue.
Female Hormones: It is more common in women, suggesting that the hormones estrogen and progesterone play a role in the development of lipedema.
Lifestyle and Nutrition: Although not a direct cause, a sedentary lifestyle and unbalanced diet can worsen the symptoms of lipedema.
Circulatory Problems: Lipedema can be linked to an affected lymphatic system and blood circulation. This leads to increased swelling and pain.

Lipoedema Treatment Methods

Although there is no completely curative treatment for lipoedema, various treatment methods are used to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. These methods are divided into three main groups: conventional, surgical and supportive treatment options.

Conservative Treatment

Manual Lymph Drainage and Compression Garments: Manual lymph drainage is a specialized massage technique that encourages the movement of lymph fluid. This method can be effective in reducing swelling. Compression garments reduce edema and relieve symptoms by promoting blood circulation and lymph flow.
Exercise and Physical Activity: Low-impact exercises (e.g. swimming and walking) can improve circulation and relieve discomfort caused by fatty tissue. Regular physical activity can slow the progression of lipedema.
Diet and Nutritional Modifications: Although lipedema cannot be cured directly by diet, anti-inflammatory diets and healthy eating habits can reduce the severity of symptoms by supporting overall body health.

Surgical Treatment

Lipedema Liposuction: It is the most commonly used method in the surgical treatment of lipedema. Liposuction applied with special techniques allows the removal of lipedematous fat tissue. This contributes to both pain relief and improvement of body shape distortions.
Other Surgical Approaches: In advanced stages, removal of excess skin or combined surgical methods can be applied. However, these treatments may not be suitable for every patient. This method requires a detailed examination by a doctor.

Alternative and Supportive Treatments

Massage: Massages, especially those that promote lymph drainage, can relieve symptoms by increasing circulation.
Acupuncture: Some patients benefit from complementary modalities such as acupuncture to reduce pain and promote general relaxation.
Supportive Therapies: Yoga, meditation and stress management techniques can improve patients’ overall quality of life.

The combination of these treatment modalities may constitute the most effective strategy to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life for individuals living with lipoedema. The treatment plan should be individualized according to the specific needs of the patient.

The Impact of Lipoedema on Quality of Life

Lipoedema is not only a physical disorder, but also a disease that profoundly affects an individual’s daily life, psychological state and social relations. The effects of lipedema on quality of life can be examined under three main headings:

Aspects Affecting Daily Life

Lipoedema impairs mobility and physical endurance, leading to difficulties in daily life. The most common are limited mobility, difficulties in standing or walking for long periods of time, difficulties in choosing clothes, and severe pain and swelling.

Psychological effects

Lipoedema can also negatively affect the psychological state of people due to its visible effect on the appearance of the person. Common psychological effects that can occur in such situations include depression, anxiety and lack of self-confidence.

Difficulties in Social Life

Lipedema can cause various problems in an individual’s social life. Among these, it can cause problems such as people isolating themselves by avoiding social activities with a feeling of embarrassment or shyness due to their physical appearance, stigmatization due to social prejudices, and negatively affecting their performance in business life due to the physical limitations that come with lipoedema.

Lipoedema Treatment at Aktif International Üsküdar Hospital

We can say that lipoedema is not only an aesthetic problem, but also a multi-layered disease that has the potential to negatively affect a person’s physical and psychological quality of life. However, with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment methods, it is possible to facilitate the lives of individuals suffering from these health problems.

For more information, you can contact Aktif International Üsküdar Hospital.

Author: Ümran Muslu

Ümran MUSLU