Lipedema or Just Fat Legs – A Surgeon’s Guide
Many people have never heard of lipedema, as it is a poorly understood problem. So, it’s no wonder many women ask if they have lipedema or just fat legs. The characteristics of this medical issue include excess fat accumulation on the lower half of the body. Just because some lipedema sufferers are overweight, that doesn’t mean that obesity is the cause of their problems. The name “lipedema” actually means “fluid in the fat.” It’s a painful disorder that results in excessive fat deposits accumulating on the buttocks, thighs, and legs. In this surgeon’s guide, we’ll look at the hallmarks of this disease and when to seek professional help.
What Does Lipedema Look Like?
Women who have lipedema often seem to have two different bodies. Their upper halves may be typical, with regular-sized abdomens and chests. However, below their waists, their bodies will be out of proportion. They will have large, column-like legs. This makes it hard to find clothes to fit. The symptoms of lipedema include:
- Painful legs
- Fat deposits accumulating on the buttocks, thighs, and legs
- Swelling that doesn’t indent when you apply pressure to it
- Swelling that persists all day long, even if you raise your legs
- Easy bruising
- Small varicose or spider veins, particularly around the ankles
- Normal-looking feet, but large and puffy ankles
Lipedema or Just Fat Legs – How Are the Two Different?
Lipedema may make your legs look fat. However, it isn’t the same thing as obesity. If you are obese and have fat legs, you can lose that weight. Diet and exercise will help you to shape up your legs and lower body. This will help you restore your body to a more normal, well-proportioned appearance. When you simply have fat legs rather than lipedema, your legs may still retain their usual shapes. With lipedema, though, they will look more like columns with a lack of curves. Fat legs are also unlikely to bruise more easily or cause you additional pain. If you are experiencing these tell-tale symptoms, you could have lipedema rather than obesity.
What Is the Difference in Treatment Between Fat Legs and Lipedema?
If you simply have fat legs, you can change your lifestyle to reduce your body fat. You can exercise more and focus on workouts that target your leg muscles to shape up. You can also choose healthier foods and reduce the number of calories you consume each day. This will help you to lose weight all over your body, including your legs.
If you have lipedema, though, dieting and exercising will offer no benefits. Eating healthily and working out will make no difference when it comes to moving the excess fat. Choosing a healthy diet may slow down the accumulation of fatty deposits. Swimming, cycling, or walking may help to reduce the painful symptoms of this condition. However, none of these things will cure the problem.
The treatment recommended by some doctors is to wear compression garments. They may offer relief, especially when combined with manual lymphatic drainage massage. Yet, again, they cannot cure lipedema.
The best way to treat lipedema is to have liposuction. This will remove the excess fat permanently, which helps to reduce pain and improve mobility. It will also help restore a patient’s lower body to a more normal appearance.
If you’re worried about whether you have lipedema or just fat legs, seeing an expert lipedema surgeon is vital. Here at Artistic Lipo and Plastic Surgery, we treat many patients suffering from lipedema. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you improve your quality of life.
