Lipedema is a painful condition that causes fat to accumulate in abnormal amounts in certain parts of the body. This chronic condition often goes undiagnosed for years because many people mistake it for obesity. Yet, lipedema is a distinct medical problem that has health implications of its own. Ongoing management of the symptoms is necessary to reduce discomfort. It’s also important to get treatment as early as possible to prevent the condition from worsening. So, how do you know if you have lipedema? Here, we take a look at the common lipedema symptoms and how you can examine yourself.
The Appearance of Lipedema
Typical lipedema sufferers have lower bodies that are disproportionately large compared with their upper bodies. As the condition is progressive, its symptoms change and worsen over time. If you are examining yourself for this problem, here are some signs to look for:
- A slim upper body
- A disproportionately large lower body
- No swelling of the feet and ankles
- A collar of fat above the ankles
- Symmetrical accumulation of fat with both legs being affected
- The legs may be lumpy or may look like trunks.
- Fat deposits may appear below the knees.
- The fat feels painful and abnormal. It will be tender under pressure
- Easy bruising of the lower body
- Skin that feels as if it lacks elasticity
- Painful fat for no apparent reason
Spotting Lipedema Symptoms and Getting Help
Although the above symptoms are the most common, others are less easy to spot.
There are three stages of lipedema. At the first stage, it’s hard to distinguish the difference between obesity and lipedema. By the time the condition has progressed to the third stage, lymphedema has often set in. This is a chronic swelling condition that causes pain and mobility issues. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms of lipedema so you can get help as quickly as possible.
Evidence shows that the earlier you seek lipedema treatment, the better the outcome. If you allow the disease to progress unchecked, you will eventually develop stage 3 lipedema. This is extremely difficult to live with. It causes a lot of pain and can severely restrict movement. It is also very damaging to your self-confidence because of the disproportionate appearance of the fat. In the later stages, it will also often affect the arms.
Getting Liposuction for Lipedema
If you have examined yourself and spotted lipedema symptoms, it’s important to seek help. The only effective medical treatment for this condition is liposuction. Here at Artistic Lipo and Plastic Surgery, our skilled surgical team can offer you the lipo you need. We can permanently remove the fat cells so that you can achieve the slimmer, normal-looking body you desire. Not only will liposuction reduce the pain and discomfort you experience, but it will also restore your self-confidence. Contact us today to find out more about how liposuction could help you. It’s the best way to return to a normal way of life.
Dr. Thomas Su, is the owner and cosmetic surgeon of Artistic Lipo. He has led our full-time clinic specializing in awake-only liposuction since 2007. Dr. Su began his medical career in internal medicine, practicing that until 2005, when he began to provide a full spectrum of non-invasive cosmetic procedures.
