People with lipedema will progress through each of the four lipedema stages as the condition worsens. This progressive condition often begins with mild symptoms, which worsen significantly over the years without treatment. Unfortunately, the early signs of lipedema are sometimes difficult to spot. Many doctors misdiagnose patients with lipedema, telling them that they are obese and need to lose weight. When doctors blame the patient, it often leads to distress, low self-esteem, and poor self-confidence. Knowing about the early signs of lipedema can help empower sufferers. So here, we’ll look at the first signs of lipedema and when they may appear.
The Early Signs Of Lipedema
The early signs of Stage One lipedema include:
- A disproportionate body shape – a small upper body and waist and larger hips, buttocks, and legs.
- Extra fat distribution around the thighs and bottom, but the feet remain unaffected.
- Pain in the affected areas if you apply pressure.
- No pitting or indentations if you push a finger into the skin.
- Both legs are equal in size.
- Easy bruising of the legs.
Often, the early signs of lipedema are hard to distinguish from chronic obesity. Misdiagnosis of lipedema makes it difficult for doctors and sufferers to determine the cause of the problem.
When Does Stage One Lipedema Begin?
Another problem with diagnosing lipedema is that its causes remain unclear. Experts believe, though, that female hormonal changes are the source of the condition. Genetics may also have a role to play. Sufferers are almost all female, and are also more likely to have lipedema if a close family member is a sufferer.
Stage One lipedema can begin at several stages in a woman’s life. Some sufferers see the onset of the condition when they reach puberty, while others first experience the signs of lipedema when they become pregnant. Sometimes, gynecological surgery triggers the condition or, in some cases, the arrival of menopause sees symptoms begin.
People in every weight range can suffer from lipedema. Some sufferers are very overweight, but others are underweight. Some sufferers have eating disorders like anorexia. It is easier to spot the early signs of lipedema in someone who is very underweight. The disproportionate appearance of the lower and upper body is more pronounced. It is harder for doctors to distinguish the early signs of lipedema from obesity when the patient is already heavier, which often leads to a late diagnosis.
Treating Lipedema
When doctors treat lipedema early, they achieve the best outcomes for patients. In practice, though, this often doesn’t happen because of the late diagnosis problem. The good news is that it’s possible to treat lipedema, no matter the stage. Getting a diagnosis is the first step to getting effective treatment. Unfortunately, there is no cure for lipedema at present. There are, however, conservative and surgical options to help. Traditional therapies help to address the symptoms of lipedema. There are also surgical options available that address the cause of lipedema. Liposuction is the best treatment for all the lipedema stages. Contact ArtLipo today to find out more about whether this treatment is right for you.
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.
