Lipedema

Definition

A lipedema is an increasing change of the form and size of the legs, in rare cases the arms, caused by a disturbance of the distribution of the fat in the tissue of the woman. An example are the broad hips and the massive thigh of a woman with a skinny upper body.

Symptoms

The tissue of the legs can be free of pressure pain and tend to cellulite. Bruises can occur extremely fast. The les often feel heavy and are felt to be unbeautiful. The form change of the legs often starts during puberty. Noticeable is that the feet are usually not affected. Often overweight is a problem at the same time, however this is not part of the lipedema.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is basically the clinical view and an extensive interview and examination of the patient by a specialised doctor (focus on phlebology, lymphology, angiology). Additionally the dimension of the lipedema can be estimated with an ultrasound that divides the thickness of the fat layers into cm.

Therapy

A lipedema can not be treated with a diet. A fitting movement therapy like swimming and walking as well as the wearing of elastic stockings can slow down the development of the lipedema and can relieve the medical conditions like the feeling of tension and the pressure pain. A permanent correction is only possible with the procedure of the liposuction. Fat cells are aspirated that can not grow again. The costs for this treatment are not covered by the health insurance at the moment.