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Addressing Lipoedema in Adults
Lipoedema is a medical condition where the fat under your skin doesn’t spread out evenly. This usually happens in the areas of your bum and legs. While it might first seem like it’s just affecting how you look, over time it can actually become quite painful and cause other health problems. In this article, we’re going to talk about what lipoedema is, how you can spot the symptoms, what causes it, and what options are available for treating the uneven fat distribution.
What is Lipoedema? Understanding the Condition in Detail
Lipoedema is a medical issue characterised by an abnormal build-up of fat cells in certain areas of the body. Although it’s more frequently seen in the lower body—specifically the buttocks, thighs, and calves—it can also manifest in the upper arms. Notably, this condition doesn’t affect the hands or feet, making it easier to distinguish from other disorders.
Many people often confuse lipoedema with another condition called lymphoedema. While they may sound similar, it’s crucial to understand that they are two entirely separate conditions with different underlying causes and symptoms. However, it’s worth mentioning that if lipoedema is left untreated, it can sometimes lead to the development of lymphoedema.
By learning more about lipoedema, its distinct characteristics, and how it differs from lymphoedema, you’ll be better equipped to understand the condition and seek appropriate treatment options.
What Causes Lipoedema and How is it Different from Lymphoedema?
The exact cause of lipoedema remains uncertain, but there are some factors that seem to be linked with the condition. For instance, it often runs in families, suggesting a hereditary component. Moreover, lipoedema almost exclusively affects women and often becomes noticeable or worsens during significant hormonal changes like puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. This points to the likelihood of hormonal factors playing a role. While obesity doesn’t directly cause lipoedema, it’s noteworthy that more than half of the people diagnosed with the condition are also obese.
Symptoms of Lipoedema:
- The build-up of fat in specific areas like the upper arms, thighs, calves, and sometimes the buttocks.
- Challenges in movement or walking due to the extra fat.
- Physical pain associated with the affected areas.
- Emotional symptoms including feelings of embarrassment, anxiety, and depression.
Lipoedema and lymphoedema are often confused but are distinct conditions:
- Lipoedema: This condition involves the abnormal accumulation of fat cells in particular regions of the body.
- Lymphoedema: This condition is characterized by swelling due to a blockage in the lymphatic system, which prevents lymph fluid from draining away properly.
What makes them interconnected is that, over time, the extra fat from lipoedema can obstruct the lymphatic system. When this happens, lymph fluid begins to accumulate, transforming the condition into a secondary form known as lipo-lymphoedema.
So, while lipoedema and lymphoedema are separate conditions with different causes and symptoms, untreated lipoedema has the potential to evolve into lymphoedema. Understanding these differences is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms and Signs of Lipoedema: What to Look Out For
One of the most prominent symptoms of lipoedema is a noticeable disproportion between the upper and lower halves of the body. For example, you might find that while you wear a size 8 for tops, you require a size 16 for bottoms. This is because fat continues to accumulate in the lower body as the condition progresses, making the legs and sometimes the arms increasingly heavy and disproportionate.
The legs affected by lipoedema tend to be very sensitive and can bruise easily. Over time, the extra fat can even begin to accumulate in the arms, further contributing to bodily disproportion.
Implications for the Lymphatic System:
As lipoedema worsens, the extra fat cells can block the channels of the lymphatic system that are normally responsible for regulating body fluids and fighting off infections. This obstruction prevents the lymph fluid from draining properly, leading to a condition known as lymphoedema. If lymphoedema goes untreated, it can lead to further complications, including:
- Infections
- Slow wound healing
- Fibrosis, or the thickening and scarring of connective tissue
- Stiffening of the skin on the legs
- Further delays in wound healing
Differences from Obesity and Lymphoedema:
Unlike obesity, lipoedema is focused mainly on the legs, thighs, and sometimes the arms, rather than being evenly distributed throughout the body. It also sets itself apart from lymphoedema in its points of origin. Lipoedema typically starts in the upper legs, whereas lymphoedema often begins in the lower extremities, such as the feet and ankles. Additionally, lipoedema usually affects both legs and is not related to any prior surgery, making it distinct from lymphoedema.
Managing Lipoedema: Treatment Options and Strategies
While there’s no definitive cure for lipoedema, there are various ways to manage its symptoms and prevent it from worsening. The approach to treatment largely depends on the severity of your symptoms and how they’re affecting your day-to-day life.
Non-Invasive Measures:
- Compression Therapy: Using compression bandages or stockings can help reduce pain and improve mobility. This treatment can make it easier for you to walk and engage in physical activities.
- Diet and Exercise: A well-balanced diet rich in nutrients, combined with regular physical activity, can help you maintain a healthy weight, which is crucial in managing the symptoms.
- Emotional Support: Living with lipoedema can be emotionally taxing. Counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be beneficial if you’re struggling with depression or anxiety related to the condition.
Is Lipoedema Curable Through Weight Loss?
The simple answer is no; lipoedema cannot be cured through weight loss. The type of fat associated with lipoedema is different from regular fat; it is more resistant to the typical methods of diet and exercise. This means that even with rigorous exercise routines and a balanced, nutritious diet, individuals with lipoedema may still find that they are unable to reduce the abnormal fat accumulation.
People with lipoedema often become aware that something is amiss when they notice that their usual efforts at diet and exercise are not yielding the expected results. This can be quite frustrating and emotionally taxing, as their weight and body shape don’t change in the way they would anticipate, despite their best efforts.
Therefore, while maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for overall well-being and can help manage some of the symptoms, it’s not a cure for lipoedema. Specialised treatments, such as liposuction, are generally required to manage the condition effectively.
Surgical Treatment:
Liposuction
For more severe cases where the fat accumulation is significantly affecting your quality of life, liposuction may be considered. One type of liposuction commonly used for lipoedema is Microaire liposuction. In this procedure, a small tube is inserted under the skin to suction out the abnormal fat tissue. Depending on the extent of the fat accumulation, you might require multiple sessions to achieve the desired results. It’s essential to consult a specialist plastic surgeon for a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
RELATED: Can Liposuction Treat Lymphoedema?
How to Prolong Liposuction Results: Lifestyle Changes for Managing Lipoedema
If you’ve undergone liposuction to manage lipoedema, it’s important to take proactive steps to prolong the results and continue to control your symptoms. Here are some lifestyle changes that can make a significant difference:
Compression Clothing
Post-liposuction, wearing compression garments can be highly beneficial, especially when coupled with manual lymph drainage techniques. Compression clothing aids in lymphatic and venous drainage and helps to reduce swelling. If you are in the early stages of lipoedema, mild compression is often sufficient.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
This specialised massage technique has shown promise in treating lipoedema. It’s recommended to undergo this treatment once or twice a week for optimal results. The massage works by opening up lymphatic pathways, allowing fluid to drain naturally. This technique often accompanies other practices like brushing and wrapping.
RELATED: Lymphatic Drainage Massage After Liposuction
Balanced Diet
Though lipoedema itself is not responsive to weight loss, gaining weight can worsen your symptoms. Hence, maintaining a balanced diet is essential. Foods high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and processed items should be minimised. Your focus should be on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats to help maintain a stable weight. Striving for a calorie balance is key to preventing further exacerbation of lipoedema.
Regular Exercise
Physical activity is crucial for maintaining the benefits of your liposuction treatment. Specifically, you should aim for exercises that strengthen your legs and improve lymphatic circulation. Activities such as swimming, cycling, and walking are particularly beneficial. By sustaining muscle mass and promoting lymph flow, exercise can help reduce the symptoms of lipoedema over time.
By adopting these lifestyle changes, you’ll be better equipped to manage your lipoedema symptoms and maintain the results of your liposuction procedure.
The Key Takeaways on Managing Lipoedema
Lipoedema is a medical condition that predominantly impacts women, leading to irregular accumulation of fatty tissue mainly in the legs and, sometimes, the arms. Although there’s currently no definitive cure, options like liposuction can offer significant relief for those experiencing severe symptoms. Liposuction specifically targets the stubborn fat deposits that are resistant to traditional methods of weight loss, such as diet and exercise.
However, managing lipoedema is not solely about surgical intervention. A multi-faceted approach involving regular exercise, a balanced diet, manual lymphatic drainage massage, and the use of compression garments can go a long way in controlling symptoms and improving your quality of life.
By adopting a combination of these lifestyle changes and treatments, you can better manage the challenges posed by lipoedema and maintain a more comfortable and active life.
Liposuction for Lipoedema: Why Choose Centre for Surgery?
When it comes to managing lipoedema, especially severe cases, liposuction remains one of the most effective treatment options. At Centre for Surgery, we specialise in providing comprehensive and tailored treatment plans that aim to not only treat the symptoms but also significantly improve your quality of life.
What Sets Us Apart
- Expert Surgeons: Our team of highly qualified plastic surgeons have extensive experience in treating lipoedema through liposuction, ensuring that you receive the best care possible.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: We use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques, such as Microaire liposuction, to deliver targeted and efficient results.
- Patient-Centric Approach: From your first consultation to post-surgical aftercare, we prioritise your comfort, safety, and satisfaction.
- Comprehensive Aftercare: Our treatment doesn’t end when the surgery does. We offer a robust aftercare program to monitor your progress and manage any complications that may arise.
Patient Testimonials
“I had a fantastic experience at Centre for Surgery. The staff were incredibly friendly, and the treatment was seamless from start to finish.”
– Sarah, age 34
“The results from my liposuction for lipoedema have been life-changing. I can’t thank Centre for Surgery enough for the wonderful care.”
– Emily, age 42
“I was sceptical about undergoing surgery, but the level of professionalism and care I received at Centre for Surgery put all my fears to rest. Highly recommend!”
– Jane, age 28
Book Your Consultation Today
We encourage you to take the first step toward managing your lipoedema more effectively. Our friendly staff are on hand to assist you with any questions or to book your initial consultation.
📞 Phone: 0207 993 4849
📧 Email: contact@centreforsurgery.com
📍 Address: 95-97 Baker Street, London W1U 6RN
Don’t let lipoedema control your life. Take the reins with Centre for Surgery, where you’ll find a team of experts dedicated to your well-being.
