Lipedema is the accumulation of excess fat in the skin tissue. It is confused with regional excessive fat. You need to know the difference for the right treatment.
Both conditions are frequently encountered. Lipedema is usually seen in the legs and hip area. It is more common in women than men. In this condition, fat cells accumulate and expand more intensely than normal. Although excessive fat in the legs is also a regional problem, the symptoms and progression of lipedema are different.
As the symptoms of both problems are different, treatment approaches also differ. If your problem is lipedema, you will mostly be directed to surgical and traditional methods. If you complain of localized excess weight, you may be able to get rid of it with a balanced diet or exercise. To understand your problem, you need to be examined by an experienced specialist. You can contact Phoenix Healthy for an appointment with one of the best doctors in this specific area.
The question of why lipedema occurs continues to be the subject of research. Obesity is one of the factors that increase the possibility of lipedema, but the accumulation of fat cells that cause this problem can be seen in both overweight and thin people. In addition, it can also occur in individuals with anorexia, ie eating disorders, and hormonal fluctuations. In women, hormonal changes, pregnancy, and menopause processes can stimulate lipedema symptoms. On the other hand, the risk of occurrence is high in people with hereditary predispositions.
It is important to know the separate symptoms of lipoedema and being overweight. For example, if you have lipedema, the upper part of your body may be different in size than the lower part. The most common symptoms of lipedema are listed below:
In addition, while lipedema usually causes pain and tenderness in the area where it is seen, you will not feel pain in a fatty area due to being overweight. While the swelling that occurs in lipedema is disproportionate, swelling is seen in the entire relevant part in overweight or obesity-induced adiposity. Bruising is also among the symptoms of lipedema. If you are overweight, you will not see bruising on your skin.
Lipedema may not only cause aesthetic concerns, as in the case of being overweight. It can also lead to various complications. These include lymphedema formation, pain, movement difficulties, and skin problems. On the other hand, there are also emotional effects related to these. If it is not diagnosed and treatment is not started as soon as possible, it negatively affects your social life. It damages your self-confidence. However, it is not an unsolvable problem and all these complications can be reversed under the guidance of an experienced specialist.
Lipedema, which is a different and generally more serious problem than excess weight, is diagnosed in various ways. Your specialist usually asks you to tell your story and then performs a physical examination. If excessive fat deposits are painful during this examination, it is easier to recognize lipedema. There may be a significant difference in size between the areas affected by lipedema and the unaffected areas.
Your specialist may also want to perform various tests. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and ultrasound are the most common ones. With MRI, which is a painless and painless method, fat deposits can be seen comprehensively. Ultrasound can also be used to detect changes beneath the skin. Blood flow and tissue stiffness are evaluated. In addition to these two methods, blood tests and lymph scintigraphy can also be performed. With all these procedures, it is very easy to differentiate and diagnose lipedema and overweight.
When you decide to be treated for lipedema, your specialist primarily aims to alleviate your symptoms, improve your quality of life, and prevent further progression of the condition. Your treatment plan is customized for you. Your medical history and lifestyle are taken into consideration during the planning phase.
Liposuction, a popular method, is proven to be very effective in lipedema treatment. However, it is different from the one performed for aesthetic purposes. It should be performed by a doctor who is specialized and experienced in this specific treatment. Following the liposuction process, specialized compression garments are used to relieve swelling. Lymph drainage massage can also be added to this. Physiotherapy also helps you to manage your pain and limitations in your actions. In addition, special medications may be prescribed by your specialist to alleviate symptoms.
It is important to remember that Lipedema is a progressive disease and diet or changing lifestyle alone will not be a sufficient solution according to this specific condition. It should be treated as early as possible by a specialist. Please contact Phoenix Healthy to get in touch with the best specialists in this field.
