From the Guidelines
Lipoedema is a chronic condition characterized by abnormal fat distribution that primarily affects women, involving the symmetrical accumulation of fat in the legs, thighs, buttocks, and sometimes arms, while typically sparing the hands, feet, and trunk. According to the study by 1, lipoedema is listed as one of the causes of lower extremity edema, with the mechanism of action being adipose tissue accumulation. The condition often causes pain, tenderness, easy bruising, and a feeling of heaviness in the affected limbs. Lipoedema is frequently misdiagnosed as obesity or lymphedema, but it's a distinct disorder with its own characteristics.
Key Characteristics of Lipoedema
- Symmetrical accumulation of fat in the legs, thighs, buttocks, and sometimes arms
- Typically spares the hands, feet, and trunk
- Cannot be lost through diet and exercise alone
- Often causes pain, tenderness, easy bruising, and a feeling of heaviness in the affected limbs
Management Options
- Compression garments to reduce discomfort
- Manual lymphatic drainage massage
- Proper skin care
- In some cases, specialized liposuction called tumescent liposuction It is essential to note that early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent progression and complications such as mobility issues and psychological distress, as lipoedema affects approximately 11% of women worldwide but remains underrecognized in medical practice 1.
From the Research
Definition and Characteristics of Lipoedema
- Lipoedema is a chronic progressive disease characterized by the abnormal accumulation of fat in the subcutaneous region, leading to bilateral enlargement of the legs due to abnormal depositions of subcutaneous fat associated with often mild oedema 2, 3.
- It is found almost exclusively in women and is characterized by bilateral, symmetrical enlargement of the buttocks and lower limbs owing to excess deposition of subcutaneous fat 4.
- The common features associated with this condition are 'column-shaped' legs with sparing of the feet, bruising, sensitivity to pressure, and orthostatic oedema 4.
Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis
- Lipoedema can present with a range of symptoms, including persistent bruising and pain, pain and fat deposition, night cramps and discomfort, leg thickening, and redness in the legs 2.
- The diagnosis should be made as early as possible to prevent complications of the disorder, which is associated with increasing functional and cosmetic morbidity 3.
- Lipoedema is frequently misdiagnosed as obesity, and it is estimated to affect up to 11% of the female population 5.
Treatment and Management
- Both medical and surgical treatments have been described in international guidelines, including liposuction surgery and non-surgical therapy 2.
- Conservative measures used in the management of lymphoedema can prevent progression/limit the orthostatic oedema, and surgical procedures may also play a part in the management of lipoedema 4.
- Weight loss measures exhibit minimal effect on the abnormal body fat distribution, and surgical techniques, such as liposuction and excisional lipectomy, represent therapeutic options in selected cases 6.