How Do You Know If You Have Lipoedema? 

Are you a woman with swollen, fatty, heavy and painful legs or arms? 

Does your lower body (or your arms) appear disproportionately overweight when compared with the rest of your body?

You may have lipoedema.

This is a chronic condition that occurs due to the abnormal buildup of fat in the legs and/or arms, causing pain and discomfort and impacting daily life. Be Sculptured in Sydney and on the Gold Coast offers effective treatment for lipoedema for people with mild to moderate levels of the condition.

What is Lipoedema?

Lipoedema is a complex condition that almost exclusively impacts biological females. (It has been occasionally observed in males who have liver disease or hormonal imbalance). It leads to a change in body shape with increased, unevenly distributed adipose tissue (fat) in the hips and legs. It may also affect the arms and, very rarely, other body areas. Affected areas are out of proportion with the rest of the body. 

The cause of lipoedema is not known at this stage, though heredity and hormones are believed to play a role. 

The change in the shape of the legs or arms with lipoedema usually begins with weight gain associated with hormonal changes at puberty, during pregnancy, during IVF treatment, or at menopause. If a woman is likely to develop the condition, any weight gain will almost certainly make the problem worse. 

Early accurate diagnosis and proper management of lipoedema are very important for quality of life and optimal health and cosmetic outcomes.

Lipoedema versus Lymphoedema

Lipoedema is often misdiagnosed as obesity or lymphoedema – resulting in further patient distress and poorer outcomes.

Lymphoedema is swelling in the tissues caused by the accumulation of lymph, which is a protein-rich fluid, normally drained by the body’s lymphatic system (a network of glands and vessels that help drain excess fluid from the tissues and fight infection). It can occur due to gene mutations, a birth defect, as an infection symptom, or due to a lymphatic system blockage secondary to an injury such as deep bruises or cuts or following surgery or cancer treatment. If you have uneven swelling or a swollen limb on just one side, swollen feet or hands, or if the skin is firm and tight but not painful to touch, it could be lymphoedema. Another sign of this is that a dent is left in the skin when it is pressed with a thumb or finger. 

You need to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Typical Symptoms and Signs of Lipoedema

“Do I Have Lipoedema?” 

There are several signs of lipoedema and symptoms that sufferers may experience. These include:

Bilateral Symmetry of Swelling

Lipoedema impacts both sides of the body equally – both legs and/or both arms will have the same degree of swelling. The limbs may look trunklike,  lumpy, or both.

Pain & Tenderness

The fat in this condition feels abnormal and is disproportionately painful. Tenderness and heaviness are characteristic, and the skin may become floppy. Joints can be impacted, which compromises mobility.

An inability to exercise due to this condition can result in secondary obesity – which further worsens the problem. This can lead to low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and social restriction. Purchasing clothing may be difficult due to marked differences in body size between the top and bottom. 

Easy Bruising

Areas of lipoedema often bruise more easily – the reason for this is not well understood. 

Cuffing at Ankles & Wrists

Unlike obesity and lymphoedema, lipoedema does not affect the feet and hands. This causes cuffing at the ankles and wrists: a “fat bracelet” appearance where the swollen limb transitions to a normal-sized foot or hand. 

Diet & Exercise Resistance

The excess swollen fat in lipoedema is resistant to the diet and exercise that would ordinarily result in weight loss.

Family History

Genetics play a role in developing lipoedema for 15% of patients with it – and if you have a family history of it (mother or grandmother) the risk increases.

The Importance of a Professional Diagnosis

Getting the right diagnosis is imperative for the correct management approach for lipoedema. Treatments differ markedly from those used for lymphoedema or obesity.

Diagnosis of lipoedema is made based on medical history and physical examination. 

If you suspect you or a loved one may have lipoedema, consult with a professional specialist healthcare provider as soon as possible for a correct, early diagnosis and effective treatment. 

There is no cure for lipoedema. If you do have this condition, the following treatment and management strategies may help:

1. Maintain a healthy body weight – and lose weight if you need to.
2. Eat a healthy diet.
3. Increase your activity level and get moving – even a short walk each day can make a big difference. Water-based activities can be very beneficial.
4. Massage therapy may help alleviate symptoms.
5. Wear compression stockings or compression sportswear to help improve microcirculation in your legs.
6. Liposculpture and/or liposuction can help – and Be Sculptured is proud to offer this solution for suitable candidates with lipoedema.

Get in Touch with Be Sculptured Today

Liposculpture is an effective part-solution for treating Lipoedema. It is not a cure, but can offer positive outcomes in terms of reducing swelling and pain and contribute to the aesthetics of that area. 

To qualify for liposculpture for lipoedema at Be Sculptured, you must have Stage 1 or Stage 2 lipoedema and a BMI (body mass index) of below 35.

Based in Bondi Junction in Sydney and also offering regular consults and services at the Southport Day Hospital on the Gold Coast, Be Sculptured is an Australian liposculpture clinic. You will need a GP referral to consult with us.

Be Sculptured is operated by Dr Meaghan Heckenberg, an experienced Australian doctor and leading liposculpture proceduralist with over 15 years experience. Liposculpture / liposuction is the only cosmetic surgery procedure she performs. Performing the same procedure often contributes to a higher level of surgical skill in that particular procedure. With the medical skill and expertise to achieve results for her patients, she uses the tumescent local anaesthetic and micro-cannular liposculpture techniques, that has over 35 years of history. This treatment has a relatively mild-moderate recovery period and requires no overnight hospital stay.

Call us on 0484 898 977 or visit our website now. You may request a consultation here or send an email to [email protected]. We look forward to meeting you!