© Mandurah Oedema Clinic 2021
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Lipoedema
Lipoedema is a condition that mostly affects women and is characterised by a symmetrical
swelling in the legs, thighs and buttocks and sometimes the arms. It is rare in men.
Lipoedema can be extremely painful. The affected areas can be tender and there is a general tendency to bruise
easily. Over time, lipoedema can result in fluid retention in the affected parts, resulting in a medical condition called
lymphoedema.
Although it has not been confirmed, it is thought
that lipoedema may have a genetic basis, as in
some cases there is a family history of the
condition.
Sometimes lipoedema is mistaken for excessive
lymphoedema, weight gain, obesity or cellulite or
is assumed to be due to a lack of exercise.
Lipoedema can have a significant impact on
quality of life.
Main Points:
•
Lipoedema is a condition that mainly affects women and is characterised by a painful swelling in the legs, thighs
and buttocks and sometimes the arms.
•
Lipoedema occurs because of the abnormal accumulation of fat under the skin.
•
If you have lipoedema your legs become swollen, bruise easily, are tender and feel painful and uncomfortable.
•
Lipoedema may occur because of changes in female hormones.
•
The most common time of onset is around puberty or when there are other hormonal shifts such as during
pregnancy and menopause.
•
You are at greater risk of developing lipoedema if other women in your family are affected.
•
Treatment includes changes to the composition of your diet, use of compression stockings, bandaging affected
areas, low-impact exercise, massage and water-based activities.
•
Specialised liposuction for lipoedema can assist when other treatments have not been effective.
You can find out more about lipoedema on the Victoria Government - BetterHealth website
A collaborative partnership between the Friedman Center for Breast and Lymphatic Surgery at Northwell
Health and Lipedema Simplified, LLC, the Lipedema Project is a comprehensive transmedia program working
to increase awareness and provide education, research and treatment for lipedema
DO YOU HAVE LIPOEDEMA?
Do you have BIG LEGS, excess fat in your thighs/legs, hips, buttocks, and/or upper arms? Do you have ankle cuffs? Do you have saddlebags? Are your legs tender or painful to the touch? Do you bruise easily? Do you have fat nodules, or fat pads, or lobules around your knees or thighs? You may have been told that you are fat, but you might have a little known and generally misdiagnosed fat disorder known as lipedema.
Lipedema – The Disease They Call FAT:
An Overview for Clinicians is a monograph that
provides a clinical synopsis of this condition.
This monograph covers the history of lipedema
and includes sections on epidemiology,
etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features,
diagnosis and how to differentiate between
lipedema and other disorders, such as
lymphedema and obesity. Treatment options,
both conservative and surgical, and prognosis
are also reviewed.
© Mandurah Oedema Clinic 2021
Lipoedema
Lipoedema can be extremely painful. The affected
areas can be tender and there is a general tendency
to bruise easily. Over time, lipoedema can result in
fluid retention in the affected parts, resulting in a
medical condition called lymphoedema.
Although it has not been confirmed, it is thought
that lipoedema may have a genetic basis, as in some
cases there is a family history of the condition.
Sometimes lipoedema is mistaken for excessive
lymphoedema, weight gain, obesity or cellulite or is
assumed to be due to a lack of exercise. Lipoedema
can have a significant impact on quality of life.
Main Points:
•
Lipoedema is a condition that mainly affects
women and is characterised by a painful swelling
in the legs, thighs and buttocks and sometimes
the arms.
•
Lipoedema occurs because of the abnormal
accumulation of fat under the skin.
•
If you have lipoedema your legs become
swollen, bruise easily, are tender and feel painful
and uncomfortable.
•
Lipoedema may occur because of changes in
female hormones.
•
The most common time of onset is around
puberty or when there are other hormonal shifts
such as during pregnancy and menopause.
•
You are at greater risk of developing lipoedema
if other women in your family are affected.
•
Treatment includes changes to the composition
of your diet, use of compression stockings,
bandaging affected areas, low-impact exercise,
massage and water-based activities.
•
Specialised liposuction for lipoedema can assist
when other treatments have not been effective.
Lipoedema is a condition that mostly
affects women and is characterised by a
symmetrical swelling in the legs, thighs
and buttocks and sometimes the arms. It
is rare in men.
A collaborative partnership between the
Friedman Center for Breast and Lymphatic
Surgery at Northwell Health and Lipedema
Simplified, LLC, the Lipedema Project is a
comprehensive transmedia program working to
increase awareness and provide education,
research and treatment for lipedema
DO YOU HAVE LIPOEDEMA?
Do you have BIG LEGS, excess fat in your thighs/legs, hips, buttocks, and/or upper arms? Do you have ankle cuffs? Do you have saddlebags? Are your legs tender or painful to the touch? Do you bruise easily? Do you have fat nodules, or fat pads, or lobules around your knees or thighs? You may have been told that you are fat, but you might have a little known and generally misdiagnosed fat disorder known as lipedema.
Lipedema – The Disease They Call FAT:
An Overview for Clinicians is a monograph that
provides a clinical synopsis of this condition.
This monograph covers the history of lipedema
and includes sections on epidemiology,
etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features,
diagnosis and how to differentiate between
lipedema and other disorders, such as
lymphedema and obesity. Treatment options,
both conservative and surgical, and prognosis
are also reviewed.
Mandurah Oedema Clinic
