Lipoedema is a progressive condition that primarily affects women, often going unrecognised or misdiagnosed for years. While many associate it with general weight gain, the truth is that lipoedema symptoms involve a complex interaction between fat tissue, pain, swelling, and mobility changes often with a significant impact on quality of life.
Understanding the early signs and progression of lipoedema is essential for women seeking clarity, diagnosis, and management options. In this article, we explore the most common lipoedema symptoms, how the condition typically progresses, and when it may be time to seek professional guidance.
What is Lipoedema?
Lipoedema is a chronic condition characterised by a painful and abnormal accumulation of fat cells in the hips, thighs, buttocks, legs and sometimes arms. The legs may become swollen, bruise easily, feel tender and uncomfortable.
Sufferers of early-stage Lipoedema often have column-shaped legs and as the conditions worsens the fat continues to build up and the lower half of their body becomes heavier. The lipoedemic fat can also build up in the arms. The fat cannot be exercised or dieted away. Many patients eat well and exercise yet continue to develop fat on their lipoedemic areas.
The condition almost exclusively affects women and it is estimated that 1 in 10 women suffer with Lipoedema. The most common time of onset of Lipoedema is during puberty or pregnancy, which leads experts to believe that the condition may occur due to changes in hormones.
The condition is poorly understood and often dismissed as obesity. If not diagnosed and managed properly Lipoedema can result in further complications including reduced mobility, venous conditions and lymphedema; as well as depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia or eating disorders.
Sufferers can experience emotional and psychological damage due to receiving a lack of diagnosis and support from practitioners and family.
Common Lipoedema Symptoms
Lipoedema symptoms are characterised by the following:
- Painful and abnormal accumulation of fat cells in the hips, thighs, buttocks, legs and often in the arms
- Legs may become swollen, bruise easily, feel tender and uncomfortable
- Column shaped legs in early stages
- Small spider or varicose veins in affected areas
- The legs and arms accumulate fat symmetrically. A single limb with disproportionate fat may be a similar condition called ‘Lymphoedema,’ which can also arise as a result of untreated Lipoedema
The most prominent feature of Lipoedema fat is that it cannot be exercised or dieted away; nor will weight loss surgery, pills, potions, or powders make the Lipoedema weight disappear in the legs or arms. Many patients eat well and exercise yet continue to develop fat on their lipoedemic areas.
If you feel as though you have been experiencing these symptoms you can:
Read more about our treatment options here.
Learn about Lipoedema during the Group Zoom Information Session here.
This is your opportunity to meet Dr Lekich and hear an overview of Lipoedema, the way it is diagnosed and treated, as well as what you can do now to get started before you see the Doctor for a one-on-one consultation. You can book a group zoom by clicking the button below.
Treatment Options for Lipoedema
Conservative management
There are pillars of treatment that patients should consider. These may be a prelude to surgery. However, even if a patient is not considering surgery, it is important to ensure all elements of conservative management are understood and implemented to avoid serious implications of Lipoedema in the long term.
These treatments will be detailed during your initial consultation with Dr Lekich and his team and may include:
- Wearing flat knit compression garments
- Accommodating possible diet and lifestyle adjustments
- Undertaking Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
Our online support register has been compiled of recommendations from our Lipoedema community. These women generously share recommendations for support and resources that have helped on their own Lipoedema journey, with the goal of helping other women. We do not endorse specific therapists or suppliers; we are simply providing a list for you to review and research in order to find support and services that suit your individual needs.
Lipoedema
surgery
Dr Lekich and the team at Lipoedema Surgical Solutions recommend a protocol that he has adopted in Australia in collaboration with his mentor Dr Heck, who has perfected this surgery in Germany over the last 14 years.
This Lipoedema-Extraction surgery is a medical treatment for Lipoedema of the legs and arms, aiming to arrest the disease.
The standard of surgery is minimally invasive, not requiring open surgery.
The ultimate goals for surgery are:
- Remove the damaging, inflammatory fat to preserve lymphatic health and circulation of the legs.
- Avoid the long-term dependence on compression garments and manual lymphatic drainage, which involves a significant ongoing investment of a patient’s time and money.
- Preserve mobility and reduce degenerative conditions such as arthritis in the hips, knees and ankles.
- Regain freedom from the psychological burden of Lipoedema and reclaim your femininity through the aesthetic improvement that flows from treatment of the medical condition.
Final thoughts
Whether you’re noticing subtle changes or have been living with pain and heaviness for years, understanding what’s happening in your body is the first step toward getting the answers you deserve.
If you suspect you may be living with lipoedema, consider speaking with a medical professional. There are options and support available to help you on your journey.
