Lipedema
Lipedema is a pathological condition that affects almost exclusively women, and is defined as the asymmetrical distribution and localized accumulation of excessive fat in the lower extremities of the body, mainly in the buttocks, thighs, and calves.
In addition to the aesthetic disturbance with uneven fat bulges in the lower extremities, women also describe swelling and pain in the lower extremities, especially when pressured, as well as easy bruising.
It usually does not respond to traditional weight loss methods and worsens over time.
It is not a common disorder, but affects approximately 11% of the female population (1 in 9 women) with a typical onset during puberty, pregnancy or menopause or after gynecological procedures.
Over time, mobility is affected, creating problems in quality of life, leading to depression. In advanced lipedema, the accumulation of fat becomes more pronounced in the arms.
The exact cause is unknown, but it involves genetic and hormonal factors.
It has a familial distribution with a clear hereditary predisposition. It occurs almost exclusively with a typical onset during puberty, pregnancy or menopause. The clinical picture includes a disproportionate body type with normal features in the upper half of the body and localized lipodystrophy in the lower half.
Disturbance of the normal shape of the legs, swollen lower extremities due to the accumulation of excessive fat in the buttocks, thighs and calves, development of painful nodules, generalized pain in the subcutaneous fat, especially when pressured, and a feeling of heaviness in the lower extremities resulting in limitation of daily activities.
Difficulty walking and feeling tired. They bruise easily and often have varicose veins and spider veins.
Over time, fat clogs the lymphatic system and lymphedema is created with healing disorders, fibrosis and dermatosclerosis, with chronic pain and a gradual decrease in mobility. Dry skin.
The skin loses its elasticity. Reduced self-esteem and the appearance of depression. The woman feels uncomfortable with the change in body image.
Normal homogeneous skin texture with enlarged subcutaneous tissue (lipoedema).
Uneven, uneven skin with palpable fat nodules under the skin.
Large nodules that cause visual disturbance, especially on the thighs and around the knees. Mobility is drastically inhibited.
Lipo-lymphedema, a secondary lymphedema, is associated with both lipedema and obesity (which occur together in the majority of cases), most commonly with stages 2 and 3 of lipedema.
The diagnosis of lipedema is made through clinical examination, which includes taking a personal and family history of the onset of symptoms, measuring the volume of the extremities, inspecting and palpating the swollen limbs, recording data on quality of life, and photo documentation.
It depends on the size of the problem and the staging. The goal of treatment is to restore the functionality and aesthetics of the lower extremities, reduce symptoms, and offer a better quality of life. In the early stages, 1st or 2nd degree lipedema, treatment is usually conservative with physiotherapy, lymphatic massage, use of compression stockings, elastic bandages, aerobic exercise, and personalized nutrition.
The main advantage of ultrasound liposuction is that it removes fat cells while preserving lymphatic vessels, blood vessels and nerves, without causing damage to the surrounding tissues. The results of the method are excellent and permanent.
