How to differentiate lipedema from lymphedema?

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He lipedema It is a disease that is often confused with lymphedema due, first of all, to the fact that they are two very similar words. However, in the origin of both lies the key to clarify their main difference.

Lipedema is a pathology associated with fat accumulation, while lymphedema has to do with the accumulation of lymphatic fluid. From our portal specialized in lipedema, we want to tell you about the differences between both pathologies.

Main differences

Both are chronic diseases, but in the case of lymphedema accumulation of lymphatic fluid takes place legs and arms and it could even occur in one of the extremities.

In the case of lipedema Consists of the accumulation of fat cells. It usually takes place in the legs and both extremities. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) it is a "diffuse non-focal inflammation of fatty tissue generally located in the legs, thighs, hips and upper arms". It should not be confused with lymphedema.”

Lymphedema can affect both men as well as women, although the female sex is more common, while lipedema is a disease women's own. Other major differences is that lymphedema can start in childhood, while lipedema is more common than start in adolescence and it is symmetrical, unlike lymphedema, which is most common asymmetric.

Other differences between these two diseases

Lipedema is usually hereditary and once this disease is detected, they are usually detected family background female with the same or similar problem. It is common to appear after pregnancy or menopause.

Lipedema should not be directly related nor treat with diets and physical exercise only, since It is not a consequence of being overweight.. But it is very common for professionals to initially identify it as obesity, which causes a delay in correct diagnosis and therefore a delay in starting treatment and curing it.

Once lipedema has been correctly diagnosed, the solution to definitively cure the disease involves surgical treatments. The objective is to extract the fat that has produced the lipedema and for this it is necessary to resort to WAL, tumescent or assisted liposuction. The specialist will be responsible for recommending the most correct technique depending on your case.

If you want to know more about surgical treatments to treat this chronic disease, Click here to learn more. In addition, there are also non-surgical treatments with which lipedema can be treated.

You have doubts? You don't know if you suffer from Lipedema or not? Take this test now and check it out. You can also put yourself in contact us. We will be happy to help you