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He lipedema is a disorder that primarily affects women and is defined by a abnormal accumulation of fat in the lower extremities and even higher, which can cause significant deterioration.
produces an important inflammation of adipose tissue, resulting in swelling of the afflicted regions, soft and spongy fat, tiredness, heaviness, as well as sensitivity to cold and shock.
Recent studies show that between 4% and 11% of women suffer from this disease worldwide. However, due to its great ignorance, it is often confused with other pathologies such as obesity or lymphedema.
As specialists in lipedema we have prepared this post so that you know the main symptoms of this disease and you can detect it in time. Keep reading the full post because you will also find the most recommended treatments.
Symptoms
Lipedema is always accompanied by a series of symptoms in addition to the increase in volume. These differ and grow stronger over time. The following are the most prevalent manifestations:
- Considerably increases the volume of the affected area. In the vast majority of cases it occurs in the lower part of the body (legs), although it can also occur in the upper part, such as the arms.
- This increased volume in these areas causes the following symptom, which is a disproportion in size between these areas and the rest of the body of the person suffering from lipedema.
- Likewise, another characteristic of this disease is that the diets and exercise don't work and they do not modify the affected areas or improve their condition.
- In addition, they appear spontaneous pain in the legs and arms. Above all, when the person exercises, although it can occur even when the individual is at rest.
- Hands and feet do not vary in size. Thus, although there is an increase in the areas of the legs or arms, the hands or legs do not accumulate fat.
- Appear frequently bruising in the affected area of the patient.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of lipedema is difficult, however it can be achieved. Therefore, it is essential to put yourself in the hands of a specialist in this pathology. The health professional must perform a complete physical examination of the patient and investigate your clinical history (history and evolution).
If the final test confirms that the person has lipedema, there is two therapy methods available:
- Conservative: Helps the patient with some symptoms and pain relief, but the disparity decreases somewhat. Manual lymphatic drainage and treatments are used to reduce fibrosis and improve fluid flow through the skin. It is also recommended to wear lymphatic compression clothing and perform physical exercise in water (swimming)
- Surgical: The water jet assisted liposuction (WAL) is the procedure most used in the treatment of lipedema. Unlike traditional liposuction procedures, the fat is gently separated from the tissue structure using a flat, fan-shaped spray of water and then suctioned out during the WAL operation. The intermittent lymphatic vessels, connective tissue, nerves and blood vessels will be considerably less stressed, which is essential in the treatment of lipedema.
Lastly, the affected area has a harder consistency than other areas where fat accumulates, such as the stomach, and sometimes with nodularity.
If you see at least six of these symptoms in your body, it is best to contact a doctor who is an expert in lipedema, since the diagnosis of lipedema should always be carried out by a doctor who is expert in this pathology.
For more information on lipedema visit the rest of the sections of our website or get in contact usWe will be happy to answer all your questions.
