Could it be Lipedema? (Photo)

Question

I've struggled with maintaining a healthy weight. The scale goes up & down over and over again. I've tried many diets and different types of exercise. Even at my lowest weight, my legs were larger & out of proportion w/ the rest of my body. I have a small waist, wrists & ankles. Over the years I've noticed more sensitivity w/ pressure in my legs &I bruise very easily - most times not knowing how or why. I also experience swelling & heavy feet. Lipedema?

Thomas Wright, MD · Answer

It is impossible to tell if you have lipedema from just photos. It would be irresponsible to say for sure, but some will say so anyway.   To diagnose lipedema accurately, other look-a-like diagnoses should be ruled out, and a thorough physical exam that looks for specific signs seen in lipidemia and rules out signs from other diseases.   The photos you shared and the symptoms are consistent with lipedema.  I recommend you consult with a doctor who is experienced with the diagnosis of lipedema and able to rule out related conditions. These are usually venous and lymphatic medical specialists. If you are diagnosed, I recommend you start with nonsurgical treatments to ensure the most comprehensive and long-lasting improvements.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Liberty man is a bit like a syndrome.
We don’t really understand the cause, ideology or why it happens.
It could simply represent a genetic tendency towards fat distribution that has heavy emphasis on extremities.
There’s no test, there is no real treatment, other than Liposuction, and for most people It’s better not think they have a disease or condition just because the name exists.
Since there is no diagnostic criteria, the answer to your question turns out to be totally subjective.
To me, you do not have lipid edema, and you just have a fat distribution with greater subcutaneous fat in your extremities.
Significant weight fluctuation typically creates issues of skin laxity and this can also contribute to contour significantly.
Being given a diagnosis of lip, edema changes nothing.
This is the reason I think it’s better to avoid the term especially for those who have relatively normal body figures.
It’s best to leave this term for individuals who have extreme fat distribution issues and recognize that there is no single, known or understood underlying pathological Issue that we know of 
The fact that we have a name does not make it a disease.
Being labeled with the condition, does not change treatmen, expectations, outcomes, or anything anything else
The best we can really say, is individuals who may be prone to this type of fat distribution, should be diligent about avoiding weight fluctuations, which tends to always make the conditioner worse. This is more likely related to the development of skin laxity and with age loss of skin elasticity.
Skin issues contribute significantly to body shape.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Could it be Lipedema? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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