Do my thighs have cellulite or lipedema? (photos)

Question

I have always had bigger legs, but even through a 50 pound weight loss, they haven't really budged in size. My upper and outer thighs look like lipedema to me, and I want to be sure I seek the correct treatment. Do my legs look like normal fatty legs that respond to normal liposuction, or do they look like lipedema?

Thomas Wright, MD · Answer

Lipedema is a subcutaneos adipose fascial disease that has specific signs and symptoms. Looks like you could have lipedema from your photos. It looks like ou could have lipedema in your legs.  However, to properly diagnose you need to have an in person consultation with a diagnosis by a doctor who is knowledgeable/ epert in diagnosing lipedema.  Lipedema cant be diagnosed by photos. It requires a physicial exam and most importantly other diagnosis need to be ruled out often with an Ultrasound.  There are some unscupulous operators who throw out lipedema diagnoses by looking at photos and it is unfortunate because many of the women dont truly have lipedema. Some have other medical conditions and dont get proper treatment. We recommend starting with a proper diagnosis by a doctor who is knowledgeable about lipedema.  If the diagnosis is confirmed, start with non-surgical treatment and consider surgical reduction if symptoms are not controlled by the non-surgical/conservative measures.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Your thighs look like there is fat and does not look like lipedema.  You would benefit from liposuction of the thighs.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Based on your nicely post of photos, you have residual skin and fat issues of your thighs from the photos. I recommend superficial lip osculating with J plasma additional fee $8000 to $15,000. Best of virtual consult with.

Do my thighs have cellulite or lipedema? (photos)

Answers (3)