30yrs old, 105lbs with LIPEDEMA? Looking for a doctor who can help give me legs that match my body. (photos)

Question

30y/o, 105lbs healthy & fit with LIPEDEMA. Please doctors, help me gain my life and confidence back. I’ve always had legs that do not match my upper body. I’m the healthiest/in the best shape I’ve ever been in my life yet my legs continue to look worse and get BIGGER. I deal with leg pain, cramping and bruises on a daily basis. I’m single & 30 and have NEVER worn a short dress, skirt or shorts IN MY LIFE. I’m hoping there’s a doctor out there who could give me the legs I’m suppose to have.

Michael Baumholtz, MD, FACS · Answer

Joan Rivers would always start an uncomfortable dialogue with her famous phrase, can we talk?I tell my patients I want to talk to them like someone Is talking to me or my family.Based on the pictures you’ve shared, I don’t see how your legs are keeping you from doing the things you mention. In fact - if we were just using the pictures alone - one might have to consider an element of body dysmorphic disorder but pictures alone can’t make that diagnosis or the diagnosis of true lipedema. Surgery is, among many things, a balancing act between risk and benefit. To help you - a better understanding of how the legs impact your life and what you’ve done thus far would be needed. Please don’t misunderstand - I’m not saying you do or don’t have lipedema - rather -  that based on the risks involved in leg reduction can have - you might not see the benefit you’re looking for.Visit with a board certified member of asps/asaps for your consultation and good luck!

Kyle Coleman, MD · Answer

Lipedema is a poorly defined clinical condition that often results in swelling, excess adiposity of the lower leg that can present with tenderness and pain.   There are varying degrees of the condition.   It often effects even thin patients who present with small upper bodies.    Combination therapy of tumescent liposuction with tissue tightening with laser or radiofrequency to the ankles, calves and lower legs can resolve symptoms and provide better contours.   Sometimes these patients need additional treatments several years later.    From your photos, although you are in great shape, it appears that you could benefit from calf and ankle liposuction with some possible treatment around the knees as well to provide the balance that you need.   Make sure you seek out someone who has performed many lower leg liposuction as the calves and ankles are areas that some doctors shy away from.  Best of luck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This would need an in-person evaluation, but this does not appear to be lipedema. For best results, I recommend a hi definition procedure like VASER liposuction. I use VASER HI DEF with ThermiRF and fat grafting to get the most fat removal, skin tightening, contour and definition. This combination will give you the most toned result. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a hi definition physique expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Dallasgirl. I am sorry, but I am not seeing what you are seeing. Your legs appear appropriate and symmetrical with your slim attractive body. If your perceived issues are causing such anguish, you may want to consider speaking with a mental health therapist. Best of luck.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Your calves and ankles need shaping and liposculpture with tumescent local with the micro cannulas should help a lot but I don't think you have lipedema.

30yrs old, 105lbs with LIPEDEMA? Looking for a doctor who can help give me legs that match my body. (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Concerning Body Image

Answer: Concerning Body Image

Answer: Shaping the calves and ankles would help a lot.

Answer: Shaping the calves and ankles would help a lot.

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Everything you need to know about Lipedema Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

30yrs old, 105lbs with LIPEDEMA? Looking for a doctor who can help give me legs that match my body. (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Concerning Body Image

Answer: Concerning Body Image

Answer: Shaping the calves and ankles would help a lot.

Answer: Shaping the calves and ankles would help a lot.

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lipedema Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.