Do I have lipedema? What kind of Dr. can diagnose it? (Photo)

Question

I am wondering if I have lipedema or jut fat legs and thighs. Do I go to an endocrinologist for an evaluation? I have always had very sensitive calves, bruised easily, and wondered why. And my bottom half has always retained weight. Now that I turned 56 I have a stomach I never had before. What to do?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Lipedema affects nearly 25 million women in the US. As a board certified plastic surgeon and a board certified lymphedema expert, I manage complex lip edema cases with a combination of liposuction and skin tightening procedures. 
Most cases of lipedema improve with liposuction and fat lipolysis with laser and Coolsculpting. A combination approach is ideal. 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

Lipedema is a very underdiagnosed condition in the US and the world. This is mainly from a lack of understanding. There are a lot of symptoms and differences from just weight gain. However, I would need to understand a lot more about your particular case. As an FYI, there is a small group of us that is working very closely with the lipedema community to educate as well as develop Standard of Care Guidelines for the US. 
For more information please visit our lipedema educational website.

Hope this helps!
Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS

Diplomate, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
Fellow, American College of Surgeons
Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery
USC Keck School of Medicine
Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
#RealSelf100Surgeon

#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Jon A. Perlman, MD (retired) · Answer

From your description of having lower body excess fat that bruises easily and is tender, it does sound like you fit the diagnosis of lipedema.  Massage, weight loss and regular exercise are helpful is as liposuction aimed at debulking your legs of excess fat.Seek consultation with an ABPS Bd Certified plastic surgeon for evaluation and a discussion of your options.Jon A Perlman MD FACS 
  
Certified, Am Board of Plastic Surgery Member, Am. Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
Beverly Hills, Ca

Do I have lipedema? What kind of Dr. can diagnose it? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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