Do my legs have lipedema? Could liposuction help? (photos)

You may have lipedema or the fatty tissue accumulation could be part of normal hormone-dependent changes. You cannot diagnose lipedema just from photos and a proper diagnosis can only be made through a careful history and physical exam while ruling out other causes. I have published a paper on young women who have lipedema and developed an eating disorder as she tried to diet and exercise the fatty tissue off. So I caution you against trying extreme diet measures to try to "fix" your legs. Liposuction or Lipedema Reduction Surgery, LRS, [ if you have lipedema] can help restore symmetry and proportion to your body. LRS can also reduce pain, swelling and improve mobility in women with lipedema. Wishing you the best of health.

Just based on your photos, you do not appear to have lipedema. Liposuction could help remove some excess fat, and weight training to specifically build and tone your legs would be helpful. I would suggest meeting with a board certified plastic surgeon and discussing your options.

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, FACSDiplomate, American Board of Plastic Surgery Fellow, American College of SurgeonsAssociate Clinical Professor of SurgeryUSC Keck School of MedicineDivision of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery#RealSelf100Surgeon 
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