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

Question

Hello, A quick history on me is I am an elite athlete for my whole life and still train (weights, swimming, circuit training cycling ) consistently. At age 20 (25 now), I noticed my legs getting bigger. For the first time in my life, I tried to diet and while I lost weight (became very underweight) my legs still had a weird shape. Is it possibly lipedema? Could liposuction help? Even if it's not lipedema, would liposuction be an option to get my old legs back :(

Thomas Wright, MD · Answer

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.

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, 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 
#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Jubilant6131,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit a board-certified plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Jubilant6131 Lipedema is it fairly rare diagnosis, especially in someone as young as yourself. Your photos demonstrate very attractive, athletic legs and I do not see any areas in which any form of liposuction would be recommended. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area to confirm my advice. Good luck.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Understanding of lipedema is limited. Estimates vary widely from 1 in 72,000 to 1 in 5 women have been diagnosed with lipedema.  To my knowledge no standard protocols or diagnostic tests are currently available. Recommend that you initiate a dialog with your PCP to collect your clinical and family history as there does appear to be a hereditary component. Referral to specialists or support groups may provide info that is beneficial in determining if you have lipedema.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Robert W. Sheffield, MD · Answer

After evaluating the pictures that you sent, I can see you don’t have lipedema. This condition involves more than fat accumulation on the lower limbs and includes pain, sensitivity, and bruises. To address your concern, liposuction can be an option to remove fat tissue excess but can lead to indentations and irregularities in the area. I don’t recommend any surgical approach in your specific case because this might be minimal if you needed a change. I recommend you to go for a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to do a full evaluation based on your concerns.

Matthew A. DelMauro, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question. (Keep in mind that an in-person consultation is necessary for the best advice.) Based on your photos, you appear to have slim, normal-appearing legs. If you are unhappy with their appearance, liposuction may be a good option for you to improve the shape and contour of your body and to achieve a more aesthetic silhouette. If you decide to pursue surgery it’s very important that you find a surgeon whom you are comfortable with and trust and who evaluates you in-person and tailors an individualized treatment plan for you and your aesthetic goals. Best of luck!
Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

It would make sense that, as you aged from 20 to 25, there would be some changes in your body. However, from the photos alone, I do not see indications for liposuction. Best wishes.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

you have healthy athletic normal appearing legs and thighs. It's worth noting that the leg is the part of the lower extremity below the knee and the thigh is from the groin to the knee. 
 You do not have lipedema or any other medical condition based on the pictures you've shown. 
 someone with a smooth skin contour liposuction has a high propensity of leaving people with uneven contours, indentations or disfigurement.  Liposuction on extremities is technically more challenging and there's very little room for error on someone with nice-looking legs like yours. 
 My recommendation is to accept  your body as it is, keep up the workouts and be be happy that you have beautiful legs and not have liposuction 
 From my perspective you should count your blessings.

Best, Mats Hagstrom MD

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

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