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Do I have lipedema or lymphedema? What is this mysterious swelling, will lipo help? (photos)

beatrizfr
Hi doctors! I am 5”5, 24 years old. 1 year ago I noticed my ankles getting swollen. I didn’t think anything of it so I didn’t research or see a doctor. Now it’s progressively worse and I don’t understand what it is. I saw 2 vascular surgeons at MGH and they couldn’t tell me what’s wrong. Can you help? I have IBS-C and used to take laxatives (which cause fluid retention) but unsure if related. Do I need lipo? Or what is going on here? Thank you.

Answers (6)

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Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS profile photo
Dr. Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS
Answered on Jun 25, 2019
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1 person found this helpful
Dr. Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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Thomas Wright, MD profile photo
Dr. Thomas Wright, MD
Answered on Feb 16, 2025
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Dr. Thomas Wright, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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Kenneth Hughes, MD profile photo
Dr. Kenneth Hughes, MD
Answered on Dec 8, 2018
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Dr. Kenneth Hughes, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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Jason Emer, MD profile photo
Dr. Jason Emer, MD
Answered on Dec 8, 2018
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1 person found this helpful
Dr. Jason Emer, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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Boris Volshteyn, MD, MS profile photo
Dr. Boris Volshteyn, MD, MS
Answered on May 2, 2023
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Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) profile photo
Dr. Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation)
Answered on Dec 8, 2018
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1 person found this helpful

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