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

Question

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.

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

Thomas Wright, MD · Answer

Honestly, it is very hard to know from photographs what is your exact diagnosis.  Proper diagnosis requires a detailed history and a specialized exam combined with confirmatory testing. Because of the dents I see in the pics, you may have lymphedema.   Based on the shape of your legs, you may also have lipedema.  But these are only educated guesses. I recommend you consult in person with a physician specialist in lymphatic diseases who has a good deal of experience diagnosing these diseases to proper diagnosis.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

If you are diagnosed with lipedemia, lipo can remove the extra fat which would decrease limb volume and alleviate the discomfort that accompanies this condition.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

You need a formal evaluation for not only vascular issues but also Lipedema. Please see an expert for treats this often.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Boris Volshteyn, MD, MS · Answer

It isn't easy to diagnose lipedema based on a few pictures. You may have a high salt diet, venus insufficiency, kidney issue, or other problems that may result in fluid retention in your legs. The first step is to wear a compression garment on your legs. If your symptoms get worse, easy bruising, hypersensitivity of the legs in the other areas, especially if it's more difficult for you to walk stairs, chances are you may have lipedema. Because you were so young, your symptoms may appear after your pregnancy or later in life.

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

Answers (6)

Answer: VASER HI DEF 4D LIPO / 360 Degree Liposculpture / Body Contouring Lipedema / HD Sculpting With Fat Transfer To Buttock / BBL

Answer: VASER HI DEF 4D LIPO / 360 Degree Liposculpture / Body Contouring Lipedema / HD Sculpting With Fat Transfer To Buttock / BBL

Answer: Swelling of the ankles

Answer: Swelling of the ankles

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Everything you need to know about Lipedema Surgery

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

Answers (6)

Answer: VASER HI DEF 4D LIPO / 360 Degree Liposculpture / Body Contouring Lipedema / HD Sculpting With Fat Transfer To Buttock / BBL

Answer: VASER HI DEF 4D LIPO / 360 Degree Liposculpture / Body Contouring Lipedema / HD Sculpting With Fat Transfer To Buttock / BBL

Answer: Swelling of the ankles

Answer: Swelling of the ankles

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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.