Is this Lipedema? If so, what stage and what can be done to fix it? (photos)

Question

No matter what I do my legs look like this. Is this considered Lipedema? If so, what stage and what can be done to fix it? Thanks!

Thomas Wright, MD · Answer

MaQuinn,  The short answer to your question is that it looks like you have lipedema. 
One of the hallmarks of lipedema is disproportionate subcutaneous fat accumulation on the legs and arms.  Or simply, fat tissue on your legs that is out of proportion to the rest of your body.  There are other conditions such as lipodystrophy and some type of lymphedema that can cause a similar shape to your legs but they are not as common as lipedema. Other signs and symptoms of lipedema include pain, leg heaviness, swelling, easy bruising and relative resistance to weight loss.  The only way to know for sure if you have lipedema is to be evaluated by a doctor who has sufficient knowledge and experience to properly diagnose lipedema. Unfortunately a recent study found that 92% of doctor did not recognize lipedema when women with lipedema presented to them in their office. I recommend you find a physician knowledgeable about lipedema to help you get properly diagnosed.

From the photos you shared it appears that you likely have Type 3, Stage 2 Lipedema. Type 3 Lipedema is lipedema involvement from the hips to the ankles. There are 3 Stages of lipedema and it appears that you are Stage 2.

Lipedema treatment should be comprehensive and include medical grade compression, a healthy low carb diet and surgical reduction.  Lipedema reduction surgery is a derivative of cosmetic liposuction and can improve pain, swelling and mobility issues caused by lipedema. Lipedema surgery can be life changing for patients with symptomatic lipedema and mobility issues. There is debate among experts as to whether lipedema can exist without symptoms. If no symptoms or swelling are present, I think it  is reasonable to treat with cosmetic liposuction.

Wishing you the best of health. Dr Wright

Resat Aktas, MD · Answer

Dear Madam, I hope you are doing well. You have stage 2 type 3 lipedema. And I guess you had liposuction and tummy tuck. That shows your legs bigger proportionally. But lipedema is disease which has a treatment. You can find a plastic surgeon close to you for having liposuction for lipedema

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Lipedema is a condition that has no tests and has no treatment.
If you have it the best way to minimize its impact is to avoid wait fluctuations and control obesity. Liposuction can help sinus reduction but there’s not improve the aesthetic appearance of the lower extremities by all that much. 
To help make the diagnosis we need to see pictures the compares lower extremities to the torso and generally upper extremities.
The condition causes proportional enlargement of the lower extremities in comparison to the torso.
Many women simply carry a large percentage of subcutaneous fat under lower extremities and this is not lipedema.
The hallmark of the condition the body distribution of fat that appears to be changing despite remaining the same weight.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Is this Lipedema? If so, what stage and what can be done to fix it? (photos)

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