How to diagnose lipedema or just normal fat? None of my providers know about this disease. Best treatments? (Photos)

Question

I have had saddlebags and lack of definition on my legs since I hit puberty around 12. I can never seem to lose the saddlebags even when I was at my thinnest. I am concerned it is lipedema and when I look at photos of women who have been diagnosed I can relate to the images. How can I get a professional diagnosis and what are the best treatments out here? I am so uncomfortable that no one I know looks like me. I am very active and eat a paleo diet and have been a clean water for about 12 years.

Aria Vazirnia, MD · Answer

Lipedema is characterized by a disproportionate distribution of fat in the extremities, notably the thighs, calves, and ankles. In most patients there is also swelling, easy bruising, and a sensation of heaviness, aching and/or tenderness in the affected areas. Lipedema typically presents itself in the early teenage years, which may explain why your symptoms worsened after age 12. In your case, it would be advisable to have a consultation with a lipedema expert (in-person or virtually) to discuss your symptoms in further detail. Treatment options include liposuction, specific dietary strategies (e.g. gluten free diet), and compression therapy to address the swelling (e.g. compression stockings).

Nicholas A. Flugstad, MD · Answer

Lipidema usually progresses to painful areas of fat that are distributed in non anatomic ways. You appear to have normal fat that is normally distributed. You would do very well if treated by an American Board of Plastic Surgery certified plastic surgeon who is experienced with liposuction of the thighs.

Diego Franco, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hola leah81!
Based on your photos it doesn’t appear to be lipedema however this opinion can change with better images of the entire torso, legs, buttocks all the way to the ankles. 
Typical signs are defined by irregular accumulations of abnormal fatty tissue in the buttocks and legs.
This may also be a hereditary condition which you may want to consider researching further with a phlebologist or lymphologist.

How to diagnose lipedema or just normal fat? None of my providers know about this disease. Best treatments? (Photos)

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How to diagnose lipedema or just normal fat? None of my providers know about this disease. Best treatments? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.