Do I have lipedema? (Photo)

Question

You wouldn't think I'm a very active person from above my knees down to my ankles. I have handfuls of fat on both knees and fat deposits on my ankles. I do not have swelling or pain but my legs bruise easily and my legs are a lot more sensitive to pain than the rest of my body. I've been working out/eating healthy for years and my knee, calves and ankles haven't changed a bit. Do I have lipedema or extremely stubborn fat?

Thomas Wright, MD · Answer

The honest answer is that your legs and symptoms maybe lipedema, but without a full history careful exam that involves feeling texture of the skin for nodule and softness.  Please know that if you have lipedema it can be effectively managed with non surgical measures such as an active lifestyle, an anti-inflammatory low refined carb diet and compression. Surgery can be helpful for symptoms not controlled by the conservative measure.  Be careful of surgeons who are over eager to diagnose and perform surgery because although it can be helpful it does not cure lipedema.  Wishing you the best of health.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Lipedema affects nearly 25 million women in the US. As a board certified plastic surgeon and a board certified lymphedema expert, I manage complex lip edema cases with a combination of liposuction and skin tightening procedures. 
Most cases of lipedema improve with liposuction and fat lipolysis with laser and Coolsculpting. A combination approach is ideal. 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

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

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

ADMO14.  Hard to be certain without physical examination, but the knees and ankles can be problem areas for fat reduction after diet and exercise. Also genetics plays a role of stubborn fat in these areas. Liposuction may be an option for you and I recommend that you consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area. Good luck.

Do I have lipedema? (Photo)

Answers (4)