LIPEDEMA

Lipedema

WHAT IS LIPEDEMA?

Lipedema is the most common fat distribution disorder and adipose tissue dysfunction affecting approximately 12% of women throughout Europe. In Germany alone, more than 4 million women suffer from lipedema, while 40 million women suffer from this condition across Europe. Lipedema causes lymphatic fluid to collect in both the interstitial and intracellular spaces. The distribution disorder occurs mainly in the adipose tissue of the extremities (arms and legs), progressively leading to a disproportionate body.

The word lipedema is made up of two separate words: The Greek words lipos (meaning “fat”) and oedema (meaning “swelling”).

Many affected women (it rarely occurs in men) largely suffer from physical as well as psychological problems.

Women suffering from lipedema often feel like they are not taken seriously by those around them and even by doctors themselves, as it is very often the case that lipedema is diagnosed as obesity.

Lipedema is a disease and lipedema cells barely react to diets and physical exercise since they do not contain many fatty acids. They contain lymphatic fluid instead.

In order to relieve patients and ensure that they regain a better quality of life, it is important to make an early diagnosis, start conservative treatment and/or permanent removal of the pathological accumulation of fat.

Τεστ Λιποίδηματος

CAUSES

The main cause of its occurrence

The main cause of the occurrence, development and severity of the disease lies in a person's genetic predisposition, on the one hand, and hormonal changes (natural or medically induced) on the other, which may also trigger a relapse.

Many patients are right to wonder:

Why was this disorder caused? Why do I feel pain?
What is going on under my skin? Why do I have this fat distribution disorder?
Why is the size of my legs and arms disproportionate to the rest of my body?

In order to answer these questions, we need to look below the skin and between the cells: in the area between the subcutaneous fat cells and lymphatic vessels. It is also important to analyse the relations between these structures

SYMPTOMS

Legs and/or arms feel heavy

Frequent bruising without injury

Sensitive to pressure and touch

Cold extremities

Pain on exertion and, at later stages, at rest

Feelings of embarrassment or even depression

DIAGNOSIS

Early diagnosis helps towards speedy treatment.

History: During the patient’s first session, information on the development of the condition during hormonal changes and the underlying symptoms usually give us a first indication.

Clinical examination: A macroscopic examination is the fastest way to confirm any suspicion of the condition. During the examination, it is normal for the patient to feel pain when pressure is exerted on the legs or to be sensitive to touch.

Ultrasound: Ultrasound is used to confirm the distribution disorder of subcutaneous fat. In the areas affected by lipedema, the amount of adipose tissue is clearly disproportionate. There is also a significantly higher echogenicity of the septa in the adi

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF LIPEDEMA

There is a higher production of lymphatic fluid in women with lipedema, coupled with a reduced capacity to decompress the lymphatic vessels. This increased production is mainly attributed to the permeability of the capillary wall. Due to this genetic sensitivity, the skin bruises faster, often without any previous injury. Furthermore, the transport capacity of lymphatic vessels, which is affected by hormonal changes, is lower in lipedema patients, without however presenting any pathological findings in imaging tests, such as in the case of lymphedema.

This results in the gradual accumulation of protein-rich fluid between the fat cells. With time, this higher quantity of fluid passes from the intercellular space to the inside of the fat cells, thus causing the formation of impaired and “bulging” fat cells filled with lymphatic fluid.

These impaired cells (lipedema cells) no longer serve as energy stores, but instead add volume which does not easily respond to diet or exercise. Furthermore, the body reacts through the production of inflammatory elements such as leukocytes and cytokines, which can cause chronic discomfort and sensitivity in women suffering from lipedema.

The stages of Lipedema

There are many different classifications in Europe, however the most prevalent is the morphological classification of lipedema in 3 stages:

Stage 1 > In the first stage, the skin continues to be mostly smooth, but may show early signs of cellulite (orange-peel skin). Dense adipose tissue starts to build up, inter alia, in the outer thigh area, resulting in what we call saddle bags.

Stage 2 > Large areas of fatty and fibrous tissue deposits are formed. The skin presents a severe case of cellulite (orange-peel skin). Saddle bags become more enhanced, while the knees and ankles are substantially larger.

Stage 3 > The subcutaneous tissue multiplies uncontrollably and hardens substantially. Parts of the skin with adipose tissue create visible folds, resulting in frequent abrasions. The intense increase in volume in the joints often limits a patient’s range of movement and results in bad posture and X-legs.

Stage 4 > Officially, the condition of lipedema is divided into only three stages. However, if the patient also suffers from lymphedema, this can be defined as a further, fourth stage. Lipo-lymphedema is the condition involving the build-up of both fat and fluids, and is often the result of a lipedema that has been left untreated for a long period of time.

TYPES OF LIPEDEMA

SWELLING IS MAINLY FOUND IN THE SADDLE BAGS, HIPS AND BUTTOCKS

THE CONDITION AFFECTS THE ENTIRE THIGH AREA UNTIL THE KNEES

LIPEDEMA AFFECTS THE ENTIRE LEG AREA ALL THE WAY TO THE ANKLES

THE ARMS ARE AFFECTED

ONLY THE SHINS AND CALVES ARE AFFECTED SELECTIVELY

Surgical treatment at Esea Clinic

Lipedema disrupts the lives of many women. Conservative treatments such as exercise, special diet and compression garments usually only provide temporary relief from the symptoms and do not significantly improve the quality of life of women suffering from lipedema.
Lipedema Liposuction can improve lipedema symptoms substantially over the long term, as well as the aesthetic issues faced by these women.
Out treatment aims at:

> Clear improvement of subjective symptoms or full relief from the symptoms of lipedema

> The prevention of the further development of the condition

> Aesthetic results. At Esea Clinic, as a member of the International Lipedema Surgical Center, you can surrender yourself to the hands of experienced plastic and cosmetic surgeons meeting the highest international standards.

Being experts in lipedema and cosmetic plastic surgery of the body, we offer you the option of pure cosmetic results at our clinic, in addition to the functional treatment of lipedema. Forming part of the core of surgeons who have developed the techniques of mega liposuction (removing more than 5000ml of pure fat), we can achieve full body treatment in just a few surgeries. Furthermore, with the help of ultrasounds and 3D body scans we are able to diagnose the position of lipedema tissue and monitor the course of the condition for life.

Our surgeries mostly involve a combination of different liposuction techniques depending on the quality of the skin and area of the body. This allows us to smoothly remove the pathologically excessive fatty / lipedema tissue from the affected areas, thus permanently relieving patients of the pain, weight and restricted mobility.

During our consultation, we will analyse your body and the areas affected by lipedema tissue, and we will develop a strategic treatment plan for you. If you have any questions regarding the techniques, number of surgeries, the end result or the journey through treatment, please do not hesitate to contact us.

SERVICES TO THE HIGHEST INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS

Surrender to the hands of experienced specialists

At Esea Clinic, surrender to the hands of experienced plastic and cosmetic surgeons meeting the highest international standards. Being experts in lipedema and body sculpting, we offer you the option of pure cosmetic results at our clinic, in addition to the functional treatment of lipedema.