What is lipoedema?
Lipoedema is a condition that causes an abnormal build-up of fat in your legs, bottom and sometimes arms. It is much more common in women than in men.
It is pronounced lip-oh-dee-mah. You may sometimes see it written as ‘lipedema’, which is the US spelling.
What are the symptoms of lipoedema?
With lipoedema, you will notice extra fat in your legs, bottom and sometimes arms. It can make the affected parts of your body look bigger in relation to the rest of your body. It usually happens equally on both sides of your body. It does not usually affect your hands and feet.
Lipoedema fat can be tender or painful, and it may affect how well you can walk or move around if your legs feel heavy. You may also bruise more easily. Your skin may look dimpled like orange peel.
The NHS information page about lipoedema has some photos of what lipoedema can look like.
For some people, the symptoms of lipoedema can also have a negative impact on their mental health.
If your swollen legs are red, hot and painful and you have flu-like symptoms as well, this may be an infection rather than lipoedema. You should contact your GP straight away.
What causes lipoedema?
Lipoedema may be linked to changes in your hormones. You may therefore notice symptoms beginning around times of hormonal change, like:
- starting puberty
- being pregnant
- going through menopause
- while you are taking the contraceptive pill
It may also have a genetic link, meaning that it can run in families.
It is not linked to obesity or normal body fat. You can have a healthy weight and body and still have lipoedema.
How is lipoedema diagnosed?
There are no specific tests for lipoedema.
The first step to getting a diagnosis is to contact your GP. They will examine you and ask you about your symptoms. They will ask about your diet, what exercise you do and any pain or tenderness you are having. They may also check your blood flow and take some measurements.
What is the difference between lipoedema, obesity, lymphedema and oedema?
Doctors can sometimes misdiagnose lipoedema as a different condition with similar symptoms. If you are concerned about your diagnosis or if your symptoms change, speak to your doctor again.
Lipoedema can be mistaken for general weight gain or obesity. However, lipoedema fat is different from other fat. It can be painful and tender and it usually only builds up in specific areas of your body.
Lipoedema can also be misdiagnosed as lymphoedema. This is also a condition which causes swelling in your legs or arms. You may get lymphoedema if your lymphatic system (which drains extra fluid from your body) is not working properly.
Oedema is a build-up of fluid in your legs, ankles or feet. It can be caused by lots of different things, but it often goes away on its own. Lipoedema does not usually affect your feet, whereas oedema can.
What are the treatments for lipoedema?
There is no cure for lipoedema. However, there are things that can help manage your symptoms and stop them from getting worse. Your GP may refer you to a specialist, who will help you work out the right treatment path for you.
Diet, exercise and weight management
Diet and exercise do not make lipoedema fat go away. However, keeping a healthy weight and lifestyle can still make a difference to your symptoms. Being a healthy weight can avoid extra pressure on your joints and help with your overall mobility. Having movement in your daily life can help to stop your lipoedema from getting worse.
Depending on your symptoms, your GP or specialist may also refer you to a physiotherapist. They will be able to recommend some exercises to help with your pain and movement.
Compression therapy
Compression therapy means wearing special garments around the affected areas. Examples of these may be:
- stockings
- leggings
- bandages
- wraps
They are made from a firm, knitted, elasticated fabric. They put pressure on the area and this can improve circulation. Compression therapy can help to reduce the pain and swelling that come with lipoedema. It can also help to support your limbs and help you with movement.
There are many different types of compression garment. You can buy off-the-shelf products. Some garments may also be available through the NHS on prescription. However, you may get better results from a made-to-measure garment. This is because it will be tailored for your body and your lipoedema symptoms. Talk to your specialist about this.
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is often used alongside compression therapy. It is a special form of massage that stretches your skin to help fluid flow around your body. Although lipoedema is a build-up of fat rather than fluid, some people find that MLD helps relieve the symptoms of pain and heaviness.
You must be a qualified therapist to offer MLD. You can look for one on the MLDUK website.
Psychological support
Some people may feel depressed or anxious because of their lipoedema. If this is a problem for you, counselling or other types of psychological support may help. Your GP may be able to refer you. If you choose to see a private therapist, make sure they are listed on an accredited professional register. Visit the Professional Standards Authority website to check a practitioner.
Skin care
Drinking plenty of water and moisturising regularly can stop your skin from drying out. Massaging in the moisturiser can also help relieve pain and improve circulation. It is important to keep your skin clean to reduce the risk of infection. This is particularly the case if you are also using compression garments, as bacteria can build when they are tight against your skin.
Surgical treatment (liposuction)
In exceptional cases, you may be offered surgery called non-cosmetic liposuction for lipoedema, also called Lipoedema Reduction Surgery (LRS). It involves sucking out fat through a tube, using a vacuum device. The main aim of liposuction is to change your body shape, so it is often done for cosmetic (non-medical) reasons.
Your specialist will usually only recommend liposuction for lipoedema if:
- your symptoms are particularly severe
- and if other treatments have been unsuccessful over a long period of time
There are risks involved with the surgery and it can take a long time to recover. It will not cure lipoedema and the fat build-up can return.
Read our guide about liposuction for more detail about the surgery. Please note that this is a general guide, focusing mainly on liposuction for cosmetic reasons. Lipoedema liposuction is a specific procedure that targets the symptoms of the condition.
Where can I get private treatment for lipoedema?
The first step is to talk to your NHS or private GP. They can assess your symptoms and let you know your options. They may be able to diagnose your condition themselves and recommend ways for you to self-manage your symptoms. They may refer you to a specialist, who will be able to confirm your diagnosis and give you more detailed advice on treatment.
It may be possible to go directly to a private lipoedema specialist without a referral. However, you will need to check with your own private healthcare provider or hospital to see whether this is an option. You can search for private healthcare providers near you from our homepage.
Some providers market themselves as lipoedema specialist clinics. You may also find independent private surgeons offering liposuction for lipoedema. It is important to talk to your GP first if you are thinking about using one of these, as it may not be the best option for you.
You can check that your specialist or surgeon is registered with the General Medical Council on their website.
How much does private lipoedema treatment cost?
A private initial assessment may cost in the region of £150–£300.
Light compression garments may cost as little as £30. Some may be available through the NHS on prescription. Made-to-measure medical garments can be over £250. These may need replacing regularly as your symptoms and measurements change.
MLD may cost around £60–£120 for each treatment, depending on the length of the session. Some providers may offer packages where you can buy a block of sessions at a discounted rate.
Liposuction is usually fully self-funded, even when it is for medical reasons like lipoedema. It is likely to cost several thousands of pounds.
References
NHS: Lipoedema
Lipoedema UK (charity)
Talk Lipoedema (charity)
