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How Do You Get Rid Of Lipoedema Fat?

Can you get rid of lipoedema fat, will it come back, and what do you need to know about treatment and surgery?

Tagged: Weight Loss

Author: Mr. Bryan Mayou, MB ChB FRCS

Date: 26th July 2023

Treating lipoedema in adults

Lipoedema is a disorder where the fat beneath your skin is distributed irregularly, typically in the buttocks and legs. Although it starts off as a cosmetic issue, it eventually has the potential to lead to pain and other issues. In this blog, we’ll discuss lipoedema, its signs and causes, and possible fat treatments.

What is lipoedema?

A disorder called lipoedema makes it so that extra fat builds up in the lower body. The buttocks, thighs, and calves are where lipoedema most frequently occurs, but the upper arms are also susceptible. Hands and feet are not impacted by the illness.

Lipoedema and lymphoedema are sometimes confused, yet they are two entirely different conditions. However, lymphoedema can result from lipedema.

 

 

What causes lipoedema and how is it different to lymphoedema?

It is unclear what specifically causes lipoedema. However, the illness can be hereditary and runs in families. The illness, which almost exclusively affects women, typically begins or grows worse around puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. Because of this, a hormonal relationship is probably present.  Although obesity does not directly cause lipedema, it is present in more than half of the cases.  

 

Lipedema signs and symptoms include:

  • Accumulation of fat in the upper arms, thighs, calves, and sometimes the buttocks.
  • Difficulties with movement or walking.
  • Pain.
  • Emotional symptoms like embarrassment, anxiety, and depression.

As additional fat builds up over time, it may eventually obstruct the lymphatic system. As a result, lymph fluid accumulates, turning the disorder into secondary lymphoedema or lipo-lymphoedema.

 

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What are the signs and symptoms of lipoedema?

Symptoms typically include a disproportionately large lower half and legs that are sensitive and easily bruised  For instance, you may be a size 10 on top and a size 18 on the bottom. Fat keeps accumulating as the illness worsens, making your lower body heavier. Later, the lipedema fat may accumulate in the arms.


Over time, fat cells obstruct the lymphatic system's blood channels, which typically aids in maintaining a healthy level of body fluids and defending against infections. This obstruction limits the appropriate drainage of lymph fluid, which results in a fluid accumulation known as lymphoedema. If left untreated, lymphoedema can cause issues like infections, sluggish wound healing, fibrosis, rigid skin on the legs, and delayed wound healing.


Unlike obesity, it concentrates on the legs, thighs, and occasionally the arms. Lipoedema, which differs from lymphoedema in that it begins in the upper legs rather than the lower ones (the feet and ankles), is unrelated to any previous surgery. Usually, both legs are affected.

How do you get rid of lipoedema?

Although lipoedema does not currently have a cure, there are ways to treat and prevent it from getting worse. Your level of symptom severity and how they're impacting you will determine how you're treated.

Compression bandages or stockings can be used to lessen pain and suffering and make it easier for you to walk are recommended along with a nutritious diet, more activity, and an effort to maintain a healthy weight.

If you're having a hard time managing your symptoms and you feel depressed, you might benefit from counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

If your symptoms are especially severe, you may need a liposuction treatment. The lipoedema fat can be eliminated with liposuction, particularly Microaire liposuction, which is where a tube is inserted beneath the skin in order to suction the fat tissue. Depending on the amount of aberrant fat, multiple treatments may be required.

Words from our clients:


Can you cure lipoedema with weight loss?

No, you cannot cure lipoedema with weight loss. Lipoedema fat is much more resistant to diet and exercise than ordinary fat and cannot be reduced. Even if they exercise frequently and eat a healthy, balanced diet, people with this disease will still gain weight. Patients frequently become aware that something is wrong with their bodies when their typical diet and exercise regimens are ineffective.

 

What lifestyle changes can I make to prolong my results?

Following liposuction surgery, a number of actions can be taken to manage and frequently minimise the appearance of lipedema, including:

  • Regularly exercising. In order to keep the lipedema under control, exercise is crucial. Patients should focus on strengthening their legs. The best exercises include swimming, cycling, and walking. Exercise helps decrease lipoedema symptoms by maintaining muscle mass and stimulating lymphatic circulation.

 

  • Eating a balanced diet. This is an essential step in lipedema management. While lipoedema does not respond well to weight loss, it is unfortunate that weight increase can exacerbate the condition. In a sense, the lipoedema fat holds onto extra calories and won't let them go when weight is lost. Sugars, fast food, processed foods, bad oils, and other such things should all be avoided in the diet. To minimise weight gain that will exacerbate lipoedema, it is essential to at least maintain a calorie balance.

 

  • Wearing compression clothing. Compression clothing is crucial, especially when used in conjunction with lymph drainage massage. Wearing compression clothing encourages lymphatic and venous drainage and reduces swelling. Lipoedema in its early stages frequently just needs mild compression.

 

  • Manual lymphatic drainage. This has been proven to be quite useful in treating lipoedema and should be done once or twice a week. In essence, the lymphatic channels are opened during a particular massage method to allow for fluid drainage naturally. This frequently goes with brushing and wrapping.

 

Lipoedema is a condition, almost exclusively affects women, which causes abnormally fatty deposits to unevenly build up throughout the legs and arms. There is no current cure for lipoedema, but treatments such as liposuction may be a great choice if you are suffering from severe symptoms. Liposuction is the process of removing undesirable or resistant fat deposits from particular body parts that don't respond to either a healthy diet or exercise. This condition can be managed through exercise, diet, massage, and compression clothing. 

Liposuction is regularly performed at the Cadogan Clinic and our surgeons are leading experts in their respective fields. If you’re considering undertaking any of the procedures mentioned, get in touch with us today for a consultation with an experienced surgeon. 


Treatments mentioned in this article

Liposuction is a surgical procedure to remove unwanted pockets of fat on the body and face.

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