Lipoedema
Treating lipoedema
Source: NHS
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As there has been little research into lipoedema, there is some uncertainty about the best way to treat the condition.
Generally, the main treatment optionsare non-surgical treatments and liposuction.
Non-surgical treatments
Non-surgicaltreatments can sometimes be helpful in improving pain and tenderness, preventing or reducing lymphoedema and improving the shape of affected limbs although they often have little effect on the fatty tissue.
Several different treatments are designed to improve the flow and drainage of fluidin your tissues, such as:
- compression therapy bandages or garments that squeeze the affected limbs
- exercise usually low-impact exercises, such as swimming
- massage techniques that help encourage the flow of fluid through your body
These treatments are similar to the treatments for lymphoedema .
Liposuction
The only treatment that appears to be effective in reducing the build-up of fatty tissue associated with lipoedema is a procedure called tumescent liposuction .
Tumescent liposuction involves injecting a liquid solution into the legs to help numb the area and reduce blood loss, before the unwanted fat is sucked out through a tube.
This procedure can be an effective treatment with good results, but several separate operations may be necessary to remove the fat from the different parts of your body.
Also,non-surgical treatments may still be needed for a long period afterwards. For example, compression garments need to be worn after surgery to prevent complications such as lymphoedema.
Liposuction is not generally available on the NHS, although it may be possible to apply for funding for cases of lipoedema.
Treatments that don't work
Treatments used for some types of tissue swelling are generally unhelpful for lipoedema.
Lipoedema does not respond to:
- raising the legs
- diuretics (tablets to get rid of excess fluid)
- dieting this tends to result in a loss of fat from areas not affected by the lipoedema, with little effect on the affected areas
Articles for Lipoedema
Information about you
If you have lipoedema, your clinical team may pass information about you on to the National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Diseases Registration Service (NCARDRS). This helps scientists look for better
Introduction
Lipoedema is a poorly understood long-term (chronic) condition typically involving an abnormal build-up of fat cells in the legs, thighs and buttocks.
Seeking medical advice
You should see your GP if you have symptoms of lipoedema so they can try to identify the cause. This will usually involve examining the affected areas of your body to help determine whether you have
Signs and symptoms
In lipoedema, the legs become enlarged from the ankles up to the hips.Both legs are usually enlargedat the same time and to the same extent. The feet are not affected and this creates a bracelet ef
Treating lipoedema
As there has been little research into lipoedema, there is some uncertainty about the best way to treat the condition. Generally, the main treatment optionsare non-surgical treatments and liposuction
What causes lipoedema?
The cause of lipoedema is not known, but there is a family history of the conditioninsome cases and it seems likely that the genes you inherit from your parentsplaya role. Lipoedema tends to start at
