• Legs are enlarged bilaterally and symmetrically (arms can also be affected)

• Waist is small in proportion to the thighs, buttocks and legs

• Fat deposition is bilateral and symmetric

• Fat deposits are seen in the thighs, legs with NO involvement of the feet

• Hard nodules that can be felt under the skin
• Legs feel heavy

• 30% of patients have arms and forearms involved with NO involvement of the hands

• There are different stages and types of lipoedema 

• There appears a 'cuff' around the ankle and a round pad of fat just below the knees

• Waist is small in proportion to the hips, thighs, buttocks and legs

• Family history (genetic pre-disposition)
• Change is noticed in the limbs when significant hormonal events occur such as puberty, pregnancy, menopause
• Diet and exercise have no effect on lipoedema fat/tissue.
• Feet and hands are exempt and a 'cuff' or “bracelet” effect can appear just above the ankles and wrists.

• Affected legs and arms are painful to touch

• Affected legs and arms are cold

• Evidence of dilated veins and bruising is commonly seen

• The fat is soft to touch, wobbly and cold

• The skin is always involved in Lipoedema and skin has a cellulite appearance. 

• Legs bruise easily 
• Legs feel heavy at the end of the day
• Strong Family History of Lipoedema mainly affecting females though rare cases of it affecting males has been reported. You may inherit this from either side of your family.
• The first sign of fat deposition in the thighs occur following the hormonal changes of puberty.
• Pregnancy and menopause are two other periods where significant fat deposition and worsening of symptoms is noted.
• It is a matter of great frustration and confusion that exercise or diet have no effect on reducing the fat in lipoedema.

CONSERVATIVE  NON SURGICAL TREATMENTS - Is the mainstay

The best long term results are seen in patients who are proactive and diligent with all conservative nonsurgical treatment methods before and after surgery.

Focus on reducing inflammation. It is not a one size size fits all approach, you must find what works for you.  Address any metabolic and endocrine imbalances (hormones) by a specialist endocrinologist/metabolic health physician with knowledge and experience working with Lipoedema.

A range of treatments reported to assist with inflammation and pain can include: Reducing stress, Low inflammation diet, low carbohydrate diet, low impact daily movement such as walking, aqua aerobics and yoga, vibration plates,  MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) therapy, Endermologie, Customised Lipoedema compression garments, Sequential Intermittent Pneumatic Compression devices.

SURGICAL TREATMENT OF LIPOEDEMA  - Is the only method to remove the diseased fat

Liposuction for Lipoedema is a surgical treatment to remove as much diseased fat as possible, limit disability, slow disease progression, reduce the risk of permanent lymphatic dysfunction and may assist in the reduction of pain symptoms.  

As of today,  Liposuction is the only method proven to safely remove the ' Lipoedema Fat'. However it is important to note that liposuction for Lipoedema provides a form of control but not a definitive cure.

Water Assisted Liposuction ( WAL Lipo or BODY JET)  is a precise and gentle technique where a high power water jet  separates and dislodges the fat cells  from the surrounding tissues with minimal damage to the lymphatics, while the suction simultaneously removes the fat that has been dislodged. 

Dr SOMIA'S EXPERIENCE - Treating Lipoedema patients since 2013

Dr Somia has been successfully treating lipoedema patients since 2013.    To schedule a time to see Dr Somia please call us on 9387 2110 or send us an email via our contact page.