LIPOEDEMA

A FAT STORAGE DISORDER EXCLUSIVE TO WOMEN

What is Lipoedema?

Lipoedema (Painful Fat Syndrome) is a progressive condition that affects many women. Lipoedema is a genetic fat disorder that affects 11% of Australian women with various presentations.

There is no simple blood test or scan to diagnose Lipoedema, so the diagnosis is made by history and physical examination.

Physical Characteristics of Lipoedema are:

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
30% of patients have arms and forearms involved with NO involvement of the hands
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
Feet and hands are exempt and a 'cuff' or “bracelet” effect can appear just above the ankles and wrists.
Legs are painful to touch
Legs 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.

Lipoedma Guide by Dr Naveen Somia

TYPICAL PATIENT HISTORY

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.

TREATMENT OF 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.

Low inflammation diet, Calorie controlled diet, low impact daily movement such as walking, aqua aerobics and yoga, vibration plates, MLD therapy, Endermologie, Customised Lipoedema Compression garments, Sequential Intermittent Pneumatic Compression devices.

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

Liposuction is a surgical treatment to remove stubborn fat, 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.

SUPPORT NETWORK

My patients find it helpful to be a part of the support groups such as LASS (Lipoedema Australia Support Society), which facilitates exchange of information that may be useful. The Lipedema Foundation ( USA) and the Fat Disorders Society are research organisations. For more information please see www.lipoedemaaustralia.org.au, www.lipedema.org and www.fatdisorders.org

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