What is lipoedema?

A chronic disorder of fat tissue that almost exclusively affects women, usually starting at puberty, pregnancy or menopause. The fat is disproportionate, painful and immune to dieting. It is not obesity, and it is not your fault.

Signs

Signs you might recognise

Symmetrical heaviness in hips, thighs or calves — with slim feet
Pain or tenderness on light pressure
Bruising you cannot explain
No change with dieting or exercise
Cold, tingling or restless legs
Usually a mother, sister or aunt with the same shape
Often thyroid involvement

Diagnosis

How we diagnose it

Diagnosis is clinical. Prof. Karacalar examines the pattern of fat distribution — sparing the feet — checks tenderness and bruising history, and performs the Stemmer test at the toes. Ultrasound, MRI or lymphoscintigraphy are added only when the picture is unclear, which is rare.

What it is not

Side by side

Normal distribution vs. lipoedema

The give-away is the proportion: a slimmer upper body, a heavier lower body, and feet that stay slim.

Typical

Lipoedema

Who gets it

Almost always women, almost always at a hormonal turning point

Onset clusters around puberty, pregnancy and menopause. Oestrogen appears to drive the process, which is why it runs through families along the female line and why weight loss — even bariatric surgery — leaves the affected areas untouched.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Not answered here? Message us and a coordinator will reply within one working day.

Can men get lipoedema?

Very rarely, and usually with a hormonal cause. The vast majority of patients are women.

Is there a blood test?

No. Diagnosis is made on examination and history.

I have been told it is obesity. How do I know?

Obesity responds to diet and affects the whole body. Lipoedema fat stays in place while the rest of you shrinks, and it hurts.

What happens if it is left untreated?

It tends to progress by stage, and in later stages the lymphatic system becomes overloaded (lipo-lymphoedema). Earlier treatment is simpler treatment.

Want a straight answer?

Send us photos and a short questionnaire. We will tell you whether it looks like lipoedema — and what we would recommend.

ik●noplasti

Lipoedema & leg aesthetic clinic in Istanbul, led by Prof. Dr. Ahmet Karacalar — Professor of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery.

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