What To Do About Lipedema: An Overview of Treatment Options
Lipedema is a condition in which excess fat builds up in the lower part of the body. Its symptoms often include pain and discomfort due to the way it causes abnormal fat distribution. Fortunately, treatments are available to reduce your symptoms and help you feel more comfortable and confident.
Here’s an overview of lipedema and how to contact The Vein Institute of Hunterdon when you’re ready to learn more about your treatment options.
What Is Lipedema?
Lipedema occurs when an abnormal amount of fat builds up in your lower body—particularly in the hips, buttocks, thighs and calves. It may also affect the arms.
This condition is thought to be caused by hormonal changes such as that which may occur during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. Risk factors for lipedema include:
- Being female
- Having a family history of lipedema
- Having a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or greater
When not treated, lipedema may increase your risk for other health problems, including venous disease, joint pain and lymphedema (lymphatic system blockage). It may also affect your mental health and cause anxiety and depression.
Symptoms of Lipedema
Lipedema symptoms often vary from one person to the next based on where excess fat resides. In addition to abnormal fat buildup that occurs in the arms and/or lower body, symptoms of lipedema may include:
- Swelling
- Mild to severe pain
- Bumps in the fat that can be felt under the skin
- Feeling of heaviness in the legs
- Skin that bruises easily
- Fatigue
Lipedema Treatment
There is currently no cure for lipedema. However, treatment can help you manage this condition and reduce symptoms, including pain, swelling and inflammation.
The best way to determine which lipedema treatment is right for you is to consult with a vein specialist. A vein specialist can perform an exam and detect any underlying conditions, such as venous insufficiency.
Treatment options for lipedema include:
- Compression therapy to improve circulation and reduce fluid buildup.
- Manual lymphatic drainage massage to stimulate the movement of lymph fluid around the body.
- Nutrition changes to slow the progression of lipedema.
- Regular exercise to reduce swelling and joint pain and to boost circulation.
- Oral medications to help reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Referral to a plastic surgeon for liposuction, which involves removing small deposits of fat when other treatments fail to help.
When to Contact Us
It may be time to meet with a vein specialist if symptoms of lipedema are significantly affecting your quality of life and making it difficult for you to perform everyday activities. Our team at The Vein Institute of Hunterdon can perform an exam and recommend the best course of treatment.
Contact The Vein Institute of Hunterdon at (908) 788-0066 to request an appointment to learn more about treatments for spider veins and varicose veins. A vein specialist at TVI can review your medical history, perform an exam and discuss your available treatment options.