Lipedema is a chronic disease that mainly affects women and its main characteristic is the irregular accumulation of fat in the body. However, it is not just about aesthetics. Pain in the affected areas, tiredness, bruising, swelling and sensitivity to touch are some of the symptoms.
In more serious cases, the patient may have reduced mobility, making it difficult to carry out daily tasks and psychological problems, such as low self-esteem and depression, due to physical appearance and chronic pain.
“Lipedema mainly affects the hips, thighs and legs, and can also appear on the upper limbs, although it is less common. This accumulation of fat is also accompanied by local inflammation, discomfort and localized edema (swelling), in addition to aesthetic impairment, which is very uncomfortable, especially for women”, explains Fábio Rocha, angiologist and vascular surgeon.
The cause of lipedema is not yet known for sure, but experts say the disease may have genetic factors.
Symptoms usually appear after major changes in hormone levels, which is why it mainly affects women. These changes can happen at different stages of life, such as puberty, pregnancy, menopause and during hormone replacement therapy.
“The diagnosis of lipedema is usually clinical, based on the patient’s history and physical examination. Doctors look for specific signs such as: symmetrical distribution of fat in the legs and arms; absence of edema in the feet and hands; increased sensitivity and family history. In some cases, imaging tests, such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging, can be used to assess the extent of fat accumulation and rule out other conditions”, adds Márcio Alberto Steinbruch, who is also an angiologist and vascular surgeon.
As it is a progressive disease, the sooner the diagnosis is made, the better the patient’s quality of life will be, since the disease has no cure.
According to experts, treatment must be personalized and adjusted to the needs of each patient. Monitoring by a multidisciplinary team, including doctors, physiotherapists and nutritionists, can provide better results.
What are the main treatments for lipedema?
See below the most used therapies to treat the disease today.
- Compression therapy: With the use of elastic socks or sleeves, compression therapy is a fundamental treatment for controlling swelling and pain. Furthermore, it helps with blood circulation.
- Complex decongestive therapy (CDT): includes manual lymphatic drainage, use of compression stockings and specific exercises.
- Laser and radiofrequency treatments: they help reduce the volume of fat, relieving pain, and improve skin firmness.
- Liposuction: The technique removes excess fat, and can relieve pain and improve mobility. It is usually indicated in more serious cases of the disease.
- Hormone therapy: In some cases, hormone therapy may be beneficial to control the symptoms of lipedema, especially in menopausal women.
- Anti-inflammatory diets and supplements: Following a diet focused on reducing inflammation contributes to pain relief and improves overall health.
Source: CNN Brasil
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