WHAT IS LIPOEDEMA?
Lipoedema is a progressive condition that affects approximately 11% of Australian women. It usually first appears around puberty or during other hormonal changes such as pregnancy or menopause. Because there are no diagnostic tests for the condition, it's diagnosed by physical examination and patient history, including any predisposing family history.
THE SYMPTOMS OF LIPOEDEMA ARE:
- Painful soft fat deposits in both thighs, hips and lower legs, though not the feet.
- The waist is usually small in proportion.
- 30% of people with lipoedema will also have lipoedema in their arms and forearms, but not their hands.
- There's usually a demarcation or 'cuff' at the ankle and a fat pad just below the knees.
- Poor circulation, with cold legs and feet and a heavy feeling at the end of the day.
- Bruising and broken veins are common.
- There is an appearance of cellulite.
- Diet and exercise have little effect.
LIPOEDEMA TREATMENT OPTIONS
The goal of lipoedema treatment is to limit its progression, reduce oedema, improve mobility, and relieve fibrosis, pain and heaviness.
NON SURGICAL TREATMENTS
- Calorie-controlled, anti-inflammatory diet.
- Low-impact daily movements such as walking, aqua aerobics, supervised weight lifting and yoga.
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage.
- Lipoedema Compression garments.
- Sequential Intermittent Pneumatic Compression devices (Pumps).
SURGICAL TREATMENT OF LIPOEDEMA
Liposuction (in some cases with skin resection) - recommended with pre-and-post-Endermologie treatment for Lipoedema to limit surgical complications and maintain the results.
LIPOEDEMA SUPPORT GROUPS
- Lipoedema Australia or Lipoedema Australia Facebook
- The Lipedema Project (USA)
