Understanding the severity of lipedema starts by identify and understanding the symptoms of this lifelong condition. Many individuals without lipedema do not understand that the symptoms can greatly impact your day-to-day lifestyle. Here are the lipedema symptoms and how they can impact your way of life:
One of the most prominent symptoms of lipedema is the disproportionate accumulation of fat, often in the legs, resulting in a column-like appearance. Unlike regular fat buildup that may be greater in certain parts of the leg, lipedema fat tends to build up all over the leg. This will cause your legs to have a trunk-like appearance. Individuals with lipedema can have a circumference that is much larger on their lower half of the body than on the upper half. Unfortunately, this fat buildup causes the skin to become more tender and bruise much easier. The appearance of more bruises can become very noticeable and impact your self-confidence. Finally, you may not be able to move your legs as easily as before, causing mobility issues.
While lipedema fat buildup occurs more often in the legs, it can also impact your arms. Individuals with lipedema can develop a fat buildup in the arms making them feel heavier. This buildup will reduce your arm’s mobility, making it harder to move.
Lipedema not only impacts our outward appearance, but also the internal functions of our body. Lipidemic fat tissue can interfere and block our lymphatic system. This bodily system is crucial to balance fluids and help your body fight against infections. When our lymph fluid becomes blocked, lymphedema can occur and lead to future health issues such as infections, fibrosis, and hardened skin if left untreated. Fortunately, you can reduce these symptoms through lymphatic drainage massages.
Lipedema is marked by the buildup of subcutaneous fat tissue. Unlike regular fat tissue, subcutaneous fat tissue cannot be reduced with standard diet and exercise. Instead, treatments like liposuction are better able to reduce the symptoms of lipedema. Dr. Wright is a leading liposuction provider for lipedema and can help you reduce its appearance today. By visiting one of our local offices, you can understand your treatment plan through a free consultation and see how your lipedema symptoms can be reduced. While lipedema is a lifelong condition, you can live more easily through a custom treatment plan.
While a variety of treatment options currently exist to help alleviate and reduce the symptoms of lipedema, it is often lymph sparing liposuction that provides the biggest change. Lymph sparing liposuction is often recommended for individuals diagnosed with lipedema who have not experienced significant results with initial treatment options. Lipedema left untreated, can cause significant damage to the body. When this is the case, we recommend lymph sparing liposuction.
Lymph sparing liposuction is a minimally invasive treatment that uses high pressured water to loosen up lipedema fat tissue. Suction removes the fat tissue and does so in a way that makes sure no damage is made to any lymphatics or nerves. More severe cases of lipedema may require multiple sessions to achieve the desired level of symptom reduction.
Lymph sparing liposuction can treat a variety of symptoms that are commonly associated with lipedema.
Fat Buildup – Perhaps the most noticeable symptom of lipedema that lymph sparing liposuction can treat is the amount of lipedema fat content. Lipedema is associated with subcutaneous fat tissue that cannot be treated through diet and exercise alone. Lymph sparing liposuction is a fat reduction procedure that will reduce the appearance of this fat buildup. The goal for most individuals with lipedema is to appear as close as possible their appearance before the onset of lipedema.
Mobility – The more severe cases of lipedema are commonly associated with limited mobility, making it difficult for the patient to get around. The subcutaneous fat tissue restricts mobility in the legs and greatly impacts quality of life. By removing a significant amount of fat tissue in the legs, it will be easier for those with lipedema to get around.
Restricted Blood Flow – Not only will subcutaneous fat tissue make it difficult to move but also restrict the blood flow in our veins/arteries. Blood flow in your veins will be encouraged by reducing the amount of fat tissue around them.
If you believe you are experiencing lipedema symptoms, make sure to seek the treatment you deserve. Dr. Wright leads a team of qualified individuals in St. Louis that can help you receive the highest quality lipedema treatment, including lymph sparing liposuction. The treatment you need starts with a simple phone call today!