Your Guide to Lipoedema Treatment

Genetic and Hormonal Factors:

Lipoedema often runs in families, suggesting a clear genetic association.

The condition also shows a strong link with hormonal imbalance, as it frequently develops or worsens during periods of hormonal change — such as puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.

These factors explain why the disorder predominantly affects women and why lifestyle measures alone rarely improve it.

How Lipoedema Differs from Lymphoedema and Obesity

Lipoedema is often mistaken for lymphoedema or excess weight gain. However, it has distinct clinical features:

Symmetrical distribution: Both sides of the body are affected evenly.
Hands and feet spared: This helps distinguish it from lymphoedema, which typically includes the hands or feet.
Texture and feel: Lipoedema tissue feels soft, doughy, or nodular, without the pitting often seen in early lymphoedema.
Response to lifestyle changes: Diet and exercise rarely reduce lipoedema fat, unlike typical obesity.

Understanding these differences is crucial, as misdiagnosis can delay effective treatment and worsen symptoms.

How Common is Lipoedema?

Research indicates that up to one in nine women may be affected by lipoedema, although it remains significantly underdiagnosed. The condition is under-recognised due to limited medical training, overlapping symptoms with obesity or venous disease, and the absence of standardised diagnostic criteria.

Diagnosing Lipoedema

Currently, there is no specific diagnostic test for lipoedema. Diagnosis is clinical, based on:

The distribution of fat in the body
The texture and feel of the tissue
Associated symptoms such as pain, bruising, and heaviness

Why Micro-Liposuction is the Most Appropriate Treatment for Lipoedema

Micro-liposuction (also called micro-cannular liposuction) is currently considered the most effective and safest surgical technique for treating lipoedema. It allows for:

Selective removal of abnormal fat deposits while protecting lymphatic vessels and blood vessels.
Reduced trauma and minimal scarring due to the use of ultra-fine cannulas.
Improved lymphatic function, helping prevent secondary lymphoedema.
Smoother body contour and restoration of natural proportions.
Long-lasting symptom relief, including pain reduction, better mobility, and enhanced quality of life.

This technique, when performed by an experienced surgeon, combines precision and safety — targeting the diseased fat without damaging the surrounding healthy tissues.

His evidence-based, holistic approach focuses on:

Safe, effective fat removal using advanced micro-liposuction
Improved mobility and pain reduction
Restoring natural body proportions and confidence

If you want to read more, the experts at Consulting Room really know what they're talking about and have put together some liposuction, scarring and fat FAQs just for you.

If you have more questions, you can use the liposuction, scarring and fat questions feature to talk to our panel of trained medical experts.

If you're keen to get started with any of these treatments right away then you're in luck - those clever folks also have a list of trusted, accredited liposuction, scarring and fat clinics in your area.

Dr Mittal has years of experience and expertise in a range of procedures, and you can be assured that you are in safe hands when under her care.

She is a Renowned physician specialising in practical dermatology and facial & body aesthetics.

For many years, she has changed her patients’ live,s and patients love her steady hand and innate ability to deliver facial and body symmetry and balance.

Your Guide to Lipoedema Treatment

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