Knowing how to get rid of lipedema or manage the condition can give you more support as you continue your health journey. Learn more about how to treat lipedema, what options there are for how to get rid of lipedema, and how 360 Surgery Center can help.
What Is Lipedema?
People with lipedema have abnormal fat buildup in the legs and, less frequently, the arms. It’s caused by a fat distribution disorder that causes symmetrical but large fat deposits, generally in the lower half of the body. This chronic condition is separate from obesity, and many people with lipedema also experience pain and bruising as part of the condition.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of lipedema is the best way to start determining if you have the condition. If you suffer from the following symptoms, consider speaking to a medical professional about lipedema:
- Abnormal fat distribution, which is different from subcutaneous fat and has resistance to fat loss and a susceptibility to painful swelling
- Symmetrical fat distribution in the legs
- Frequent bruising or tenderness
- Lumpy fat or dimpled skin
- Fatigued legs
Can Lipedema Be Cured?
Unfortunately, lipedema is a chronic condition with no known cure available. It’s made even more complex by the number of causal factors that may lead to lipedema, including genetics, hormones, and a poorly regulated immune system. However, there are both surgical and non-surgical treatment options available that can either reduce the appearance of fat tissue or improve quality of life.
Is There a Permanent Solution?
There is not currently a permanent solution for lipedema. However, medical professionals are continually developing new procedures for how to cure lipedema in the future and how to reduce or diminish the condition now. For example, liposuction treatments can permanently remove lipedema fat cells.
How to Treat Lipedema
There are many different ways to treat lipedema to reduce pain and improve your quality of life. These treatments include lifestyle or non-surgical treatments and potential surgeries.
Non-Surgical Options
Non-surgical options are ideal for people with mild symptoms of lipedema or who don’t believe their symptoms warrant surgery. Potential treatments include:
- Exercise and diet: While weight loss is difficult with the epidemic, a healthy diet can help maintain or reduce weight, especially diets that lower inflammation. Low-impact exercises can also help by increasing mobility and reducing inflammation by engaging the lymphatic system.
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): This is a massage technique that can move excess lymphatic fluid away from affected tissue.
- Compression clothing: Compression socks and other garments can help counteract fluid buildup.
When Surgery Is Considered
Lipedema surgery can be recommended based on the severity of your symptoms and your goals. Liposuction is the primary surgical treatment for lipedema reduction, and trained medical professionals use water-jet assisted liposuction to permanently remove fat tissue. However, liposuction is generally only recommended in severe cases. It also works best as part of a long-term, individualized management plan. By adopting multiple non-surgical treatments and lifestyle changes, you and your doctor can determine when liposuction is the right choice.
How to Get Rid of Lipedema Fat
Just like with regular fat tissue, fat cells can grow in size, and your body can produce new ones. Lipedema fat can swell with lymphatic fluid due to poor drainage. To reduce overall lipedema fat, people can use non-surgical treatments to reduce inflammation and support the healthy movement of lymphatic fluid out of the cells. These approaches work in a long-term, multi-faceted strategy.
What Works
However, the only way to get rid of lipedema fat is by surgically removing the fat cells. Liposuction is the primary surgical procedure, and doctors can also provide skin reduction or skin removal surgery after treatment.
FAQs
Can you treat lipedema with diet alone?
You may see some positive effects through a low-inflammation diet alone. However, you’ll see better results by taking a multi-pronged approach.
What’s the first step if I think I have lipedema?
First, consult with your primary physician. They may refer you to a vascular specialist or phlebologist for testing.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
At 360 Surgery Center, we provide liposuction treatments for people suffering from lipedema. While liposuction is also a cosmetic surgery, it can help treat lipedema by permanently removing fat cells, reducing inflammation, improving your mobility, and helping you reach aesthetic goals. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and to learn more.
Image Credit: kei907/ Shutterstock
