lipoedema

Last reviewed 01/2018

Lipoedema is a syndrome characterized by bilateral, symmetric lower extremity enlargement due to subcutaneous deposition of fat

• involvement typically extends from the buttocks to the ankles
  • the feet are much less involved or spared entirely
• affects women almost exclusively
  • not a rare condition; up to 11% of women or postpubertal girls may be affected to some degree
  • typically developing insidiously after puberty and progressing gradually
• condition bears some clinical resemblance to lymphedema and is frequently misdiagnosed as such
  • however, in contrast to lipoedema the swelling of lymphedema is due to accumulation of protein-rich interstitial fluid within the skin and subcutaneous tissue caused by lymphatic dysfunction.

Treatment options for lipoedema are limited:

• dieting, diuretics, leg elevation, and compression appear to be of minimal benefit
  • long-term low-level compression therapy is unlikely to reverse lipoedema it may help prevent its worsening and progression to lipolymph-edema
• attempts to treat invasively via lipectomy or liposuction are not recommended because they risk causing mechanical damage to the lymphatics