Is it Lipedema or something else? Diseases That Look Like Lipedema
Millions of women suffer from the chronic disorder known as lipedema, which causes unpleasant fat accumulation mainly in the legs, thighs, arms, and abdomen. Nevertheless, lipedema is frequently misdiagnosed or mistaken for other medical disorders while being very common. Misdiagnosis can delay effective treatment and cause patients to feel frustrated or misunderstood. Dallas board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Azouz has diagnosed many patients with lipedema and helped relieve symptoms with lipedema surgery, including liposuction, abdominoplasty, brachioplasty, and thigh lift.
Common Conditions Misdiagnosed as Lipedema
- Obesity
- Obesity affects fat distribution throughout the body, while lipedema typically spares the feet and affects only the abdomen, flanks legs, hips, and arms. Lipedema is also characterized by painful, tender fat that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise. Many women are misinformed that they are overweight, which can frustrate them when conventional weight loss methods don’t work. Women who have lipedema and normal BMI will still suffer from lipedema symptoms.
- Lymphedema
- A dysfunctional lymphatic system causes lymphedema, characterized by swelling, usually in one arm or leg. In contrast to lipedema, lymphedema usually affects one side of the body and might result in foot swelling. The feet are typically spared in cases of lipedema. Since both conditions involve swelling, doctors may confuse the two, but lymphedema responds to different treatments, such as manual lymphatic drainage and compression therapy. These conservative measures may help with some lipedema symptoms but do not reduce the lipedema adipose tissue. Some patients with severe stage 4 lipedema may develop lipolymphedema; however, this can be better managed by treating lipedema, not just lymphedema.
- Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
- CVI is a condition where the legs’ veins cannot circulate blood, resulting in skin changes and swelling adequately. Visible varicose veins and skin ulcerations are common side effects of CVI that are not seen in lipedema. Although the underlying causes and therapies of CVI differ from lipedema, the swelling in the legs can be similar. For CVI, venous therapies and compression stockings work better than in patients with lipedema. Additionally, lipedema patients can develop varicose veins (spider veins); however, it typically improves with lipedema treatment surgery.
Why Is Lipedema Often Misdiagnosed?
The exact indications and symptoms of lipedema are still mostly unknown to doctors, and the condition is still poorly understood. Since lipedema mostly affects women, it is occasionally misdiagnosed as obesity or weight gain. As a matter of fact, lipedema is a unique medical issue that calls for specific attention. Patients may try ineffective treatments or ones that make their symptoms worse for years before receiving a correct diagnosis.
What Should You Do If You Suspect Lipedema?
If you suspect lipedema but have been informed you have lymphedema, obesity, or another medical condition, get a second opinion from a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Azouz, who has experience with lipedema diagnosis and treatment. In order to assist you in comprehending this condition and developing a customized treatment strategy, Dr. Azouz provides thorough consultations in Dallas. Contact us online or call us at (972) 702-8888 and begin your journey to a more confident self.
Written by Henna Dahya and Rhiya Patel on behalf of Azouz Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery
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