Lipedema vs Lymphedema vs Lipodystrophy | Azouz Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery

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What is difference between lymphedema, lipodystrophy, and lipedema?

Understanding the distinctions between lymphedema, lipedema, and lipodystrophy is critical for accurate diagnosis and treatment of these disorders, all of which involve abnormal fat and/or fluid buildup in the body. These conditions are frequently misinterpreted or misconstrued due to overlapping symptoms, although each has unique causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Azouz specializes in lipedema and aims to provide the best treatment options for his patients in Dallas. They can all be treated with liposuction.

Lymphedema	Lipodystrophy	Lipedema
“water or fluid build up”	“stubborn fat”	“painful knots of fat cells”
Asymmetric	Asymmetric	Symmetric
Swelling (pitting)	No swelling	Swelling (non-pitting)
Painful	Not painful	Painful
Affected by lymphatic drainage	Affected by weight changes	Constant and progressive, even with weight changes

Lymphedema
“water or fluid build up”
Asymmetric
Swelling (pitting)
Painful
Affected by lymphatic drainage

Lipodystrophy
“stubborn fat”
Asymmetric
No swelling
Not painful
Affected by weight changes

Lipedema
“painful knots of fat cells”
Symmetric
Swelling (non-pitting)
Painful
Constant and progressive, even with weight changes

lipedema vs lymphedema

Understanding Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a disorder of the lymphatic system that causes an abnormal accumulation of lymphatic fluid. Novel techniques in microsurgery and liposuction have helped patients have definitive treatment for their lymphedema. Lymphedema typically only affects one limb, whereas lipedema is usually bilateral, affecting both limbs. Lymphedema often occurs after a trauma or surgery, whereas lipedema occurs after hormones act on tissues (during menopause or puberty). Lymphedema usually has pitting edema, whereas lipedema has non-pitting edema. Pitting edema is swelling similar to pressing into a cushion. When pressing your skin, you will notice a visible “dent” in the skin. Non-pitting edema is swelling similar to that of an inflated balloon. Your skin may feel firm, but it will not make an impression on the skin. Lipedema is generally more painful than lymphedema. Lymphedema is generally associated with skin infections, unlike lipedema, where skin infections are not common.

What is lipodystrophy?

Lipodystrophy is a disorder of fat accumulation. This is a form of stubborn fat that does not improve with diet and exercise. Lipodystrophy causes fat to accumulate more in certain areas of the body than it would usually. Lipodystrophy is often asymmetric and does not involve pain, swelling, or nodules. Lipodystrophy is often located in one or more areas but does not evolve over time. Lipodystrophy can be associated with weight changes.

What is lipedema?

Lipedema is often genetically inherited among all women in the family. Lipedema is very similar to lipodystrophy, but it is also associated with pain, discomfort, and swelling. Lipedema patients tend to get worse over time.

Lipedema is symmetric. Enlarging fat cells can compress the surrounding lymphatics, cause worsening swelling, and even progress to some forms of lipoedema, which is referred to as lipo-lymphedema. Most patients feel “knots,” or clusters of fat cells, in their arms, legs, stomach, hips, or back.

Furthermore, fat cells can compress blood vessels and cause problems in circulation. Many patients develop spider veins, or telangiectasias, which are dilated blood vessels and appear as small, thin red or purple lines. Some patients may develop venous insufficiency; however, they find that vein procedures usually do not affect their lipedema symptoms. Fat cells can scar and resemble lipomas within the lipedema tissue.

Schedule your Consultation with Dr. Azouz

While lymphedema, lipedema, and lipodystrophy all affect fat or fluid distribution, they are distinct conditions with unique causes and symptoms. Recognizing these variances is critical for successful treatment and management. Understanding these conditions is the first step toward seeking the appropriate medical care, whether you’re dealing with swelling from lymphedema, painful fat accumulation from lipedema, or metabolic issues from lipodystrophy. By raising awareness, we can assist people with these conditions in getting diagnosed earlier, resulting in improved outcomes. Call us at (972) 702-8888 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Azouz.