Lipedema Treatment
Diagnosis and Surgery
PROF. DR. OLIVAS MENAYO
Degree in Medicine and Surgery, from the University of Extremadura, since 2013. Specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, with a PhD in Applied and Biomedical Medicine. Founder of IPL - Portuguese Lipedema Institute, made up of doctors and other professionals specialized in Lipedema in Lisbon. Member of the Ilustre Colegio Oficial de Medicos de Madrid # 283108065, of the Portuguese Medical Association # 69258 and of the Spanish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (SECPRE).
Nutrition
DR. JOÃO MARTINS
Clinical nutritionist, founder of the concept "Comer com Sentido", pioneer in functional-surgical nutrition in Portugal, master in biotechnology and food quality, postgraduate in addictive behavior and addictions. Member of the Portuguese Association of Nutrition and Order of Nutritionists n° 3775N.
What is Lipedema?
This is the pathological proliferation of fat cells (the adipocytes) in areas of the body such as the legs, hips, and thighs. According to the World Health Organization definition it is a “fatty” edema. Lipedema was recognized by the WHO in 2018.
This chronic disease affects almost only women, with a tendency to manifest at puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. Although it is more common than you might think, it is often mistaken for obesity.
In Portugal, almost one million women would be affected by the disease (Source: IPL).
See the testimony of a Páris Clinics patient with Lipedema
Symptoms of Lipedema?
Most studies state that Lipedema can be hereditary in nature, and the reason for finding a family history is because the disease can skip a generation or two.
Because it is a cyclical disease, at some times the patient has many symptoms, at other times the inflammatory symptoms are less active.
Check out some symptoms of the patient with Lipedema:
- Hips, thighs, and legs (in some cases, arms) have more volume compared to the other areas of the body;
- Presence of hematomas, cellulitis, and nodules;
- Swelling;
- The volume of the affected parts remains, even after diet and exercise;
- Feeling of heavy legs
- Hypersensitivity;
- Pain to touch and pressure in the affected regions;
- Joint pain;
- Difficulty walking in the most severe stages.
How to treat Lipedema?
Lipedema is a disease without cure; however, there is a set of actions that help reduce the symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life. After the disease is confirmed, an individual treatment plan is drawn up, which may include three modalities:
- Nutritional treatment
Anti-inflammatory food plan compound.
- Dermatofunctional Physiotherapy
With manual or mechanical lymphatic drainage, decongestant and/or comprehensive therapy done by highly specialized professionals, facilitating recovery and swelling reduction.
- Plastic Surgery
The surgical treatment for Lipedema is liposuction, but with different techniques and instruments from those used in traditional liposuction. Water-assisted liposuction is considered the best treatment for Lipedema.
LIPEDEMA FAQ
The diagnosis must be made by the doctor. Do you identify with symptoms such as swelling in the legs, localized fat in the thighs and hips, and/or pain? Schedule your appointment.
Lipedema is a chronic disease of the adipose tissue, while Lymphedema results from malfunctioning of the lymphatic system.
After the diagnosis it is time to start conventional treatments, such as diet plan and dermatofunctional physiotherapy. Surgery, on the other hand, must be evaluated.
Probably, yes. It is a pathology with no cure. However, liposuction for Lipedema completely removes the inflamed fat cells, promoting more quality of life for the patient.
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