What is Lipedema?

Lipedema is a painful subcutaneous fatty tissue accumulation that can be seen mostly in the hips and legs in women, and sometimes in the arms. It manifests itself in the form of thickening, edema, bruising and pain in the limbs. While the nodular structure of the subcutaneous fatty tissue is felt only when touched at the beginning, it is also noticeable when looked from the outside in the later stages. In the final stage, painful and hard swelling occurs due to lymphedema, which develops due to a clear disorder of the lymphatic system.

What is the Difference from Cellulite?

Lipedema, also called painful cellulite, is seen in overweight people, there is definitely an increase in fatty tissue and there is significant pain in the skin. Cellulite, on the other hand, is also seen in thin people and there is no significant pain.

Why Does It Happen?

Although it is said that hormonal and genetic predisposition play an important role, no definitive cause has been found. However, in biopsy studies, a significant increase in both the number and volume of fat cells in the subcutaneous fatty tissue and inflammation and fibrosis in the subcutaneous connective tissue were detected. In terms of pathophysiology, the changes are not limited to adipose tissue. Lymphatic dysfunction, cardiovascular variations, blood capillary fragility and increased permeability are common. Patients usually present with neurological changes and hormonal dysfunction.

According to the perspective of regulatory medicine, the main reason for increasing adipose tissue is the disruption of hormonal balance and circulation due to chronic stress. Toxic loads accumulated in the connective tissue are also the main reason for the formation of inflammation. Lymph drainage disorder is both the cause and the result of lipedema formation.

How is it diagnosed?

There is no specific diagnostic method. The disease is diagnosed according to the typical appearance and examination findings. Methods such as Doppler and lymphoscintigraphy are used for differential diagnosis.

How is it treated?

There are medical and surgical methods. In the classical approach, compression garments, lymph drainage massage and special diets can help alleviate symptoms. Surgical options include fat absorption (liposuction), stopping the progression of the disease and aesthetic correction. According to regulatory medicine, combating chronic stress and connective tissue toxic load is essential. For this purpose, especially to increase lymph drainage, neural therapy and parasympathetic system regulation, especially the lower abdominal region, and the destructive field effect of diseases and surgeries should be reset. Hormone axis injections are also essential for the regulation of hormonal balance. For chronic loads on the connective tissue, especially latent acidosis and heavy metal loads, a good chelation program and a personalized diet program should be applied. Intestinal flora, candida levels, and food sensitivities should be taken into consideration in this diet program. The disease formation mechanisms are targeted with the regulation medical treatment program designed according to the person’s individual stress loads and very successful results can be obtained.