• What is lipedema?

    Lipedema is a disorder in the production of fatty tissue that occurs almost exclusively in women. It involves a very uneven distribution of fatty tissue throughout the body. Lipedema can be painful and limit your range of motion.

What is Lipedema?

When you have lipedema there are accumulations of fat on the legs and arms. Relative to the rest of your body, the arms and legs can become extremely fat.

Some women may experience lymphedema in addition to lipedema. These are fluid accumulations under the skin.  

Looking for answers to the question: what is lipedema? Then read on quickly.

ReSculpt Clinic is the Lipedema Epertise Center in the Netherlands

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Lipedema what is it?

Lipedema what is it? This question is often asked. Lipedema literally means fat swelling. It is a chronic condition and usually occurs only in women.

We almost always see uneven fat distribution. The upper and lower body may differ by several clothing sizes. We also see a difference between ankles and feet.

With lipedema, pits and dents cannot press into the skin, which remain visible longer. This In contrast to lymphedema. When lipedema is present, skin will have a lumpy texture. The skin is painful when touched and the legs may feel heavy.

Want more general information about this condition? Then check out our information page on lipedema →

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What are the characteristics of Lipedema?

The accumulation of fat occurs mainly on hips and thighs. Likewise, we also see these fat deposits on the inside of your knees and lower legs.

In addition, you may also have complaints on your arms. Characteristically, hand and foot ridges show no fat accumulation.

So your lower legs can be extremely thick, while your foot looks slim and normal. Your hands also often remain unaffected. These are telling features of the condition lipedema.

Read more information about recognizing lipedema here

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Symptoms of lipedema

Lipedema consists mainly of accumulation of fat and has several symptoms. The most common symptoms are:

  • (Very) thick and swollen legs and arms
  • Pain when touched or bumped
  • Getting bruises quickly
  • Knee and joint complaints

In daily life, pain and swelling increase when it is warm or during physical activities. Also, people with lipedema often suffer from connective tissue weakness, disturbed estrogen balance and subclinical or low-grade inflammation.

Want to know more about how to recognize lipedema, and what the symptoms and signs are?
Then read on to our page on recognizing lipedema →

How does lipedema occur?

There is much uncertainty about the origin of lipedema. The exact cause of lipedema is not known. This chronic condition generally develops during or just after puberty. Female hormones and hereditary factors are thought to play an important role.

When you are pregnant, the symptoms may increase. During menopause, we also see that the condition worsens. This is a result of a change in hormone balance in the body.

Read more about the cause of lipedema here →

Fat legs but not obese

Thick legs does not mean obesity. Lipedema is not caused by eating too much. Lipedema is expected to come from hereditary factors and/or hormonal influence.

When you gain a lot of weight, however, the symptoms can worsen. Sometimes obesity or overweight develops as a result of the condition. During treatment of lipedema at ReSculpt Clinic, specific attention is paid to nutrition.

Lipedema nutrition plan

A good diet is very important and essential to keep the condition under control. In doing so, it can help you lose the necessary pounds. ReSculpt Clinic has developed a special nutrition plan for optimal treatment with the best results.

Want to learn more about this special nutrition plan or start right away?
You can find more information on the lipedema diet page.

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How is lipedema treated?

Discover effective treatment options

Lipedema is a chronic condition often associated with pain and swelling in the legs and arms. It is important to know that there are several treatment options available to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.

Effective methods such as compression therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, and liposuction can significantly help manage this condition. Consult with our lipedema specialists, to discover which treatment best suits your specific lipedema situation.

Quality of life

Lipedema can seriously reduce your quality of life. Exercise is painful and often does not seem to reduce symptoms. In addition, women often encounter misunderstanding from those around them. Guilt or shame can play a role in delaying treatment.

Nevertheless, timely intervention when symptoms develop is important. Lipedema can often be treated successfully.

Lipedema diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis and treatment of lipedema requires a clinic visit. The lipedema specialists at ReSculpt Clinic can determine if you do indeed have lipedema. Has lipedema been diagnosed? Then we will advise you on the best treatment.

There are a number of options for successfully treating the condition lipedema.
These include: Tumescent Liposuction or Liposculpture for Lipedema

Tumescent liposuction or liposculpture for Lipedema

Tumescent liposuction is a specialized treatment performed under local anesthesia. This treatment is very effective and greatly reduces swelling. It is also known as lipedema liposuction. ReSculpt Clinic specializes in this treatment and is happy to help you with advice and support.

Want to learn more about tumescent liposuction options? If so, contact ReSculpt Clinic.

Are you curious about the cost of this treatment? Then take a look at the rates page →

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Frequently asked questions about Lipedema

Unfortunately, it cannot be determined from a distance whether you have lipedema. However, it can be diagnosed during a consultation. Do you have very thick legs and/or arms and are they often painful to the touch? Then it is conceivable that you have lipedema, especially if you have family members with lipedema. Possibly do the Lipedema self-test here →

Contact us for diagnosis and for answers to all your questions.

Fortunately, there are a number of treatment methods for this condition including a special diet or nutrition plan, physical therapy, compression garments and liposuction.

No, liposuction treatment is performed under local anesthesia and is not painful. The application of the anesthetic may be briefly sensitive.

Learn more about Lipedema

Has your question about what lipedema is answered? Or would you like to know more and seek professional advice?
Then contact the lipedema experts at ReSculpt Clinic for the best lipedema treatment.

Make an appointment now

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