Lipoedema
Seeking medical advice
You should see your GP if you have symptoms of lipoedema so they can try to identify the cause.
This will usually involve examining the affected areas of your body to help determine whether you have lipoedema or lymphoedema.
Lymphoedema has similar symptoms to lipoedema, and can sometimes develop as a result of lipoedema, but it is caused by a build-up of fluid from the lymphatic system (a network of channels and glands distributed throughout the body) rather than a build-up of fat cells.
The skin of someone with lymphoedema will pit or indent when you press it, but this will not happen withlipoedema.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Lipoedema is a poorly understood long-term (chronic) condition typically involving an abnormal build-up of fat cells in the legs, thighs and buttocks.
Signs and symptoms
In lipoedema, the legs become enlarged from the ankles up to the hips.Both legs are usually enlargedat the same time and to the same extent. The feet are not affected and this creates a bracelet ef
What causes lipoedema?
The cause of lipoedema is not known, but there is a family history of the conditioninsome cases and it seems likely that the genes you inherit from your parentsplaya role. Lipoedema tends to start at
Seeking medical advice
You should see your GP if you have symptoms of lipoedema so they can try to identify the cause. This will usually involve examining the affected areas of your body to help determine whether you have
Treating lipoedema
As there has been little research into lipoedema, there is some uncertainty about the best way to treat the condition. Generally, the main treatment optionsare non-surgical treatments and liposuction
Information about you
If you have lipoedema, your clinical team may pass information about you on to the National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Diseases Registration Service (NCARDRS). This helps scientists look for better
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