The terms lipoedema and lymphoedema are often used in the same breath and therefore cause confusion. However, these symptoms are two different forms of the disease. It is therefore very important to differentiate between them in order to ensure adequate treatment that really alleviates the symptoms. In this article, we will inform you about the difference between the two forms of the disease and provide you with information about the treatment options.
Lipoedema: Pathological fat distribution disorder with formation of increased subcutaneous fatty tissue
Lipoedema is a chronic disease that is associated with a strong increase in subcutaneous fat tissue. The fat deposits are usually symmetrically distributed and are usually found on the legs, less frequently on the arms. It is noticeable that the hands, feet and torso remain unaffected by the fat distribution disorder. For this reason, patients have a disproportionate body shape.
It is not only the appearance that can be a burden for those affected, but also the physical symptoms that accompany it. Lipoedema can lead to very unpleasant symptoms. These sometimes include severe painful feelings of tension and pressure, increased sensitivity to touch and a tendency to bruise. The discomfort can lead to long-term damage. It often leads to an altered gait pattern, misalignment of the joints and, as a result, premature joint wear.
Lipoedema: these are the three stages
Lipoedema stage 1
The skin surface is smooth, the subcutis is thickened, the fat structure appears finely nodular.
Lipoedema stage 2
The skin surface also becomes uneven and the fat structure increasingly coarse-knotted.
Lipoedema stage 3
In addition, the tissue becomes harder and large, deforming fat flaps appear.
Lymphoedema: swelling under the skin due to impaired lymphatic drainage
Oedema is an accumulation of watery fluid in the body tissue. This condition leads to swelling of the affected tissues. One of the most common types of oedema is lymphoedema. In most cases, the swelling is localised to one part of the body, e.g. the legs or arms (on one or both sides). In this case, we speak of regional lymphoedema - in contrast to generalised lymphoedema, which extends to the entire body due to a congenital malformation of the lymph vessels, for example.
Lymphoedema is characterised by the formation of a dent when pressure is applied to the corresponding swollen areas. The affected limbs usually tire quickly - especially during physical exertion. Changes in skin moisture and an increased tendency to form bruises also indicate lymphoedema. As oedema is also accompanied by a feeling of heaviness, tension and pressure, many sufferers confuse lymphoedema with lipoedema due to the similar symptoms.
There are also different stages of lymphoedema:
- Stage 0 lymphoedema
This is latent (invisible) lymphoedema. Parts of the lymphatic system are damaged here, but the healthy part can still take over the removal of the fluid. Those affected do not yet have any noticeable symptoms. - Stage 1 lymphoedema
A visible swelling can be recognised, but this can disappear on its own, e.g. by elevating the arms or legs. The soft swelling can be pressed in with a finger. If you remove it, a temporary dent remains. - Stage 2 lymphoedema
In addition to the fluid build-up, there is now additional tissue that hardens. Dents can no longer be pressed in, and even elevation no longer brings any improvement. - Stage 3 lymphoedema
The third stage is characterised by extreme swelling. At the same time, additional connective tissue has formed under the skin. The skin thickens and hardens. Wart-like growths characterise the picture. In most cases, the barrier function of the skin is also disturbed, leading to inflammatory diseases, for example.
Lipo-lymphedema: water retention meets increased fatty tissue
Lipoedema can develop into so-called lipo-lymphoedema - although this is usually only the case in later stages. In stages where lipoedema is not yet so pronounced, the lymphatic system can still function largely unrestricted. However, if the fatty tissue puts too much pressure on the lymphatic system, fluid deposits - i.e. lymphoedema - can form in addition to the fat deposits.
Lipoedema and lymphoedema: the treatment
If there are changes to the appearance and, above all, the feeling in the legs and/or arms, including the symptoms mentioned above, a visit to the doctor is advisable. The attending physician will examine the findings in detail and can differentiate whether a fat distribution disorder or an accumulation of fluid under the skin is causing the symptoms.
Depending on the diagnosis, treatment can then be initiated. Compression therapy, lymphatic drainage and targeted exercise training often help those affected - especially if the condition is lymphoedema.
One option for treating lipoedema is liposuction surgery. The first step in the operation is to flush the tissue with a mixture of medication and fat-dissolving substances. The dissolved fat is then suctioned out using special cannulas. Once fat cells have been suctioned out, they cannot form again.
Lipoedema treatment Weert: Liposuction at the Acura Clinic
The treatment of lipoedema by liposuction is a complex procedure that should only be performed by appropriately trained surgeons. We have a lot of experience with this highly specialised liposuction treatment and have already been able to help many patients with lipoedema to feel more comfortable in their skin again.
Feel free to contact us if you also suffer from lipoedema and are interested in liposuction as a treatment!
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