As much as we all strive for natural perfection in terms of our appearance and beauty - unfortunately, we are not always lucky. There is hardly anyone who is completely satisfied with their figure or skin texture. For women, the buttocks and legs, and often the upper arms, are problem areas. If that were not enough, typical "women's problems" can also occur there: Cellulite and lipoedema. Particularly in the early stages, those affected often find it difficult to distinguish between the two conditions. In this article, we make a direct comparison between orange peel skin and lipoedema to illustrate the differences.
Profile: Cellulite
Cellulite is a skin condition that usually occurs in women on the buttocks and thighs. Cellulite is characterised by waves, dents and indentations that resemble small holes. This creates a "golf ball pattern" on the affected areas of skin, which many patients find annoying. However, orange peel skin does not affect health, it is more of an aesthetic problem.
Profile: Lipoedema
While cellulite is a harmless phenomenon that only affects appearance, lipoedema is a health problem. It is a chronic disease characterised by a marked increase in subcutaneous fatty tissue - usually on the legs, but also on the arms. Lipoedema is therefore a pathological fat distribution disorder that is far more than just a visual restriction. Those affected suffer from painful feelings of tension and/or pressure, the skin is sensitive to touch and tends to bruise quickly. Lipoedema can also lead to a change in the gait pattern and a misalignment of the joints, which often wear out prematurely.
Lipoedema vs. cellulite: a comparison
Stage 1
In the case of cellulite, no dents are visible in the "initial state", i.e. when standing. Deformations are only visible when the skin is compressed.
In the first stage of lipoedema, however, the legs already appear thicker than the rest of the body. Small fat nodules and thickenings can be felt in the subcutaneous tissue.
Stage 2
Women affected by cellulite now show dents that are clearly visible even when standing and not just when squeezing. It is possible that the tissue reacts sensitively to external pressure.
In lipoedema patients, unevenness in the skin becomes increasingly prominent. The fat deposits in the subcutaneous tissue increase in size. They can now be felt as large lumps under the skin. The first health complaints also appear: Many sufferers complain of tension and pressure pain.
Stage 3
The cellulite is now very pronounced: clear dents, waves or holes are always visible, the skin looks flabby and pale.
The skin of women with lipoedema shows considerable thickening at this stage, forming large and deforming fat flaps. When lipoedema manifests itself on the legs, the inner and outer sides are equally affected. The tissue is hard and the subcutaneous tissue is significantly thickened.
Treatment of lipoedema
The appearance of cellulite can often be improved through exercise, alternating showers and special cosmetics. Certain medical treatments (ultrasound, radio frequency, etc.) are also possible.
Lipoedema, which is not just an optical phenomenon, cannot simply be "creamed away" or "trained away". The fat deposits quickly make the affected limbs feel heavy and tired. Many patients describe the feeling as if their arms and legs are about to burst, they suffer from pain and feel anything but comfortable in their skin.
But that doesn't have to be the case: Lipoedema can be treated - with surgery, for example. This involves removing the excess fatty tissue using special liposuction to relieve the patient.
Lipoedema treatment Weert
If you also suffer from lipoedema and are looking for a customised therapy, you are welcome to find out more on our website. We will be happy to answer any further questions you may have. Simply contact us and make an appointment for your personal, non-binding consultation!
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