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Lipedema, also spelt as lipoedema and known as Painful Fat Syndrome, is frequently misunderstood as a chronic medical condition that affects a staggering 370 million women worldwide.
What is Lipedema?
Characterised by the abnormal accumulation of fat in particular patterns out of the hip, buttocks, upper and lower legs and arms [1], lipedema often brings about significant pain and functional limitations.
Lipedema is frequently accompanied by pain, discomfort, swelling, and heightened susceptibility to bruising, which limits mobility and affects quality of life.
What does Lipedema look like? Key Characteristics of Lipedema
- Fatty deposits primarily in the legs, occasionally in the arms
- Symmetrical involvement of both legs and/or arms
- Presence of painful fatty deposits
- Risk of gait abnormalities and skeletal complications over time
- Exacerbated by obesity, though it may or may not be directly associated with it [4]
- Lipedema may sometimes be worsened by lymphedema.
- Patients may have increasingly worsened leg and/or arm swelling during the day and improve overnight.
How is Lipedema Different from Regular Fat Distribution
In patients with lipedema, fat distribution differs from that of normal fat, often resembling tumour-like growths and causing significant tenderness upon touch.
The fatty deposits typically concentrate on the upper and lower limbs and knees, resulting in discomfort during movement and potential damage to the arms, knees, and ankles over time.
Lipedema symptoms tend to progress gradually, therefore necessitating timely intervention and management.
Types and stages of Lipedema
Why is Lipedema known as a Painful Fat Syndrome
Lipedema is known as painful fat syndrome due to the pain caused by the abnormal subcutaneous fat buildup in the legs, arms, and buttocks.
Cause of pain in lipedema, a painful fat syndrome
This medical condition is accompanied by pain, tenderness, and discomfort caused by localised inflammation, reduced oxygen in the tissues, and internal pressure on the nerves and joints caused by the swelling of the fat cells.
Types of pain in lipedema, a painful fat syndrome
The pain occurs in various degrees of intensity with characteristics such as dullness, throbbing or sharpness, how long the agony lasts, and when it strikes.
Patients report that their persistent pain intensifies in the evening [2,3], and activity or physical pressure is applied to the affected area.
Causes of lipedema, a painful fat syndrome
This painful fat syndrome was also noted to worsen during pivotal life stages like puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.
This suggests there may be a hormone influence on the causation of lipoedema, while some individuals inherit lipedema from their families.
Impact of lipedema, a painful fat syndrome
This painful fat syndrome can also be associated with bruising, heaviness in the legs and/or arms, and changes in skin texture.
It can lead to reduced mobility and psychological issues, such as low self-esteem.
Severe or chronic lipedema pain can impair daily activities, lower the quality of life and detrimentally affect the patient's self-image.
Are there lifestyle changes or treatment that can help manage the symptoms?
Despite efforts including exercise, weight loss and physical therapy, managing the affected areas remains challenging for most patients.
Unlike typical fat, the pathological fat in lipedema exhibits poor responsiveness to standard weight loss methods.
Alleviating symptoms and remove fat: Lipedema Surgery
According to research, the majority of patients who underwent liposuction reported that liposuction has led to a significant reduction in pain, swelling, tenderness, and easy bruising [1].
In Singapore, painful fat syndrome can be effectively addressed through Lipedema surgery with the MDC-Sculpt®️ Lipo Technique.
The aim of this surgery is to remove "sick fat" (adiposopathy), alleviates physical symptoms such as pain, slows the progression of the disease and improves quality of life for women with lipedema.
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthesia with the patient under twilight sedation in an accredited Day Surgery Center in Singapore.
Post-recovery care tips after Lipedema Surgery
Post-liposuction MLD therapy and compression garments over several weeks to a couple of months are equally essential to prevent oedema or fluid retention after that.
Post-operatively, most patients experience a significant improvement in their symptoms, albeit with varying outcomes.
Lipedema is made worse with weight gain or obesity. Hence, it is essential to avoid weight gain, or even better, to start losing weight after treatment to prevent recurrence.
