Lipedema Fat

Lipedema is believed to only affect the hip region and legs in women since the first identification of symptoms. However, other areas of the body can also be affected lipedema fat even though these are the most common areas to be impacted.

Recent literature on lipedema has shed light on how the disorder is not a bilateral condition that only targets the lower body. In this post, let us look at a few body areas where fat could accumulate on the body in case of lipedema.

Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta (PSI), led by plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey, provides lipedema surgery to patients in Atlanta, Marietta, Georgia, and surrounding communities.

Head to Shoulders

The face and neckline are the rarest areas for lipedema fat to accumulate. Research studies have found that the condition develops in three separate phases in which lipedema fat tissue and changes in skin become apparent. Lipedema fat accumulation was not observed to typically accumulate in the posterior neck and cranium in these studies.

Other common areas that usually see lipedema fat accumulation are anterior chest and below the shoulder line. Approximately, 37% women showed lipedema fat in these areas as per the study. Anterior refers to the areas that are visible when looked at a straight standing person from the front.

Upper Body

Upper body, including the arms, abdomen, and torso are other areas where lipedema fat accumulation is not usually seen. Over 90% women will notice lipedema fat accumulation around the anterior forearm, inner elbow area, and anterior arm. Similar reports were made for abdomen and ribcage in the study. Least lipedema fat accumulation was seen in the hands with only 22% women reporting fat.

Lower Body

Lipedema fat often accumulates in the lower body, including the buttocks and thighs. However, it is not rare for lipedema fat to accumulate in the ankle region. Women majorly see lipedema fat in these areas, including the backside of the legs and around the inner knee. Backside of the foot will rarely experience lipedema fat. Only 6% women experience fat in this area.

Tests to Diagnose Lipedema

There is no individual test for diagnosing lipedema. However, tests help in ruling out related disorders.

1. Venous Doppler Ultrasound

Venous Doppler ultrasound is useful in diagnosing lipedema. Doppler ultrasound tests help in determining the presence of venous disorders. It also provides critical information about managing lipedema. For instance, if the tests show the presence of venous insufficiency, then it is important that treatment is provided immediately for the disorder. Or else, increased venous pressures would result in aggravating lipedema.

2. Lymphoscintigraphy

This test is generally recommended for complicated cases where it is difficult to arrive at a clear clinical diagnosis. Lymphoscintigraphy is a nuclear scan for assessing the lymph system. It may come back normal in case of lipedema. However, it will show characteristic corkscrew changes if you are suffering from lymphedema. The test can be helpful in determining whether lymphedema has a significant role in the symptoms. This is especially if there are swelling concerns.

The Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta (PSI), led by cosmetic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey, receives patients from Atlanta, Marietta, Georgia, and nearby areas for safe and proven lipedema surgery.

Contact Marietta, Georgia Plastic Surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey at the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta for a Consultation

For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:

• • psiatlanta.com
  • sexualaesthetics.com
  • lipedemaspecialist.com

Serving patients in and around Marietta, Atlanta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Buckhead, Morningside/Lenox Park, Virginia-Highland, Candler Park, Midtown, Inman Park, Poncey-Highland, Ormewood Park, Georgia and other surrounding areas.

Lipedema

Do you think your legs are fat or non-proportionate? Enlarged legs may occur for a number of reasons. In this post, we will discuss four common and not-so-common causes that you should know about. Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta (PSI), led by plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey, provides lipedema surgery to patients in Atlanta, Marietta, Georgia, and surrounding locations.

1. Obesity

Obesity is the most common cause for large legs. This is specifically due to being overweight from an excess deposit of fat throughout the body. Obesity results in excess fat deposits in the abdomen, especially within the visceral organs.

It is characterized by greater fat deposition in the internal spaces as compared to subcutaneous spaces. Women can suffer from both lipedema and obesity at the same time. However, in case of pure obesity, the distribution of fat primarily occurs in the trunk area, and less in the legs and arms.

2. Venous Insufficiency

Venous insufficiency is the second most common cause of enlarged legs. Venous reflux disease results in swelling and enlarged legs. Like in the case of lipedema, swelling is not apparent in the feet. It can be difficult to differentiate venous reflux disease and venous insufficiency from lipedema if it affects both legs. This is unless venous reflux testing is carried out. Patients with venous reflux may experience severe symptoms if they are affected by lipedema as well.

3. Lymphedema

Lymphedema can also result in leg and arm enlargement. Commonly, lymphedema affects one limb. However, it can occur in both legs and arms at the same time as well. Distal parts of the extremities such as the hands or the feet are affected first in this disorder.

You may experience enlargement and swelling before the condition spreads to the entire limb. Lymphedema may occur along with obesity or separately. Lymphedema usually develops in the more advanced stages of lipedema, which can affect both legs and arms.

4. Lipedema

Lipedema is a common disorder that causes bilateral leg enlargement. It affects almost 5% to 26% women. It is important that lipedema diagnosis not made while excluding other causes of large legs. Physicians can generally exclude lymphedema by carrying out a careful physical examination. Venous diseases can also be excluded by performing a physical exam or a Doppler ultrasound.

A thorough physical examination and history can rule out primary and secondary obesity along with other metabolic conditions. Knowledgeable physicians find it easy to diagnose lipedema when all other causes of enlarged legs have been ruled out. It is important to properly diagnose lipedema to start the treatment and control the disease.

Early treatment and diagnosis are key to preventing the complications associated with this disorder. You should know that there is no cure for lipedema. However, it is the sincere hope of everyone in the community – patients, loved ones, therapists, and physicians to help individuals suffering from lipedema to enjoy their life without any adverse suffering from this debilitating disease.

The Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta (PSI), led by cosmetic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey, receives patients from Atlanta, Marietta, Georgia, and nearby areas for safe and proven lipedema surgery.

Contact Marietta, Georgia Plastic Surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey at the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta for a Consultation

For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:

• • psiatlanta.com
  • sexualaesthetics.com
  • lipedemaspecialist.com

Serving patients in and around Marietta, Atlanta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Buckhead, Morningside/Lenox Park, Virginia-Highland, Candler Park, Midtown, Inman Park, Poncey-Highland, Ormewood Park, Georgia and other surrounding areas.

Normal Fat vs. Lipedema Fat

Lipedema is an abnormal disorder of the subcutaneous fat or adipose tissue. Adipose tissue acts as the principal structure for long term calorie or energy storage. However, all types of adipose tissues are not the same. There are primarily four different types of adipose tissues.

Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta (PSI), led by plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey, provides lipedema surgery to patients in Atlanta, Marietta, Georgia, and surrounding communities.

Types of Body Fat

Essential adipose tissue is the fat present in organs and bone marrow. This is necessary for the proper functioning of all organs. Kidney, liver, and bone marrow require a minimum amount of fat for active metabolism.

Visceral fat is the second type of adipose tissues. This is the fat that is present within the abdominal cavity. It is one of the most metabolically sensitive and active fat deposits. It is necessary for balancing calorie changes. Visceral fat easily expands when there are excess calories in the body. It contracts during a net calorie deficit.

Subcutaneous fat is the third fat deposit. This fat is present between the muscle and skin. It is attached to the hypodermis or the underside of the skin. It is required for cushioning the body and retaining heat. Subcutaneous fat is less metabolically sensitive as compared to visceral fat.

Hormone dependent subcutaneous fat is the fourth fat type. This is also known as gynoid fat. It is the fat that gets accumulated in females for creating secondary sexual features. Gynoid fat forms hips, breasts, and the inner thigh curves. This starts under the influence of progesterone and estrogen during puberty. It is what lends the female bodies their feminine shape. Gynoid fat is the least metabolically active fat and is what is affected by lipedema.

Body Fat Composition Changes in Lipedema Because of Weight Loss

There is a greater percentage of total body fat in individuals with lipedema as compared to individuals with similar BMI index that have been diagnosed as obese. Lipedema patients are able to decrease their total body fat percentage by losing weight. However, percentage change in total body fat is significantly lower in patients with lipedema as compared to obese people.

Metabolic Differences in Lipedema Fat

Lipedema disorder affects the fourth fat depot or the gynoid fat. It usually affects the legs and arms. However, in the later stages, it can also spread to the remaining body parts. Hips and inner thighs are characteristic areas that are affected by lipedema fat. It is least responsive to deficits in calorie balance.

In other words, lipedema affected adipose tissues is not very responsive to weight loss efforts. When weight loss occurs in patients with lipedema, other fat deposits will be lost before lipedema affected body parts. Patients will be more prone to lose subcutaneous and visceral fat in areas that are not affected by lipedema.

However, they will lose very little fat in areas that are affected by lipedema. The Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta (PSI), led by cosmetic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey, receives patients from Atlanta, Marietta, Georgia, and nearby areas for safe and proven lipedema surgery.

Contact Marietta, Georgia Plastic Surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey at the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta for a Consultation

For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:

• • psiatlanta.com
  • sexualaesthetics.com
  • lipedemaspecialist.com

Serving patients in and around Marietta, Atlanta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Buckhead, Morningside/Lenox Park, Virginia-Highland, Candler Park, Midtown, Inman Park, Poncey-Highland, Ormewood Park, Georgia and other surrounding areas.

Lipedema vs. Obesity Using BMI

The biggest challenge faced by most women suffering from lipedema is the initial diagnosis. In fact, majority of patients don’t realize they have lipedema till they are well into their 40s, 50s, or even 60s. This is because there is not enough conversation surrounding lipedema.

Most women are misdiagnosed with lymphedema or general obesity following high Body Mass Index (BMI). It is only after decades that some of them seek alternate explanations for their discomfort, pain, and unsuccessful weight loss efforts after exercise and diet. In some severe cases, patients also undergo bariatric surgery.

Fat cells or adipose tissue works towards providing both insulation and cushioning. Lipedema affects fat cell accumulation in the body resulting in irregular fat and bulging in the affected areas. Legs are one of the most commonly affected parts. Excessive clustering can occur in the arms as well.

Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta (PSI), led by plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey, provides lipedema surgery to patients in Atlanta, Marietta, Georgia, and surrounding locations.

Obesity vs. Lipedema Using BMI

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a calculation illustrating the relationship between a person’s height and weight. It equips healthcare providers with a tool to evaluate the overall health of patients. These ranges are specifically used for categorizing a person as underweight, obese, overweight, or of normal weight range.

BMI doesn’t give the full picture of a patient’s body composition breakdown or health. It is commonly used for diagnosing diseases. Body Mass Index (BMI) is an overall numerical score, such as weight or height. It is not a physical or a biological representation of overall health. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines body mass index over 30 as obese and over 25 as overweight.

This is an incomplete and inaccurate assessment. Obesity is an overall condition where fat begins affecting patients chemically, metabolically, and mechanically. However, lipedema causes fat to accumulate in an unusual proportion which causes a different type of chemical, metabolic, and mechanical impact on the body. Both lipedema and obesity result in an increased BMI. However, they are not the same. BMI for diagnosing lipedema is an unfair and incomplete assessment.

For instance, female bodybuilders may have a higher BMI. However, looking at their BMI to diagnose them as obese would result in an inaccurate diagnosis. Similarly, lipedema affects the BMI measure as well. However, a high BMI score alone is not an appropriate diagnosis of lipedema.

Metabolically, lipedema is the opposite of obesity even though both are associated with fat accumulation. However, obesity involves fat that is accumulated in the body’s central area. This is primarily present in the abdomen and is generally associated with diseases, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and high cholesterol.

Lipedema, on the other hand, involves peripheral fat in the lower or upper extremities. Waist and abdomen are usually unaffected. However, both diseases cause an increase in BMI, which makes misdiagnosis both destructive and common.

The Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta (PSI), led by cosmetic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey, receives patients from Atlanta, Marietta, Georgia, and nearby areas for safe and proven lipedema surgery.

Contact Marietta, Georgia Plastic Surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey at the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta for a Consultation

For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:

• • psiatlanta.com
  • sexualaesthetics.com
  • lipedemaspecialist.com

Serving patients in and around Marietta, Atlanta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Buckhead, Morningside/Lenox Park, Virginia-Highland, Candler Park, Midtown, Inman Park, Poncey-Highland, Ormewood Park, Georgia and other surrounding areas.

Lipedema Diet

You don’t always need invasive treatments for reducing the symptoms of lipedema. Sometimes, the right diet and exercise can help too. There are several tools that can help you manage your lipedema at home. Nutrition is a key factor in how your body experiences swelling or edema. Response to the food you eat has a larger role to play in this condition.

Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta (PSI), led by plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey, provides lipedema surgery to patients in Atlanta, Marietta, Georgia, and surrounding locations.

Rare Adipose Disorder Diet (RAD Diet)

Rare Adipose Disorder (RAD) diet is recommended by Dr. McCluskey for managing the symptoms of lipedema. This diet is a modification of the standard Mediterranean diet which allows one to maintain a low glycemic index. It levels blood sugar spikes and limits the number of episodes in a day.

You would need to avoid processed or refined sugars and starches. For instance, you should not have rice, pasta, bread, potatoes, and corn. You should also avoid processed food, in particular, processed carbohydrates. This will help keep your insulin levels low and provide you with a good chance of limiting inflammation.

Lipedema experts report that patients cannot prevent symptom flare-ups by avoiding only starch. They also recommend reducing gluten intake. Gluten is largely found in rye, barley, and wheat. Instead, the diet should contain high amounts of food rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. This will help your body in burning excess fat.

Supplements to Fight Lipedema Swelling

Besides following a RAD diet, patients should also have a robust and regular vitamin supplement. These are a few effective supplements to have:

Vitamin D3

Lipedema patients usually have low amounts of vitamin D. This is an essential supplement for the immune system since it protects the muscles, bones and nervous system.

Selenium

Selenium helps with daily metabolism. It reduces painful swelling that is a constant part of lipedema.

Diosmin

This is quite possibly the most effective supplement. It is a bioflavonoid commonly found in citrus fruit. These have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lymph-tonic properties to manage the symptoms of lipedema.

Effects of Keto Diet on Lipedema

Keto or ketogenic diet has provided positive results to a few women with lipedema. Keto diet for lipedema involves limiting carbohydrates while eating a lot of healthy fats. Your body will begin consuming dietary fat and even stored fat within the adipose tissue for energy or fuel when you restrict carbohydrate intake.

The body will shift to a fat-burning machine from being a sugar-burning one. Keto diet for patients with lipedema involves a low-carb diet. You would be eating approximately 20 grams or less of carbs each day. Patients are restricted from eating bread, pasta, rice, and starchy veggies, such as potatoes.

The primary focus in this diet is to consume eggs, meats and vegetables that are non-starchy. Carbohydrates and natural sugars from fruits are also restricted. The Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta (PSI), led by cosmetic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey, receives patients from Atlanta, Marietta, Georgia, and nearby areas for safe and proven lipedema surgery.

Contact Marietta, Georgia Plastic Surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey at the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta for a Consultation

For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:

• • psiatlanta.com
  • sexualaesthetics.com
  • lipedemaspecialist.com

Serving patients in and around Marietta, Atlanta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Buckhead, Morningside/Lenox Park, Virginia-Highland, Candler Park, Midtown, Inman Park, Poncey-Highland, Ormewood Park, Georgia and other surrounding areas.

Power Assisted Liposuction 

Lipedema is commonly diagnosed in women and also some men. As many as 20 million people in the country at present are suffering from it. Lipedema is a fat distribution disorder that is genetically inherited or hormone induced. Lipedema is associated with swelling and pain unlike lipodystrophy that refers to abnormal and stubborn fat deposits.

Vibrating cannula is used in power-assisted liposuction (PAL) for breaking up fatty tissue. Studies have shown that PAL permits better precision with efficient fat removal and less bruising. The technique is also known to remove up to 30% more fat as compared to traditional liposuction methods. Today PAL liposuction is considered the gold standard in lipedema treatment.

Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, led by plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey, provides reliable and proven lipedema treatments to patients in Atlanta, Marietta, Georgia, and surrounding communities.

Understanding Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL)

Power assisted liposuction is like regular liposuction. It safely removes surplus fat from treatment area while streamlining and slimming the torso for a better-looking silhouette. The doctor during PAL will inject a fluid in the treatment area for maximizing your comfort levels during the procedure. This fluid helps in penetrating fat deposits quicker as well.

A motorized cannula is used during power assisted liposuction as a suctioning tool. This allows the doctor to perform the liposuction in a precise and controlled fashion. It allows for less vigorous and more comfortable removal as compared to its manual counterpart.

Benefits of Power Assisted Liposuction

The small and gentle vibrations emitted by PAL cannula creates a wave of energy that works towards breaking down stubborn fat cells. It makes the fat loss procedure more efficient and rapid. The cannula in this technique is smaller and requires minute incisions.

Movements with manual liposuction require more force and take more time. Power assisted liposuction gives doctors the ability to get in and out quicker. It also reduces downtime and discomfort while minimizing complication risk. Precision factor in power assisted liposuction is high making it a method of choice for most physicians interested in efficient body contouring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can lipedema fat be removed?

Lipedema fat has a stubborn nature. However, PAL liposuction can effectively remove this stubborn fat.

How is lipedema caused?

Lipedema can occur because of genetic and hormonal factors. Patients with this condition have normal BMI, but still suffer from asymmetrical body appearance.

How can one get rid of lipedema?

PAL liposuction is the best way to get rid of lipedema. Salt avoidance, compression, and weight loss can help. However, liposuction provides the most definitive and rapid results.

Do I have lipedema?

Lipedema is a difficult diagnosis in many patients. Surgeons get confused between lipedema, lymphedema, and lipodystrophy.

Recovery from Lipedema

You should give yourself a few days rest after getting lipedema done. You should rest and elevate your legs. Most patients can return to desk work following lipedema surgery after the first few weeks. However, they still need to keep their legs elevated.

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, Marietta, Georgia, and nearby areas for innovative and advanced lipedema surgery procedures.

Contact Marietta, Georgia Plastic Surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey at the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta for a Consultation

For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:

• • psiatlanta.com
  • sexualaesthetics.com
  • lipedemaspecialist.com

Serving patients in and around Marietta, Atlanta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Buckhead, Morningside/Lenox Park, Virginia-Highland, Candler Park, Midtown, Inman Park, Poncey-Highland, Ormewood Park, Georgia and other surrounding areas.

Lipedema  vs. Lymphedema

Lipedema affects both legs in a bilateral or symmetrical fashion. However, primary lymphedema only affects one leg in most cases. Swelling is asymmetric is both legs are affected in primary lymphedema. Lipedema doesn’t involve the feet. Distribution of fat is symmetrical and located between the ankles all the way up to the hips. Conversely, in lymphedema the feet are involved in the swelling.

Lipedema is characterized as a symmetrical and chronically progressive accumulation of fat present in the subcutaneous tissue in women. The lower extremities are primarily affected. Lipedema may affect upper extremities as well. The condition is characterized by tenderness, easy bruising, and pain, in combination with symmetric enlargement of the limbs.

Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, led by plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey, provides safe and proven lipedema treatments to patients in Atlanta, Marietta, Georgia, and surrounding locations.

Lymphedema vs. Lipedema

Lipedema

Lipedema is a progressive and chronic accumulation of fat in the subcutaneous tissue. It almost always just affects women. Generally, lower extremities are affected, such as the buttocks, hips, and legs. However, in some women, lipedema may affect the arms as well.

Visually, lipedema is described as symmetric enlargement of the lower limbs. It is combined with easy bruising and tenderness. Patients with lipedema tend to have soft-rubbery skin. They may have nodules or small fatty lumps within the tissues. Thumb pressure in these fat nodules doesn’t leave an indentation. Genetic and hormonal factors are the primary underlying cause for lipedema development.

Lymphedema

Lymphedema usually occurs after puberty and involves ankle or foot swelling. It affects both women and men at any age. Lipedema affects both legs in a symmetrical fashion, lymphedema affects only one leg. In lymphedema, the feet tend to swell. Stemmer sign, a form of diagnostic indicator is also positive. Pitting of the skin or indentation is present in lymphedema. Malformations of the lymphatic system are the primary cause of lymphedema.

Characteristics of Lipedema

• This is a disorder that involves fat deposits in the legs and (maybe) arms
• It can be successfully treated with PAL liposuction procedure
• May occur spontaneously and affect multiple family members
• Affects both arms and legs equally
• Fat deposits tend to be painful
• Results in gait or walking abnormality
• Causes skeletal issues
• Is worsened by obesity
• Can be associated with lymphedema when present in the legs

Characteristics of Lymphedema

• Lymphatic system disorder
• Lymphatic drainage blockage that may cause tissue damage or inflammation
• Can be spontaneous, but usually occurs after cancer treatment
• Affects one leg or arm
• Often associated with cellulitis or severe infections
• Worsened by obesity
• Treatment should be done by a certified lymphedema therapist
• Can occur because of morbid obesity

Diagnosing Correctly is Crucial

Treatment for lymphedema will not help someone with lipedema. This makes it important to correctly diagnose the problem. Secondary lymphedema is developed in some patients with lipedema. This is called lipo-lymphedema where lymphatic system is affected by fat growth.

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, Marietta, Georgia, and nearby areas for innovative and advanced lipedema surgery procedures.

Contact Marietta, Georgia Plastic Surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey at the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta for a Consultation

For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:

• • psiatlanta.com
  • sexualaesthetics.com
  • lipedemaspecialist.com

Serving patients in and around Marietta, Atlanta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Buckhead, Morningside/Lenox Park, Virginia-Highland, Candler Park, Midtown, Inman Park, Poncey-Highland, Ormewood Park, Georgia and other surrounding areas.