About Lipoedema
What is Lipoedema?
Lipoedema is a chronic condition that involves an abnormal build-up of adipose tissue (fat cells) under the skin, most commonly in the legs, thighs, and buttocks. It is a condition that almost exclusively affects women and can be hereditary.
It is important to understand that lipoedema fat is different from regular body fat and is not caused by obesity. It is often resistant to diet and exercise, which is why many women feel frustrated when their efforts to lose weight in these areas are unsuccessful.
Lipoedema is also a disorder of the connective tissue. The structure that holds fat cells in place can become weak and disorganised, which contributes to some of the characteristic symptoms.
Lipoedema is managed through a combination of conservative management strategies, which focuses on symptom control and to support overall health. For selected patients, specialised lipoedema liposuction performed by experienced surgeons may be considered.
What are the Common Signs and Symptoms?
Women with lipoedema may experience a range of symptoms, which can vary in severity. These include:
- Disproportionate fat distribution: Typically, the lower body is much larger than the upper body. The feet are usually unaffected, which can create a distinct “cuff” or “bracelet” effect at the ankles.
- Symmetrical swelling: Both legs are usually affected in a similar way.
- Pain and tenderness: The affected areas can be tender to touch and may ache or feel heavy. This discomfort can worsen after standing for long periods or at the end of the day.
- Easy bruising: You might notice that you bruise very easily in the affected areas, often without a clear cause.
- “Nodular” or “lumpy” texture: The fat can feel like small, lumpy nodules under the skin.
- Cellulite: The skin surface may have a distinct dimpled or “orange-peel” appearance.
What Causes or Triggers Lipoedema?
The exact cause of lipoedema is not fully understood, but it is strongly linked to hormonal changes. Many women first notice symptoms or find their condition worsens during key hormonal periods, such as:
- Puberty
- Pregnancy
- Perimenopause and Menopause
- Stress can also be a trigger that exacerbates symptoms.
How is Lipoedema Managed?
While there is no cure for lipoedema, there are many effective ways to manage the symptoms, improve comfort, and prevent the condition from progressing. The goal of management is to empower you to control your symptoms and live well.
It is important to remember that you are not alone. Lipoedema is a recognised medical condition, and your symptoms are real. Working with a knowledgeable healthcare professional is key to developing a management plan that is right for you.
Management strategies include:
Compression Therapy: Wearing compression garments (like specialised stockings or tights) can help reduce fluid build-up, support the tissues, and ease feelings of pain and heaviness. Another option is a compression pump, which is a device with inflatable sleeves for the legs (or the full body) that provides a gentle, sequential massage to improve circulation and move fluid.
Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT): For lipoedema, PBMT is used as a non-invasive supportive treatment to help manage symptoms rather than cure the condition. PBMT is often used as a supportive therapy in conditions involving chronic pain, inflammation, or connective tissue disorders, including lipoedema. PBMT uses near-infrared to red light applied to the skin, where the light penetrates the tissues and is absorbed by cells, where it helps improve cellular energy production and tissue function. PBMT is used alongside other conservative measures. Some patients report symptom relief and improved comfort with regular treatments.
Manual Therapies: Specialised massage techniques can help to soften the tissue and improve the flow of lymphatic fluid.
Exercise: Gentle, low-impact exercise like swimming, walking, and cycling is excellent for managing lipoedema. It helps with circulation and overall health without putting stress on the joints.
How PBMT Assists with Lipoedema
- Reducing Inflammation
Lipoedema tissue is chronically inflamed. PBMT has been shown in many conditions to down-regulate pro-inflammatory cytokines, increase anti-inflammatory mediators and to reduce oxidative stress. This can help decrease tissue tenderness and slow progression-related inflammation.
- Improving Lymphatic Flow
Lipoedema often coexists with lymphatic insufficiency (“lipo-lymphoedema”). PBMT Increases lymphatic pumping and fluid movement, and reduce lymphatic congestion and swelling. This can contribute to softer, less fibrotic tissues and improved limb comfort.
- Pain Reduction
PBMT is well documented to reduce nerve hypersensitivity, improve microcirculation and to relax muscle tension. Many patients report reduced daily pain and heaviness when PBMT is used consistently.
- Softening Fibrotic Tissue
Fibrosis is a hallmark of advanced lipoedema. PBMT Improves local blood and lymph flow, increase mitochondrial ATP production, support tissue repair. These effects can help reduce the density/stiffness of nodules and make manual therapy (MLD, pneumatic compression, massage) more effective.
- Supporting Microcirculation
Lipoedema is associated with fragile capillaries, easy bruising, and poor tissue oxygenation. PBMT can enhance local microvascular perfusion and support healthier tissue metabolism. This can help reduce bruising frequency and improve skin quality.
Who May Benefit Most
- Those with pain, swelling, or heaviness
- People with fibrotic tissue or early lipo-lymphoedema
- Those seeking non-invasive symptom management
- Pre- and post-operative liposuction surgery
If you would like more information about lipoedema therapy or would like to book a consultation, please contact our team today.