Lipoedema is a syndrome characterized by bilateral, symmetric lower extremity enlargement due to subcutaneous deposition of fat
- involvement typically extends from the buttocks to the ankles
- the feet are much less involved or spared entirely
- affects women almost exclusively
- not a rare condition; up to 11% of women or postpubertal girls may be affected to some degree
- typically developing insidiously after puberty and progressing gradually
- condition bears some clinical resemblance to lymphedema and is frequently misdiagnosed as such
- however, in contrast to lipoedema the swelling of lymphedema is due to accumulation of protein-rich interstitial fluid within the skin and subcutaneous tissue caused by lymphatic dysfunction.
Treatment options for lipoedema are limited:
- dieting, diuretics, leg elevation, and compression appear to be of minimal benefit
- long-term low-level compression therapy is unlikely to reverse lipoedema it may help prevent its worsening and progression to lipolymph-edema
- attempts to treat invasively via lipectomy or liposuction are not recommended because they risk causing mechanical damage to the lymphatics