Understanding Lipedema: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Many people live with lipedema for years before finding answers, and unfortunately, it is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. This blog will help you understand what lipedema is, how it’s diagnosed, and what treatment options are available—plus how our team helps support people with lipedema right here in Ottawa.
What Is Lipedema?
Lipedema is a chronic medical condition where abnormal amounts of fat accumulate in the legs and, in some cases, the arms or trunk. Unlike typical adipose tissue, lipedema fat is painful, resistant to diet and exercise, and can cause functional issues.
Common symptoms of lipedema include:
- Pain or tenderness in affected areas (usually the legs)
- A feeling of heaviness in the legs
- Easy bruising
- Small nodules or lumps under the skin
- Swelling in the legs that stops at the ankles
It’s important to know that lipedema is not the same as obesity, though the two can co-exist. Lipedema almost exclusively affects women, and research suggests up to 11% of females may have it.
Getting a Diagnosis
One of the biggest challenges for people with lipedema is getting a proper diagnosis. Currently, there is no blood test or imaging scan that can confirm lipedema. Instead, diagnosis is based on:
- A thorough physical exam
- Patient history
- Family history
Because lipedema is not widely covered in medical training, many health care professionals are unfamiliar with the condition and may not feel comfortable diagnosing it.
The best approach for a diagnosis is often to request a referral from your family physician to a vascular surgeon or a plastic surgeon.
Treatment Options for Lipedema
While there is currently no cure, there are several ways to manage symptoms and improve quality of life:
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): Performed by a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) to reduce swelling and discomfort (especially when lipedema is existing in combination with lymphedema)
- Compression Garments: Custom-fitted garments that support circulation and reduce heaviness.
- Lifestyle Approaches: Anti-inflammatory diets, regular exercise, and weight management can help with overall health, though they will not remove lipedema fat.
- Lipedema Reduction Surgery (Liposuction): The only treatment that removes lipedema fat.
Lipedema Reduction Surgery
For some patients, liposuction offers long-term improvement by removing diseased fat tissue. Unfortunately, access to lipedema reduction surgery in Canada is limited and many patients seek treatment internationally. If you are considering surgery, you can explore the International Lipedema Surgery Directory, which lists experienced surgeons worldwide.
How We Support Patients with Lipedema
At our clinic, we provide comprehensive care for people living with lipedema, whether you’re newly diagnosed or seeking ongoing management. Our services include:
- Lymphatic Massage and Compression Therapy: Gentle, hands-on treatment to reduce swelling and decrease pain, paired with guidance on proper compression garment use.
- Exercise Support: Safe, customized programs to help with strength, mobility, and weight management without triggering flare-ups.
- Dietitian Support: Guidance on anti-inflammatory nutrition strategies tailored to lipedema and overall health.
- Education & Ongoing Care: We focus on empowering you with tools and resources to manage your condition at every stage.
Because lipedema often overlaps with lymphedema, cancer recovery, or other lymphatic conditions, our team takes a whole-person approach to treatment.
Helpful Resources
If you think you may have lipedema or are looking to learn more, these organizations provide excellent education and community support:
Living with lipedema can feel frustrating and overwhelming, but you are not alone—and effective treatments are available. If you suspect you may have lipedema, consider speaking with your doctor about a referral to a specialist.
If you’re looking for support in managing symptoms, learning about compression, or building a care plan tailored to you, our team is here to help.
Book an appointment with us today and take the first step toward relief and better quality of life.