Many women know the feeling: heavy legs, painful swelling and the feeling that the body is turning against them. But what is really behind it? Lipoedema or lymphoedema? Or both?
The symptoms of both diseases are similar and yet they differ fundamentally in terms of cause, course and treatment. Particularly in the early stages, it is often difficult for those affected to recognize what exactly is going on. And unfortunately, it often takes years before a correct diagnosis is made.
In this article, we would like to help you gain clarity. What are the differences between lipoedema and lymphoedema? And what does this mean for your treatment?
Many women experience swollen, heavy legs for years and only hear “you need to lose weight” – without anyone taking a close look at whether it is lipoedema or lymphoedema. However, the correct diagnosis is crucial in determining whether you receive the right treatment, aids and, if necessary, surgery.
Both illnesses not only affect the body, but also your self-image and everyday life. This makes it all the more important that you understand what is happening in your body and what options you have.
The lipoedema is a chronic, mostly hormonally induced fat distribution disorder that almost exclusively affects women. The disease leads to a symmetrical increase in fat on the legs and/or arms. It often begins during puberty, after pregnancy or during the menopause.
Typical symptoms:
Important: feet and hands are not affected by lipoedema, which distinguishes it from lymphoedema.
Lymphoedema is caused by a disruption in lymph drainage. The lymph fluid accumulates in the tissue and leads to swelling. It can be congenital (primary lymphoedema) or occur as a result of illness, surgery or radiation (secondary lymphoedema).
Typical symptoms:
Note: Unlike lipoedema, lymphoedema often also affects the feet or hands.
The short answer: No, lipoedema and lymphoedema are not the same thing, but they can occur at the same time, which makes diagnosis more difficult. In later stages, the pressure of the increased fatty tissue in lipoedema can lead to so-called lipo-lymphoedema, in which lymphatic fluid is no longer sufficiently drained.
For you, this means that even if you have already been diagnosed with lipoedema, new, unusual swelling of the feet or hands should always be checked by a doctor. In this way, it can be determined early on whether lymphoedema also needs to be treated in addition to lipoedema and which therapy components would then be useful.
| Lipoedema | Lymphedema | |
| Cause | Fat distribution disorder | Lymphatic drainage disorder |
| Symmetry | Symmetrical (both legs/arms) | Often one-sided |
| Pain | Often very painful | Rather pressing |
| Feet/hands affected | No | Yes |
| Stemmer sign | Negative | Positive |
| Hematomas | Frequent | Rare |
A legitimate question. Both diseases are serious and can severely impair quality of life. Which burden is felt more strongly always depends on the individual symptoms and the course of the disease.
Neither disease should be underestimated or trivialized. The decisive factor is not which diagnosis sounds “worse”, but that you receive the appropriate treatment.
Especially in the early stages, the differences between lipoedema and lymphoedema are difficult to recognize – even for medical professionals. Careful diagnosis is therefore important:
At the LipoClinic, we often see patients living with a misdiagnosis for years – usually with the assumption that it is just overweight or lymphoedema, although it is actually lipoedema.
At LipoClinic Dr. Heck, we take your complaints seriously. We take the time to listen to your story during a free consultation . Although we are not allowed to make a lipoedema diagnosis, we can accurately assess your lipoedema symptoms and help you take the next step.
If lipoedema is suspected, our digital lipoedema test can also provide a good initial orientation.
Both lipoedema and lymphoedema benefit from well-fitted compression garments, regular exercise and manual lymphatic drainage.
Difference in objectives:
Holistic treatment that takes into account both physical complaints and emotional stress is essential in both cases.
Both conditions have a profound impact on the body, everyday life and mental well-being. An exact distinction between lipoedema and lymphoedema is crucial, as this is the only way to provide targeted and effective treatment.
Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion or seek further information. The sooner you have clarity, the better you can go your own way.
If you need support with lipoedema treatment, we at LipoClinic Dr. Heck will be happy to help you. Whether in a personal consultation or in a group consultation – we will listen to you and explain the differences between lipoedema and lymphoedema.
No. Lipoedema is a fat distribution disorder, whereas lymphoedema is a lymphatic fluid drainage disorder. Both diseases differ significantly in cause, course and treatment.
Lipoedema usually begins symmetrically on the legs or arms and is associated with pain and bruising. Lymphoedema often occurs on one side, usually starts on the hands or feet and causes a feeling of tightness rather than pain.
Yes, so-called lipo-lymphoedema is possible. It occurs when an existing lipoedema puts additional strain on the lymphatic system. In this case, particularly careful diagnosis and treatment is necessary. However, both diseases can also be present at the same time independently of each other.
Yes, this is possible. Some patients have slender or only slightly altered legs despite having lipoedema, which can make the diagnosis more difficult. Particularly in the early stages, external abnormalities are barely visible.
Specialists in phlebology, vascular medicine or lymphology are suitable contacts. At LipoClinic Dr. Heck, you will receive specialist advice on the diagnosis and treatment of lipoedema.
Only when it is clear whether it is lipoedema or lymphoedema can the appropriate treatment be chosen. A misdiagnosis delays treatment and can unnecessarily prolong the suffering of those affected.
Ofa: Lipedema or lymphedema?(https://www.ofa.de/de-de/lipoedem-oder-lymphoedem/)
Dr. Thomas Witte is Medical Director of LipoClinic Dr. Heck and a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery. With decades of surgical experience and a deep understanding of the individual needs of lipoedema patients, he is one of the leading experts in this field. His focus is on holistic, safe and empathetic care – always with the aim of restoring quality of life.
Medical Director
Specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery
Specialist in surgery and hand surgeon
