Lipedema stage 1 -
How you can recognize it
Stage 1 lipoedema is the earliest phase of a chronic fat distribution disorder that affects millions of women worldwide – and often remains undetected for a long time. It can be assumed that around one in ten women suffers from lipoedema. Although the changes to the body are clearly noticeable, hardly anyone is aware of this condition.
Lipoedema is divided into stages or grades 1 to 3. The diagnosis in stage 1 is particularly tricky, as the obvious lipoedema symptoms are often equated with cellulite or obesity. As a result, many perplexing and above all painful years often pass before women are correctly diagnosed.
However, early detection is crucial: the sooner lipoedema is recognized and treated, the better the symptoms can be alleviated and the progression of the disease slowed down.
That’s why in this article we explain everything you need to know about the diagnosis and treatment of stage 1 lipoedema.
What is stage 1, stage 2 and stage 3 lipedema?
In medicine, lipoedema is a pathological fat distribution disorder with an increase and enlargement of fat cells, which is sometimes accompanied by very severe pain and feelings of tension. It affects areas such as the legs, hips, buttocks and arms. The condition is thought to be caused by hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy or the menopause, as well as heredity, and mainly affects women.
The following features characterize lipedema:
- Beginning with a hormonal change such as puberty, pregnancy or menopause
- uncontrolled fat accumulation
- uncontrolled fat accumulation
- Feeling of heaviness in the affected areas
- Feeling of tension and/or pressure in the affected areas
- Hands and feet are not affected
- Pain is permanent
- Tendency to hematoma
Due to its severity, the disease is divided into three stages of lipedema or grades. The staging is primarily based on the visible appearance of the skin. The actual extent of the fat volume is not taken into account.
What are the causes of 1st degree lipedema?
The causes of lipoedema have not yet been sufficiently researched. However, experts assume that lipoedema is linked to the female hormonal balance, which changes during puberty, pregnancy or the menopause. It has also been established that the condition often runs in families. However, there is no evidence that the disease is caused by a poor diet or too little exercise. There is probably a congenital increase in fat cells on the arms, legs and buttocks from birth. Hormone activity then “activates” these specific fat cells.
On our website you can carry out an initial lipoedema self-test online. If you then suspect that you have stage 1 lipoedema, you can make an appointment for a free consultation at our locations in Mülheim and Hamburg. It is also advisable to consult an expert in the field of phlebology or vascular surgery before you start the lipoedema treatment treatment. A precise diagnosis provides clarity and the possibility of targeted, individual treatment.
How is stage 1 lipedema treated?
The earlier lipoedema is detected, the better the progression can be positively influenced. However, specialized physicians today have good opportunities to design a therapy that is individually tailored to the patient. The aim of treating stage 1 lipoedema is to reduce the symptoms, stop the progression of lipoedema and improve quality of life. Liposuction fulfills precisely these criteria. In addition, in many cases the dependence on compression garments and/or manual lymphatic drainage can be ended. Many experts recommend liposuction from stage 1 onwards, as long-term studies have shown the positive effects of early treatment.
If surgical treatment is not an option for individual reasons, so-called conservative – i.e. non-surgical – therapeutic measures can be taken. These measures usually lead to a reduction in symptoms, but cannot permanently influence the underlying problem of fat cell proliferation. If conservative treatment is paused or discontinued, the typical symptoms of lipoedema will reappear.
The most common conservative treatment measures include:
- Manual lymphatic drainage
- Wearing flat-knit compression garments
- Exercise therapy and dietary changes for weight control
- Hautpflege, um Hautprobleme zu reduzieren
LipoClinic Dr. Heck - Contact us if you suspect stage 1 lipedema!
As already mentioned, it is very important that a lipedema diagnosis is made as early as possible. lipoedema diagnosis is made as early as possible. Only then is it possible to develop a treatment tailored to the patient’s individual needs and symptoms.
If you are unsure whether you have stage 1 lipedema, we at LipoClinic Dr. Heck are the people to contact. With over 2,500 successful operations performed every year, we are leading specialists and pioneers worldwide. The team of doctors and medical staff in Hamburg and Mülheim an der Ruhr will support and care for you with many years of clinical practice and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of lipoedema. LipoClinic Dr. Heck is particularly valued for the standard of treatment that has been developed over many years and constantly modified according to new scientific findings, which enables treatment at the highest level.
The aim is to provide holistic treatment to enable lipoedema patients to lead a life ideally free of pain and psychological stress. This is exactly where our advice, treatment and support come in. Our network of experts in the fields of nutrition, compression and physiotherapy is also at your disposal.
Our ambassadors – former LipoClinic patients – can tell you about their experiences during their treatment with us. Have we aroused your interest in the topic of stage 1 lipoedema? Talk to us, come to one of our events or take part in a LipoTalk in a city near you.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the 1st stage of lipedema
What does lipedema stage 1 mean?
Lipoedema is divided into different stages. Stage 1 describes the earliest form of lipoedema. The skin surface still appears smooth, but the subcutaneous fatty tissue is already soft and sensitive to pressure. Initial symptoms such as a feeling of tension or heaviness in the legs may occur.
What to do with stage 1 lipedema?
If you suspect early-stage lipoedema, it is best to consult an experienced specialist directly, e.g. a phlebologist, lymphologist or vascular specialist. Make sure that the doctor actually specializes in lipoedema – not all specialists in these fields are sufficiently familiar with the condition. Specialist clinics such as LipoClinic Dr. Heck can also provide you with in-depth diagnostics and comprehensive advice.
How much does surgery for stage 1 lipedema cost?
The exact costs depend on the number of operations required and are therefore very individual. You will receive an exact cost calculation from us during your consultation. Important: LipoClinic Dr. Heck is a private clinic, so there are no contracts with the statutory health insurance companies. The treatment is therefore a self-pay service.
What other stages of lipoedema are there?
Stage 1 lipedema is followed by stage 2 with an uneven skin surface characterized by dents and bumps. The fat structure is also coarse and lumpy. In the final, third stage, the tissue has already hardened considerably and large lobulated pockets have formed under the skin.
Can lipedema be prevented?
As it is a hormonal and genetic disease according to current knowledge, no preventative measures are possible. A balanced diet, a healthy body weight and regular exercise are helpful in positively influencing the course of the disease.
What to do with stage 1 lipedema?
In many general medical practices, there is often a lack of awareness of the condition, which often leads to misdiagnosis. If you suspect stage 1 lipedema, consult a specialist directly. These are, for example, phlebologists or vascular specialists. Ask about their expertise in the field of lipedema – doctors in these specialties are not necessarily familiar with lipedema. The easiest way is to contact LipoClinic Dr. Heck directly.
Can lipedema remain at stage 1?
Stage 1 lipedema is no longer curable. However, several long-term studies show that the symptoms can be massively reduced by liposuction. Our own internationally published long-term study (available on our homepage) shows, for example, a reduction in symptoms of around 80% and an improvement in quality of life of over 90%!
What does lipedema stage 1 mean?
Lipoedema is divided into different stages. The symptoms and complaints become progressively worse. Stage 1 lipedema is the first phase of the disease, which is characterized by the following features:
- Predominantly smooth skin
- Symmetrical fat tissue proliferation on the arms and/or legs
- Feeling of heaviness, pressure, sensitivity to touch
- Tendency to hematomas
- Gradual lifting of the leg contour, “columnar” appearance of the legs over time
How much does lipedema stage 1 surgery cost?
The costs of liposuction are currently not covered by health insurance companies. Only stage 3 lipedema can be covered under certain conditions. LipoClinic Dr. Heck is a private clinic, so there are no contracts with the statutory health insurance companies. The treatment is therefore a self-pay service. The exact costs depend on the number of operations required and are therefore very individual. You will receive an exact cost calculation from us during your consultation.
What other stadiums are there?
Stage 1 lipoedema is followed by stage 2 with an uneven skin surface characterized by dents and bumps. The fat structure is also coarse-knotted. In the last, third stage, the tissue has already hardened considerably and large lobulated pockets have formed under the skin.
Lässt sich ein Lipödem Grad 1 vorbeugen?
As it is a hormonal and genetic disease according to current knowledge, no preventative measures are possible. A balanced diet, a healthy body weight and regular exercise are helpful in positively influencing the course of the disease.
Fort Malakoff Clinic (2023): Lipedema: Recognize & treat stage 1 to 3. (https://www.malakoff-klinik.de/ratgeber/lipoedem-stadien/)
Dr. Wörle: Lipedema stage 1 (https://dr-birgit-woerle.ch/lipoedem-stadium-1/)
Hirslanden Clinic Meggen: Lipedema information brochure. (https://www.hirslanden.ch/content/dam/hirslanden-klinik-meggen/downloads/de/centers/lip%C3%B6demzentrum/lipoedemzentrum-meggen-informationsbroschuere.pdf)
Lipocura: Lipedema stage 1: causes, symptoms and therapy. (https://www.lipocura.de/lipoedem-stadium-1/)