Understanding and managing stage 3 lipoedema: Together on the path to relief
Often misdiagnosed and trivialized – this is the clinical picture of lipoedema. It is a chronic and symmetrically occurring fat distribution disorder that mainly affects women. For general consensus, the clinical picture of lipoedema is divided into three different stages or degrees – lipoedema stage 1, lipoedema stage 2 and lipoedema stage 3. Lipoedema stage 3 is when the disease reaches its “peak”.
We, the team at LipoClinic Dr. Heck, therefore want to address the exact symptoms of grade 3 lipedema and do our part to provide essential information. The clinical picture of lipedema is socially associated with many stigmas, which place an additional burden on patients and expose them to both physical and emotional stress.
What is lipedema? - Lipedema stage 3
Lipedema is a fat distribution disorder. It is chronic and progressive. However, medical research has now developed some very effective treatment methods that can alleviate the symptoms and give patients back their quality of life.
Research has not yet come to a definitive conclusion as to the causes that lead to the onset of lipedema. It is currently assumed that it has to do with severe hormonal changes (puberty, pregnancy, menopause) in combination with genetic predisposition and the hormone oestrogen. The latter explains above all why lipedema occurs almost exclusively in women.
But how is stage 3 lipedema recognized or diagnosed? Lipedema is characterized by a pathological proliferation and enlargement of fat cells. This primarily affects the legs, arms, buttocks and hips. The skin has visible dents or lumps, and in stage 3 there is also a pronounced skin overhang with the formation of skin pockets. It is also important to note that in some patients only certain areas are affected. For example, a person’s thighs may be affected but not their lower legs.
Hands and feet remain completely unaffected by the disease and may even appear slim. The fat distribution of this disease is symmetrical, which means that it appears to the same extent on both halves of the body.
Patients often have reduced self-confidence as the condition makes their body appear misshapen and disproportionate. Those suffering from stage 3 lipedema are particularly ashamed of their appearance and are therefore reluctant to participate in social activities or interactions. This naturally leads to psychological disorders in the long term.
It is important to understand how the disease progresses in order to understand the suffering of patients. That’s why we’ll look at the different stages of lipedema before focusing on stage 3 lipedema. Good to know – the fat volume has no influence on the stage classification. The stages are primarily based on the visual appearance of the skin.
Lipedema stage 1
There are sometimes quite extreme differences between stage 1 and stage 3 lipedema. In stage 1, the skin is usually smooth and has no visible dents or lumps. However, those affected already complain of a feeling of heaviness, aching legs and tightness. Another characteristic is the increased occurrence of hematomas. Even the slightest bumps or pressure can lead to the formation of hematomas. Unlike stage 3 lipedema, this early stage is easily and often overlooked. Those affected try to get rid of the fat deposits by exercising and changing their diet. However, as the clinical picture of lipoedema has nothing to do with a lack of exercise or a poor diet, these measures do not have the desired effect.
Lipedema stage 2
Stage 3 lipedema is preceded by stage 2, where the fat deposits are already clearly visible. The skin develops more and more dimples, which are often mistaken for cellulite. Those affected also suffer from the aforementioned symptoms. If left untreated, the disease can progress to stage 3 with large lobular skin pockets. The increasingly clear disharmony between the torso and extremities leads to an increased feeling of shame in patients. In addition, skin irritation or infections can occur in the area of the overlapping skin parts.
lipedema stage 3
In stage 3 lipedema, the tissue on the legs is usually very hardened. Dents and lumps are also much more present and noticeable. Stage 3 lipedema is associated with an extreme increase in volume on the extremities. The additional tissue severely restricts the mobility of those affected. Everyday tasks become challenges that have to be mastered every day. The additional weight acting on the joints can also lead to poor posture. Those affected by grade 3 lipoedema often also suffer from knock-knees.
In addition, so-called dewlaps also form in stage 3 lipedema. These are skin/fat flaps under which skin pockets form. These are not only annoying, but also a medical and aesthetic problem for many patients due to skin irritation.
How is stage 3 lipedema treated?
Stage 3 lipedema is a very advanced form of the disease. Many patients who seek help are advised to undergo liposuction. Liposuction is an effective way of treating patients’ symptoms and giving them a new quality of life. However, as in all stages of lipoedema, conservative concomitant therapy should not be forgotten. In particular, flat knit compression should be mentioned here, which in itself already leads to decongestion of the tissue. In some cases, manual lymphatic drainage is also necessary.
At LipoClinic Dr. Heck, we have made it our mission to guide our patients through the entire process with a respectful, empathetic and professional approach. When you come to us, we will sit down with you to develop a plan for your new lifestyle.
We will advise you on all aspects of stage 3 lipedema, from diagnosis and surgery through to the healing process. And we will continue to support you even after liposuction. Our network of expertise in the areas of nutrition, compression and physiotherapy will help you to organize your everyday life in such a way that stage 3 lipedema can be brought under control, as our experience has shown.
Stage 3 lipedema - we give you a new attitude to life
It is important to us at LipoClinic Dr. Heck to help our patients to the fullest extent possible. We always keep up to date with the latest research findings so that we can continue to support you in the future. Our operations and treatments for stage 3 lipoedema are carried out according to recognized standards.
We want to use our expertise to help you find yourself again and gain a new attitude to life, free from stigma and prejudice. With this goal always in mind, we start the therapy and continue it until we have reached the goal together with you.
Stage 3 lipedema is a serious limitation for those affected. However, we don’t just mean the physical limitations, such as the pain and loss of mobility, but also the emotional pain. We believe that no one should suffer from stage 3 lipedema, and that is precisely why we will continue to work for you with our high-quality treatment methods.