Stages of lipedema: how the disease progresses
If you suffer from painful, disproportionately distributed fat deposits on your legs and/or arms, lipedema could be the cause. Lipedema is a chronic condition that can be divided into different stages.
These stages of lipedema serve purely to describe the fat distribution disorder and do NOT provide any information about the severity of the pain. Even a supposedly mild stage can be accompanied by considerable discomfort, while a more advanced stage may be less painful. The varying severity of symptoms has also led medical associations to refrain from recommending surgery based on the stages of lipedema.
For this reason, individual consultation is always crucial in order to develop the right treatment approach for each individual patient.
Basics of lipedema stages: What is lipedema?
Lipedema is a chronic condition that almost exclusively affects women. It is a fat distribution disorder that causes a symmetrical and painful increase in subcutaneous fat tissue, mainly in the legs, but also in the hips, buttocks, and arms.
Although an estimated 3.8 million women in Germany suffer from it, the condition is still relatively unknown. Many sufferers are unaware that they have lipedema and attribute the symptoms to being overweight or a lack of exercise. Even doctors often fail to recognize the condition or confuse it with lymphedema or simple obesity.
However, lipedema is more than just a cosmetic issue. This fat distribution disorder is accompanied by pain, feelings of tension, and restricted movement, and can significantly reduce quality of life. This makes it all the more important to recognize the signs of lipedema at an early stage and seek the help of an experienced specialist.
The 3 stages of lipedema at a glance
For the sake of completeness, we have listed the stage classification as it was used in the past and as it is still used in part by health insurance companies today. However, it should be emphasized once again that the stage of lipedema does NOT allow any conclusions to be drawn about pain/symptoms.
Lipedema stage 1
In stage 1 lipedema, often referred to as the initial stage of lipedema, the skin is still smooth, but the subcutaneous fatty tissue is already thickened. You may already feel painful, pressure-sensitive fat deposits on your legs or arms. This early stage is often confused with being overweight. This makes it all the more important to get the right diagnosis as soon as possible so that you can start conservative treatment early on.
Lipedema stage 2
Stage 2 lipedema is characterized by an increasingly uneven, wavy skin surface. Lumpy structures in the subcutaneous fatty tissue are now palpable. The legs are significantly thickened and appear out of proportion to the slim upper body. Pressure on the lymph vessels increases, which can lead to feelings of tension, heaviness, and edema.
Lipedema stage 3
In advanced stage 3 lipedema, the tissue feels rough and hard. The skin surface is lumpy and large, overhanging flaps of fat, known as “waddles,” form. The increase in circumference of the arms and legs is now very pronounced. Pain and restricted movement continue to increase, putting strain on the joints and spine.
The 4 types of lipedema within the stages of lipedema
In addition to being classified into different stages, lipedema can also be divided into four types based on which areas of the body are affected.
- Type 1: The subcutaneous fat accumulates mainly around the buttocks and hips. The result is what is known as “saddlebags.”
- Type 2: Lipedema extends to the knees. More fat accumulates on the insides of the knees.
- Type 3: The disease extends from the hips to the ankles. The feet are not affected.
- Type 4: The lipedema now also affects the arms. Wrists and hands are not affected.
Just as with the stages of lipedema, it is important to know which type you have in order to choose the right lipedema treatment.
How are the different stages of lipedema treated?
The diagnosis of lipedema requires the trained eye and targeted medical history taking and examination by an experienced physician. Only early and correct diagnosis can ensure that you receive the optimal treatment for your stage of lipedema.
Since lipedema symptoms are independent of the stage of the condition, liposuction may be the treatment of choice even in the early stages. Patients who show little external change are often not taken seriously by inexperienced doctors. This makes it all the more important to consult a doctor who has experience in diagnosing lipedema. This is the only way to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Diagnosis and treatment of lipedema stages at LipoClinic Dr. Heck
As a pioneer in the surgical treatment of lipedema, LipoClinic Dr. Heck is a global leader with over 2,500 successful operations performed each year. Our specialized team ensures safe and long-lasting treatment of lipedema using clinically proven and scientifically documented surgical standards.
Liposuction can be useful even at stage 1 to slow down the progression of the disease and alleviate symptoms. In the advanced stages of lipedema (stages 2 and 3), surgical treatment is often the only way to reduce the massive fat deposits, alleviate pain, and significantly improve quality of life.
We would be happy to provide you with detailed information about the possibilities of liposuction in a personal consultation and create a customized treatment plan for you.
Would you like to learn more about our holistic approach or exchange ideas with other people affected by lipedema at one of our LipoTalks? Then simply get in touch with us now!
