What is lipoedema?

Lipoedema is a chronic (long-term) health condition that causes an abnormal build-up of adipose (fatty) tissue in your body. Lipoedema usually affects your legs, thighs and buttocks but it can also affect your upper arms.

Females are more likely to get lipoedema than males. Lipoedema usually starts during times of hormonal change such as puberty or pregnancy.

Lipoedema is progressive. This means that without treatment it will often get worse over time.

Lipoedema symptoms are different for each person and can include bruising and swelling of affected areas.

The cause of lipoedema is often not known.

Lipoedema is different to lymphoedema. Lymphoedema is the build-up of fluid under your skin. This can occur anywhere in your body but is most common in your arms and legs.

What are the symptoms of lipoedema?

If you have lipoedema, you might have:

• a build-up of fatty tissue in your legs, buttocks and thighs
• oedema (fluid retention) in your legs
• a build-up of fatty tissue in your upper arms
• bruising in the affected areas
• less ability to move around
• feelings of discomfort or pain in affected areas
• bumpy skin texture in affected areas

Not all people with lipoedema will have the same symptoms.

Lipoedema usually affects both sides of your body.

What causes lipoedema?

The cause of lipoedema is often not known.

One possible cause is genetic inheritance. This means that you are more likely to have lipoedema if a close family member has it.

Another possible cause of lipoedema is hormonal changes, such as during:

• puberty
• pregnancy
• menopause
• times of stress

Lipoedema is not caused by being overweight or obese. If you are at a healthy weight, you can still get lipoedema. Weight loss does not make lipoedema go away.

When should I see my doctor?

You should see your doctor if you have symptoms of lipoedema in your legs or upper arms, such as:

• swelling
• pain
• abnormal bruising
• changes in skin texture

When to seek urgent care?

Swelling and pain in your legs can be a sign of something serious. You should get urgent care if you have symptoms of lipoedema, and:

• your legs, ankles or feet become red and painful
• your legs feel hot
• you have flu-like symptoms
• you have a fever (a temperature of 38℃ or higher)

How is lipoedema diagnosed?

Your doctor can diagnose lipoedema by asking you about your symptoms and doing a physical health examination.

Imaging tests such as an MRI scan or CT scan may also help with the diagnosis, but are not always needed.

How is lipoedema managed?

There is no cure for lipoedema. Here are some ways to help manage your symptoms and prevent your lipoedema from getting worse:

• Manage your pain — talk with your doctor or pharmacist about medicines that can help ease pain.
• Eat well — it’s important to eat healthy foods and maintain a healthy weight. A dietitian can help you understand what foods are best to eat and what foods to avoid.
• Wear compression stockings — compression stockings can help with your pain and make it easier for you to move around. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you find compression stockings that suit your needs.
• Exercise — regular exercise such as swimming or cycling can help you maintain a healthy weight and manage your pain. Discuss your exercise program with a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist before starting.
• Protect your skin — prevent your skin from drying out by moisturising it regularly.
• Look after your mental health — living with a chronic illness can be hard. Counselling or other forms of psychological support like cognitive behaviour therapy can help.

If your symptoms are very severe or don't improve with treatment, you may need surgery. Surgical procedures such as liposuction can remove some of the fatty tissue in affected areas. Talk to your doctor about what treatment is best for you.

What are the complications of lipoedema?

As lipoedema progresses, more fat can build-up in the affected areas. This can lead to complications, such as:

• lymphoedema — a build-up of fluid under your skin which can increase swelling
• cellulitis (skin infection) — having lipoedema means you are more likely to get skin infections
• joint pain — extra weight places pressure on your joints, which can cause pain and worsen arthritis
• reduced mobility — you might have less ability to move around due to pain, heavy legs or cellulitis
• poor mental health — lipoedema may cause depression, low self-esteem and eating disorders

The sooner you get diagnosed with lipoedema, the sooner you can begin to manage it. This will help reduce your chance of having complications.

Can lipoedema be prevented?

Lipoedema can’t be prevented. Lipoedema tissue will not go away with dieting or weight loss.

Talk to your doctor about how to manage your condition.

Resources and support

Lipoedema Australia is the national body for lipoedema and provides information about lipoedema to both patients and medical staff. See the Lipoedema Australia website for more information.

The Australasian Lymphology Association page can help you find a lipoedema specialist near you.

For advice and to connect to local mental health services, call Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212.

You can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.