Lipedema (Painful Cellulite)

Lipoedema, also known colloquially as painful cellulite, is a disease of adipose tissue, particularly in women. It is caused by an abnormal accumulation and distribution of fatty tissue and is usually concentrated in specific areas of the body, such as the legs, buttocks and sometimes the arms. Although lipoedema resembles obesity in appearance, it is a condition that does not improve with weight loss and negatively affects the quality of life. In this article we have written for you, we will try to give information about what lipoedema is, who and how often it occurs and its causes.

What is Lipedema (Painful Cellulite)?

Lipoedema is a disease characterized by the uneven distribution and accumulation of fat tissue in the body. This condition causes symmetrical and painful swelling, especially in the legs, buttocks and sometimes arms. Lipoedema is different from another disease called lymphedema. In lymphedema, there are problems with the circulation of lymph fluid, whereas in lipoedema there is an abnormal accumulation of fatty tissue. Over time, lipoedema can limit mobility and reduce quality of life.

Who Has Lipedema and How Often Does It Occur?

Lipedema is a disease seen especially in women. It is very rarely seen in men. Although the prevalence of the disease is not known exactly, according to some estimates, lipedema can be seen in 11% of adult women. Lipoedema usually begins during periods of hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. Genetic factors are also thought to play a role in lipedema.

Why Does Lipedema Occur?

Although there is no definitive information on the causes of lipedema, some factors are thought to play a role in the occurrence of the disease. These include hormonal factors, genetic predisposition and microcirculation disorders. The fact that it is especially seen in women suggests that hormonal factors are important in the development of lipedema. In addition, people with a family history are more likely to develop lipoedema, suggesting that genetic predisposition is effective. Microcirculation disorders can cause lipedema by causing uneven distribution and accumulation of fat tissue.

What Are The Symptoms of Lipedema?

Lipoedema is a chronic disease characterized by abnormal distribution and accumulation of fat tissue in the body. This condition, usually seen in women, leads to symmetrical fat accumulation in the legs, buttocks and sometimes arms. The symptoms of lipoedema can be explained as follows;

• Symmetrical fat accumulation,
• Pain and tenderness,
• Easy bruising,
• Change in skin texture,
• Foot and wrists are not affected,
• Symptoms of lymphedema,

What Are The Types of Lipedema?

Lipedema is usually classified into three types:

Type 1 Lipedema: This type is characterized by fat accumulation in the upper legs. Symmetrical swelling is usually seen in the buttocks and thighs.

Type 2 Lipedema: This type is characterized by fat accumulation in both upper and lower legs. Swelling and fat accumulation is also seen below the knee.

Type 3 Lipedema: This type is characterized by fat accumulation in larger areas of the body, such as the legs, buttocks and arms. This can significantly affect mobility and quality of life.

In Which Forms Does Lipoedema Occur?

Lipoedema can occur for various reasons and in different ways. These reasons are as follows;

• Hormonal factors are thought to play a role in lipoedema, especially because it is seen in women. Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone can affect the distribution and accumulation of fat tissue.

• Lipoedema is more common in people with a family history. This suggests that genetic factors play a role in the development of the disease.

• Problems in the lymphatic system can contribute to the development of lipoedema. The lymphatic system circulates fluids and waste materials in the body. Disorders in this system can lead to abnormal accumulation of fatty tissue and the appearance of lipedema symptoms.

• Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise and stress can also influence the development of lipoedema. An unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle can cause the symptoms of lipedema to become more severe.

What Are The Diagnostic Methods for Lipoedema?

Lipoedema is a disease characterized by abnormal distribution of fat tissue and swelling, especially in women. Lipoedema can usually be diagnosed by patients’ complaints and physical examination. However, in some cases, additional diagnostic methods can be used to evaluate the progression of the disease and the treatment process. Lipoedema diagnostic methods are as follows;

• Physical Examination,
• Questionnaire and Curriculum Vitae,
• Ultrasound
• Lymphoscintigraphy,
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI),

How Does Lipedema Progress?

Lipoedema is usually a slowly progressing disease and is divided into four stages;

Stage 1: In this stage, the skin surface is smooth and soft, but the fatty tissue is abnormally distributed. Mild swelling and pain may occur.

Stage 2: The thickness of the adipose tissue increases and the skin surface becomes irregular. Pain and tenderness become more pronounced and lymphatic circulation may be impaired.

Stage 3: In this stage, the adipose tissue becomes harder and nodular. The skin thickens and edema becomes evident. Due to impaired lymphatic circulation, the risk of infection increases.

Stage 4: As lipoedema progresses, mobility decreases and pain increases. Abnormalities in the lymphatic system have negative effects on the skin and connective tissue. At this stage, lipedema patients can experience serious complications.

Is Lipedema a Treatable Disease?

Although lipedema is a chronic and progressive disease, the quality of life of patients can be significantly improved with appropriate treatment methods. The methods used in the treatment of lipedema are as follows;

• The primary treatment modality for patients with lipoedema is lifestyle changes and conservative treatments. These include regular exercise, a healthy diet, compression garments and manual lymphatic drainage.

• In patients with lipedema, medical treatments may be used to reduce pain and inflammation. These treatments include painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs and drugs that support lymphatic circulation.

• In patients with lipedema, surgical treatment methods can be used when conservative and medical treatments fail to respond or if the disease is in advanced stages. These methods include liposuction and skin excision.

Lipedema is a treatable disease, but the treatment process may vary depending on the patient’s condition, stage of the disease and treatment methods. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly improve the quality of life of patients.

How to Treat Lipedema?

Lipoedema is a disease characterized by abnormal accumulation of fat tissue and fluid retention, especially in women. It usually affects the legs, buttocks and sometimes the arms. Lipoedema can often be confused with lymphedema, but the treatment and management of both conditions are different. Lipoedema treatment varies depending on the severity of the disease and the needs of the patient.

Conservative Treatment Methods

The first step in the treatment of lipoedema is usually conservative (non-surgical) methods These methods are aimed at slowing the progression of the disease, relieving symptoms and improving quality of life.

• Using compression stockings or bandages, the aim is to reduce fluid accumulation in the affected area and improve circulation. This treatment helps to relieve pain and reduce swelling.

• Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). This massage technique is practiced by a physiotherapist or a certified therapist. MLD helps to reduce swelling and provide relief by moving fluid in the lymphatic system.

• Regular exercise, especially low-impact activities such as swimming and walking, can help relieve symptoms of lipedema. Exercise increases circulation, maintains muscle strength and improves overall health.

• It is important for patients with lipoedema to follow a healthy and balanced diet. The weight control can help manage the symptoms of lipedema and slow the progression of the disease.

Surgical Treatment Methods

If the symptoms of lipoedema persist despite conservative treatment methods, surgical options may also be considered. Surgical treatment is aimed at reducing fat tissue and improving the shape of the affected areas.

• Liposuction
• Laser-assisted liposuction,
• Water-jet assisted liposuction (WAL),

Lipoedema treatment should be individually tailored to the needs of the patient and the severity of the disease. During the treatment process, it is important that patients work closely with their doctors and therapists and adapt to lifestyle changes. In this way, lipoedema patients can achieve a better quality of life and minimize the negative effects of the disease.

Lipedema Treatment Prices in Turkey

Turkey has managed to announce its name to the world with its investments and studies in the field of health. Especially the latest technological devices used in diagnosis and treatment procedures have been a beacon of hope for many diseases. However, there has been an increase in health tourism in Türkiye.

• Hospitals are large, clean, spacious and fully equipped in terms of technological equipment.
• Turkish doctors are specialized, successful, and skilled in their fields.
• Nurses and carers are friendly and compassionate.
• Finding answers to the questions asked quickly and accurately.
• Patience and understanding of all staff, including the intermediary company dealing with the patient.
• Turkey offers holiday opportunities with its natural and historical beauties.
• Easy transportation.
• Diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, eating, drinking, dressing, and holiday needs can be met at affordable prices.

Such situations are shown among the reasons for preference. We can see that patients and relatives of patients who want to come to Turkey are doing research on Lipedema Treatment Prices in Turkey. However, it would not be right to give clear price information at this stage. Many factors such as the type of disease, stage, diagnosis process, treatment process, and stay in Türkiye affect the price issue. If you want to get more detailed price information, you can contact us. In addition, if you come to Turkey for treatment through us, we can facilitate your visa application process with the invitation letter sent by us to the consulate.