Lipedema & Lymphedema: What's the Difference?
Lymphedema and lipedema are two medical conditions that are often confused. Though they both involve swelling in the arms and legs, they are two very distinct disorders. Knowing the difference between the two can help you to seek the treatment you need. Read on to learn more about their similarities and differences.
Lymphedema
Lymphedema is swelling - often in your leg(s) or arm(s) - caused by abnormal drainage in your lymphatic system, which is an important part of the immune system. To begin with, the swelling may be minor and settle overnight, but over time it becomes more constant, especially without treatment.
There are two types of lymphedema - primary and secondary. Most cases of lymphedema are ‘secondary’, caused by blockage or damage to your lymph channels due to:
Cancer treatment
Infection
Deep vein thrombosis
Being overweight
‘Primary’ lymphedema is much less common and is caused by faulty genes which prevent your lymph system from developing properly. It often runs in families.
Lymphedema Symptoms
Uncomfortable swelling in part of all of the limb that's affected. To begin with the swelling may settle overnight and become more noticeable as the day wears on.
Restriction of movement.
A sensation of heaviness or aching of the limb.
The skin (and jewelry or clothes you put on it) feels tight.
Leaking of clear fluid from the skin.
Thickening of the skin.
A skin infection called cellulitis. Red, hot, swollen, painful patches of skin are often accompanied by fever and feeling generally unwell.
Lymphedema Treatment
A combination treatment called decongestive lymphatic therapy may be recommended. This usually includes:
Regular exercises of the affected limb(s), which can improve lymphatic drainage.
Compression bandages to help improve the drainage of lymphatic fluid, and cut the degree to which it recurs.
Manual lymphatic drainage - a specialized form of massage, designed to stimulate lymphatic drainage.
Skin care to reduce the risk of the skin infection called cellulitis.
Lipedema
Lipedema is caused by an abnormal build-up of fat cells, and is almost exclusively a female condition. Unlike lymphedema, it isn't caused by surgery or infection - often running in families and tends to develop during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.
Though we often think of fat cells as being associated with being overweight, many women with lipedema are within their normal weight range.
Lipedema Symptoms
Lipedema most commonly affects the whole of both legs and less often arms.
Your legs, hips and buttocks may look out of proportion with the rest of your body.
It may start at around puberty, or possibly during pregnancy.
Lipedema does not affect feet or hands. This means that it may look as if there is a band or bracelet around your ankles or wrists.
As well as being swollen, your legs may feel achy, and you can develop small broken blood vessels or bruising.
You may develop restriction of movement in your limbs and find it difficult to keep active.
Lipedema Treatment
There are two main groups of treatment for lipedema: surgical and nonsurgical.
Just like lymphedema, nonsurgical treatment utilizes decongestive lymphatic therapy. Surgical treatment involves liposuction, specifically water-assisted liposuction and tumescent liposuction, to remove the lipedema fat. The procedure uses a hollow tube that is placed under the skin to suction the fat tissue. Several sessions may be needed depending on the amount of abnormal fat.
Whether you think you may be suffering from lymphedema or lipedema - or you are still unsure - the best thing you can do is talk to your doctor about your symptoms. They will be able to correctly diagnose you and recommend the best treatment option for your unique needs.
Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Treatment Center is the premier vein specialty medical practice in the Central Valley. Dr. Mario H. Gonzalez and his staff offer years of experience and medical expertise that you won’t find anywhere else. Contact us to set up a consultation appointment.