Self-diagnosis of lipedema can prove to be particularly useful. Early awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of lipedema are of critical importance, since the more advanced the stage, the more difficult the treatment. From our experience, there seems to be a significant gap in this area, both within the medical community and among patients.
Most women who visit our clinic have not been referred by another doctor but have randomly found information online or through another source and have essentially identified their symptoms by reading about lipedema. In reality, they have already performed a self-diagnosis of lipedema.
To facilitate this process, we have created a questionnaire that helps patients who suspect they may have lipedema confirm it and categorize their symptoms according to the stage they are in.
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Self-Diagnosis of Lipedema:
Factors You Should Know
Lipedema remains a condition of unknown cause to this day. We know that certain factors play a role in its appearance and severity, but we do not know exactly what role each factor plays or to what extent. From the medical studies carried out so far, we know that lipedema can be influenced by:
- Diet
- Genetics
- Hormonal changes
- Body weight
- Environmental pollution
These factors may contribute to the onset of the condition or aggravate its severity. Unfortunately, we do not yet know the exact extent of each factor’s involvement, but many international studies are being conducted to shed light on the mystery that still surrounds lipedema.
The Pathophysiology of Lipedema
What should we know from a pathophysiological perspective in order to make a correct self-diagnosis of lipedema? At this level, we observe many different changes, both at the level of fat cells and at the level of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. All studies suggest that it is a metabolic inflammatory disease of adipose tissue, accompanied by changes in the endothelium of small vessels and capillaries around the fat, as well as damage to lymphatic vessels.
Fat cells change histologically and function like a “damaged sponge,” constantly leaking fluids. These fluids around the fat cells create the characteristic appearance of swelling.
Since lipedema is a chronic and progressive condition, the continuous accumulation of fluids in the intercellular space creates a vicious cycle. Proteins called proteoglycans begin to accumulate between tissues, further burdening lymphatic fluid stagnation.
Changes in the endothelium of blood and lymphatic vessels also seem to worsen the problem, as fluids escape more easily from the vessels into the intercellular space.
Although lipedema is an independent disease, it is often mistaken for obesity or other disorders, which leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Environmental Pollution as a Cause of Lipedema
In recent years, we have observed a rise in the number of lipedema cases, which may be due to greater public awareness and, consequently, improved self-diagnosis of lipedema, as well as better worldwide diagnosis or the increase in global obesity rates.
However, the increased number of cases may also be linked, apart from dietary factors, to environmental changes—particularly environmental pollution from microplastics.
Recent studies show that the spread of microplastics in our natural environment is enormous. They are now found in soil, water, food, animals, plants, and even in embryos.
Microplastics are being thoroughly investigated by many clinical and medical studies, as they are potentially linked to multiple conditions such as autism, attention deficit disorder, infertility, and various metabolic diseases.
Lipedema and Microplastics
Microplastics are substances resulting from the breakdown of plastics released into our environment. They are microscopic, infiltrating the entire ecosystem, and inevitably end up in the human body.
It is estimated that we consume every week a quantity of microplastics equivalent to the size of a credit card. Studies suggest these substances mimic certain growth hormones in our bodies, such as IGF, and can trigger various metabolic diseases.
The role of IGF in lipedema is still under investigation and appears to be important, so it is quite possible that microplastics also influence the appearance and severity of lipedema to some degree. We hope that in the future we will know more about this connection.
Metabolic Diseases and Lipedema
Sometimes metabolic diseases coexist with lipedema, without showing a clear correlation between the two. However, when a metabolic disorder is present, it is absolutely necessary that it is properly controlled before starting lipedema treatment.
Such metabolic conditions include type 2 diabetes and hypothyroidism. In both cases, patients may experience weight gain and difficulty losing weight, which, as mentioned, can completely destabilize lipedema. Additionally, patients with lipedema should be examined by an endocrinologist to identify and manage hormonal or gynecological conditions.
It is also worth mentioning the use of antidiabetic medications for weight loss in relation to lipedema. So far, no direct effect of such drugs—such as Ozempic and Saxenda—on lipedema has been confirmed. However, their use is sometimes recommended to achieve satisfactory weight loss before therapeutic procedures. In every case, the use of such medications should only be done following evaluation by an endocrinologist or another qualified physician.
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Enhance your silhouette as it deserves.
Lipedema treatment focuses on body harmony—without pain, swelling, or unnecessary exhaustion.
Self-Diagnosis of Lipedema
Self-diagnosis of lipedema can prove to be particularly useful.
Lipedema and Nutrition
The role of nutrition in lipedema is very important, as certain foods significantly affect both the progression and treatment of the condition.
Lipedema and Genetics
Statistical data shows a correlation between lipedema and heredity.
Lipedema and Hormonal Changes
A woman’s hormonal profile and hormonal changes throughout her life play a major role in the onset of lipedema.
Lipedema and Obesity
Body weight plays a significant role in the manifestation of lipedema, but in turn, lipedema often leads to difficulty in maintaining a healthy body weight.
Lipedema Treatment with Liposuction
To this day, liposuction remains the most recommended and widely accepted treatment for lipedema at any stage or extent.
Conservative Management
Conservative treatment usually focuses on lifestyle and dietary changes, aiming to improve lipid balance in the female body.
After Liposuction for Lipedema
Recovery after liposuction is a critical phase for the successful outcome of the procedure.
Surgical Correction of Skin Laxity
A common concern among lipedema patients is what will happen to the skin after weight loss or extensive liposuction.
Dr. Prodromos Papaioannou
He completed his specialty in Plastic Surgery in Germany, at Pirmasens Hospital, Asklepios Wandsbek Hospitals in Hamburg, the University Hospital of Magdeburg, and the Braunschweig Clinic. He worked as a specialist–deputy director at the Braunschweig Clinic (specializing in breast reconstruction after cancer and aesthetic surgery). He also participated in scientific research and completed his doctoral thesis (Dr. Med.) at the University Hospital of Magdeburg.