World Lipedema Day: More attention for an often underestimated disease
What exactly is lipedema?
Prof. Knut Kröger: Lipedema is a chronic disorder of fat distribution. In this condition, fatty tissue increases pathologically, usually in the legs and arms. It is important to understand that it has nothing to do with classic obesity. The affected areas are often extremely sensitive to pressure, feel tense, and bruise easily. In addition, patients frequently experience psychological and social burdens, body image issues, frustration, and despair.
When does lipedema usually first appear?
Prof. Knut Kröger: The disease often begins during periods of hormonal changes, for example during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.
Why are some women affected while others are not? What triggers lipedema?
Prof. Knut Kröger: There is no single trigger for lipedema. It is more likely caused by a multifactorial interaction of genetics, hormones, and abnormalities of the blood vessels and fatty tissue.
Why does it sometimes take so long to diagnose?
Prof. Knut Kröger: Lipedema is a significantly underdiagnosed disease. Many patients go through years of suffering before receiving a diagnosis. That is why awareness and education are particularly important.
How is lipedema treated?
Prof. Knut Kröger: Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms. Initially, conservative measures such as compression therapy, exercise, and manual lymphatic drainage are used. If these do not sufficiently relieve symptoms, liposuction — the surgical removal of the pathologically altered fatty tissue — may be beneficial.
Does liposuction help patients with lipedema?
Dr. Truong Quang Vu Phan: Yes. Liposuction for lipedema is not a cosmetic procedure, but a medically recognized treatment. The goal is not cosmetic perfection, but pain relief and restoration of mobility. Modern techniques such as water-assisted or vibration-assisted liposuction are very gentle on the tissue. The aim is quality of life, not merely aesthetics. Depending on the severity of the lipedema, several procedures may be necessary, and follow-up care remains very important.
Does liposuction permanently resolve symptoms in the treated areas?
Dr. Truong Quang Vu Phan: Yes and no. Liposuction can permanently remove the diseased fatty tissue as a therapeutic measure. However, it does not cure the disease itself. Fat can still accumulate in untreated or newly affected areas. This is not a local redistribution, but rather the usual pattern of fat accumulation associated with weight gain. Nevertheless, we see that reducing the burden on the lymphatic system and decreasing pain is often life-changing for these women.
What advice would you give to women who suspect they may be affected and are suffering from it?
Prof. Knut Kröger: The most important thing is obtaining the correct diagnosis. No one should simply have to endure the pain and psychological burden. Lipedema has nothing to do with poor nutrition; it is a serious chronic disease. The first and most important step is referral from a general practitioner to a specialist. This may be an angiologist, dermatologist, or phlebologist.
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