Lipedema
What is it? How can BoxBar help?
What Is Lipedema?
Even though more than 1 in 10 women around the world are affected by lipedema, it’s still a relatively unknown health condition. What exactly is it? We all have fat cells (also known as adipose tissue), which help our body with insulation and cushioning. Lipedema affects the way that these fat cells accumulate in the body, resulting in irregular, bulging fat. This excessive clustering of fat cells is unfortunately resistant to both diet and exercise.
Lipedema is not the same thing as lymphedema or general obesity. Lipedema most commonly affects the legs, though sometimes it also affects the torso or arms. It has a tendency to affect both limbs equally and usually becomes more apparent over time. Since lipedema gets worse over time, it’s very important to get a proper diagnosis and treatment as soon as you can. As lipedema progresses, the pain, immobility, and discomfort progress as well.
Lipedema and Lymphatic Issues
The lymphatic system helps keep our body clean and tidy. It drains out any debris in cells that need to be removed. It drains out any buildup of fluids, and it also carries clean fluids back to the blood where they can be used.
With lipedema, lymph fluids don’t drain properly. If you have lipedema, you may notice a buildup of fluid in the legs. This can be painful and cause additional swelling. We have helped many patients manage this with manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) treatments.
Beauty Is Confidence™
The BoxBar team is here to support you on your lipedema journey
At a lipedema evaluation visit, BoxBar will help you take control of your lipedema care. We know it takes a toll on many aspects of your life, and we are here to help! From your very first visit with us, we’ll put you back in the driver’s seat. Are you interested in a lipedema evaluation?
Lipedema Symptoms
Skin is tender and sensitive to the touch. You may feel pressure when walking, climbing stairs, crossing your legs, or sitting for long periods of time.
The surface of the skin has bulges and valleys, like very dramatic cellulite.
The fat isn’t spread proportionately throughout your body.
Is it Lipedema, Lymphedema, or Venous Insufficiency?
Lipedema and venous insufficiency have very similar symptoms. They both cause fatigue, swelling, heaviness, and tenderness. They both tend to cause prominent veins, easy bruising, and discolored shins. Venous insufficiency, in more advanced cases, can even cause venous lymphedema and veno-lipo-lymphedema. Veno-lipo-lympedema is what happens when the lymph system is overwhelmed to the point that it can no longer clear out fatty acids from the affected tissue, and a secondary fat accumulation occurs.
Usually the best way to determine if you have lipedema or venous insufficiency is to have an ultrasound to check for venous reflux. This ultrasound is part of BoxBar’s lipedema diagnostic visit. Schedule your appointment today, and take control of your lipedema care.
Location
3216 NE 45th Pl Ste. 105
Seattle, WA 98105
Phone
Hours
Monday-Thursday: 9am-5pm