Living in a society that’s hyper-focused on weight loss solutions doesn’t make it easy to look past what the scale says is true. Between the diets, exercise and an endless supply of supplements on the market, it can be devasting to have a weight loss plan in place only to see the numbers on the scale rising. While some initially view this struggle as a failure to achieve physical goals, for nearly 11% of the global female population, diet and exercise won’t ever be enough to see a change. What looks like traditional weight gain from the outside may, in fact, be symptoms associated with a disease known as Lipedema.
Early Signs of Lipedema
Early signs of Lipedema often strike women in their mid-20s and continue to progress from there. Lipedema is a disease that causes fat cells to unnaturally and excessively collect in the limbs and is often linked to a genetic predisposition. While many women who suffer from Lipedema initially believe they are simply gaining weight, the effects of this disease can quickly transform into pockets of fat that present in a distorted pattern on the arms and legs. Symptoms associated with the excessive buildup of fat cells in the body include painful swelling that is often accompanied by bruising and numbness. Patients that suffer from advanced stages of Lipedema often find their daily mobility to be reduced and in some extreme cases, entirely impossible.
The Continued Search for a Cure
One of the most frustrating aspects of seeking medical solutions for patients with Lipedema is a culture of misdiagnoses. Far too often, patients are told their symptoms are nothing more than the effects of obesity and a strict diet and exercise regimen is prescribed. Unfortunately, Lipedema does not respond to either of these recommendations and will continue to worsen over time without the proper care put in place. While compression therapy can achieve short-term results by successfully alleviating minimal amounts of swelling, liposuction is generally the only way to ensure any type of long-term results.
Finding a Physician Who Can Help
It’s important that patients suffering from Lipedema do their research before seeking liposuction treatments for Lipedema as the process of removing diseased fat cells and tissue requires a highly-experienced physician. In the hands of a trained professional, a patient that undergoes liposuction to treat Lipedema can experience a significant reduction in limb swelling and regain mobility that was previously reduced due to pain.
A Patient-First Perspective
When you’re suffering with Lipedema, let Dr. Wright and his team at the St. Louis Laser Lipo and Vein Center help. Experienced, understanding and taking a comprehensive approach to patient care, Dr. Wright is able to help patients struggling with the symptoms of Lipedema find customized solutions that lead to change. Contact our office to schedule an initial consultation.
