Lipedema for Lympedema: understand the differences and find out how diagnosis is made

Lipedema for Lympedema: understand the differences and find out how diagnosis is made


Both are chronic conditions and do not have a definitive care




Have you ever heard that the legs often swell, even without a significant increase in weight? Or does that fat accumulated in the thighs seem painful and difficult to eliminate, even with diet and exercise? These can be signs of two distinct but often confused conditions: Lipedema and Linfedema.

What are the main differences between Lipedema and Lympedema?

Lipedema is a chronic condition, characterized by the symmetrical and painful accumulation of subcutaneous fat, especially in the legs and, in some cases, in the arms. “A typical sign is that the feet remain saved. It almost exclusively reaches women, often with family history, and is linked to hormonal changes”, explains dr. Guilherme Jonas, angiologist and vascular surgeon.

Lymphdema, on the other hand, occurs when there is a defect in the lymphatic system, which leads to the accumulation of lymph in the tissues and consequent persistent swelling, which can also reach the feet and ankles. “It can be primary (of congenital origin) or secondary (due to surgery, radiotherapy, infections or trauma interventions),” he adds.

Do these conditions have a care?

Both are chronic conditions, that is, they do not have a definitive care. However, early diagnosis and adequate treatment can provide relief from symptoms and prevent progression.

“In the case of the Lipedema, it is possible to obtain a great clinical and aesthetic improvement with changes in the lifestyle, lymphatic drainage, the use of compression socks, stimulus technologies and muscle contraction as well as improving inflammation and swelling and, in more advanced cases, procedures such as specialized liposuction”, explains the doctor.

For lymphedema, attention is paid to reducing swelling and prevention of infections, through dysfustive therapy, skin care and, if necessary, mechanical compression technologies or surgery (such as lymph node transplantation).

How is the treatment done?

The success of the treatment is in personalized and multidisciplinary approaches.

“In Lipedema, we indicate anti -inflammatory diet, drugs, manual lymphatic drainage, light physical activity (such as aerobics of water, bodybuilding and walking), compression therapy with socks and, when indicated, surgery. In the lymphedema, the treatment involves an intensive treatment of decay, everyday use and rigorous care to avoid infectious complications such as Erisipi.

Which of the two conditions requires more attention?

Although the Lipedema intensely affects self -esteem and can evolve into advanced phases with functional limitation of the lower limbs and mobility, the doctor explains that the lymphedema has a greater clinical risk. “This is because the accumulation of untreated lymph favors serious infections such as erisipela and cellulite, which may evolve into complications such as ulcerations. Therefore, a continuous follow -Up is essential,” he warns.

How is the diagnosis made?

The diagnosis is clinical and based on the experience of the expert.

• In the lipedema, we observe a painful symmetrical fat, saving the feet.

• In lymphedema, swelling can include feet, often asymmetrical and hardening of the skin.

“Exams such as vascular ultrasound, lymphocychinography and other imaging methods help to differentiate these conditions from others, such as obesity or venous insufficiency”, concludes the expert.

Source: Terra

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