Liopedema

Welcome to our Liopedema information page, your dedicated resource for expert care in Lipoedema management. Our team of highly trained specialists is committed to providing advanced, personalised treatment and care for a range of lymphoedema and lipoedema needs. From initial assessments and diagnoses to tailored treatments and aftercare, we are committed to caring for your individual needs.

What is Lipoedema?

Lipoedema is a genetic condition that causes an abnormal buildup of fat and connective tissue in the body. It is a condition that mainly affects women, with symptoms usually beginning around puberty or at other times of hormonal change, i.e. pregnancy/menopause. These changes then trigger the development of excess fat in the legs, buttocks, and sometimes the arms.

Lipoedema is characterised by pain, swelling, and tenderness and it affects both sides of the body equally. Lipoedema fat is different from normal fat, recognised as excess weight. It doesn’t respond to generic exercise regimes or low-calorie diets and it can often be misdiagnosed as either obesity or lymphoedema.

It is important to remember that the irregular build-up of fat cells seen in lipoedema can occur in people of all weight ranges.

Symptoms and Causes:

Whilst the cause of Lipoedema is generally unknown, It is commonly accompanied by hormonal or inflammatory disorders such as coeliac disease, hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome, vitamin D deficiency, arthritis, and fibromyalgia. However, evidence of direct links between lipoedema and these conditions is currently very limited.

Some ways to identify Lipoedema:

Swollen legs

Your legs (or other affected areas) are symmetrically swollen

Dimpled skin

Soft and dimply-looking skin in the affected area

Bruise-prone

Bruising easily and tenderness to touch

Pain

The affected area feels uncomfortable and often hurts

Lipoedema Treatment and Management

Whilst you cannot simply lose the fat associated with lipoedema, there are certain ways in which you can manage it and a select few treatments that can help those living with lipoedema.

Treatments for Lipoedema:

Compression Therapy
– bandages are used to squeeze the affected area tightly to help compress and improve muscle function.

Gentle self or specialist-provided lymphatic massage
– this helps to move any fluids from the affected area, as well as helping with mobility.

Low-Impact Exercise
– exercise such as swimming and walking can help to improve circulation and aid mobility.

Whether you or a loved one is dealing with Lipoedema, we’re here to help.

Patient Self Referral

What to expect:

Step One

For you the patient/family member

Complete the Self Referral Form & upload photographs

Self Refer

Step Two

For Pioneer

Lymphoedema Consultant Practitioner will review your comments and photographs to understand which clinician is best suited to help you and your condition

Step Three

For you to consider

We will contact you as soon as possible and if we can help, we will offer you an appointment in one of our clinics or via a video call if clinically appropriate

“I am writing this on behalf of my 92 year old mother who has been in receipt of excellent support from your Lymphoedema team. For the last year and a half Pioneer has been working tirelessly with the very challenging oedema in my mothers arm and hand. At present, visiting us at home twice a week in an attempt to reduce the size of mums arm and hand. I am pleased to say that this is successful and its probably smaller than at any time during treatment which is purely due to Pioneers dedication and ability to think ‘out of the box’ in how to tackle the difficulties….”