While the rise of obesity in Australia has been in the media spotlight for many years, it’s a sad reality that for 1 in 10 women, their weight gain has nothing to do with diet or lack or exercise. In fact, it could be a condition called lipoedema causing lower body weight gain. Although lipoedema is a chronic medical condition, because sufferers experience either no symptoms or mild symptoms such as fat accumulation that looks like cellulite, it is often misdiagnosed or misunderstood by physicians.
Australian cosmetic doctor/phlebologist Dr Peter Paraskevas of the Sculpture Clinic (part of the Paras Clinic Group) says, “Lipoedema is a chronic, progressive medical condition and I’ve seen first-hand how many patients suffer stress and emotional trauma from the condition, especially those who have been incorrectly diagnosed.”
One such patient is 40-year old Kate from Melbourne, who says the correct diagnosis and treatment of her lipoedema by Dr. Peter has changed her life.
Dr. Peter recommended Tumescent Based Liposuction, the Gold Standard treatment for Lipoedema. “In my opinion and in the opinion of many Liposuctionists in Australia, it is best performed under local anaesthesia with only very mild oral sedation and pain relief to allow for better results, faster recovery and less pain”, he said.
The beauty of this ground-breaking treatment is that once the fat is removed, it will not come back. After months of hiding her lower body, Kate is now back to wearing dresses.
As a staunch supporter of Lipoedema Awareness month this June, Dr Paraskevas explains how to recognise and treat lipoedema:
What is lipoedema?
Lipoedema is a chronic progressive medical disease characterised by painful, abnormal and disproportionate accumulation of fat cells in the hips, thighs, buttocks, legs and arms. Sufferers may have a size 6 upper body and a size 16 lower body.
Those in the early stages often have column-shaped legs and as the condition worsens the fat continues to build up and the lower half of their body becomes heavier. They may complain of pressure or discomfort in the thighs and lower legs, bruise easily and experience fluid build up in the lower legs. As the condition progresses, the fat increases in size, becomes lumpier and more disproportionate than regular cellulite fat and cannot be exercised or dieted away. The condition may manifest during puberty, pregnancy or around the time of menopause.
How can it be treated?
As lipoedema not only affects mobility, but can also lead to depression, anxiety and body dysmorphia, early diagnosis is crucial. After other conditions are ruled out, patients can discuss support services with their local GP.
- Manual lymphatic drainage (usually provided by a lymphatic nurse) can help alleviate swelling in the legs.
- Graduated compression stockings will assist with swelling and discomfort.
- Any underlying conditions that will exacerbate the overall condition such as
varicose vein disease should be investigated and treated. - It is recommended patients lead a healthy and active lifestyle and reduce all body fat.
- Non-surgical liposculpture (considered the ‘Gold Standard’ treatment for lipoedema) performed under local anaesthesia will offer sustained and permanent results.
For more information on this new technology visit www.sculptureclinic.com.au
Dr Paraskevas (MBBS, FRACGP, FACP, GCertHSc) runs the Sculpture Clinic situated in Collins Street, Melbourne.
