People with a lipedema diagnosis should understand the difference between lipedema and regular fat. While to the untrained eye, fat may appear to be just fat, that isn't always the case. Lipedema fat and regular fat are very different in terms of their composition. They're also very different in terms of how they respond to lifestyle changes. Lipedema fat is more fibrous and nodular than regular fat. It also distributes itself differently across the body. Lipedema fat also causes pain and bruising, while regular fat does not.

Does Lipedema Fat Look Different to Regular Fat?

Many people that all fat is the same, but that is not the case. In fact, lipedema fat looks different from regular fat. Its appearance differs both on the body and under a microscope.

Under a microscope, lipedema fat is denser and more nodular. Conversely, regular fat has a fluffier, softer texture.

The way lipedema fat distributes itself on the body is also different from regular fat. Lipedema fat accumulates unevenly around the body, most often on the lower part of the body. Most patients have large legs and often large hips and buttocks, too, although sometimes the arms are affected, as well. Eventually, many patients find their lower body is a couple of sizes larger than their upper body. Over time, it creates a disproportionate look that causes self-consciousness and low self-esteem.

Regular fat, on the other hand, generally affects the whole body. While some people naturally have larger areas than others, the individual looks large overall without any obviously slimmer areas.

A further difference is that lipedema fat doesn't affect the hands or feet. There is usually a cuff of fat around the wrists and ankles. On the other hand, regular fat affects the hands and feet. There's also no obvious fat cuff on the ankles and wrists.

Lipedema fat also causes lobules to develop. These are large growths of fat that hang from areas like the upper arms and thighs. Lobules are a key symptom of lipedema and don't occur in cases of obesity.

Learn More - Understanding Types of Fat and Lipedema Treatment

Does Lipedema Fat Feel Different to Regular Fat?

Not only does lipedema fat look different from regular fat, but it feels different too. Regular fat feels relatively smooth and soft to the touch. Conversely, lipedema fat has a nodular texture. It may feel like grains of rice, peas, or even walnuts below the skin. It is this feature that sets lipedema firmly apart from regular fat.

Does Lipedema Fat Respond Differently to Lifestyle Changes?

It is very important for lipedema sufferers to understand that lipedema fat and regular fat respond differently to lifestyle changes. A healthy diet and regular exercise cause the body to burn regular fat. As a result, the level of fat in the body reduces and the individual slims down. That doesn't happen with lipedema fat, because lipedema fat doesn't respond to dieting and working out. If a lipedema sufferer goes on a crash diet, they'll only lose regular fat, not lipedema fat. That can leave their body with an even more disproportionate appearance. Their lower body may be several sizes bigger than their upper body. It's possible to have an eating disorder and still have lipedema fat. While unaffected areas can be extremely thin, affected areas remain stubbornly large.

That is a problem that many lipedema patients experience. Doctors frequently misdiagnose lipedema sufferers with obesity, especially in the early stages. That means they waste a long time fruitlessly working out and dieting only for it to have no impact. When this occurs, their self-esteem drops, and they begin to feel depressed and anxious. Once the lipedema fat develops, the only way to eliminate it is with surgery.

Can Weight Loss Surgery Treat Lipedema?

Some people with lipedema wonder if weight loss surgery can treat their condition. Unfortunately, it appears to have little or no impact. Patients with lipedema who undergo weight loss surgery find it only works on regular fat, not lipedema fat. If they have obesity as well as lipedema, their obesity will improve. Unfortunately, the lipedema fat remains, causing them still to look large.

Fortunately, there is a different type of surgery that can treat lipedema. That is liposuction. Liposuction for lipedema addresses the cause of the condition – the abnormal fat. It removes the lipedema fat via suction and, in doing so, improves the patient's quality of life. Patients experience less pain and better mobility afterward. They also have better self-esteem as their body achieves a more proportionate and attractive appearance. It is crucial to find the right surgeon to perform lipedema liposuction. Dr. Su is an expert in liposuction and in treating lipedema patients. He produces impressive outcomes for people at all stages of the disease. To find out more and arrange a consultation, contact the ArtLipo team today.