LIPOEDEMA

Find out more about

Lipoedema is a long-term condition whereby there is a disproportionate accumulation of adipose tissue (fat) below the waist, and sometimes in the arms too. It can make hips, buttocks and legs out of proportion with your upper body and waist.

Symptoms and Causes

Symptoms

A change in weight and disproportionate shape are the main symptoms.
Tenderness and painful legs are commonly reported symptoms by those affected.
Some report the sensation of severely heavy legs.
The tissue in the affected areas can have a 'grainy' feel to it.

Causes

The changes in body shape are caused by an increase in adipose tissue (fat). This increase around the legs usually begins during hormonal changes in the body such as pregnancy, puberty, and menopause.

Are you Struggling to Get a Diagnosis?

Many women with lipoedema find their concerns are dismissed or misunderstood by healthcare professionals.

While we recommend seeing your GP in the first instance to rule out other possible causes of symptoms, it’s important to know that lipoedema is often missed in general practice. GPs may not be familiar with the condition, and when recognised, referrals to local services are frequently rejected causing delays in access to proper assessment and care.

If your GP has been unable to support you, or you feel you haven’t been taken seriously, you're not alone. Our specialist nurses are experienced in recognising and managing lipoedema and can offer clinical assessment, guidance, and a pathway to the right treatment. We’re here to listen, to help clarify your diagnosis, and to support you in accessing the care you deserve.

Assessment

At a specialist lipoedema assessment with LymphVision, you can expect an understanding approach where your symptoms, history, and concerns are listened to carefully.

Our specialists will discuss your experiences, and take measurements or photos (with your consent) to help with diagnosis and treatment planning. They will assess the areas affected by lipoedema, checking for patterns in fat distribution, tissue texture, and tenderness, to help build an accurate picture of your condition.

You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of your condition, practical advice tailored to your needs, and, if appropriate, recommendations for treatments, therapies, or lifestyle changes.

The goal is to support you, help manage symptoms, and improve your comfort, mobility, and confidence.

Treating lipoedema

While there is currently no cure for lipoedema, there are many ways to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment focuses on reducing pain and heaviness, supporting healthy tissue, and helping you stay active and confident.

At LymphVision, we offer a tailored approach based on your individual needs. This may include specialised compression therapy, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), kinesiotaping, and guidance on movement, skincare, and nutrition. We also provide education and support to help you understand your condition and make informed choices.

Our team is experienced in working with people affected by lipoedema and understands the physical and emotional impact it can have. You’ll be treated with respect, sensitivity, and a commitment to helping you feel heard, supported, and empowered.

How we can help...

Do you have/think you might have Lipoedema?

Has your healthcare professional or GP been unable to help, or disagreed with your concerns? Have you felt your symptoms were minimised by those you sought help from?

Do you have specialist liposuction surgery for your lipoedema planned? Do you need support with pre or post operative lymphatic drainage?

LymphVision have trained registered nurses who specialise in this condition, offering a range of treatments, advice and guidance. Our nurses are lead trainers for the only Lipoedema course available globally (at time of writing) and have access to world leaders who share the most up to date research and guidance on many aspects of diagnosis and care.

We can help with assessment and differential diagnosis to support you in accessing the right care and treatment. We offer a range of treatment options in clinic and can also support your self-care. With so much information online, we can help you navigate what is helpful and accurate based on the clinical evidence, and not based on hearsay.

We understand the impact on women’s daily lives and the despair and frustration it can lead to when healthcare professionals do not understand the condition and its’ symptoms. We are here to listen to you, to help where we can and to offer support and guidance. We can signpost you to the most appropriate support for your circumstances.