Lipoedema in slim people - does it exist?

Lipoedema is a fat distribution disorder. For this reason, it is often assumed that only overweight people can be affected. However, can lipoedema also occur in slim people? When should you go to the doctor if you suspect you have lipoedema? We will answer these and other questions for you now.

What are the first signs of lipoedema even though you are slim?

Contrary to what many people think, lipoedema can also affect slim people and is not a disease that is restricted to overweight people. Just as with all other lipoedema patients, lipoedema can be recognised in slim people, as this fat distribution disorder is accompanied by clear symptoms.

A typical sign of lipoedema in slim people is heavy, painful and usually also pressure-sensitive legs. Swelling during the day and during activity is also not uncommon. Many patients also complain of hardening of the tissue and permanently cold legs.

With lipoedema in slim people, the body remains slim, with only the arms and legs showing thickening and fat deposits over time. Lipoedema is also often accompanied by noticeable cellulite and nodules, making the skin appear uneven.

When should a doctor be consulted?

Are you slim and suspect you have lipoedema? If you have symptoms or notice a change in your arms and legs, you should consult a doctor for clarification.

In most cases, only experienced specialists can recognise lipoedema in slim people. Inexperienced doctors often associate the diagnosis of lipoedema with obesity and overweight. Therefore, if you suspect you have lipoedema, it is best to consult a doctor who specialises in it.

Lipoedema in slim people is something that has often existed since puberty. You may therefore have been carrying around insecurities about your disproportionate body for a long time. If this is the case, you should make an appointment with a specialist who is familiar with the condition and can recognise lipoedema in slim people.

What can slim people do to combat lipoedema?

Compression tights and/or manual lymphatic drainage can alleviate symptoms. However, lipoedema persists, as this is a symptomatic treatment approach, and often has to be surgically removed sooner or later, so that life without compression is also possible.

As with all other lipoedema patients, lipoedema is removed from slim people with the help of liposuction. Liposuction is a common method for lipoedema and is very effective.

Why does liposuction help slim people with lipoedema?

In the case of lipoedema in slim people, it may be confusing at first to perform liposuction. After all, we are not talking about an overweight person, but a slim person with little body fat.

Nevertheless, liposuction is also advisable for slim people with lipoedema. The procedure is a special liposuction that attempts to remove the majority of the diseased fat cells. This is because lipoedema can only stop spreading and causing discomfort once there are no more diseased cells.

Liposuction for slim people is therefore not primarily about removing fatty tissue in general, but about reducing the fatty tissue that is responsible for the condition. For this reason, liposuction is also the best and most effective method for lipoedema in slim people.

Our lipoedema experts will also be happy to provide you with further information in a personal dialogue available!