If you’re wondering if lipedema and chronic venous disease can coexist, then the answer is yes. But the link between the two is not well defined. Lipedema is a disease characterized by the excessive and irregular accumulation of fatty tissues in the thighs, lower legs, and sometimes the arms. Many experts have observed that more and more people with lipedema are developing venous incompetency. Liposuction is one of the best ways to treat lipedema. But before going under the knife, you need to have your veins and arteries checked by a specialist.
Some symptoms experienced by people with lipedema are also present in those with varicose veins. These include aching, tiredness, and heaviness in the legs. Currently, it’s not possible to detect lipedema through a blood or urine test. This is why lipedema is often mistaken for other problems, including varicose veins.
To determine if you have lipedema, the specialist will rely on your medical history and physical examination to rule out similar conditions. Since lipedema and varicose veins share similar symptoms, it’s a good idea to check for problems in the veins first. If incompetent veins are detected, treating them may reduce the pain and alleviate other symptoms that you may be experiencing.
Having vein problems can cause stress on the lymphatic system and can worsen the effects of lipedema. If you’re experiencing swelling or edema, an overloaded lymphatic system could be the cause. It’s also possible that your lymphatic system’s ability to remove fluid is affected by some of the symptoms of lipedema. Varicose veins and lipedema can put pressure on the lymphatic system, causing swelling. So it’s useful to rule out vein problems as a cause first.
Liposuction is one of the best ways to treat lipedema. It is effective in reducing fat cells and improving function and mobility. But it’s not a good idea to undergo liposuction if you have varicose veins. The veins could get punctured, resulting in excessive bleeding and blood clots. You need to get treatment for your varicose veins before going for liposuction.
If you have varicose veins, you need to find a reliable professional with extensive venous disease experience. Dr. Vinay Madan of the Center for Varicose Veins has more than 25 years of experience treating patients with varicose and spider veins. You can schedule a consultation with Dr. Madan through the centers website.
