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Lipedema

The Vein Care Center, serving Lima, Celina and the surrounding Auglaize County area, provides cutting-edge treatments for vascular conditions that may also include lipedema. With a team led by Dr. Manu B. Aggarwal, a board-certified family physician who is venous and lymphatic medicine-certified and aesthetic laser-certified, the center offers compassionate, expert care to patients with lipedema and other venous disorders.

What Is Lipedema?

Lipedema is a chronic disorder characterized by an abnormal buildup of fat. It typically affects the lower half of the body, including the thighs, buttocks and sometimes the arms. This condition predominantly impacts women and often leads to pain, tenderness and swelling that worsens throughout the day. Unlike general obesity, lipedema fat does not respond to diet and exercise, making it especially frustrating for those who suffer from it.

One of the key features of lipedema is its distinct pattern of fat accumulation. The lower extremities are affected, while the feet and hands are spared, creating a disproportionate body shape. In more advanced cases, lipedema can hinder mobility and lead to psychological distress.

How Is Lipedema Diagnosed?

Lipedema is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examination and patient history. Doctors look for the classic signs of uneven fat distribution, pain in the affected areas and easy bruising.

At the Vein Care Center, Dr. Aggarwal and her experienced team use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to ensure a thorough evaluation and accurate diagnosis. Early identification is crucial to managing symptoms and slowing the progression of the condition.

What Causes Lipedema?

The exact cause of lipedema remains unknown, but there are several factors believed to play a role in its development, including:

  • Hormonal changes: Lipedema often occurs or worsens during hormonal fluctuations, such as puberty, pregnancy or menopause.
  • Genetics: There are indications of a hereditary component, as the condition often runs in families.
  • Lymphatic dysfunction: While not entirely understood, some theories suggest that lipedema may involve dysfunction in the lymphatic system, which manages fluid balance in the body.

Symptoms of Lipedema

Lipedema can manifest through a variety of symptoms, including:

01 /
Fat deposits

Abnormal fat buildup in the legs, thighs, buttocks and arms, often giving the lower body a “column-like” appearance

02 /
Pain and tenderness

Sufferers may experience pain, particularly when pressure is applied to the affected areas

03 /
Easy bruising

Due to the fragility of the blood vessels in the fatty tissue

04 /
Swelling

Unlike general edema, the swelling caused by lipedema does not respond to typical measures like elevating the legs or reducing salt intake

05 /
Mobility issues

In advanced cases, fat accumulation can hinder movement, leading to reduced quality of life

The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Management

Early diagnosis of lipedema is essential to prevent the disorder from progressing to more advanced stages. Left untreated, lipedema can lead to increased mobility issues, worsening pain and emotional distress. By recognizing the signs early and seeking medical advice, patients can implement treatments like compression therapy and lifestyle alterations to slow the progression of the disease.

Lifestyle changes can be crucial for managing lipedema symptoms. Incorporating low-impact exercises such as cycling, swimming or yoga can help improve lymphatic drainage and reduce swelling. Additionally, a healthy, balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods may help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with the condition. These proactive steps, combined with professional treatments available at the Vein Care Center, can help patients maintain a higher quality of life while managing lipedema.

Treatment Options for Lipedema

The Vein Care Center offers several treatment options aimed at managing the symptoms of lipedema and preventing further progression. These treatments are designed to relieve pain and improve mobility, but they do not cure the underlying condition. Treatment plans are tailored to the individual, ensuring each patient receives the lipedema care best suited to their needs.

Conservative Treatments

  • Compression therapy: Wearing specially designed compression garments helps reduce swelling and discomfort by improving lymphatic flow and blood circulation in the affected areas.
  • Lymphatic drainage massage: This gentle massage technique encourages the flow of lymphatic fluid, helping to relieve the swelling and discomfort associated with lipedema.

Surgical Treatment (NOT OFFERED HERE)

  • Liposuction: Liposuction is one of the most effective treatments for managing the fat accumulation caused by lipedema. It is performed using advanced techniques that target the abnormal fat deposits while minimizing trauma to the surrounding tissues. This procedure can help improve body contours and reduce the pain and swelling that accompany lipedema.
    • We work with large centers in the state and country to get our patients where they need to be to get the best care. These can include The Ohio State University, The Cleveland Clinic and others.

Lipedema Care at the Vein Care Center

The Vein Care Center team is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. Dr. Manu Aggarwal and her staff understand the physical and emotional toll lipedema can take, and they go above and beyond to make patients feel supported every step of the way.

From your initial consultation to post-treatment care, the staff at the Vein Care Center treat each patient with the utmost respect and care. Their team includes certified lymphedema therapists, family nurse practitioners and medical assistants with years of experience, and they are all committed to improving your quality of life.

This personal approach, combined with the use of cutting-edge technology, sets the Vein Care Center apart as a leader in treating lipedema and other vascular conditions. Our staff will work closely with you to develop a lipedema treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you suspect you have lipedema or have been diagnosed with the condition, the team at the Vein Care Center is here to help. With convenient locations in Lima and Celina, OH, you can receive the specialized care needed to manage your lipedema symptoms and improve your overall well-being.

To learn more about the treatment options for lipedema at the Vein Care Center, call (419) 227-4472 to schedule a consultation or contact us online. Our caring, knowledgeable staff is ready to guide you through every step of your treatment so you feel comfortable, informed and empowered throughout your journey.

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Professional Skin and Beauty Care at Our Aesthetic Treatment Center

Aesthetic Care Center, our specialized aesthetic treatment facility led by Dr. Aggarwal, combines advanced anti-aging technologies with personalized treatment plans to address your unique skin concerns. Our comprehensive suite of medical-grade aesthetic services includes the latest innovations in skin rejuvenation and body contouring, such as Botox, RF microneedling and truSculpt, all delivered with the same expertise and attention to detail that defines our vein care practice. Begin your transformation with a complimentary skin care screening, where we’ll create a customized plan to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

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