Canary Islands Lipedema Unit
El lipoedema for many patients It starts out as a cosmetic concern, but once it progresses, it can eventually cause pain and other symptoms. Lipedema is often confused with obesity or lymphedema, but it is a unique condition that requires treatment by a skilled and experienced surgeon.
Over time, the fat can become hard and fibrous, and scar tissue can form around the fat due to inflammation. If this happens, the veins and lymphatic vessels can become restricted, which will cause pain. Although there is no cure, it can be treated. Lipedema can be very frustrating both physically and mentally., especially if it goes undiagnosed. The Dr. Daniel Rodríguez Morales de los Ríos, plastic and reconstructive surgeon, is a renowned plastic surgeon and ICMCE Medical Director, Pioneer Center in creating the first Lipedema Unit in the Canary Islands
About the condition
At Lóleo Eventos, Lipedema Unit in the Canary Islands in our center located in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the Dr. Daniel Rodríguez Morales de los Ríos offers therapeutic surgical treatments and referral to non-surgical treatments for patients suffering from this condition popularly known as “painful fat disorder”.
Patients usually associate this disorder with being overweight or morbidly obese, but the truth is that a much more exhaustive review of the patient must be carried out to diagnose this pathology.. In this sense, Dr. Daniel Rodríguez Morales de los Ríos identifies the differences because in lipedema the adipose cells that are formed have an excess of fluid, in addition to fat, which causes the skin in the area to distort, change its size, shape, color, texture and sensitivity.
The areas of the body that tend to accumulate the greatest amount of fat are generally in the lower zone (thighs, knees, and calves), very rarely the middle part (torso, abdomen, hips, buttocks), but they can also accumulate in the upper part. ( arms). As a progressive disorder in men and women, Lipedema is not cured, it is only controlled. The fluid buildup can cause pressure and chronic pain in the affected body part, especially if it's near a nerve.
What are the causes?
Various ongoing investigations into the causes of lipedema suggest a genetic factor, triggered by stress, hormonal variations, or changes at puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. It can also occur in a person who is underweight; it is not limited to the weight/size of the patient. Diet and exercise modification may help alleviate symptoms, but does not eliminate the disorder since this lipoedematous fat is not diminished.
ICMCE - Canarian Institute of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery
Pioneer center in creating the first Lipedema Unit in the Canary Islands
What are the symptoms?
Patients with symptoms of lipedema identify the symmetrically swollen affected area. In the lower part of the body, thighs, knees and calves can look grossly out of proportion to the rest of the body. The fat stops at the ankle and does not affect the feet.
in the middle section, lipedema will cause the skin of the lower abdomen to sag. The buttocks will also not have a uniform amount of fat because lipedema causes it to accumulate only in the upper region, so treatment of the upper buttocks area is necessary.
The upper arms are the most visible area that can have lipedema. The skin on the arm becomes so heavy that it atrophies quickly and looks pendulous. Like the feet, the hands will not show the signs of lipedema as it will stop at the wrist.
The fat can take on an appearance similar to cellulite, which is also known as "orange peel." This disorder can be very frustrating and debilitating, especially if it goes undiagnosed. Patients suffering from lipedema may also experience:
- Pain in the affected area.
- Skin super sensitive to touch when inflamed.
- Chronic fatigue or malaise.
- Injuries and bruises easily.
- Fat pads on the middle knee.
- Swollen legs and feet after standing or moving.
- Fat resistant to diet and exercise.
El Dr. Daniel Rodríguez Morales de los Ríos cares for patients in all stages and types of lipedema who suspect something is wrong with their health when diet and exercise don't help, no matter the level of exertion. If you suspect that you may suffer from lipedema, do not hesitate to contact our Lipedema Unit in the Canary Islands in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Several types can be classified according to the affected area:
There are four types, which can develop anywhere on the body. The area with lipedema will be hypersensitive to touch, will present spider veins or varicose veins, and abnormally and asymmetrically distributed fat.
- 1 type: Subcutaneous fat has multiplied especially in the area of the buttocks and hips. The consequence is the well-known “cartridge pouches”.
- 2 type: The lipedema has spread to the knees. There is an accumulated formation of fat in the hamstrings.
- Type 3: The disease extends from the hips to the ankles.
- 4 type: The lipedema now also affects the arms. The wrists are not affected.
Stages of Lipedema
lipedema divided into three stages to describe the tissue structure and texture of the skin. The subdivision of the level of severity is carried out according to the visible surface of the skin and an examination by palpation. Although the surface of the skin still appears very smooth in the first stage, those affected may already suffer severe pain in the extremities, which prevents them from walking or standing for a long time. Therefore, the level of pain severity is not considered at first.
- Stage 1: Skin surface smooth and evenly thickened.
- Stage 2: Uneven skin surface called “orange peel”, and tissue structure with thick knots.
- Stage 3: Significant increase in volume, rough and hardened skin surface. The tissue forms thick flaps on the legs and/or arms.
Differences between lipedema and lymphedema
Lipedema and lymphedema share common features, but they are not the same conditions. A patient with lymphedema has a blockage in the lymphatic system, which means that the fluid does not drain properly in the body.
Lipedema is not initially that severe. It begins as fat that is unevenly distributed in the extremities, accumulating fluid within the fatty tissues. Until the lipedema is in the critical stages, it will not endanger and/or undermine the functionality of the lymphatic system.
The symptoms of lipedema occur on both sides of the body; which is not necessarily similar in lymphedema. In this second case, the patient may have a healthy leg and an enlarged leg in which the lymphatic vessels do not function properly.
Lymphedema does not discriminate where it appears, including the hands and feet. Lipedema stops at the wrist or ankle, which is a hallmark of the condition.
Diet and exercise can help prevent the condition from getting worse, but it does not cure it. Losing weight is very helpful, but it does not necessarily have a significant impact on the course of lipedema or lymphedema.
Both conditions have a buildup of fluid within the tissue
A compromised lymphatic system from lymphedema can make the skin prone to ulcers, infection, and blood clots. There are many similarities and differences between these two conditions..
In the Lipedema Unit in the Canary Islands and by the hand of our specialist the Dr. Daniel Rodríguez Morales de los Ríos you will get a proper diagnosis.
Diagnosis of lipedema
Having an initial consultation in the Lipedema Unit in the Canary Islands with our expert plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Daniel Rodríguez Morales de los Ríos, is the first step to get the medical help you need.
The diagnosis is made in stages (non-surgical and surgical). Dr. de los Ríos has well-trained eyes to detect lipedema. It is possible that he will perform a manual examination of your skin by massaging the doubtful areas in search of nodules.
He or she will also thoroughly review your medical and health history and look for other telltale signs of this disorder. At this time, there is no blood test to detect lipedema.
Treatments for lipedema
You can control lipedema, but treatments, no matter how aggressive, will unfortunately not cure it. Fortunately, The Lipedema Unit in the Canary Islands counts on Dr. de los Ríos and his team to relieve symptoms and improve the condition.
At our Center we want you to feel your best and look healthy without the presence of fluid-filled fat cells inside your body due to lipedema. We offer medical management of lipedema cases in all its stages or types.
Why treat this condition?
If left untreated, patients will progressively notice:
- A decrease in the smoothness of the skin.
- Decreased mobility.
- Problems with quality of life and self-esteem.
Additionally, the possibility of developing blood clots and lipolymphedema is increased, which can lead to skin ulcers, infections, and a severely blocked lymphatic system. Dr. de los Ríos will recommend a treatment according to your needs and the stage of the lipedema.
Dr. Daniel Rodríguez Morales de los Ríos, the only specialist in the Canary Islands in this pathology. Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.
We are looking forward to seeing you in this Special Mini-webinar!
Beyond this condition
It is common that doctors and nutritionists mistake this condition for being overweight or obese because of the extra weight patients often carry. However, it is possible that the excess fat on your extremities has a different origin.
Therefore it is essential to consult with experts in fat disorders and plastic surgeons specialized in lipedema. If you are looking for a doctor to find answers, treatments and long-term management, Dr. de los Ríos and his team at the Canary Islands Lipedema Unit in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria understand that lipedema treatment is not about solving a problem. cosmetic problem, it is about improving your quality of life.