WHAT IS A LIPOMA AND HOW IS IT RELATED TO LIPEDEMA?

Lipedema is a progressive disease that involves the growth and development of lipomas. Lipomas are noncancerous soft-tissue tumors that patients develop most often in adulthood. These slow-growing, fatty lumps appear just beneath the skin. 

Patients can have more than one lipoma, which are “doughy” to the touch but rarely tender. Lipedema patients can experience this overgrowth of fat cells in conjunction with their condition, and finding an expert to treat them may be necessary if lipoma growths become painful.

Dr. Jaime Schwartz is one of the leading experts in the country on lipedema. Lipedema is a progressive disease that involves a buildup of excessive fatty-fluid in mainly female patients. Dr. Schwartz is a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Total Lipedema Care (TLC) in Beverly Hills, CA. 

For women who are living with this disease, lipomas or benign growths are part of the equation in some cases. Here is a breakdown of lipedema and lipomas, and how a specialist like Dr. Schwartz can diagnose and treat patients with both.

An Overview of Lipedema

Lipedema is a chronic disease that, if left undiagnosed, can lead to a painful, debilitating condition. It is commonly known as the “fatty-fluid disease” or “fat disease.” Research has identified it as a genetic disorder that mainly strikes only women. Many women are often misdiagnosed as having a weight problem, but lipedema is much more than just excess weight.

Although the cause is unknown, it can be inherited. Current studies show that lipedema is related to a woman’s hormones, and the onset may coincide with puberty and get worse with pregnancy or perimenopause. Since lipedema is not a simple case of being overweight, a lifestyle change of diet and exercise will not minimize it. 

Fatty tissue begins to accumulate in the lower extremities, and in some rare instances, the upper arms. As the disease progresses to various stages, the painful buildup worsens and may become debilitating.

An Overview of Lipoma

A lipoma is a growth or accumulation of fat cells. Familial multiple lipomatosis (FML) is a rare genetic disorder that involves the presence of lipomas in the body. As the name suggests, FML is diagnosed when multiple lipomatosis occurs in more than one family member, often over several generations. 

Lipomas are a slow-growing, fatty tissue buildup or tumor-like growths found just beneath the surface of the skin. Other characteristics of lipomas:

• Usually small (less than 2 inches in diameter), but can grow larger
• Have a “doughy” texture and feel soft to the touch 
• Normally seen in the neck, arms, armpits, chest, back, shoulders, abdomen, and thighs
• Typically located just beneath the skin’s surface but can be deeper
• Painful if located on a nearby nerve or deeper in the body on joints, organs, or blood vessels
• They can occur at any age but are most often detected during adulthood
• Lipomas can occur as a single lump or multiple instances
• They are benign growths, so they are not cancerous
• Tend to run in families
• Usually occur around middle age

Are Lipomas and Lipedema Related? 

Lipomas and lipedema are often confused due to their similarities, but they are distinct conditions with different causes and characteristics.

• Lipomas are benign fatty tumors that develop under the skin. They are soft, movable, and typically painless, though they can grow in size or number. Lipomas are not linked to hormonal changes or systemic conditions and can appear anywhere on the body.
• Lipedema is a chronic fat disorder that primarily affects women, leading to symmetrical fat buildup in the legs, thighs, buttocks, and sometimes arms. Unlike lipomas, lipedema is often painful, progressive, and linked to hormonal and genetic factors.

Although some individuals with lipedema may develop lipomas, the presence of lipomas does not indicate lipedema. A specialist, like Dr. Jaime Schwartz, can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the right treatment approach for each condition.

Treatment for Lipomas

When lipomas are small, discreet, and not painful, patients rarely need treatment intervention. If patients feel insecure about visible lipomas or are experiencing pain, Dr. Schwartz can offer treatment options including:

• Liposuction: This can remove the lipoma beneath the skin’s surface during a minor outpatient procedure
• Surgical removal: An extraction technique that Dr. Schwartz uses to surgically remove the lipoma through a small incision

A lipoma is rarely a serious medical condition, but if patients notice a lump, bump, or swelling anywhere on the body, they should seek medical advice. Lipomas are generally easy to identify, and with the right intervention, they can be managed. 

Even removing them for cosmetic purposes can help patients feel better about their appearance. Every situation is highly individualized, so letting an expert like Dr. Schwartz guide you on the next steps of your care is important.

Total Lipedema Care supports individuals seeking expert treatment, compassionate guidance, and emotional reassurance for lipedema. If fatty lipomas are affecting your confidence or comfort, a consultation with Dr. Jaime Schwartz can offer transformative solutions for both your appearance and well-being.

Millions of women live with lipedema, and some experience the added challenge of lipoma growth. If you’re concerned about symptoms or unsure whether you have lipedema, we encourage you to reach out to Total Lipedema Care in Beverly Hills, CA.

With the expertise of Dr. Schwartz, you will receive a precise diagnosis, personalized treatment, and the care needed to enhance your health and quality of life.

Schedule a consultation with us today to begin your treatment.