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Review
. 2025 Jan 20:23:e20240025.
doi: 10.1590/1677-5449.202400252. eCollection 2024.

Lipedema: exploring pathophysiology and treatment strategies - state of the art

Fabio Kamamoto  1 , Jaqueline Munaretto Timm Baiocchi  1 , Bernardo Nogueira Batista  1   2   3 , Renan Diego Américo Ribeiro  1 , Débora Aparecida Oliveira Modena  1   4 , Vitor Cervantes Gornati  1   5
Affiliations
Review

Lipedema: exploring pathophysiology and treatment strategies - state of the art

Fabio Kamamoto et al. J Vasc Bras. .

Abstract
in English, Portuguese

Lipedema is characterized by abnormal fat deposition in areas such as the arms, hips, buttocks, and thighs, sparing the hands and feet. Symptoms include pain, bruising, edema, and subcutaneous nodules, which resist traditional interventions such as diet and exercise. Despite increasing recognition, comprehensive understanding, including pathophysiological, clinical, and therapeutic aspects, has not been fully achieved. This review aims to fill gaps in knowledge of this field, to support more informed management of lipedema. This narrative review provides a deeper understanding of lipedema treatment, addressing pathophysiology and therapeutic options. The data reveal advances in knowledge, especially regarding conservative and surgical treatments, focusing on improving quality of life. However, scientific evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of various treatments is lacking. Additional research is needed to ensure safety and to enhance efficacy of management of this complex condition.

O lipedema é caracterizado pela deposição anormal de gordura em áreas como braços, quadris, nádegas e coxas, poupando as mãos e os pés. Os sintomas incluem dor, hematomas, edema e nódulos subcutâneos, que resistem a intervenções tradicionais, como dieta e exercício. Apesar do crescente reconhecimento, a compreensão abrangente, incluindo aspectos fisiopatológicos, clínicos e terapêuticos, ainda não está totalmente consolidada. Esta revisão tem como objetivo preencher lacunas no conhecimento da área, visando um manejo mais informado do lipedema. Foi possível proporcionar uma compreensão mais aprofundada do tratamento do lipedema, abordando a fisiopatologia e as opções terapêuticas. Os dados revelaram avanços no conhecimento, principalmente no que diz respeito aos tratamentos conservadores e cirúrgicos, com foco na melhoria da qualidade de vida. No entanto, continuam faltando evidências científicas que apoiem a segurança e a eficácia de vários tratamentos. A necessidade de pesquisas adicionais é enfatizada para garantir a segurança e aumentar a eficácia do manejo dessa condição complexa.

Keywords: abnormal fat deposits; adipose tissue dysfunction; lipedema; lipodystrophy; lipolymphedema.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: No conflicts of interest declared concerning the publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Stages of lipedema according to severity. (A) Stage I; (B) Stage II; (C) Stage III; (D) Stage IV. Source: author’s files.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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