People usually consider lipedema a “woman’s disease,” and it’s rare to hear about it in men. But can it happen?
The short answer is yes, but it is extremely rare.
Let’s dig into how it affects women, how it presents in men, and why it’s so important to have more awareness around lipedema as a whole.
WHAT IS LIPEDEMA?
Lipedema is a disorder that affects connective adipose tissue and causes a symmetrical buildup of fat primarily in the hips, buttocks, and legs, and less commonly in the arms. This buildup resists diet and exercise, which is why it can take years for lipedema sufferers to receive a diagnosis.
Symptoms of lipedema range from feelings of heaviness and fatigue in the affected areas to easy bruising and the psychological stress of dealing with the condition. There is currently no cure for lipedema, but invasive and non-invasive approaches can help manage symptoms.
THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF LIPEDEMA OCCURS IN BIOLOGICAL WOMEN
When we say that lipedema presents mostly in women, it’s not a simple statement. Over 90% of lipedema diagnoses occur in biological women.
Although research is limited, researchers agree there is a strong link between the onset or worsening of lipedema and periods of hormonal change such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, which helps explain the prevalence of lipedema in women.
Research suggests that estrogen, which regulates fat metabolism and distribution, may contribute to fat cell dysfunction (a hallmark of lipedema) by potentially binding to fat cells and increasing adipogenic marker expression.
LIPEDEMA IN MEN IS RARE AND UNDERDIAGNOSED
Men can develop lipedema, but it is much less common than in women. Some researchers estimate up to 2% of men may experience it.
While women’s lipedema generally first presents with lower-body inflammation, in men, inflammation often appears around the face. Researchers also believe hormonal factors play a role when lipedema affects men, as they do when it affects women.
Why Is Lipedema In Men Underdiagnosed?
We know that men generally experience lipedema less often, but there are three main reasons it is poorly diagnosed.
- Clinicians diagnose obesity instead, which also happens often with women.
- It can resemble lymphedema, which is very similar to lipedema, but without the characteristic pain associated with lipedema.
- Fewer recognized lipedema cases in men mean less research and awareness, as many people still view it as a woman’s disease.
SYMPTOMS OF LIPEDEMA IN MEN
Men’s lipedema presents similarly to women, with a few exceptions. Common symptoms include:
- Noticeably swollen lower limbs (and sometimes upper limbs), where diet and exercise interventions have no effect
- Easy bruising, pain, and sensitivity to the touch in the affected areas
- Nodules under the skin that start pea-sized and grow as the disease progresses
- Symptoms usually worsen without treatment
TREATMENT OF LIPEDEMA IN MEN
There is no cure for lipedema in either men or women. Treatment options range from conservative to more intensive, depending on how far the disease has progressed and the patient’s lifestyle. They include:
- Wearing compression garments and getting regular lymphatic drainage therapy to help manage pain and inflammation
- Exercise and a clean diet
- Low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling to improve mobility without causing pain
- Liposuction, the most effective way to remove diseased fat cells, reduce pain, and achieve a more symmetrical appearance; while it may look like cosmetic surgery, it serves a meaningful medical purpose
There has been a lot of research on lipedema in the last few years, mostly focused on women, which has helped cosmetic surgeons like us understand and treat lipedema more effectively. Liposuction for lipedema has helped many sufferers regain movement and reduce pain.
It is crucial that we continue building awareness in the medical field so lipedema is not seen solely as a “woman’s disease,” and so men are included in research more often.
GET DIAGNOSED TODAY
If you have symptoms of lipedema, you aren’t alone. The experienced team at Total Lipedema Care in Beverly Hills will walk you through the treatment options available and help you choose an approach that can reduce pain and inflammation and help you get back to doing the things you love.
Contact Total Lipedema Care today to schedule a consultation. If you’re struggling with disproportionate fat that resists diet and exercise, pain, swelling, or easy bruising, our team can evaluate your symptoms, discuss next steps, and help you build a clear plan for relief.