Lipedema: is Aesthetic Cellulite an Aggravating Factor for Limb Perimeter?
de Godoy JM, Barufi S, Godoy M; 2013
Synopsis: This article explains how cellulite may contribute to an increase in the perimetry of the legs and abdomen for lipedema patients, and describes how stimulating the lymphatic system may reduce these effects.
Abstract: This study demonstrates that esthetic cellulite constitutes an aggravating factor in the perimetry of the legs and abdomen in patients with lipedema and indicates a new approach to reduce these dimensions in lipedema. As far as we know there are no published studies describing this approach. The treatment of any disease should consider the pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for its development. As a pathophysiology hypothesis, Godoy proposed that the lymphatic system is involved in the evolution of cellulite leading to regional lymphostasis.[6] A physical examination of patients strongly suggests this mechanism is part of the hypothesis.[5]
In respect to lipedema, the main aggravating factors are the necrosis of fat cells[3] and changes in the lymphatic system.[4] Therefore, similar aggravating pathophysiological mechanisms are seen both in lipedema and cellulite. Hence cellulite may constitute an aggravating factor for increases the perimetry of the legs and abdomen of patients with lipedema, with stimulation of the lymphatic system being indicated in treatment.
This approach, which takes into account pathophysiological mechanisms, offers new possibilities in the treatment of lipedema.
APA Citation: de Godoy, J., Barufi, S., & Godoy, M. (2013). Lipedema: is aesthetic cellulite an aggravating factor for limb perimeter?. Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery, 6(3), 167.
AMA Citation: de Godoy J, Barufi S, Godoy M. Lipedema: is aesthetic cellulite an aggravating factor for limb perimeter?. Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery. 2013;6(3):167.
