Lipedema is a condition that is almost exclusively found in women[3] and results in enlargement of both legs due to deposits of fat under the skin.

[2] The cause is unknown but is believed to involve genetic and hormonal factors that regulate the lymphatic system, thus blocking the return of fats to the bloodstream.

[5] The condition is resistant to weight loss methods; however, unlike other fat it is not associated with an increased risks of diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

[2] Depression and anxiety are very common for a variety of reasons, particularly the fact that diagnosis usually takes a long time and patients have received much advice on diet and exercise in the meantime, neither of which are effective treatments for lipedema although they may help associated conditions.

[7] Joint pain, arthritis, dry skin, fungal infections, cellulitis and slow wound healing are also associated with lipedema.

[20][21] Several treatments may be useful including physiotherapy and light exercise which does not put undue stress on the lymphatic system.

[23] The use of surgical techniques is not universal but research has shown positive results in both short-term and long-term studies[24][25] regarding lymph-sparing liposuction and lipectomy.

[28] Water Assisted Liposuction (WAL) is technically not considered to be tumescent but achieves the same goal as the anesthetic solution is injected as part of the procedure rather than before-hand.

Developed by Doctor Ziah Taufig from Germany, it is usually performed under general anesthesia and is also considered to be lymph-sparing and protective of other tissues such as blood vessels.

Complications include a malformed appearance, reduced functionality (mobility and gait), poor quality of life, depression, anxiety, and pain.