MY LEGS STAY LARGE DESPITE DIET AND EXERCISE – BUT WHY?
COULD IT BE LIPEDEMA? WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE BLAMING YOUR BODY
Hello, I’m Op. Dr. Sema Özden.
With over 25 years of experience in plastic surgery, I’ve had the privilege of closely observing the complexities, transformations, and unique needs of the female body throughout different stages of life.
One of the most common complaints I hear is:
“My top is size 10, but my bottom is size 16...”
“My legs never slim down...”
“I’ve dieted and exercised, and while my body has changed, my legs remain the same…”
If these sentences sound familiar to you, there might be an underlying reason you haven’t considered yet: Lipedema.
What is Lipedema?
Lipedema is a condition that is much more common than previously thought and is only recently being widely recognized. It is characterized by disproportionate fat accumulation, especially around the thighs, hips, buttocks, knees, and legs.
It tends to run in families — often seen in mothers, aunts, grandmothers, or other female relatives. It typically begins during puberty, but can also appear during pregnancy. Lipedema is a progressive and silent disease. As it moves from stage 1 to stage 4, it can affect blood vessels and nerves. When combined with obesity, the condition becomes even more complex. In advanced stages, skin deformities also appear, often requiring not just liposuction but also thigh lift surgery.
As the disease progresses, symptoms may include pain, tenderness, a tendency to bruise easily, and a cellulite-like appearance.
Common Signs That May Indicate Lipedema:
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Symmetrical but disproportionately thick legs
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Pain or tenderness in the legs
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A feeling of heaviness or swelling in the legs, especially by the end of the day
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Easy bruising
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Legs that do not respond to diet or exercise
If you experience several of these symptoms, lipedema may be a possible cause. However, a definitive diagnosis always requires a physical examination and evaluation by a medical specialist.
What Do We Do in Lipedema Treatment?
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Liposuction using special technologies tailored for lipedema
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Advanced supportive skin-tightening tools (Vaser, Laser, Argon Plasma, J Plasma)
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A detailed treatment plan that blends health and aesthetics
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Most importantly: a personalized treatment strategy based on your specific needs and health profile
Say goodbye to phrases like “I can’t wear skirts” or “My legs never change no matter what I do.”
Because with the right technique and experience…
Lipedema is treatable.
Warm regards,
Op. Dr. Sema Özden
Contact Information:
- Address: Plevne Bulvarı, Kültür Mh. No:3 Kat:1 D:1, Ocakoğlu Apt., Alsancak, İzmir
- Phone: +90 532 348 09 08
- Email: info@drsemaozden.com
- Instagram: @dr.semaozden
For more information, feel free to visit our Instagram page.