Heather Johnson has never been exactly thin. From the age of 6, she even followed different diets and kept alternately losing weight and gaining weight. However, she could never get rid of the significant fat in her thighs and buttocks.
It wasn’t until she was 31 that she finally learned what it was. After being diagnosed with lipedema, she started an Instagram account in 2016, where she now has more than half a million followers, and started modeling. In this way, she supports other women who suffer from the same problem in that, despite not having the proportions of a model, they can be beautiful and not be ashamed of their bodies.
VIDEO: This video debunks the myths about bubbles. Trust yourself with a few extra kilos
This video dispels the myths about bubbles. Trust yourself with a few extra kilos • VIDEO: SOML
What is lipedema?
Lipedema, also called fatty leg syndrome, is characterized by excessive pathological accumulation of fat, especially in the areas of the lower limbs and arms. Lipedema is a chronic progressive disease that affects only women, with a frequency of 9 to 15% of the adult female population. It is often mistaken for lymphatic or venous edema and obesity. Unfortunately, lipedema is not only an aesthetic problem, but also causes pain, sensitivity to touch, the formation of spontaneous bruises (hematomas) and, in advanced stages, problems with walking. The cause of lipedema is not yet known, hormonal changes in the patient play the biggest role. It often begins to appear during puberty and the problem gradually worsens. Unfortunately, lipedema cannot be eliminated by diet, exercise, etc.
What is the treatment and solution for lipedema?
Conservative treatment mainly tries to remove some symptoms of lipedema, remove excess fluid and improve blood circulation in the affected tissue – it includes compression garments and manual lymphatic drainage massages. Furthermore, conservative treatment aims to maintain or return the patient’s appropriate weight, i.e. to adjust the diet and change lifestyle habits.
Liposuction is a very effective method of reducing subcutaneous fat. The lower age limit for its performance is reaching the age of majority, the upper age limit is limited by the patient’s state of health, endurance due to the operation and general anesthesia. With increasing age – due to the loss of skin elasticity – the prospects for a nice final effect deteriorate significantly. Sometimes after successful liposuction, a subsequent skin reduction is also considered, similar to the case of a large weight loss. It always depends on the specific case of the patient. All patients are treated strictly individually.
