{"id":3782,"date":"2025-09-03T12:41:59","date_gmt":"2025-09-03T12:41:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lipedemaac.com\/diagnostico-lipedema\/"},"modified":"2026-08-26T10:13:19","modified_gmt":"2026-08-26T10:13:19","slug":"lipedema-diagnosis","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/lipedemaac.com\/en\/lipedema-diagnosis\/","title":{"rendered":"Lipedema Diagnosis"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"3782\" class=\"elementor elementor-3782\" data-elementor-settings=\"{&quot;ha_cmc_init_switcher&quot;:&quot;no&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-1ffc835 elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-stretched elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"1ffc835\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;stretch_section&quot;:&quot;section-stretched&quot;,&quot;_ha_eqh_enable&quot;:false}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-295af55\" data-id=\"295af55\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-656c72e elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"656c72e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<!--\r\n=====================================================================\r\n\/en\/lipedema-diagnosis\/  -  FULL PAGE (ALL IN ONE)  -  EN\r\nInformational landing used transactionally: premium hero + blog-style body.\r\nPaste into a block that PROCESSES shortcodes (Gutenberg \"Custom HTML\" or Elementor).\r\nIncludes the rich snippet (JSON-LD) at the end and the EN WPForms shortcode (3655).\r\n-----------------------------------------------------------------\r\nCLUSTER SPLIT (same as the ES version):\r\n- Does NOT re-explain symptoms in detail: summarises and links to \/en\/lipedema-symptoms\/.\r\n- Does NOT re-explain stages\/types: links to \/en\/stages-of-lipedema\/.\r\n- Own territory of this page: the CLINICAL CONFIRMATION PROCESS.\r\n-----------------------------------------------------------------\r\nON-PAGE SEO (Rank Math):\r\n  Title: Lipedema diagnosis: how it is confirmed and who makes it\r\n  Slug:  en\/lipedema-diagnosis  (UNCHANGED - already live)\r\n  Meta:  How lipedema is diagnosed: it is a clinical diagnosis, no test confirms it.\r\n         Which doctor makes it, what is examined, what each test is for and how to prepare.\r\n  H1:    Lipedema diagnosis: how it is confirmed (the hero one)\r\nFORM (3655): WPForms confirmation redirect -> 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.dxlac-actions{flex-direction:column;}\r\n  .dxlac-btn-primary,.dxlac-btn-secondary{width:100%;}\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n<!-- ============================= HERO ============================= -->\r\n<section class=\"dxlac-hero\">\r\n  <div class=\"dxlac-hero-inner\">\r\n    <div class=\"dxlac-hero-content\">\r\n      <div class=\"dxlac-kicker\">Lipedema diagnosis<\/div>\r\n      <h1>Lipedema diagnosis:<span>how it is confirmed<\/span><\/h1>\r\n      <p class=\"dxlac-hero-text\">\r\n        Lipedema is diagnosed <strong>clinically<\/strong>: from the patient's history and a physical examination by an experienced professional. There is no blood test or imaging study capable of confirming it: technology serves to rule out other causes, not to give the diagnosis. Here we explain who diagnoses it, what happens in the consultation, what each test is really for and how to prepare.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n      <div class=\"dxlac-hero-links\">\r\n        <a href=\"\/en\/lipedema-symptoms\/\">Symptoms<\/a>\r\n        <a href=\"\/en\/stages-of-lipedema\/\">Stages and types<\/a>\r\n        <a href=\"\/en\/causes-of-lipedema\/\">Causes<\/a>\r\n        <a href=\"\/en\/lipedema-test\/\">Lipedema test<\/a>\r\n        <a href=\"\/en\/lipedema-treatment\/\">Treatment<\/a>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"dxlac-actions\">\r\n        <a href=\"#contacto_footer\" class=\"dxlac-btn-primary\">Request a concierge assessment<\/a>\r\n        <a href=\"\/en\/lipedema-test\/\" class=\"dxlac-btn-secondary\">Take the test<\/a>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<!-- ============================= IT IS CLINICAL ============================= -->\r\n<section class=\"dxlac-section white\">\r\n  <div class=\"dxlac-container\">\r\n    <div class=\"dxlac-prose\">\r\n      <div class=\"dxlac-eyebrow\">The first thing to know<\/div>\r\n      <h2>No test can say <span>\"you have lipedema\"<\/span><\/h2>\r\n      <p>\r\n        This is the greatest source of confusion and it is worth clearing up straight away: <strong>the diagnosis of lipedema is clinical<\/strong>. It is reached by listening to the patient's history and examining the tissue by hand, not with a blood test or an MRI scan.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n      <p>\r\n        Imaging studies are used, but they serve a different purpose: to <strong>rule out other causes<\/strong> (above all venous or lymphatic problems) and to assess the state of the circulatory system before considering any surgery. None of them confirms lipedema.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n      <p>\r\n        This has an important practical consequence: <strong>what determines a good diagnosis is not the technology, it is the experience of whoever examines you<\/strong>. That is why so many women spend years without a diagnosis even after having tests done.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<!-- ============================= WHO DIAGNOSES IT ============================= -->\r\n<section class=\"dxlac-section\">\r\n  <div class=\"dxlac-container\">\r\n    <div class=\"dxlac-prose\">\r\n      <div class=\"dxlac-eyebrow\">The most repeated question<\/div>\r\n      <h2>Which doctor diagnoses lipedema?<\/h2>\r\n      <p>\r\n        There is no single \"lipedema specialty\", and that is disorienting. Several can diagnose it, provided they have specific experience with this condition, which is what really matters.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"dxlac-tablewrap\">\r\n      <table class=\"dxlac-table\">\r\n        <thead><tr><th>Specialty<\/th><th>What it contributes in lipedema<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\r\n        <tbody>\r\n          <tr><td>Angiology and vascular surgery<\/td><td>Assesses the venous and lymphatic system and rules out other causes of swelling. Key to distinguishing it from lymphoedema or venous insufficiency.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n          <tr><td>Plastic surgery<\/td><td>Diagnoses and, above all, assesses whether surgery is indicated and plans the approach if appropriate.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n          <tr><td>Internal medicine, dermatology, endocrinology<\/td><td>Can identify it and refer; their role depends greatly on each professional's specific training.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n          <tr><td>Physical medicine and rehabilitation \/ lymphology<\/td><td>The reference in public lymphoedema units; assesses the lymphatic component and directs decongestive treatment.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n          <tr><td>General practice<\/td><td>Usually the first point of contact. It does not always identify it, but it is the gateway to referral to a unit with experience.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n          <tr><td>Specialist physiotherapy<\/td><td>Does not diagnose, but is often the first to suspect it and the one who manages conservative treatment.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n        <\/tbody>\r\n      <\/table>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <p class=\"dxlac-tnote\">What matters is not the specialty label but real experience with lipedema. The same presentation can go unnoticed by an unfamiliar professional and be obvious to another who sees these cases daily.<\/p>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"dxlac-callout\">\r\n      <p><strong>In our case<\/strong> the diagnosis is made by two specialties at once: <a class=\"dxlac-link\" href=\"\/en\/doctor-alexo-carballeira-brana\/\">Dr Alexo Carballeira<\/a> (plastic surgery) and <a class=\"dxlac-link\" href=\"\/en\/doctora-marta-zaplana-cordoba\/\">Dr Marta Zaplana<\/a> (angiology and vascular surgery). This way the clinical and vascular assessments happen within the same process, not in two separate circuits.<\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<!-- ============================= THE PROCESS STEP BY STEP ============================= -->\r\n<section class=\"dxlac-section white\">\r\n  <div class=\"dxlac-container\">\r\n    <div class=\"dxlac-lead\">\r\n      <div class=\"dxlac-eyebrow\">What happens in the consultation<\/div>\r\n      <h2>The diagnosis, step by step<\/h2>\r\n      <p style=\"max-width:780px;margin:0 auto 44px;\">So you know exactly what to expect and do not arrive in the dark.<\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"dxlac-step\">\r\n      <span class=\"dxlac-num\">Step 1<\/span>\r\n      <h3>The clinical history: your account is a diagnostic tool<\/h3>\r\n      <p>\r\n        This is the part that carries the most weight and the one most underestimated. You will be asked when it started, whether it coincided with puberty, a pregnancy or the menopause, whether there is a family history of the same leg pattern, how your body responds to diet and exercise, and above all about <strong>pain<\/strong>: when it appears, what it feels like, what makes it worse.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n      <p>\r\n        That sequence of years, told well, is more informative than any image.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"dxlac-step\">\r\n      <span class=\"dxlac-num\">Step 2<\/span>\r\n      <h3>The physical examination: what is assessed by hand<\/h3>\r\n      <p>\r\n        The distribution of volume and its symmetry are observed, whether the foot and hand are spared is checked, and the tissue is palpated to assess its consistency and tenderness to pressure. This examination checks the classic signs: the <strong>Stemmer sign<\/strong> (negative in pure lipedema), the <strong>cuff sign<\/strong> at the ankle and the <strong>absence of pitting<\/strong> on pressure, usual in pure lipedema.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n      <p>\r\n        We describe them in the <a class=\"dxlac-link\" href=\"\/en\/lipedema-symptoms\/\">symptoms of lipedema<\/a>, along with what you can observe yourself before coming in.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"dxlac-step\">\r\n      <span class=\"dxlac-num\">Step 3<\/span>\r\n      <h3>Supporting tests: ruling out, measuring and planning<\/h3>\r\n      <p>\r\n        This is where technology comes in, and it is worth understanding its real role: <strong>it does not come to confirm lipedema, but to rule out other conditions and to prepare the ground<\/strong> in case surgery is considered later on.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"dxlac-tablewrap\">\r\n      <table class=\"dxlac-table\">\r\n        <thead><tr><th>Test<\/th><th>What it is for<\/th><th>Does it confirm lipedema?<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\r\n        <tbody>\r\n          <tr><td>Vascular duplex ultrasound<\/td><td>Assess the venous system and rule out venous insufficiency or thrombosis. Essential in our protocol before considering any surgery.<\/td><td>No, but it is key for ruling out<\/td><\/tr>\r\n          <tr><td>Soft tissue ultrasound<\/td><td>Rule out fluid accumulation and other causes of swelling. It cannot distinguish lipedema tissue from that of lipohypertrophy or obesity, nor determine the origin of an oedema.<\/td><td>No, it is supportive<\/td><\/tr>\r\n          <tr><td>3D body scanning<\/td><td>Map the contour precisely and objectively measure change over time.<\/td><td>No, it is for documenting and planning<\/td><\/tr>\r\n          <tr><td>Magnetic resonance imaging<\/td><td>Study the tissue when there are doubts about other conditions. Research techniques (sodium MRI, fat\/water ratio) are not validated for clinical use.<\/td><td>No, it is not requested routinely<\/td><\/tr>\r\n          <tr><td>Lymphography or lymphoscintigraphy<\/td><td>Study the lymphatic system when a lymphoedema component is suspected.<\/td><td>No, it is reserved for specific cases<\/td><\/tr>\r\n          <tr><td>Blood tests<\/td><td>Rule out hormonal, renal, hepatic or thyroid causes of swelling.<\/td><td>There is no blood marker for lipedema<\/td><\/tr>\r\n        <\/tbody>\r\n      <\/table>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <p class=\"dxlac-tnote\">If you have had tests done and \"they came back fine\", that does not rule out lipedema: it is simply not what these tests measure.<\/p>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<!-- ============================= CLINICAL CRITERIA ============================= -->\r\n<section class=\"dxlac-section\">\r\n  <div class=\"dxlac-container\">\r\n    <div class=\"dxlac-prose\">\r\n      <div class=\"dxlac-eyebrow\">What the doctor looks for<\/div>\r\n      <h2>The clinical criteria <span>that guide the diagnosis<\/span><\/h2>\r\n      <p>\r\n        There is no laboratory test, but there is a set of recognised clinical features. These are the ones that, if several are present, justify seeking an assessment with someone who knows the condition. None is sufficient on its own.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n      <ul>\r\n        <li><strong>Onset at a hormonal milestone:<\/strong> puberty, pregnancy or the menopause, almost always in women.<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>Symmetrical distribution<\/strong> in both legs or both arms, with disproportion relative to the trunk.<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>Feet and hands spared<\/strong>, with the visible cut-off at the ankle or wrist.<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>Pain in the affected area:<\/strong> on pressure, on light touch or spontaneously, together with a feeling of heaviness or tightness. It is the central criterion of the condition.<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>Negative Stemmer sign<\/strong> and usual absence of pitting.<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>Disproportion that persists despite weight loss.<\/strong> Losing weight also reduces leg volume, but the disproportion between limbs and trunk tends to remain, and pain does not improve in proportion to the weight lost.<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>A tendency to bruise<\/strong> after minimal knocks. Many patients report this, although on its own it is not a validated diagnostic criterion.<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>Family history<\/strong> with the same body pattern.<\/li>\r\n      <\/ul>\r\n      <p>\r\n        One point that causes a great deal of frustration is worth clarifying: if there is associated overweight or obesity, losing weight <strong>does also reduce leg volume<\/strong>, which is why nutrition and exercise remain the basis of treatment. What diet alone does not correct is the disproportion or the characteristic pain.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n      <p>\r\n        Each of these signs, with detail on how it feels and how to distinguish it, is developed in the <a class=\"dxlac-link\" href=\"\/en\/lipedema-symptoms\/\">symptoms of lipedema<\/a>. Here they matter only as a threshold: recognising several does not amount to a diagnosis, but it is reason enough to seek advice.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"dxlac-callout\">\r\n      <p><strong>Before the consultation:<\/strong> our <a class=\"dxlac-link\" href=\"\/en\/lipedema-test\/\">lipedema test<\/a> gathers these same criteria into a few questions and gives you an orientation in a minute. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace one, but it helps you organise what you are noticing and arrive at the consultation with clear information.<\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<!-- ============================= DIFFERENTIAL ============================= -->\r\n<section class=\"dxlac-section white\">\r\n  <div class=\"dxlac-container\">\r\n    <div class=\"dxlac-prose\">\r\n      <div class=\"dxlac-eyebrow\">Ruling out what it is not<\/div>\r\n      <h2>The differential diagnosis<\/h2>\r\n      <p>\r\n        A good part of the diagnostic work consists of distinguishing lipedema from other causes of increased leg volume, which can also coexist with it.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"dxlac-tablewrap\">\r\n      <table class=\"dxlac-table\">\r\n        <thead><tr><th>Condition<\/th><th>What distinguishes it from lipedema<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\r\n        <tbody>\r\n          <tr><td>Lymphoedema<\/td><td>Usually asymmetrical and affects the foot; the Stemmer sign tends to be positive and pitting on pressure is common.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n          <tr><td>Obesity<\/td><td>Fat is distributed generally, including the trunk, and responds to a calorie deficit. It is not painful on pressure.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n          <tr><td>Chronic venous insufficiency<\/td><td>Swelling that improves with elevation, skin changes and varicose veins; identified with duplex ultrasound.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n          <tr><td>Lipohypertrophy<\/td><td>Symmetrical, disproportionate increase in leg fat <strong>without pain or discomfort<\/strong> in the area. It is the most similar and the most confused: the decisive difference is pain, not volume.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n          <tr><td>Oedema of another cause<\/td><td>Cardiac, renal, hepatic or drug-related origin; usually leaves pitting and is investigated with blood tests.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n        <\/tbody>\r\n      <\/table>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <p class=\"dxlac-tnote\">Coexistence is common: you can have lipedema and, in addition, obesity or venous insufficiency. Distinguishing which part corresponds to what is precisely what allows effective treatment.<\/p>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<!-- ============================= WHY IT TAKES SO LONG ============================= -->\r\n<section class=\"dxlac-section dark\">\r\n  <div class=\"dxlac-container\">\r\n    <div class=\"dxlac-prose\">\r\n      <div class=\"dxlac-eyebrow\">The uncomfortable question<\/div>\r\n      <h2>Why does it take <span>so many years<\/span> to diagnose?<\/h2>\r\n      <p>\r\n        It is one of the most repeated complaints and there is an explanation. Lipedema is confused with being overweight because it looks similar, it does not show up in any blood test, so \"everything comes back fine\", and it remains little known outside specialist clinics. And there is a fourth reason, harder to say but real: for years, many women have been asked for more willpower when what they had was an undiagnosed condition.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n      <p>\r\n        This is not an impression: in our own study of 969 women in Spain, more than half needed to consult three or more different specialists before obtaining a diagnosis, and one in three had to see more than five.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n      <p>\r\n        If you have spent years being told it is a matter of diet, the problem was never yours. And arriving late invalidates nothing: the diagnosis still changes the approach at any age and at any <a class=\"dxlac-link\" href=\"\/en\/stages-of-lipedema\/\">stage<\/a>.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n      <div class=\"dxlac-actions\" style=\"justify-content:flex-start;margin-top:28px;\">\r\n        <a href=\"#contacto_footer\" class=\"dxlac-btn-primary\">Request a concierge assessment<\/a>\r\n        <a href=\"\/en\/lipedema-treatment\/\" class=\"dxlac-btn-secondary\">See the treatment<\/a>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<!-- ============================= HOW TO PREPARE ============================= -->\r\n<section class=\"dxlac-section white\">\r\n  <div class=\"dxlac-container\">\r\n    <div class=\"dxlac-prose\">\r\n      <div class=\"dxlac-eyebrow\">Before you come in<\/div>\r\n      <h2>How to prepare for your first consultation<\/h2>\r\n      <p>\r\n        Because the diagnosis rests above all on your history, what you bring prepared makes the difference. This is the list we recommend.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"dxlac-check\">\r\n      <ul>\r\n        <li><strong>When it started and what it coincided with.<\/strong> Puberty, a pregnancy, the menopause, a change in hormonal treatment.<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>Family history.<\/strong> Whether your mother, grandmother, sisters or aunts have the same leg pattern.<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>What your pain is like.<\/strong> Whether it appears on pressure or spontaneously, what times of day it worsens and what relieves it.<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>What you have tried and what happened.<\/strong> Diets, exercise, previous treatments, and how your body responded (especially if you lost weight from the trunk but not the legs).<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>Photographs of yourself from previous years.<\/strong> They help enormously in reconstructing how it has developed.<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>Previous tests and reports.<\/strong> Ultrasounds, blood tests or reports from other specialists, even if they \"came back fine\".<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>Your current medication<\/strong>, including contraceptives or hormone therapy.<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>Your compression garments, if you use them.<\/strong> Bring them or mention them: knowing what you wear and how it fits you changes the assessment.<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>Your questions, written down.<\/strong> They get forgotten in the consultation; having them noted down prevents you leaving with doubts.<\/li>\r\n      <\/ul>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <p class=\"dxlac-tnote\">If you are still unsure whether your case fits, the <a class=\"dxlac-link\" href=\"\/en\/lipedema-test\/\">lipedema test<\/a> gives you an orientation in a minute and serves as a starting point for the consultation.<\/p>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<!-- ============================= OUR PROTOCOL ============================= -->\r\n<section class=\"dxlac-section\">\r\n  <div class=\"dxlac-container\">\r\n    <div class=\"dxlac-prose\">\r\n      <div class=\"dxlac-eyebrow\">How we do it<\/div>\r\n      <h2>Diagnosis within the <span>Advanced Care Method<\/span><\/h2>\r\n      <p>\r\n        Our diagnostic protocol combines the clinical assessment with two tools that allow us to document and plan precisely:\r\n      <\/p>\r\n      <ul>\r\n        <li><strong>3D body scanning (Bodygee):<\/strong> maps the body contour, which allows change to be measured objectively rather than relying on impressions.<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>Vascular study with duplex ultrasound:<\/strong> carried out by <a class=\"dxlac-link\" href=\"\/en\/doctora-marta-zaplana-cordoba\/\">Dr Marta Zaplana<\/a>, angiologist and vascular surgeon, to establish the state of the venous system and rule out varicose veins, venous insufficiency or the after-effects of thrombosis before considering anything.<\/li>\r\n      <\/ul>\r\n      <p>\r\n        That vascular study is not an extra: it is what allows an eventual surgery to be indicated and planned safely. Preservation of the lymphatic system then depends on the surgical technique used. You can see the full protocol in the <a class=\"dxlac-link\" href=\"\/en\/advanced-care-method\/\">Advanced Care Method<\/a>.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"dxlac-callout\">\r\n      <p><strong>What comes out of the consultation:<\/strong> knowing whether you have lipedema, at what <a class=\"dxlac-link\" href=\"\/en\/stages-of-lipedema\/\">stage and type<\/a>, the state of your vascular system and what options you have, from conservative management to <a class=\"dxlac-link\" href=\"\/en\/lipedema-surgery\/\">surgery<\/a> if indicated. With a concrete plan, not a \"we will see\".<\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<!-- ============================= FAQ ============================= -->\r\n<section class=\"dxlac-section white\">\r\n  <div class=\"dxlac-container\">\r\n    <div class=\"dxlac-lead\"><div class=\"dxlac-eyebrow\">Frequently asked questions<\/div><h2>Questions about diagnosis<\/h2><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"dxlac-faq\">\r\n      <div class=\"dxlac-faq-item\"><h3>How is lipedema diagnosed?<\/h3><p>Clinically: through the patient's history and a physical examination by an experienced professional, ruling out other causes. Imaging supports and rules out, but does not confirm the diagnosis.<\/p><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"dxlac-faq-item\"><h3>Which doctor diagnoses lipedema?<\/h3><p>An angiologist and vascular surgeon, a plastic surgeon or other specialties can do it, provided they have specific experience with lipedema. That experience matters more than the particular specialty.<\/p><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"dxlac-faq-item\"><h3>Is there any test that confirms lipedema?<\/h3><p>No. No blood test or imaging study can confirm lipedema. Duplex ultrasound, soft tissue ultrasound or 3D scanning serve to rule out other causes, assess the vascular system and plan, not to give the diagnosis.<\/p><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"dxlac-faq-item\"><h3>Will I need an MRI or blood tests?<\/h3><p>Not routinely. Blood tests are used to rule out other causes of swelling and imaging is requested case by case. Everything \"coming back fine\" does not rule out lipedema.<\/p><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"dxlac-faq-item\"><h3>How is it distinguished from lymphoedema in the consultation?<\/h3><p>By symmetry, whether the foot is spared, the Stemmer sign and the presence or absence of pitting on pressure. When there is doubt, the vascular study helps clarify it.<\/p><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"dxlac-faq-item\"><h3>What is lipohypertrophy and why is it confused?<\/h3><p>It is a symmetrical increase in leg fat that does not hurt or cause discomfort. It closely resembles lipedema in shape, and what distinguishes them is pain: if there is no pain or discomfort in the area, it is not considered lipedema.<\/p><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"dxlac-faq-item\"><h3>Can I have lipedema even though my doctor told me it was overweight?<\/h3><p>Yes, it is a common confusion because they look similar. If there is pain, easy bruising, symmetry and spared feet, it warrants an assessment by someone experienced in lipedema.<\/p><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"dxlac-faq-item\"><h3>What should I bring to the first consultation?<\/h3><p>Your history (when it started and what it coincided with), family history, what your pain is like, what you have tried, photographs from previous years, previous reports and tests, and your current medication.<\/p><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"dxlac-faq-item\"><h3>Is there any point in diagnosing it if there is no cure?<\/h3><p>Yes. Lipedema is chronic and has no cure, but the diagnosis makes it possible to start managing the symptoms, avoid approaches that do not work and make informed decisions about the available options.<\/p><\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<!-- ============================= SOURCES ============================= -->\r\n<section class=\"dxlac-section white\" style=\"padding-top:0;\">\r\n  <div class=\"dxlac-refs\">\r\n    <h3>Sources and references<\/h3>\r\n    <ol>\r\n      <li>Carballeira Bra\u00f1a A, Poveda Castillo J. <em>The Advanced Care Study: Current Status of Lipedema in Spain, A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study<\/em>. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2023;20(17):6647. <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/37681787\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">View on PubMed<\/a> (study by our team)<\/li>\r\n      <li>S2k guideline Lipoedema, AWMF 037-012, v5.0 (2024). <a href=\"https:\/\/register.awmf.org\/assets\/guidelines\/037-012l_S2k_Lipoedem_2024-01_01.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">View guideline<\/a><\/li>\r\n      <li>Herbst KL et al. <em>Standard of care for lipedema in the United States<\/em>. Phlebology, 2021. <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/34049453\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">View on PubMed<\/a><\/li>\r\n      <li>Falck J, Rolander B, Nyg\u00e5rdh A, Jonasson LL, M\u00e5rtensson J. <em>Women with lipoedema: a national survey on their health, health-related quality of life, and sense of coherence<\/em>. BMC Womens Health, 2022;22:457. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s12905-022-02022-3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">View article<\/a><\/li>\r\n      <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK573066\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lipedema - StatPearls (NCBI)<\/a><\/li>\r\n    <\/ol>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<!-- ============================= DISCLAIMER \/ AUTHORSHIP ============================= -->\r\n<section class=\"dxlac-section white\" style=\"padding-top:0;\">\r\n  <div class=\"dxlac-authorbox\">\r\n    <p><strong>Medically reviewed content.<\/strong> Content produced by the medical team at Lipedema Advanced Care and reviewed by <strong>Dr Alexo Carballeira Bra\u00f1a<\/strong>, plastic surgeon (SECPRE recertified) specialising in the treatment of lipedema, registered with the ICOMV. Meet <a href=\"\/en\/doctor-alexo-carballeira-brana\/\">Dr Alexo Carballeira<\/a> and the rest of the <a href=\"\/en\/medical-team\/\">medical team<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n    <p>This information is for general guidance and does not replace a medical consultation or diagnosis. Lipedema is a chronic condition; it has no cure, but its symptoms can be treated. Every case requires an individual assessment. Last updated: August 2026.<\/p>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<!-- ============================= PREFOOTER CONTACTO (FORM 1787) ============================= -->\r\n<section id=\"lac-prefooter-contacto-unico\" class=\"lpf-main-section\">\r\n    <div class=\"lpf-container\">\r\n        <div class=\"lpf-flex-wrapper\">\r\n\r\n            <div class=\"lpf-doctor-side\">\r\n                <div class=\"lpf-doctor-sticky-box\">\r\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lipedemaac.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/dr-alexo-carballeira-consulta-lipedema-marques-del-turia.jpg\" alt=\"Dr. Alexo Carballeira\" class=\"lpf-doctor-img\" title=\"\">\r\n\r\n                    <div class=\"lpf-text-overlay\">\r\n                        <p class=\"lpf-tagline\">PERSONALISED CARE<\/p>\r\n                        <h2 class=\"lpf-hero-title\">\r\n                            Begin your path towards <br>\r\n                            <span class=\"lpf-gold-text\">lipedema relief<\/span>\r\n                        <\/h2>\r\n\r\n                        <div class=\"lpf-quote-container\">\r\n                            <p>\"My commitment is to offer you a precise diagnosis and complete support throughout.\"<\/p>\r\n                            <span class=\"lpf-signature\">Dr. Alexo Carballeira<\/span>\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n\r\n            <div class=\"lpf-form-side\" id=\"contacto_footer\">\r\n                <div class=\"lpf-form-box\">\r\n                    <div class=\"lpf-form-header\">\r\n                        <h3 class=\"lpf-form-main-title\">Request an Assessment<\/h3>\r\n                        <p class=\"lpf-form-subtitle\">SPECIALIST PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS<\/p>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n\r\n                    <div class=\"lpf-form-engine\">\r\n                        <div class=\"wpforms-container wpforms-container-full\" 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for=\"wpforms-3655-field_4_1\">I accept the privacy policy<\/label><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"wpforms[recaptcha]\" value=\"\"><div class=\"wpforms-submit-container\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"wpforms[id]\" value=\"3655\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"wpforms[author]\" value=\"6\"><button type=\"submit\" name=\"wpforms[submit]\" id=\"wpforms-submit-3655\" class=\"wpforms-submit\" aria-live=\"assertive\" value=\"wpforms-submit\">Send<\/button><\/div><\/form><\/div>  <!-- .wpforms-container -->\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n    #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico {\r\n        background-color: #0F1E23 !important;\r\n        padding: 100px 5%;\r\n        font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif;\r\n        position: relative;\r\n        overflow: hidden;\r\n    }\r\n    #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico .lpf-container { max-width: 1400px; margin: 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Imaging supports and rules out, but does not confirm the diagnosis.\" } },\r\n        { \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Which doctor diagnoses lipedema?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"An angiologist and vascular surgeon, a plastic surgeon or other specialties can do it, provided they have specific experience with lipedema. That experience matters more than the particular specialty.\" } },\r\n        { \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Is there any test that confirms lipedema?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"No. No blood test or imaging study can confirm lipedema. Duplex ultrasound, soft tissue ultrasound or 3D scanning serve to rule out other causes, assess the vascular system and plan, not to give the diagnosis.\" } },\r\n        { \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Will I need an MRI or blood tests?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Not routinely. Blood tests are used to rule out other causes of swelling and imaging is requested case by case. Everything coming back fine does not rule out lipedema.\" } },\r\n        { \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How is it distinguished from lymphoedema in the consultation?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"By symmetry, whether the foot is spared, the Stemmer sign and the presence or absence of pitting on pressure. When there is doubt, the vascular study helps clarify it.\" } },\r\n        { \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What is lipohypertrophy and why is it confused?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"It is a symmetrical increase in leg fat that does not hurt or cause discomfort. It closely resembles lipedema in shape, and what distinguishes them is pain: if there is no pain or discomfort in the area, it is not considered lipedema.\" } },\r\n        { \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can I have lipedema even though my doctor told me it was overweight?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Yes, it is a common confusion because they look similar. If there is pain, easy bruising, symmetry and spared feet, it warrants an assessment by someone experienced in lipedema.\" } },\r\n        { \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What should I bring to the first consultation?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Your history (when it started and what it coincided with), family history, what your pain is like, what you have tried, photographs from previous years, previous reports and tests, and your current medication.\" } },\r\n        { \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Is there any point in diagnosing it if there is no cure?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Yes. Lipedema is chronic and has no cure, but the diagnosis makes it possible to start managing the symptoms, avoid approaches that do not work and make informed decisions about the available options.\" } }\r\n      ]\r\n    }\r\n  ]\r\n}\r\n<\/script>\r\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lipedema diagnosis Lipedema diagnosis:how it is confirmed Lipedema is diagnosed clinically: from the patient&#8217;s history and a physical examination by an experienced professional. There is no blood test or imaging study capable of confirming it: technology serves to rule out other causes, not to give the diagnosis. Here we explain who diagnoses it, what happens [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"elementor_header_footer","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3782","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lipedemaac.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3782","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lipedemaac.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lipedemaac.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lipedemaac.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lipedemaac.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3782"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/lipedemaac.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3782\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7065,"href":"https:\/\/lipedemaac.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3782\/revisions\/7065"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lipedemaac.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3782"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}