Lipedema vs Cellulite: Understanding the Difference

What is Lipedema?

Lipoedema is a chronic fat disorder that mostly affects women and leads to an abnormal build up of fat in the legs and sometimes the arms. Unlike general fat, lipoedema tissue feels heavy, tender, and often painful. Bruising is common, and the fat doesn’t respond to diet or exercise.

Lipedema is progressive, meaning it can worsen over time, particularly during hormonal changes like puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. Because it’s often mistaken for simple weight gain or cellulite, many women go undiagnosed for years.

What is Cellulite?

Cellulite is a cosmetic concern that occurs when fat pushes against connective tissue under the skin, creating dimples or a “cottage cheese” effect. It’s extremely common, affecting up to 90% of women, regardless of body type.

Unlike lipoedema, cellulite isn’t painful and doesn’t usually progress. While it can fluctuate in appearance, it doesn’t carry the same health complications as lipoedema.

Key Differences Between Lipoedema and Cellulite

• Cause: Lipoedema is a medical disorder of fat distribution; cellulite is structural and cosmetic.

• Pain & Tenderness: Lipoedema is painful and heavy; cellulite is not.

• Progression: Lipoedema worsens over time; cellulite remains relatively stable.

• Appearance: Lipoedema often causes a column like shape in the legs, while cellulite appears as dimpling.

• Treatment Approach: Lipoedema requires medical and supportive management, while cellulite can be improved with non invasive cosmetic treatments.

How to Tell Which One You Have

If your legs feel disproportionately heavy, bruise easily, or are painful to the touch, you may be dealing with lipoedema. If the concern is purely dimpled or uneven skin texture without pain, it’s likely cellulite. A professional consultation is the best way to confirm which condition you have and to discuss realistic treatment options.

Treatment Options for Each

Lipoedema

While fat freezing cannot treat lipoedema, supportive therapies are highly beneficial:

• Compression Boots: Help reduce swelling, improve circulation, and ease discomfort by supporting lymphatic flow.

• Manual Lymphatic Drainage: A gentle massage technique to manage fluid build-up.

• Medical Management: In some cases, specialised surgery may be required.

Cellulite

Because cellulite is cosmetic, non-invasive treatments can significantly improve its appearance:

• Fat Freezing (Cryolipolysis): Targets stubborn fat pockets that contribute to dimpling, helping smooth and reshape the body.

• Fat Cavitation: Uses ultrasound waves to break down fat cells and improve skin texture.

• RF Skin Tightening: Stimulates collagen production for firmer, smoother looking skin.

• Compression Boots: Boost circulation and lymphatic drainage, supporting a smoother skin texture when combined with body contouring treatments.

For a quick summary, Lipoedema requires ongoing care and medical support, while cellulite can often be softened with the right combination of non-invasive body contouring treatments.

Please note: we do not diagnose lipoedema. If we suspect you may have it, we can point you in the right direction of the specialists who can.

Book a consultation with us today to find the most effective treatment plan for your body, your comfort, and your goals.