Lipedema Treatment in Portugal
Information
Contact
After receiving your request, a member of our team will contact you to provide all the necessary information and schedule an online consultation, if you wish.
Online Consultation
In an online consultation with one of our vascular surgery specialists with experience in treating lipedema, it is usually possible to confirm the diagnosis and begin treatment guidance. All questions are clarified, taking into account each patient's individual profile. Whenever necessary, coordination with other specialties will be promptly arranged at the patient's convenience.
In-Person Consultation
We schedule your in-person consultation and the necessary tests. When you arrive in Portugal, our specialized multidisciplinary team will be waiting for you at Leg Clinic® by Allure to assist you in the treatment of this condition.
Follow-up
You'll receive appropriate medical support throughout the treatment process. Online consultations are always available.
>
What is Lipedema?
Lipedema is a condition which is characterized by a disproportionate accumulation of fat in the extremities, most commonly in the lower limbs; in 30% cases, it can involve the upper limbs. It occurs symmetrically (both legs, both thighs, or both arms) and always spares the feet and hands, which do not experience the increase in volume.
Sometimes confused with obesity, this disease is little-known, underdiagnosed and very neglected by healthcare professionals. Patients report that they are unable to lose volume in their legs, despite their commitment to strict diets and the weight loss they can achieve thanks to volume loss in other areas of the body. They often appear discouraged and frustrated because their condition is seen as obesity (or even fluid retention), and its lack of resolution is attributed to "lack of effort."
Many patients suffer from Lipedema for years without knowing it. Beyond the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, it is crucial to understand that this is a genetic, chronic condition that fluctuates according to various factors (hormones, stress, anxiety, nutrition, among other triggers identified in each individual case).
Dr. Joana de Carvalho and Professor Sérgio Sampaio are leading physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of Lipedema.
The four stages of Lipedema
If the disease is left untreated, symptoms can worsen over the years. This is a disease that can progress through 4 different stages:
- Stage I: the skin is smooth/soft, with mild pain and less frequent bruising; swelling increases during the day and may decrease with rest and elevation of the limbs; lymphatic drainage produces great results; responds well to treatment.
- Stage II: the skin's surface becomes uneven, resembling the texture of cellulite; pain and bruising are more frequent; edema increases during the day, with partial improvement after rest and limb elevation; may respond well to treatment.
- Stage III: connective tissue is hardened; presence of pain, postural changes and edema present and persistent; large areas of overlapping fat; less responsive to some treatment modalities.
- Stage IV: fibrosclerosis, possibly associated with lymphedema; consistent edema present; all symptoms increased in addition to disabling changes in quality of life; large areas of overlapping fat; also known as lipolymphedema; less responsive to some treatment modalities.
The five types of Lipedema
The disproportionate distribution of fat typical of Lipedema is divided into five types, according to the affected area. Some patients may be classified as having more than one type:
- Type I: Pelvis, buttocks and hips;
- Type II: from the buttocks to the knees, with the presence of adipose tissue on the sides and lower part of the knees;
- Type III: Glutes to ankles;
- Type IV: Arms;
- Type V: Lower leg.
Videos
Dr. Joana de Carvalho is a vascular surgeon and director of Leg Clinic® by Allure. She is the author of the book "Beautiful Legs" and hosts "LEG'S TALK," the first podcast about leg health and beauty. She has appeared on several television programs, where she discusses lipedema.
Causes
This disease exclusively affects women. Although a cause has not been definitively established, it suggests a significant hereditary component, linked to the female sex.
Symptoms
In addition to the disproportionate accumulation of fat, lipedema is accompanied by:
- A sensation of weight and tiredness in the legs;
- pain and an exaggerated sensitivity to touch, according to the state of inflammation believed to characterize the disease;
- A sensation of coolness in the skin of the legs;
- appearance of easy and frequent bruising (bruising).
Real Cases: Patients in Treatment
Here you can see some real cases treated by Dr. Joana de Carvalho at the Allure Clinic in Porto.
The above case was treated with lipedema surgery of the leg, using the WAL technique. Photographs were taken 3 months after the procedure.
The above case was treated with lipedema surgery of the leg, using the WAL technique. Photographs were taken 3 months after the procedure.
LEG CLINIC® BY ALLURE: why?
We are the only clinic in Europe exclusively dedicated to leg health and beauty.
We have a specialized, multidisciplinary and differentiated team in the diagnosis and treatment of Lipedema.
We combine Vascular Surgery, Nutrition, Nutrigenetics, Dermatofunctional Physiotherapy and Plastic Surgery to achieve the best results.
We present successful cases in the treatment of Lipedema.
Lipedema Team
In the Leg Clinic® by Allure, the Dr. Joana de Carvalho formed and leads a multidisciplinary team specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of Lipedema.
Meet the specialist doctors and support team who will monitor your case, from your first consultation to the end of your treatment.
English (UK)