Type 1
Build up of lipoedema tissue between the navel and hips – pelvis, buttocks and hips. This type has a distinctive ‘saddlebag’ appearance.
Understanding Lipoedema Symptoms
Recognising the signs and distinguishing lipoedema from other conditions can put you on the path to clinical diagnosis, and help you take control of your health. But while self-diagnosis can be a helpful first step, it's important to also seek a clinical diagnosis to confirm the condition and rule out other potential issues.
By learning how to identify lipoedema at home, you can better understand your symptoms and take the necessary steps towards managing the condition.
Start here
2
Record your symptoms
Work through Lipoedema Australia’s checklist so your symptoms are ready to describe.
Get the checklist3
Find your type and stage
Compare the shape of your body against the five types and four stages.
View types and stagesSelf-diagnosis is a legitimate and often necessary first step. Because many doctors are still unfamiliar with lipoedema, knowing your symptoms and where your body changes sit on the types and stages makes a real difference. A clinical assessment can then confirm what you have found and open the door to the right care.
Self-Diagnosis: Recognise the Signs
To accurately identify lipoedema at home, you need to become familiar with lipoedema symptoms, causes, types and stages. Use the Self Diagnosis Video below by Dr David Amron to assess your body for lipoedema, and use the Symptom Checklist from Lipoedema Australia to record your symptoms for your doctor. Then scroll further for detail on the Types and Stages of Lipoedema to get an early understanding of which type and stage you may have – your doctor will also assess this during clinical assessment and diagnosis.
Self-Diagnosis Videos
Great How-To videos by Dr Amron and Dr Herbst.
Symptom Checklist
Click the image below to download Lipoedema Australia's fantastic Symptom Checklist.
Types of Lipoedema
There are 5 types of lipoedema categorised by the area of the body they impact and it’s not uncommon to have a combination:
Type 2
Buildup of lipoedema tissue from buttocks to knees, with folds of fat around the inner side of the knee. More common than Type 1 and causes swelling and fat buildup from the waist to the knees.
Type 3
Buildup of lipoedema tissue from the buttocks to ankles. Most common type found in women and affects the entire lower body which causes it to become disproportionate to the rest of the body.
Type 4
Buildup of lipoedema tissue in the upper arms, lower arms or both.
Type 5
Buildup of lipoedema tissue in the lower legs i.e calves.
It’s common to have a combination of types, most often Type 2 & 4 or Type 3 & 4.
Stages of Lipoedema
Lipoedema is a progressive condition, which means it gets worse over time if left untreated. The progression is broken down into 4 categories:
Stage 1: Early stage lipoedema
- Increase in fat accumulation around the pelvis, buttocks, and hips
- Swelling worsens throughout the day but typically resolves with rest and elevation
- Skin often remains smooth
- Symptoms such as pain, excessive bruising, heaviness and swelling can be mild, moderate or severe with this stage
Stage 2: Mid stage lipoedema
- Skin starts to develop indentations
- Subcutaneous tissue feels tougher and more nodular
- Lipomas, or fatty lumps, may be present
- Fat buildup becomes more noticeable on the upper and lower legs, extending towards the ankles
- Swelling is often more significant in this stage
- Swelling is less affected by rest and elevation compared to Stage 1
- Symptoms such as pain, excessive bruising, heaviness and swelling may be mild, moderate, or severe with this stage
Stage 3: Advanced stage lipoedema
- Further hardening of connective tissues and persistent swelling that does not resolve with rest and elevation
- Large extrusions of fatty tissue cause thigh and knee deformations, impacting mobility and quality of life
- This stage may also be associated with the development of secondary lymphedema or secondary obesity
- Stage 3 lipoedema has the highest rate of orthopaedic complications
- Symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe with this stage
Stage 4: Lipolymphedema
- Both lipedema and lymphedema are present in the body
- Large overhangs of tissue on legs and/or arms
Ready to take the next step?
Once you've assessed your symptoms, learn how to build a plan for diagnosis and treatment.
Make A Plan