No, you do not require a referral to access lipoedema care at Hunter Rehab Hub. Your treating clinician is a registered physiotherapist with post-graduate training and clinical experience in assessing, diagnosing and managing lipoedema.

To book an appointment, you can contact our team via phone call, book a lipoedema assessment online or fill out the online enquiry form below.

Lipoedema presentations can vary between individuals, however, the most common signs/symptoms associated with lipoedema include a disproportionate accumulation of adipose (fat) tissue, sensations of heaviness, aching or discomfort, a cellulite-like appearance to the skin with palpable nodules, easy bruising with minimal trauma, pain or tenderness in the affected tissues, and difficulty losing fat tissue from affected areas despite diet and exercise efforts.

Research suggests that lipoedema has a strong genetic component, with many individuals reporting a family history of similar symptoms or body shape. Studies estimate that up to 60% of people with lipoedema have an affected relative.

Although no single “lipoedema gene” has been identified, researchers have found genetic variants that may contribute to the condition in some families. These include changes in genes involved in connective tissue structure, fat tissue development, hormone signalling, and lymphatic function.

Yes, while lipoedema most commonly affects the legs, many people also experience symptoms in their arms.

Similar symptoms of pain, tenderness, heaviness, and disproportionate fat accumulation can occur, often in combination with changes in the lower limbs.

Yes, some people with lipoedema also develop secondary lymphatic dysfunction, a condition often referred to as lipo-lymphoedema. This can lead to additional swelling and requires targeted strategies for fluid reduction.

No, many people with lipoedema experience heaviness, tissue fullness, or fluctuations in limb volume throughout the day. This can occur as a result of inflammation, increased fluid within the tissues, changes in blood vessel permeability, and the altered structure of lipoedema fat and connective tissue.

While these symptoms may resemble swelling, they do not necessarily indicate that the lymphatic system is impaired. In fact, many people with lipoedema experience these symptoms despite having normal lymphatic function.

Currently, there is no cure for lipoedema. However, a range of conservative treatment options can help manage symptoms, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life.

While treatment cannot eliminate the underlying disease process, early diagnosis and appropriate management can help reduce symptom burden, slow progression, and support long-term function and wellbeing.

For some people, surgery may be considered as part of a comprehensive lipoedema management plan. Lipoedema reduction surgery, most commonly performed using specialised liposuction techniques, aims to remove diseased fat tissue, whilst limiting damage to surrounding lymphatic structures, to assist in reduction of pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life.

Surgery is not suitable for everyone and is typically considered after a thorough assessment and trial of conservative management strategies. It is also important to understand that surgery is not a cure for lipoedema, and ongoing management such as exercise, compression, and self-care strategies are still recommended following the procedure.

You can read more about lipoedema surgery on our blog.

Lipoedema is generally considered a progressive condition, meaning symptoms can worsen over time if left unmanaged. With increasing tissue accumulation, individuals can experience worsening of symptoms. These changes can make physical activity, mobility, and everyday tasks more difficult.

Unmanaged lipoedema can also increase the risk of developing secondary complications such as lymphatic dysfunction (lipo-lymphoedema), permanent tissue changes, and recurrent infections.

Beyond the physical symptoms, untreated lipoedema can also impact emotional wellbeing, self-confidence, and quality of life. and wellbeing.