{"id":13820,"date":"2025-08-25T19:11:51","date_gmt":"2025-08-25T18:11:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/blog\/grade-1-lipedema-symptoms-diagnosis-and-effective-treatments\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T23:37:07","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T22:37:07","slug":"grade-1-lipedema-symptoms-diagnosis-and-effective-treatments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/en\/blog\/grade-1-lipedema-symptoms-diagnosis-and-effective-treatments\/","title":{"rendered":"Grade 1 lipedema: symptoms, diagnosis and effective treatments"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Grade 1 lipedema<\/em><\/strong> is a condition that primarily affects the quality of life of women. Identifying it in its early stages is important to prevent major complications. That&#8217;s why we explain the symptoms, how diagnosis is made, and the most effective treatments for this condition.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is grade 1 lipedema?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Grade 1 lipedema is the initial stage of a chronic adipose tissue disease. It is characterized by abnormal accumulation of fat mainly in the hips, thighs, and buttocks. Although it can also occur in the arms in some cases.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The affected areas increase in density and present palpable fat nodules. It is often confused with cellulite.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How does it look in phase 1?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this phase, the skin is smooth or has a slight texture similar to orange peel. But when touched, it is possible to feel small fat structures or nodules beneath it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Typical affected areas<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Grade 1 lipedema primarily affects the leg area. This includes thighs, hips, and buttocks.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In some cases, you may also notice mild growth in the diameter of the calves and arms.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why doesn&#8217;t it respond to diet or exercise?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It doesn&#8217;t respond to diets or exercise because it is a chronic condition that affects adipose tissue.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lipedemic adipose tissue has different metabolic behavior. It is resistant to lipolysis and is stored more easily.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Differences with other conditions<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lipedema vs obesity<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Obesity is a disease caused by generalized excess body fat. It responds to diets and exercise and does not cause pain when touched.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While in lipedema <strong>fat accumulates disproportionately<\/strong> and is not eliminated through diet. Additionally, it causes pain in the affected areas.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lipedema vs lymphedema (Stemmer sign)<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In lipedema, fats accumulate, while in lymphedema the main problem is the accumulation of fluid.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To differentiate between both conditions, check if you can pinch the skin at the base of the second toe. If you can, it is lipedema; if you cannot, it is possibly lymphedema.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lipedema vs cellulite<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cellulite is an aesthetic condition that only affects the superficial layers of the skin. While lipedema is a more complex disease that involves other symptoms such as pain and changes in fat structure.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"960\" src=\"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/lipedema-grado1.jpg\" alt=\"grade 1 lipedema\" class=\"wp-image-10859\" style=\"width:475px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/lipedema-grado1.jpg 640w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/lipedema-grado1-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/lipedema-grado1-350x525.jpg 350w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/lipedema-grado1-370x555.jpg 370w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/lipedema-grado1-255x383.jpg 255w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/lipedema-grado1-285x428.jpg 285w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/lipedema-grado1-600x900.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Causes of grade 1 lipedema<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The main causes are:&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Genetic factors<\/strong>: There is genetic predisposition to this disease. Between 15% and 64% of women who suffer from it have family history of the condition.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hormones<\/strong>: Hormonal changes caused by puberty, pregnancy, menopause, or contraceptives can start or worsen lipedema.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Factors that worsen symptoms<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Obesity<\/strong>: Excess weight can aggravate symptoms and accelerate disease progression.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sedentary lifestyle<\/strong>: Although exercise does not eliminate lipedema, leading a sedentary lifestyle can make symptoms more severe and bothersome.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stress and depression<\/strong>: Stress and depression disorders can intensify pain and discomfort caused by the disease.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li><strong>Poor diet<\/strong>: Consumption of sugary, processed foods and saturated fats increases tissue inflammation and fat accumulation, worsening symptoms.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Early symptoms (grade 1)<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Understanding <a href=\"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/blog\/lipedema-que-es-y-como-afecta-a-la-salud\/\">what lipedema is and how it affects health<\/a> is important to treat it from the beginning. Below we explain the early symptoms of grade 1.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Disproportion between torso and limbs: In the initial phase, the patient generally develops a pear-shaped body, but exaggerated. That is, the legs, buttocks, and hips are disproportionately large compared to the torso and waist.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Symmetric and nodular fat accumulation: Fat accumulates symmetrically in both legs and sides of the hip. Additionally, if you touch the area, you will feel small nodules or lumps beneath the skin.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Pain or tenderness to touch: When applying pressure to the affected areas, you will feel sharp pain. This occurs even if you lie on your side or cross your legs.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Fat resistance to diet and exercise: The fat in the legs, hips, and thighs does not reduce significantly with exercise or diet.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Unexplained bruising: The skin tissue in the affected areas becomes very fragile. So with minimal pressure, bruising can appear.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Anatomical types and their relationship with grade 1<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Types I\u2013IV <\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Type 1: Fat accumulates mainly in the buttocks and hips. The body acquires an exaggerated &#8220;pear&#8221; silhouette.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Type II: Fat spans from the hips to the knees. In this phase, it is possible to feel pain when applying pressure to the area.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Type III: The most common. Fat accumulates on the inner side of the knees and above the ankles.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Type IV: Fat accumulates in the arms, from the shoulders to the wrists, giving them a &#8220;padded&#8221; appearance. It is possible to feel pain when touching the area.<\/li>\n<li>Type V: Fat is located mainly in the calves, making them appear disproportionately large.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How grade and type combine for the therapeutic plan<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The grade indicates the state of tissue and the type indicates the location of pathological fat.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, in grade 1, symptoms are mild and the treatment approach is generally conservative and preventive. And depending on the type, compression garments and exercises to perform are selected.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Diagnosis in grade 1: step by step<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clinical history and physical examination<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The physician reviews the patient&#8217;s medical history and asks if there have been other cases of lipedema in the family. This helps determine if there is a genetic component.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then a physical examination is performed, including analysis of fat distribution, tissue texture, and sensitivity of the area. Additionally, the presence of Stemmer sign is ruled out. <\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Complementary tests<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To confirm diagnosis, tests such as the following are performed:&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Doppler ultrasound: To detect thickening of fatty tissue.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Lymphography: Which evaluates lymphatic system function.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Differential diagnosis and referral criteria<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Grade 1 lipedema can be confused with other conditions such as obesity, lymphedema, venous insufficiency, and others. That is why it is important for the physician to review aspects such as:&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The way fat is distributed.<\/li>\n<li>Pain to touch or pressure in the affected area.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Fat resistance to diets and exercise.<\/li>\n<li>Changes in skin texture or color.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conservative treatment&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The main goal of treating grade 1 lipedema is to relieve symptoms and prevent complications or disease progression. This way, the patient will achieve better quality of life in the long term.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Compression&nbsp;<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This involves the use of compression garments such as stockings or tights <strong>to improve blood and lymphatic circulation<\/strong>, reduce swelling, and decrease pain and feeling of heaviness.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The selection of garment type and how to wear them is specified by the specialist physician who made the diagnosis of your case. This ensures the best results without risks.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lymphatic drainage and decongestive therapy<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lymphatic drainage consists of applying a massage technique that stimulates the lymphatic system in order to mobilize excess fluid and toxins from the affected areas to the lymph nodes for elimination.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For patients with grade 1 lipedema, attending sessions one or two times per week is recommended.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Recommended exercise&nbsp;<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking, cycling, yoga, and Pilates reduce inflammation and improve blood and lymphatic circulation. They also help control weight and strengthen muscles to protect joints.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Anti-inflammatory habits and diet<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although following an anti-inflammatory diet does not cure lipedema, it is an excellent way to reduce tissue inflammation and maintain a healthy weight.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reduce consumption of sugary, ultra-processed foods, and saturated fats. And increase consumption of protein, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and water.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Surgical treatment in selected cases<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Indications in grade 1<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before undergoing <a href=\"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/en\/liposuction-and-hd-liposuction-madrid\/\">liposuction<\/a> surgery to treat lipedema, the physician evaluates criteria such as:&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Failure of conservative treatment.<\/li>\n<li>Severe symptoms that affect the patient&#8217;s quality of life.<\/li>\n<li>Disease progression despite following conservative treatments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/liposuccion-lipedema.jpg\" alt=\"liposuction lipedema\" class=\"wp-image-10860\" style=\"width:455px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/liposuccion-lipedema.jpg 640w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/liposuccion-lipedema-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/liposuccion-lipedema-350x466.jpg 350w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/liposuccion-lipedema-370x493.jpg 370w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/liposuccion-lipedema-255x340.jpg 255w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/liposuccion-lipedema-285x380.jpg 285w, https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/liposuccion-lipedema-600x800.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Techniques (WAL\/tumescent) and lymphatic safety<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are quite effective and safe techniques applied by <a href=\"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/en\/lipedema-solutions-in-madrid-specialized-personalized-treatments\/\">lipedema specialists in Madrid<\/a> to treat lipedema and protect the lymphatic system. Their main objective is to reduce the burden of &#8220;diseased&#8221; fat to alleviate disease symptoms and prevent progression.  <\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Recovery and expected results<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the first 4 weeks after surgery, you should wear compression garments all day. After this time, swelling will decrease and your physician will indicate how to reduce compression hours.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This procedure helps you reduce pain and other symptoms. But it is important to mention that it is not a cure for lipedema.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Risks and complications<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although surgical techniques recommended for treating cases of grade 1 lipedema are quite effective, they can present common risks such as infections, development of seromas and hematomas, skin irregularities, and others. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In some cases, <strong>accidental damage to lymphatic vessels<\/strong> occurs during surgery. This can cause or worsen lymphedema and lead to worsening of lipedema symptoms.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Daily life and self-care<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Activity and sports plan<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Engaging in low-impact sports or physical activity such as swimming, yoga, and walking helps protect your joints and reduce pain.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you combine these activities with light strength training, it is also a way to <a href=\"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/blog\/como-eliminar-la-celulitis\/\">eliminate cellulite<\/a> that produces good results.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Skin care<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep your skin hydrated with the help of creams, preferably fragrance-free, and drink enough water.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Weight control and realistic expectations<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Preventing weight gain is crucial to avoid worsening the condition. To do this, maintain a balanced diet avoiding ultra-processed foods, refined flours, and excess salt.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Compression<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use compression tights or bandages following your physician&#8217;s guidance. This helps improve circulation, prevent fluid retention, and relieves pain.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To learn more about how this condition affects the lower extremities, consult our article on <a href=\"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/en\/blog\/leg-with-lipedema-medical-guide-on-symptoms-stages-and-treatments\/\">legs with lipedema<\/a> and its specific characteristics.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions (FAQ)<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to know if it is grade 1?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you notice the following symptoms, you may have grade 1 lipedema:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Disproportionate fat accumulation in hips and thighs.<\/li>\n<li>Pain and tenderness to touch of affected areas.<\/li>\n<li>Appearance of hematomas on legs from minor bumps.<\/li>\n<li>Appearance of small nodules beneath the skin.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is compression forever?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is not mandatory forever. But after recovery from liposuction, specialists recommend maintaining it for some hours daily on a permanent basis. This helps prevent disease progression.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does liposuction cure lipedema?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Liposuction does not cure lipedema, as it is a chronic condition. But it is one of the most effective treatments to reduce symptoms and achieve a better quality of life.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Grade 1 lipedema is a condition that primarily affects the quality of life of women. Identifying it in its early stages is important to prevent major complications. That&#8217;s why we explain the symptoms, how diagnosis is made, and the most effective treatments for this condition.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":13821,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","_mbp_gutenberg_autopost":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13820","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sin-categorizar"],"modified_by":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13820","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13820"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13820\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13821"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13820"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13820"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sculptureclinic.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13820"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}