Lipedema is a disease characterized by abnormal fat deposition that causes nodular and fibrotic fat tissue on the buttocks hips and the ends and aggravated by hormone, weight and shape changes that can occur during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. The fat deposition is usually symmetrical and spares hands and feet. Lipedema can also be associated with hypermobility disorders. Lipedema is characterized by pain and tenderness in the extremities, disproportionate upper and lower body, tender nodules in the limbs, difficulty losing weight from the legs and arms and easy bruising.
Lipedema is often under diagnosis. It is also misdiagnosed as obesity and patients often do not get adequate treatment. Lipedema affects 11% of women in the United States and all over the world. Which means around 17 million women in the United States are affected by this disorder and most of them do not know that this is what they are battling with.
Dr. Binju Joel is renowned for treating lipedema due to the following factors,
- Specialized Expertise: Dr. Joel has extensive experience and knowledge in diagnosing and treating lipedema, a condition that is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. Many patients suffer for years without proper treatment, but Dr. Joel’s specialized focus on lipedema sets them apart from general practitioners or cosmetic surgeons.
- Differentiates lipedema from obesity: Dr. Joel is board-certified in Obesity medicine and has a fellowship in Obesity Medicine and hence she is well trained to differentiate between regular obesity and lipedema related to fat deposition disease.
- Multidimensional approach: Joel Wellness clinic uses a multidimensional approach in the treatment of lipedema. These include custom made compression garments, lipedema therapy which includes manual lymphatic drainage, pneumatic pump, serial measurements of the limb to assess progress, body composition to differentiate between fat mass and lean mass and medications including GLP-1/GIP injectables like semaglutide and tirzepatide.
- Surgical intervention: Dr. Joel also facilitates surgical intervention after optimizing medical treatments which include the ones listed above.
- Patient Involvement: Dr. Joel also maximizes patient involved in the care by encouraging aerobic exercise, especially water aerobics, vibration plate, continuation of MLD therapy at home, low carbohydrate, anti-inflammatory diet and close monitoring with frequent visits.
- Nutritional guidance: Extensive nutritional counseling and personalized food plan based on body composition is provided during each visit if the patient wishes so.
- Comprehensive Care: Beyond surgical interventions, Dr. Joel offers a holistic approach to lipedema care. She addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of the disease.
- Patient Advocacy and Education: Dr. Joel is highly active in patient advocacy, raising awareness about lipedema, which is often misdiagnosed as simple obesity. They work to educate both the medical community and the public about the differences between lipedema and other conditions, thus helping more people get the right diagnosis and treatment earlier.
- Success Stories and Testimonials: Dr. Joel has a track record of positive outcomes, with many patients reporting significant improvements in mobility, pain reduction, and overall quality of life after treatment. Their compassionate approach and commitment to patient-centered care have earned them a strong reputation, leading to a wide referral base and recognition.