Lipedema or cellulite, what is the difference and how can we relieve it?

You look in the mirror and feel frustrated. You’ve been eating healthy for months, reduced carbohydrates, go to the gym three times a week, and yet your legs look the same. While your body tones up and your waist shrinks, your hips and thighs feel heavy and sometimes even painful to the touch.

It is at that moment when the million-dollar question arises: "Am I doing something wrong?".

Surely, the answer is no. It’s not your fault, and it’s very possible that you’re not just “fighting” fat, but a chronic pathology that affects millions of women and is often confused. Today, at Wellbeinn we will talk about Lipedema or cellulite, to understand their differences and, most importantly, see what tools we have at home to relieve pain and stop its progression.

The eternal confusion: Is it aesthetic or health?

For decades, many women have heard the following phrase at their doctor's office: "You just need to lose weight." But the reality is that Lipedema or cellulite are not the same, nor are they treated the same.

Cellulite is an aesthetic alteration of the skin surface (the famous "orange peel skin"). It affects many women, regardless of weight (you can be very thin and have it) and it does not hurt.

On the other hand, Lipedema is a chronic disease of the adipose tissue. Fat cells grow disproportionately and pathologically, usually in the legs and arms. It is an inflammation of the tissue that causes pain, heaviness, and easy bruising.

How do I know if I have Lipedema or cellulite?

If you have doubts, the best thing is to see your doctor and get advice. Look out for these warning signs that differentiate Lipedema from cellulite:

“The key to success in pressotherapy is not to do a very intense session once a month, but to maintain a constant frequency. Your body appreciates daily care much more.”

Caetano — Wellbeinn

How can I relieve it?

If you identify with the signs of Lipedema and your doctor has confirmed you have it, the first thing is not to panic. Although it is chronic, it can be managed to live without pain. The treatment is based on three pillars: anti-inflammatory diet, low-impact exercise (such as swimming or strength training), and fundamentally, compression and drainage.

This is where technology has advanced to help us. The lymphatic system of a leg with Lipedema or cellulite is usually collapsed due to fat pressure. We need to "help" that fluid rise to reduce inflammation and, therefore, pain. That’s why a professional pressotherapy boot is so important.

Why pressotherapy is your best ally at home

Until recently, the only solution was to go to physiotherapists or specialized clinics several times a week. But consistency is key, and we don’t always have the time or money for daily sessions.

This is where the use of professional devices at home comes into play, such as the HighFly Pro pressotherapy boots from Wellbeinn. Why are they different?

• Complete drainage (Including abdomen): To drain the legs, you first need to "open" the pathways in the abdomen. The HighFly Pro are not just simple boots, they are full pants that wrap around the hips, buttocks, abdomen, and lower back. This is vital, because if you only push the fluid from the legs but the groin and abdomen are blocked, the drainage does not work.
• Adjustable pressure: It allows working up to 260mmHg, but in cases of Lipedema or cellulite, the key is to start gently. You need a massage that moves the fluid without causing pain, and its 6 usage modes allow you to customize the session, from a gentle lymphatic drainage to a more intense massage when the inflammation decreases.
• Consistency without wires: With a battery life of over 3 hours, you can do your daily session while sitting on the sofa or reading a book in bed. That daily consistency is what makes the difference between heavy legs and light legs.

Enjoy real relief at home

Knowing how to differentiate between Lipedema and cellulite is the first step to stop feeling pain and find a remedy. It’s not a lack of willpower, it’s a problem that requires specific care.

At Wellbeinn we know that knowledge is power. That’s why, with the purchase of the HighFly Pro pressotherapy boots we include a Medical Guide to Lipedema developed by our physiotherapists. Because the goal is not just aesthetics, it’s for you to walk again feeling light, pain-free, and comfortable in your own skin.

If your legs feel heavy at the end of the day or you feel that characteristic pain to the touch, don’t normalize it. Give them the massage they need with our Highfly Pro pressotherapy boot.