Kristiina Heinmets: My Journey from Lipedema Diagnosis to Treatment

When I was diagnosed with stage one lipedema, I had never heard of this condition before. I had always been rather slim and assumed that the changes in my legs – lumpy skin, swelling, and discomfort – were simply a natural part of aging or reduced physical activity. However, it turned out to be something more. Lipedema is a chronic condition that causes abnormal fat distribution in the legs, hips, and sometimes arms. This condition primarily affects women and often goes unnoticed in its early stages, as it did in my case.

The First Signs and the Decision to Act

It all started after a trauma that left an oval lump on my thigh. This bothered me not only aesthetically but also physically. My legs were swollen daily, and the skin felt strange to the touch, as if there was a watery layer beneath it. Pressing on the soft swelling left a visible indentation, and during warmer weather, my lower legs were constantly swollen. In the summer, I only wore long dresses and skirts to hide it. When I finally received my diagnosis, I felt both relieved and confused—what did this mean for me, and was there anything I could do about it?

The First Step: Turning to Christinas Clinic

I decided to take action for the sake of my health and quality of life, so I turned to Christinas Clinic. During the consultation, I received a thorough overview of lipedema and the available treatment options. It was explained to me that while a healthy lifestyle can help alleviate symptoms, regular dieting and exercise are often not solutions for lipedema and surgical intervention might be the only way to effectively manage this condition. I made the decision to undergo surgery as soon as I realized that this was not just a cosmetic procedure but a real step toward feeling better.

Surgery Day and Recovery

On the morning of my surgery, I felt both anxious and excited. The entire team at Christinas Clinic was incredibly supportive and professional—I never once felt like just another patient, but rather like I was receiving personal and attentive care. The procedure itself was quicker than I had expected, and upon waking up, I felt for the first time in a long while that something had truly changed.

Recovery was not easy, but it was much smoother than I had feared. In the first few days, I felt some pressure and mild discomfort, but it was temporary. Just a few days later, I noticed that my legs felt lighter and the swelling had significantly reduced. I followed my doctor’s recommendations: I wore compression garments, moved regularly, and paid attention to my diet and water intake. These small steps played a major role in a faster recovery and achieving better results.

A Change in Quality of Life and Advice to Others

Looking back, I feel that this was one of the best decisions I have made for my health. Lipedema is not just a cosmetic issue—it has a significant impact on daily life and overall well-being. Now, I feel much lighter and more confident, and my legs are no longer constantly swollen and painful. If anyone experiences similar symptoms, I strongly encourage them to consult a specialist and not ignore their concerns. The sooner you take action, the easier it is to prevent lipedema from progressing and to regain a better quality of life, ensuring that regular day does not have to come with constant discomfort.

Attention! This is a healthcare service. Christinas Clinic is licensed by the Health Board, permit L04954 (CBF Medical OÜ).