Table 1.

Stages of lipoedema

Stages	Characteristics
Stage 1	Smooth skin; soft homogenous increase in subcutaneous tissue, cool skin in certain areas because of functional vascular imbalance
Stage 2	Irregular skin surface, nodular changes of the subcutaneous tissue
Stage 3	Tender subcutaneous nodules, pronounced increase in circumference with loose skin/tissue, bulging protrusion of fat mainly at inner thighs and knees