If the disease spreads further downwards, it is known as "Suaven trousers", because the deformations usually end at the ankle, but the fat hangs over them.

Areas affected by lipoedema are sensitive to touch and pressure. In the advanced stage, even a close-fitting piece of clothing can cause pain. In contrast to lymphoedema, Stemmer's sign is always negative in lipoedema.

Summary of characteristic signs of lipoedema:

• Negative Stemmer's sign
• Symmetrical swelling
• Sensitive to touch and pressure
• Bursting pain
• Often groups of spider veins on the side of the thigh
• Tendency to bruise easily
• Runs in families
• Skin soft, nodular, typical dimples
• In a few cases the arms are also affected