Overview
Localized lipodystrophy is a rare condition where fat tissue is lost or reduced in specific, limited areas of the body — rather than all over. Unlike generalized lipodystrophy, which affects fat throughout the entire body, localized lipodystrophy causes visible dips, hollows, or indentations in the skin in particular spots. The condition is also sometimes called partial lipodystrophy when it affects certain regions, though localized lipodystrophy specifically refers to more confined, patchy fat loss. The areas most commonly affected include the arms, legs, face, or trunk. The fat loss can happen on its own (without a clear cause) or it can be triggered by something external, such as repeated injections at the same site (for example, insulin injections in people with diabetes), pressure on the skin, inflammation, or certain medications. The skin over the affected area may look sunken or uneven, but it is usually not painful. For most people, localized lipodystrophy is mainly a cosmetic concern and does not cause serious health problems. However, it can affect self-esteem and body image. Treatment options depend on the cause and may include changing injection sites, stopping a triggering medication, or cosmetic procedures such as fat grafting or fillers to restore the appearance of the affected area. In cases linked to injections, rotating the injection site often helps prevent further fat loss.
Key symptoms:
Visible sunken or hollow areas in the skin where fat has been lostUneven or dimpled skin surface in the affected areaLoss of fat tissue in a specific, limited part of the bodyChanges in skin texture over the affected areaCosmetic changes that may affect body image or self-confidenceOccasionally, mild skin discoloration over the affected spotIn injection-related cases, a firm or rubbery lump may develop instead of a hollow
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Localized lipodystrophy.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Localized lipodystrophy at this time.
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Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Localized lipodystrophy.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What is causing my localized lipodystrophy, and can that cause be treated or removed?,Is the fat loss likely to come back on its own, or will I need treatment to restore the area?,What cosmetic or medical treatment options are available for my specific situation?,Do I need any blood tests or imaging to check for other health problems related to this condition?,If I use injections, how should I change my technique or rotation to prevent more fat loss?,Are there any clinical trials or new treatments I should know about?,Should I see any other specialists, such as a dermatologist or plastic surgeon?
Common questions about Localized lipodystrophy
What is Localized lipodystrophy?
Localized lipodystrophy is a rare condition where fat tissue is lost or reduced in specific, limited areas of the body — rather than all over. Unlike generalized lipodystrophy, which affects fat throughout the entire body, localized lipodystrophy causes visible dips, hollows, or indentations in the skin in particular spots. The condition is also sometimes called partial lipodystrophy when it affects certain regions, though localized lipodystrophy specifically refers to more confined, patchy fat loss. The areas most commonly affected include the arms, legs, face, or trunk. The fat loss can hap
How is Localized lipodystrophy inherited?
Localized lipodystrophy follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
Which specialists treat Localized lipodystrophy?
3 specialists and care centers treating Localized lipodystrophy are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.