This clinical trial is focused on studying lipedema, a condition characterized by an abnormal buildup of fat in the legs and sometimes arms, leading to pain and easy bruising. The study aims to explore the use of a special imaging technique to better understand the condition. The treatment being tested involves a substance called indocyanine green, which is a type of fluorescent contrast agent. This agent is used in a very low concentration to help visualize the lymphatic vessels, which are part of the body’s immune system and help in fluid balance.

The purpose of the study is to compare the porosity, or how easily fluid passes through, of the superficial lymphatic vessels in women with lipedema versus those in healthy individuals. This will help determine if the imaging technique, known as Near Infra-Red Fluorescence Imaging (NIRFI), can be a useful tool for diagnosing lipedema. The study involves injecting the indocyanine green just under the skin and then using the imaging technique to observe how the lymphatic vessels behave.

Participants in the study will undergo this imaging process, and researchers will observe the fluorescence in the area around the lymphatic vessels. They will also measure how quickly the contrast moves through the vessels and the pressure needed to block the flow in these vessels. The study is designed to provide insights into the differences in lymphatic vessel function between those with lipedema and those without, potentially leading to better diagnostic methods for this condition.