Treating lipoedema in Frankfurt
We want to free you permanently from your painful lipoedema so that you can enjoy life again
Many patients who come to us with the desire for an operation have already undergone a longer phase of - more or less successful - conservative therapy. The treatment consists of multiple lymph drainage sessions and compression therapy. Customised compression trousers made using the flat-knit method have proved successful in compression treatment. To ensure that the compression trousers do not become too loose later on, eight to twelve lymph drainage sessions should be carried out before the trousers are fitted.
Conservative treatment for lipoedema often leads to an improvement in symptoms, especially in mild cases. However, many patients are not satisfied with the results of conservative treatment and contact our plastic surgeon who is familiar with lipoedema. Liposuction usually achieves permanent relief and often even complete disappearance of the symptoms.
Brief information on lipoedema surgery
| Op-Art | Outpatient or inpatient |
| Anaesthesia | Local anaesthesia, twilight sleep or general anaesthesia |
| Stay in our clinic | 1 night inpatient - depending on the extent of the operation |
| When can I go back to work? | after approx. 1 - 2 weeks, depending on the activity |
| After the operation | - Follow-up appointments after 1.6 weeks, after 6 months - Wearing a compression girdle for 6 weeks |
| Which specialist will treat me? | Counselling and treatment by Oliver Ruiz Specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery |
| Costs of lipoedema surgery | Customised - depending on the scope of the operation More about costs & prices |
| Can I pay in instalments? | possible depending on creditworthiness » Calculate & check financing |
What is lipoedema?
- Thigh
- Hip area
- Lower leg
- Legs
- Inside of the knee joints and the upper arms
What is the difference between lipoedema and obesity?
Only women suffer from lipoedema. Affected patients generally have a disproportion between a slim upper body and very strong legs. Trousers are often worn two or more sizes larger than the tops. This is often enough to differentiate between the two.
Lipoedema often causes further symptoms:
- Pressure pain in the affected regions
- Touch sensitivity
- Organs skin or cellulite
- Swollen legs - especially when sitting or standing
- Tendency to haematomas (bruising) in the affected areas
- Hardening of the subcutaneous fatty tissue
- Feeling of heaviness in the affected areas
Symptoms of lipoedema
Lipoedema always occurs symmetrically. This results in "columnar" changes and deformations of the thighs and often also the lower legs up to the ankles. Large fat pads can also form on the arms. The disease usually begins in the thighs and gradually spreads.
Lipoedema is sensitive to pressure and touch. There is a constant feeling of tension. At an advanced stage, even tight-fitting clothing causes pain.
What is the procedure for an operation to treat lipoedema?
A treatment plan is drawn up before the operation. In order to avoid more serious complications, it is not possible to remove large amounts of fat in one operation. Therefore, several operations are usually necessary.
During the consultation, our specialists will work with you to determine which fat deposits should be removed, in what order and how many operations are necessary. The sequence does not depend on the size of the fat deposits but on your symptoms. The areas that cause you the most discomfort are removed first.
The amount of fat removed during an operation varies from patient to patient. The extent of your illness, possible pre-existing conditions and laboratory values must be taken into account.
Can lipoedema improve?
With Lipoedema is a chronic disease. According to current knowledge, the symptoms can be alleviated - but not cured. Basically, the earlier treatment is started, the better.
How is lipoedema treated?
Surgical treatment of fat distribution disorders takes the form of extensive liposuction. The operation is usually performed under twilight sleep and tumescent anaesthesia. A special mixture of saline solution, local anaesthetic and adrenaline is injected into the fat deposits. On request, the procedure can also be performed under general anaesthetic. In any case, our anaesthetist will be there for the duration of the operation, monitor your vital functions and give you the necessary medication to make the operation as comfortable as possible for you.
Liposuction is always performed using a procedure in which nerves, lymphatic vessels and blood vessels are spared as much as possible. As the lymphatic vessels run largely parallel to the longitudinal axes of the legs and arms, liposuction must be performed strictly in line with these axes.
What procedures are available for lipoedema surgery?
With the Water-jet assisted liposuction (WAL) the tumescent solution is injected into the tissue under pressure in a wafer-thin jet of liquid from inside the suction cannula. The fat cells detach from the connective tissue fibres and are suctioned out immediately.
With the Vibration-assisted liposuction (Power-Assisted Liposuction PAL) the fat is suctioned out using thin cannulas, which are set into rapid oscillation (5,000/minute) by a vibrating handpiece. The rounded tip of the cannula vibrates past connective tissue fibres, nerves, lymph vessels and blood vessels into the soft fatty tissue. The vibration means that hardly any force is required and the tissue is spared.
With the Liposuction in the tumescent procedure a specially formulated liquid is first injected into the fatty tissue to be suctioned, which liquefies and softens the fatty tissue. After a sufficient exposure time, microcannulas are inserted into the precisely defined area through mini skin incisions and the excess fat cells are suctioned out in even movements using negative pressure. The modelling of the suctioned regions is very important for the final result. The treated areas of the body remain permanently slim as the removed fat cells are no longer replaced by new fatty tissue.
What are the differences to normal liposuction?
- The scope of treatment is often more extensive
- A longer recovery phase compared to standard liposuction must be taken into account
- Longer compression using corsetry is necessary
- Significant excess skin may remain
- A greater tendency to swell postoperatively should be taken into account, particularly due to the high suction volumes
Questions & answers about lipoedema surgery
How many stages are there in lipoedema?
Lipoedema is categorised into three stages. The categorisation is based on the external appearance and symptoms. These stages help to determine the severity of the condition and plan the appropriate treatment.
A distinction is made between the following levels:
| Stage I | - Smooth skin surface without irregularities - The fat distribution disorder is still barely visible - Appearance of the first symptoms |
| Stage II | - Uneven, wavy skin surface (similar to cellulite) - Clearly visible increase in circumference - Occurrence of further symptoms |
| Stage III | - Pronounced increase in circumference with overhanging fatty tissue (so-called dewlap formation) - Formations of strongly overhanging tissue - existing complaints become significantly worse |
What should be considered before lipoedema surgery?
You will receive your individual recommendations from us as part of the consultation and clarification.
Manual lymphatic drainage should be carried out one to two weeks before the operation. The flat knit compression trousers should be worn consistently. Medication containing acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) must not be taken one week before the operation (blood thinning).
What should I bear in mind after lipoedema surgery?
Major liposuction can lead to discomfort comparable to severe muscle soreness. This condition can be tolerated well with mild painkillers. In most cases, however, no painkillers are required.
Consistent compression treatment is essential for the healing process and shrinkage of the skin. During the day, you should wear the flat knit compression trousers for eight weeks. At night, conventional compression trousers are sufficient for six weeks.
On the arms, wearing a conventional compression garment for six weeks is usually sufficient. Only wearing the compression garment leads to the desired result.
You will be fit for socialising again as soon as you are discharged from the clinic.
Nevertheless, you should take it easy for the first three weeks after the operation. You can start swimming two weeks after the operation. After three weeks, other light sporting activities are also permitted. However, the suctioned areas of the body must not be strained too much. Six weeks after the operation, you can also resume full sporting activity.
To improve the result, manual lymphatic drainage is recommended from the first week after the operation.
Can I finance the costs of my lipoedema operation?
Yes. There are different models for financing the costs of your lipoedema operation if you have the right credit rating.
Would you like to find out more about the treatment of lipoedema?
Arrange your consultation appointment! We will be happy to explain everything about your treatment options.
novoLinea Clinic - plastic surgery in Frankfurt since 1968
We at the novoLinea Clinic have been providing the right solution for our patients since 1968 - let our team advise you personally and comprehensively. During the consultation, you will find out which method suits your desired result and your body. We will inform you in detail about lipoedema treatment methods and possible risks. You will also receive a detailed breakdown of the costs of the treatment. Thanks to the empathetic and competent support, you will not feel alone as a patient.
Our clinic has excellent air conditioning, so that you will have a pleasant stay with us even on hot summer days.
Our specialists for your liposuction in Frankfurt
Specialists in plastic and aesthetic surgery
We have many years of experience in aesthetic plastic surgery and attach great importance to personalised care. With our many years of medical experience, we have repeatedly been recognised as a TOP surgeon by FOCUS. Take advantage of our expertise and knowledge for your liposuction.