Lipedema treatment

Lipedema is a chronic fat distribution disorder that affects almost exclusively women. It usually appears symmetrically on the legs and/or arms. Typical symptoms include pain, tenderness, and a feeling of tightness in the affected areas. Diet and exercise have little effect on the condition, which can be particularly distressing for many patients.

Conservative measures, such as compression garments or manual lymphatic drainage, can temporarily relieve symptoms but do not provide a long-term improvement. Liposuction allows the pathologically altered fat tissue in the affected areas to be selectively removed. Many patients experience significant physical relief and a noticeable improvement in quality of life.

Please bring any existing medical reports and diagnoses with you, in particular an external report if you have already been diagnosed with lipoedema.
If available, information about previous treatments (e.g. compression therapy or lymphatic drainage) will also be helpful.

Surgical treatment of lipedema is carried out through liposuction. At LIVION, we use a particularly tissue-friendly technique, complemented by the BodyTite system for skin tightening. The procedure usually takes 2 to 4 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. Afterwards, patients stay in the clinic for one day for observation.

BodyTite is an innovative method that simultaneously removes fat, tightens the skin, and stimulates collagen production. This technique is especially suitable for lipedema, as it protects surrounding tissue and lymphatic vessels—important for a safe and effective treatment.

After the procedure, a special compression garment should be worn for approximately 6 weeks. We also recommend manual lymphatic drainage to support healing. Physical rest is important: avoid sports for 4 to 6 weeks, while normal daily activities are usually possible after 1 to 2 weeks.

Liposuction for lipedema leads to a visible harmonization of body proportions, reduces the tendency for swelling and bruising, and relieves the body both physically and mentally. Many of our patients report significantly improved well-being and self-esteem.

No, even though weight loss through healthy eating and exercise improves overall health, the pathological increase in fatty tissue associated with lipoedema cannot be reduced through diet or exercise alone. The fat deposits usually remain, even if body weight decreases.

The diagnosis is made through a clinical examination by an experienced doctor. Typical symptoms include symmetrical, painful fat deposits, e.g. on the legs and arms, which do not disappear despite diet or exercise. A specialist can usually clearly identify whether it is lipoedema through medical history and physical examination.

Yes, many sufferers report that lipoedema worsens during periods of hormonal change, such as puberty, pregnancy or the menopause. These hormonal changes can exacerbate symptoms or trigger a flare-up.