Lipedema is a disproportionate fat‑distribution disorder affecting the limbs and remains under‑diagnosed in Germany. It is estimated that around 10% of women in Germany tend to develop lipedema‑like fat deposits on the arms and legs. The condition is characterized by a symmetrical increase in subcutaneous fat on the extremities (arms and/or legs, with or without the buttocks). Different types of lipedema are described depending on location. The diseased fat cells cannot be reduced by dieting. Those affected are usually patients after phases of hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy or menopause. Typical symptoms include marked tension in the affected body regions, a feeling of heaviness, pain and a tendency to bruising. So‑called “caliber jumps” toward unaffected areas are also typical. Four stages of lipedema have been described that can be traversed over the course of the disease. Lipedema often occurs together with overweight. The most important step to limit progression is maintaining a calorie deficit, which may help prevent lipedema‑like changes in predisposed individuals.

Stages of lipedema
The fat‑distribution disorder develops—regardless of the previously diagnosed lipedema type—across four stages:
Lipedema – Stage I:
Lipedema – Stage II:
Lipedema – Stage III:
Lipedema – Stage IV:
Initial consultations for patients with corresponding symptoms usually take place with physicians in vascular medicine, phlebology or gynecology. Many patients do not know the cause of their complaints—“Why do I have large legs despite a slim upper body?”
Therapy usually begins with a combination of manual lymphatic drainage and compression therapy to relieve symptoms. This approach is summarized as complex decongestive therapy (CDT). These therapies are important, but they do not causally treat the underlying disease.
Another therapeutic approach is decompression of veins and lymphatic vessels by removing the diseased fat cells. In plastic‑surgery terms, this is lymph‑sparing liposculpture (liposuction) of the affected areas. Several procedures may be necessary. In stages I and II, statutory health insurers currently do not cover liposuction; many patients try—often unsuccessfully—to obtain coverage despite significant symptoms.
In our clinic we use the Bodyjet system by Humanmed. This is one of the most modern devices on the market and enables a tissue‑sparing method via water‑jet‑assisted liposuction (WAL). The goal is to spare lymphatic vessels and prevent soft‑tissue edema—hence lymph‑sparing liposculpture. We work with blunt cannulas to be atraumatic and achieve even results after fat removal. Based on current scientific evidence, this is the most established method for reducing fat cells in lipedema.
There are various self‑tests online—feel free to try ours at www.lipoedem-oldenburg.de. Those affected are often diagnosed with obesity (adiposity), which can be confusing. Lipedema, however, frequently occurs in parallel with obesity. Typical “caliber jumps” between trunk and legs or arms are then harder to detect. To differentiate in such cases, we use the waist‑to‑height ratio and waist‑to‑hip ratio. A helpful test is the pinch test: with lipedema, the outer thighs are more sensitive than the inner thighs, whereas in healthy people the inner thighs are more sensitive.
We specialize in large‑volume liposuctions as part of lipedema surgery. We have developed techniques that allow us, in selected cases, to remove more than 10 liters of pure fat per procedure (excluding fluids) without increasing patient risk. Lipedema surgery should be effective so that as few operations as possible are needed, minimizing internal scarring and downtime. We have not had a major complication (thrombosis, extensive infection or sepsis) in our clinic to date. In each of our >50 procedures per year in this field we work with utmost care to ensure good results and low risk.
Lipedema progresses in stages. Once lipedema fat develops, it exerts an osmotic pull on fluid—there is increased colloid‑osmotic pressure. Water leaves the capillaries, where nutrient exchange normally occurs. When more fluid exits these tiny vessels, this is termed a capillary leak. The fluid accumulates between fat cells, additionally compressing veins and lymphatic vessels. The capillary leak is therefore a self‑reinforcing mechanism.
Current evidence indicates that early removal of diseased fat cells has a positive effect on disease progression, as the development of the capillary leak described above is reduced.
Exercise and calorie restriction are important pillars in the treatment of lipedema. A balanced diet while avoiding excess caloric intake is always beneficial. According to current knowledge, there is no specific lipedema diet.
Cellulite refers to an irregular skin surface, primarily due to the parallel arrangement of collagen fibers in women. Like lipedema, cellulite can also affect young, athletic women. In lipedema, however, there is hypersensitivity and a disproportionate increase in circumference.
This decision has not yet been recognized by the Federal Ministry of Health. It is currently unclear when the new regulations will take effect, what the specific criteria will look like, and who will actually be entitled to cost coverage. The final design and implementation of the criteria are therefore still pending.
Lipedema is a chronic fat‑distribution disorder that predominantly affects arms and legs. It is characterized by symmetrical fat accumulation, pain, and pressure sensitivity. Because lipedema is a diagnosis of exclusion and the above symptoms may also occur in venous insufficiency or lipohypertrophy, the following criteria must be considered:
We are highly specialized in the treatment of lipedema. Our service goes far beyond a simple liposuction covered by insurance. We address border zones, remove significantly larger fat volumes per session to reduce downtime, and perform simultaneous skin tightening with state‑of‑the‑art technology.
Our advanced treatment concept—refined over many years—is, unfortunately, not included in statutory insurance coverage even after the Federal Joint Committee’s decision. Whether your insurer contributes to treatment in our private clinic must be clarified individually with your insurance provider.
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