Lipedema treatment in Cologne

Lipedema is a chronic disease that mainly affects women and is characterised by an abnormal increase in fatty tissue. The condition is particularly noticeable on the legs and arms and typically occurs during puberty, after pregnancy or during the menopause.

As the disease progresses, various symptoms can occur that can severely affect daily life. These include pain, feelings of pressure and restricted mobility. Although there is currently no empirical evidence of a cure, conservative treatments such as compression garments or lymphatic drainage can alleviate the symptoms. However, liposuction remains the only method to permanently remove the abnormal fat cells and thus achieve long-term improvement or even freedom from symptoms.

Lipedema is characterised by an unusual, often symmetrical accumulation of subcutaneous fatty tissue, usually starting on the legs. The affected areas are often sensitive to pressure, painful and prone to bruising. Those affected often complain of a feeling of coldness, tightness and heaviness in the affected extremities.

To find out whether you may be suffering from Lipedema, we offer you a self-test that can give you an initial assessment and serve as the basis for a consultation.

The exact causes of Lipedema have not yet been fully researched, but a genetic predisposition is suspected as the disease runs in families. Hormonal changes, particularly those caused by the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone, play a significant role. These hormones influence the distribution of fat in the body and can favour the occurrence or worsening of Lipedema during puberty, pregnancy or menopause. A possible malfunction of the lymphatic vessels, which leads to increased fluid retention in the fatty tissue, is also being discussed.

It is important to emphasise that Lipedema is not the same as being overweight. The condition is not caused by poor diet or lack of exercise and cannot be treated by diet or exercise alone.

Lipedema is diagnosed in our consultation in Cologne. We have been successfully advising and treating Lipedema patients for 12 years. Our many years of experience and comprehensive expertise enable us to make a precise diagnosis. After taking a detailed medical history, we carry out a thorough physical examination, during which we look at the typical fat distribution and the nature of the fatty tissue. This includes the so-called pinch test, which we use to test the pain and pressure sensitivity of the affected areas. We also use imaging techniques such as ultrasound to support the diagnosis and rule out other diseases.

The main aim of the treatment is to alleviate the symptoms and improve quality of life. Conservative methods such as manual lymphatic drainage, compression garments, specially adapted diet plans (including a ketogenic diet) and exercise therapy are used.

In advanced stages, when conservative treatment options are limited, liposuction for Lipedema is often the only effective way of alleviating the symptoms and also adjusting the body contour. At LIPOCURA®, we treat Lipedema using the gentle PAL method (Power-Assisted Liposuction); this method is characterised above all by the fact that it is particularly gentle on the tissue and thoroughly removes fat cells. We perform all operations under general anaesthetic, which allows us to remove significantly more diseased fat than would be possible under local anaesthetic or twilight sleep.

If there is significant excess skin, we also offer scarless skin tightening to perfect the overall result. Surgical tightening is also an option for severe findings. Our holistic approach ensures that both the health and aesthetic needs of our patients are taken into account and always adapted to their individual requirements.