Lipedema consultation in Düsseldorf

Lipedema is a chronic disease that mainly affects women and is characterized by a pathological, uncontrolled increase in fatty tissue. Lipedema mainly manifests itself on the legs and arms and typically develops during puberty, after pregnancy or during the menopause.

As the disease progresses, various symptoms can occur that can lead to significant impairments in everyday life, such as 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. Liposuction remains the only method of permanently removing the abnormal fat cells.

Lipedema is characterised by an increased accumulation of subcutaneous fatty tissue, usually starting on the legs and usually occurring symmetrically. The affected areas are often sensitive to pressure, painful and prone to haematoma formation. Those affected often describe a feeling of coldness and tension as well as heaviness in the affected extremities.

To determine whether you may be suffering from lipedema, we offer a self-test that can give you an initial orientation and serve as a starting point for a consultation.

The exact causes of lipedema have not yet been fully researched, but a genetic predisposition is assumed as the condition often occurs within a family. Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy or the menopause, particularly oestrogen and progesterone, also appear to play a role. A possible dysfunction of the lymphatic vessels, which leads to an increased storage of fluid in the fatty tissue, is also being discussed.

It is a widespread misconception that lipedema can simply be equated with being overweight. Lipedema is not caused by inappropriate diet or lack of exercise and cannot be treated by diet or exercise.

Lipedema is diagnosed at our Düsseldorf consultation centre, where many patients take advantage of our extensive expertise and many years of experience to obtain a well-founded diagnosis or a second opinion. We start with a thorough medical history, followed by a careful physical examination, during which particular attention is paid to the typical fat distribution and the nature of the fatty tissue. Thanks to our many years of specialisation in Lipedema, we can also reliably identify subtle signs and individual characteristics. Imaging procedures such as ultrasound support the diagnosis and help to rule out other diseases. Our highly qualified experts guarantee a precise diagnosis and the best possible basis for your further treatment.

The aim of treatment is to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Conservative methods such as manual lymphatic drainage, compression garments, specially adapted diet plans and exercise therapy are used.

In advanced stages, when conservative therapy is often no longer sufficient, liposuction for Lipedema is the only effective way to alleviate symptoms and adjust body contours. At our treatment centres, we use the gentle PAL method (power-assisted liposuction) under general anaesthetic, which allows us to proceed in an extremely tissue-friendly manner and remove significantly more fatty tissue than would be possible with purely aesthetic liposuction. In addition, we will give you personalised nutritional tips that have brought good results for Lipedema patients to date, such as a ketogenic diet. To counteract any post-operative skin slackening, we also carry out accompanying scarless skin tightening. Surgical tightening is also an option for severe findings. Our holistic approach ensures that both your health and aesthetic needs are met and customised to your individual requirements.