Lipedema consultation in Stuttgart

Lipedema is a chronic fat distribution disorder with symmetrical fat accumulation, especially on the legs and arms. This condition mainly affects women. Lipedema often occurs during hormonal upheaval phases such as puberty, pregnancy or the menopause.

Typical symptoms of Lipedema are uneven fat distribution, swelling, tenderness, pain and a tendency to bruise. The skin in the affected areas can feel tight and hardened. Despite a conscious diet and regular exercise, the excess fat cannot be broken down.

A complete cure for Lipedema has not yet been proven. However, there are various treatment options to alleviate the symptoms and improve quality of life. Conservative treatment approaches include compression therapy, manual lymphatic drainage and targeted exercise therapy. Long-term relief can be achieved by surgically removing the fat cells using liposuction. This procedure can significantly reduce the symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease.

Lipedema is characterised by a variety of symptoms. The most common signs include a disproportionate distribution of fat on the extremities, swelling, tenderness, pain and an increased tendency to bruise. Those affected often report a feeling of heaviness and tension in the affected areas. The skin can feel tight and hardened and despite a healthy diet and regular exercise, the excess fat cannot be broken down.

To help you make an initial assessment, we have developed a self-test that you can carry out in the comfort of your own home. This self-test helps you to recognise possible symptoms of Lipedema and can also be used as the basis for a personal diagnostic consultation with your doctor.

The exact causes of Lipedema are not yet fully understood, but there are a number of factors that are suspected to contribute to the development of the disease. A hereditary predisposition is one of these suspected factors, as Lipedema often runs in families. Hormonal influences, in particular changes in the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, also appear to play an important role. This explains why Lipedema often occurs during hormonal upheaval phases such as puberty, pregnancy or the menopause.

A malfunction of the lymph vessels is also discussed as a possible cause. It is assumed that impaired lymphatic drainage leads to fluid and fat accumulation in the affected tissue. Being overweight, even if it can exacerbate the symptoms, is not the cause of Lipedema. Lipedema is an independent disease that occurs regardless of body weight.

The diagnostic process begins with a detailed medical history interview in which we record your medical history and current complaints in detail. This is followed by a thorough physical examination, during which we look at the characteristic fat distribution and the nature of the fatty tissue. An important part of this examination is the pinch test, which we use to check the sensitivity to pain and the condition of the fatty tissue.

We also use imaging techniques such as ultrasound to precisely assess the structure of the fatty tissue and rule out other diseases. This comprehensive diagnosis enables us to draw a precise picture of your condition and develop a customised treatment strategy.

To alleviate the symptoms of Lipedema and improve our patients’ quality of life, we initially recommend proven conservative methods. These include manual lymphatic drainage, wearing compression garments, specially adapted diet plans (especially the ketogenic diet) and exercise therapy. These measures have proven successful for many of our patients, as they reduce swelling, alleviate pain and improve general well-being.

In advanced stages of Lipedema, however, conservative therapies often reach their limits. In these cases, liposuction can be the most effective method of alleviating the symptoms and correcting the body contour. We perform these procedures nationwide in our partner clinics using the gentle PAL method (Power-Assisted Liposuction). With this tissue-sparing and precise technique, we can remove significantly more fat than with conventional aesthetic liposuction.

To optimise the aesthetic result, we also offer scar-free skin tightening. Surgical skin tightening can also be considered for particularly severe excess skin.

Our holistic approach ensures that both your health and aesthetic needs are taken into account. The treatment is customised to your individual requirements.