Facts about lipoedema
| Duration of treatment | 1 - 3 hours |
|---|---|
| Anesthesia | Local anesthesia with twilight sleep, general anesthesia if necessary |
| Hospitalization | Outpatient or 1 night |
| Aftercare | Physical rest, compression underwear |
| Sociability | After 3 - 5 days |
| Sports | After approx. 4 weeks |
Lipoedema is a congenital fat distribution disorder that manifests itself through an increase in circumference, particularly in the legs. For those affected, however, it is not only the visible changes that are distressing, but also the associated congestion and pressure pain.
Conservative measures can often slow down the progression, but a cure is not possible. Dr. Schumacher therefore treats lipoedema in Stuttgart surgically by means of liposuction. The abnormal fat cells are removed and suctioned out in Stuttgart using tissue-sparing surgical techniques. As a result, we not only achieve lasting relief of the symptoms in Stuttgart, but can also harmonize the body shape again.
Dr. Schumacher specialized in liposuction for lipoedema 15 years ago. As an experienced surgeon, he can offer you a high level of treatment safety and competent medical advice. Your lipoedema surgery will be individually planned in Stuttgart based on your findings, so that you can go through life carefree and pain-free again in the future.
Your advantages of lipoedema treatment with Dr. Lars Schumacher in Stuttgart
- Years of experience in the treatment of lipoedema using liposuction
- Individual treatment planning for optimal results
- Regular check-ups after the operation
- State-of-the-art treatment methods individually tailored to your needs
- Transparent cost calculation
- Available by telephone in emergencies
What is lipoedema?
The term lipoedema refers to a congenital fat distribution disorder that almost exclusively affects women. The connective tissue is pathologically altered and there is increased permeability of the blood vessels. This leads to an increase in the circumference of the fatty tissue, accompanied by increasing pressure pain and lymph congestion. The legs and arms are particularly affected.
How can I recognize lipoedema?
Typical symptoms of lipoedema are symmetrical fat deposits, particularly on the legs, which do not respond to exercise and dieting. There is often a visible disproportion between the strong legs and the slimmer upper body.
Lipoedema patients also frequently complain of tired, heavy and swollen legs, increased sensitivity to pain and pressure and a tendency to bruising and spider veins. Hardening can also occur as the condition progresses.
In contrast to lymphoedema, where the symptoms (which appear similar) can also occur on one side, the symptoms of lipoedema are always observed on the left and right side.
What are the causes of lipoedema?
The exact causes of lipoedema have not yet been fully researched, but there are several factors that are being considered as possible triggers. A genetic predisposition appears to play a role, as lipoedema often runs in families. Hormonal influences, in particular fluctuations in the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, also appear to be decisive. This could explain why lipoedema often occurs during hormonal transition phases such as puberty, pregnancy or the menopause.
A malfunction of the lymph vessels is also being discussed as a possible cause. It is suspected that impaired lymphatic drainage leads to fluid and fat accumulation in the affected tissue. Although excess weight can worsen the symptoms, it is not the cause of lipoedema. Lipoedema occurs independently of body weight and is a disease in its own right.
The lipoedema stages at a glance
Stage I:
There are hardly any symptoms in the first stage. The pressure pain typical of lipoedema is mild. The skin surface is smooth with a fine-knotted fat structure and a thickened subcutaneous fat layer.
Stage II:
At this stage, the fat structure already appears coarser. The skin is visibly uneven and has dents. There is regular congestion and pressure pain.
Stage III:
The symptoms are already more pronounced here. It becomes increasingly difficult to stand for long periods and even to walk for long distances. The skin surface is coarse-knotted and the tissue hardens. Fatty flaps can form and lead to deformities.
Stage IV:
In the final stage, the increasing subcutaneous pressure and years of congestion can lead to damage to the lymph vessels. The result is lymphoedema.
What treatment options are available?
Lipoedema can be treated conservatively or surgically. The usual conservative treatment consists of compression therapy and lymphatic drainage. Both measures can slow down the progression of the disease, but do not treat the cause.
Dr. Schumacher therefore treats lipoedema in Stuttgart surgically by means of liposuction. During this procedure, the abnormal fat cells are permanently removed. Dr. Schumacher in Stuttgart combines the tumescent technique with vibration-controlled liposuction. In this way, the diseased fat cells are effectively removed and the lymph channels are spared at the same time.
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Who is liposuction for lipoedema in Stuttgart suitable for?
Liposuction for lipoedema in Stuttgart is suitable for advanced lipoedema (from stage 2). If conventional treatment methods (lymphatic drainage, compression garments) are not successful and the pain caused by the lipoedema leads to impaired movement, liposuction is usually advisable. Timely intervention is crucial for a lasting positive result.
An important prerequisite for the procedure is good general health. Before liposuction, Dr. Schumacher will carry out a comprehensive preliminary examination and ask about your medical history. If there is an increased risk for the procedure, he will discuss the available alternatives with you.
How does lipoedema treatment in Stuttgart work?
After a thorough preliminary examination and a detailed consultation, your liposuction in Stuttgart will be planned individually for you. Dr. Schumacher will discuss your current situation and your complaints with you and will weigh up whether liposuction is the most suitable treatment method based on your individual circumstances.
The liposuction procedure for lipoedema is largely the same as classic liposuction. The procedure takes place at our clinic in Stuttgart. Before liposuction, Dr. Schumacher marks the areas to be liposuctioned on your skin. The abnormal fatty tissue is loosened with a Turmeszenz solution and then suctioned out with a special vibrating cannula. Depending on the extent of the procedure, liposuction in Stuttgart is performed under local or general anesthesia. For larger procedures, it may be necessary to carry out the treatment in several individual steps.
The vibration of the cannula has several advantages:
- Tissue-sparing liposuction
- Loosening of the fatty tissue
- Enables suction of larger volumes, symptoms are reduced
- Protecting the lymphatic vessels during the procedure
- Accelerated healing
What to look out for after liposuction for lipoedema?
After your lipoedema operation in Stuttgart, you should take it easy physically and temporarily avoid going to the sauna, solarium, swimming pool or sunbathing. You will wear a special compression garment for around 6 weeks, which supports the healing process by applying even pressure.
Are there any risks associated with liposuction?
Like any operation, liposuction always involves certain risks. Complications such as infections, wound healing disorders or sensitivity disorders can never be completely ruled out. However, liposuction is a routine procedure nowadays. Serious complications are extremely rare if the procedure is carried out professionally. Before we treat your lipoedema in Stuttgart, you will be fully informed about all the risks.
How much does liposuction for lipoedema cost in Stuttgart?
The cost of liposuction for lipoedema in Stuttgart varies depending on the individual circumstances. Factors such as the severity of the lipoedema, the extent of the treatment and the number of sessions required influence the treatment costs. Schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Schumacher in Stuttgart to receive an accurate cost breakdown tailored to your specific needs.
Does health insurance cover the costs of liposuction for lipoedema?
The cost of liposuction for lipoedema can be covered by health insurance, but is subject to certain conditions. As a rule, the costs will only be covered if the lipoedema is at an advanced stage and conservative treatment methods such as compression therapy or manual lymphatic drainage have not brought sufficient improvement. A detailed medical justification and an expert opinion are required in order to apply to the health insurance company for the costs to be covered. To clarify the requirements, you should have a discussion with your health insurance company and Dr. Schumacher.
Frequently asked questions about lipoedema
Conservative treatment consists of compression therapy and lymphatic drainage. This does not cure lipoedema, but only treats the symptoms. The therapy usually has to be continued for the rest of the patient's life.
Liposuction provides lasting relief from lipoedema. In this procedure, the abnormally altered fat cells are removed by suction while protecting the lymphatic channels. Once fat tissue has been removed, it does not grow back, so that permanent relief is usually achieved.
As a rule, you will be able to return to normal activities 3 - 5 days after liposuction in Stuttgart. Light activities can also be resumed earlier. You should take a break from sport for about 4 weeks.
Liposuction does not cure lipoedema, but we remove the pathologically altered fatty tissue in Stuttgart. This does not grow back, so we often achieve a significant and lasting improvement.
As some of the fatty tissue always remains, a new increase in circumference may occur at a later date, but this is usually less pronounced and progresses more slowly.
Liposuction for lipoedema in Stuttgart is performed either as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia or under general anesthesia with an inpatient stay of one night.
Lipoedema occurs exclusively in women. The symptoms often appear during puberty, pregnancy or the menopause. It is therefore suspected that the disease may have a hormonal cause (which has not yet been fully researched). In men, changes that are typical of lipoedema are only observed in extremely rare cases. In these few cases, the men affected usually suffer from significant hormonal disorders.
Reviewed by Dr. med. Lars Schumacher
The information presented on this page has been personally reviewed by Dr. med. Lars Schumacher and is based on the highest standards in medicine.
Dr. med. Lars Schumacher is a specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery. Since 1997, he has performed several thousand aesthetic procedures.
Contact
Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery Stuttgart
Dr. Lars Schumacher
Filderbahnplatz 25
70567 Stuttgart
0711 - 975 730 65
info@dr-lars-schumacher.de
Affiliated Clinic: Atos Clinic Stuttgart
Office hours
Monday: 8.30 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. (by telephone only!))
Tuesday: 09.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.
Wednesday: 09.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.
Thursday: 09.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.
Friday: 09.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.
Location Mannheim
Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery Mannheim
Dr. Lars Schumacher
Augustaanlage 22
68165 Mannheim
0621 863 932 63
info@dr-lars-schumacher.de
Affiliated Clinic: Franklin Clinic Mannheim
