Facts about lipoedema surgery
| Duration of treatment | 1 - 3 hours |
|---|---|
| Anesthesia | Local anaesthesia with twilight sleep, general anaesthesia if necessary |
| Hospitalization | Outpatient or 1 night |
| Aftercare | Physical rest, compression garments |
| Sociability | After 3–5 days |
| Sports | After approx. 4 weeks |
Many lipoedema patients come to our practice after a long period of suffering and with the desire for lasting relief. The treatment of lipoedema requires not only medical expertise, but also a high degree of empathy and experience. An early diagnosis can significantly alleviate the suffering of patients.
Dr Schumacher has specialised in the treatment of all stages of lipoedema for more than 20 years and has developed a 10-point surgical plan. Conservative measures or surgical removal of the diseased fat cells are available as treatment strategies.
What is lipoedema?
Lipedema refers to a pathological fat distribution disorder. It describes swelling of the arms or legs caused by an abnormal increase in fat cells, which progresses in several stages and worsens over the years if left untreated. In addition, increased permeability of the fine blood vessels in the affected region can be observed.
Unlike normally distributed fat, the diseased fat cells are difficult or impossible to reduce through exercise or diet. Many patients therefore suffer from physical and psychological complaints for years.
How do I know if I have lipoedema?
Lipedema primarily affects the legs, and in advanced stages often the arms as well, and always occurs symmetrically on both sides. Typical symptoms include pressure pain, general sensitivity to pain and a tendency to bruise. Hardening of the affected areas may occur.
Another very typical symptom of lipoedema is a visual imbalance between the thick legs and a rather slim upper body. The fat deposits do not disappear even with dieting.
If lipoedema is suspected, a general practitioner or a specialist in lipoedema or vascular diseases (angiologist or phlebologist) should be consulted. A vascular specialist can diagnose the condition with certainty.
What are the causes of lipoedema?
Lipedema results from an excessive accumulation of pathologically altered fat cells in specific areas of the body. The exact cause of this condition is still unclear. However, as it predominantly affects women, a hormonal cause is considered likely. In addition, a genetic predisposition also seems probable.
The stages of lipoedema
Lipedema is divided into four stages:
Stage I:
The fat structure is still finely knotted, with a smooth skin surface. In addition, there is a thickened subcutaneous fat layer. Patients in this stage tend to experience less pressure pain.
Stage II:
The fat structure is already coarser and a visibly uneven skin surface can be seen. Affected patients regularly suffer from congestion and pressure pain.
Stage III:
As the disease progresses, the third stage can lead to fatty lumps, which can cause deformities. Walking longer distances and standing in one place for long periods of time becomes increasingly difficult and painful.
Stage IV:
Years of congestion and increasing subcutaneous pressure caused by the diseased fat cells can also lead to damage to the lymphatic vessels in the final stage, resulting in the clinical picture of lymphoedema.
Treatment options:
In addition to conservative therapy, compression and lymphatic drainage, Dr. Lars Schumacher recommends treatment by means of liposuction. As the most effective treatment method, Dr. Lars Schumacher likes to combine vibration-controlled liposuction with laser lipolysis.
This is a combination treatment that very effectively removes fat cells, protects the lymphatic vessels and simultaneously tightens the connective tissue from within.
Depending on the severity of the condition, Dr. Lars Schumacher recommends treatment in several stages.
In a personal consultation, Dr. Lars Schumacher will advise you in detail, assess your problem areas and skin condition, and work with you to develop a medically sound treatment plan so that you can live pain-free and satisfied again in your everyday life.
How can we treat lipoedema in Mannheim?
Classic lipoedema treatment is limited to symptomatic therapy using lymphatic drainage and compression. However, lipoedema is incurable, so it is usually necessary to continue therapy for life.
To achieve a more lasting effect, Dr Schumacher treats lipoedema in Mannheim using liposuction with high-frequency vibration (PAL = power-assisted liposuction). This involves surgically removing the excess fatty tissue while preserving the lymphatic vessels. Once removed, fat cells do not return, which means that in many cases we can achieve long-term success and a noticeable improvement in symptoms.
How is lipoedema treated in Mannheim?
If you are considering having your lipoedema treated, Dr Schumacher will first conduct a detailed consultation with you. He will explain the treatment options to you in detail and discuss whether liposuction is suitable in your case.
Lipedema surgery in Mannheim: Dr Schumacher's 10-point plan
For more than 20 years, Dr Schumacher has specialised in the treatment of all stages of lipoedema. In order to achieve the best possible results, he has developed a 10-point surgical plan:
- Pre-operative marking and precise marking of the very painful and pronounced areas while standing
- Heated mattress: Lipedema surgery in Mannheim is performed on a heated mattress to prevent cooling during the procedure and freezing after the operation.
- Anaesthesia with infusion therapy: We recommend anaesthesia in order to remove significantly more fat cells. At the same time, infusion therapy during lipoedema surgery in Mannheim can replace lost fluid. A single shot of antibiotics is also possible.
- Tumescent technique: The infiltration of saline solution makes lipoedema surgery in Mannheim much gentler, as it loosens the fat cells and prevents bleeding. The lymphatic pathways are protected by axially aligned suction of the excess fat cells.
- High-frequency liposuction / PAL (power-assisted liposuction): The fat cells are removed by vibration without straining or tearing the connective tissue. This avoids aggressive suction through rapid arm movements.
- Laser lipolysis: In addition to lipoedema surgery in Mannheim, laser lipolysis can be used to tighten the connective tissue and skin during the same procedure. This is optional and is decided before the operation.
- Compression garments: At the end of the lipoedema surgery in Stuttgart, we will fit you with custom-made compression garments, which you will receive from us.
- Inpatient stay: For longer operations and for a more comfortable recovery, we recommend post-operative care in the form of an overnight stay in our affiliated clinic.
- Physiotherapy: To support your post-operative recovery, we will provide you with a detailed plan, including prescriptions for targeted physiotherapy.
- Aftercare: After the operation, several follow-up appointments will be scheduled to ensure proper healing and that the compression garments fit correctly.
What should be considered after lipoedema treatment?
After liposuction for lipoedema in Mannheim, the same points should be observed as after conventional liposuction. You should take it easy physically, especially in the first few days, and refrain from sports for at least 4 weeks. The treatment areas should be protected from direct sunlight during this time. We also ask you to refrain from using saunas and solariums for a few weeks.
After lipoedema surgery, you will be fitted with special compression garments, which should be worn for about 6 weeks. The even compression supports the treatment results and counteracts complications.
Are there any risks associated with liposuction?
As with any surgical procedure, general surgical risks such as post-operative bleeding or wound healing disorders can never be completely ruled out with liposuction. Furthermore, temporary discomfort or skin irregularities may occur after liposuction.
Liposuction is now a routine procedure in plastic and aesthetic surgery. Serious complications are extremely rare, provided that the treating physician has the necessary qualifications and experience to treat lipoedema.
Dr. Lars Schumacher specialises in liposuction for lipoedema. He has been successfully treating lipoedema in Mannheim for more than 20 years using liposuction, so you can be sure that you will receive treatment that meets the highest medical standards.
Frequently asked questions about lipoedema treatment in Mannheim
Light activities such as office work can be resumed after just a few days. You should allow around 3–5 days before you are fully fit to return to social activities. Depending on the extent of the operation, you should refrain from sports for at least 4 weeks.
Lipedema is incurable, so further progression can never be completely ruled out. However, when lipedema surgery is performed professionally, very good and long-lasting results can often be achieved. We therefore recommend that you always have the treatment performed by an experienced specialist in lipedema or liposuction.
If lipoedema therapy is not provided, more severe pain, restricted movement and increased fat and fluid accumulation may occur. In advanced stages, the risk of joint problems and lymphoedema increases. Early treatment alleviates symptoms and slows down progression, which significantly improves patients' quality of life.
Statutory health insurance often covers the costs of lymphatic drainage, compression garments and pain treatment for lipoedema from the third stage onwards. Since 2020, in severe cases, it has also been possible to have the costs of liposuction covered, although this depends on the diagnosis. In comparison, private health insurance companies are often more generous. Please check with your health insurance provider to find out whether they will cover the costs.
Lymphedema is caused by a dysfunction of the lymph vessels. As a rule, only one limb is initially affected, such as an arm or a leg, which leads to an increase in fatty tissue. In contrast, lipedema causes symmetrical thickening of the tissue. Unfortunately, lipoedema can also develop into lymphoedema, and not only in advanced stages. In medical terminology, this is referred to as lipolymphoedema.
Specialists in plastic and aesthetic surgery and specialised dermatological surgeons are highly trained in liposuction. Their expertise in aesthetic procedures makes them particularly suitable for the comprehensive removal of lipoedema fat. Patients can expect not only relief from their symptoms, but also an aesthetically pleasing result.
With modern liposuction procedures, small incisions are sufficient to insert the suction cannula and, if necessary, a laser fibre under the skin. In larger treatment areas such as the legs, arms or hips, several incisions are required, which usually do not need to be sutured. Simply covering the incisions with adhesive bandages is sufficient, resulting in minimal and often invisible scars. This also allows wound fluid to escape during the healing process, which significantly promotes recovery.
Liposuction can be performed at any stage of lipoedema, but it brings considerable relief and improves the well-being of affected women, especially in the advanced stages II and III. The procedure is also useful in the early stage I, as it prevents worsening of the condition and thus spares many years of distress.
The treatment of lipoedema depends on the extent of the fatty tissue. In the early stages, it may be possible to perform liposuction on several areas of the body at the same time. In advanced stages, one area of the body is usually treated at a time, with both legs or arms always being treated simultaneously to ensure a symmetrical result.
Tissue regeneration after lipoedema surgery in Mannheim takes several months. However, the exact duration varies greatly from woman to woman. Factors such as genetic predisposition and lifestyle are decisive here. Compression garments or underwear promote the body's healing process.
Content Reviewed by Dr. med. Lars Schumacher
The content of this page has been reviewed by Dr. med. Lars Schumacher and meets current medical standards at the highest level.
Dr. Lars Schumacher is a specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery. Since 1997, he has successfully performed several thousand procedures in the field of aesthetics.
Contact
Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery in Mannheim
Dr. Lars Schumacher
Augustaanlage 22
68165 Mannheim
0621 - 863 932 63
info@dr-lars-schumacher.de
Affiliated Clinic: Franklin Clinic Mannheim
Opening Hours
Monday
No consultation
Tuesday to Friday
09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Stuttgart Location
Filderbahnplatz 25
70567 Stuttgart
0711 - 97573065
info@dr-lars-schumacher.de
Affiliated Clinic: Atos Clinic Stuttgart
