Treatment area
Arms
When every touch hurts and short sleeves become a problem – targeted treatment for a noticeably lighter feeling.
Medically reviewed byDr. med. Martin Reifenrath, Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic SurgeryLast reviewed:
Medically indicated
The underestimated lipoedema area
While lipoedema in the legs is often noticed first, the arms are frequently overlooked. Yet around 30% of those affected also suffer from the typical symptoms here – sometimes even more pronounced than in the legs.
Many patients tell us: ‘I always thought I just had big arms.’ Only the diagnosis brings clarity – and opens the way to targeted treatment. A distinctive feature: the hands always stay slim.
Affected areas
From the shoulder to the wrist
Depending on its severity, lipoedema can affect the entire arm or only certain parts of it.
Upper arms
Most commonly affected. The tissue on the inner side is particularly sensitive – which is why many of those affected avoid sleeveless clothing.
Forearms
Often affected together with the upper arms. Even watches or bracelets can press uncomfortably.
Transition zone
The abrupt transition at the wrist is a clear diagnostic criterion: lipoedema tissue above it, while the hand itself remains unchanged.
Everyday life with lipoedema in the arms
What those affected experience every day
Lipoedema in the arms doesn’t just affect your wellbeing – it places very real limits on everyday life.
Physical symptoms
A constant feeling of heaviness, as if the arms ‘don’t belong to you’. Pain when carrying bags, leaning on your arms or when someone touches your arm. On top of that, a constant feeling of coldness – even in summer.
Emotional strain
Long sleeves even at 30 degrees. Choosing what to wear becomes a challenge. Many of those affected withdraw and avoid swimming pools and summer parties. It doesn’t have to be that way.
Important news
Since October 2025: arms covered by German statutory insurance
The Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) has made liposuction for lipoedema a standard benefit of German statutory health insurance (for patients insured in Germany). The arms are explicitly included as a typical area – with no restriction by stage.
What has changed
- Costs covered at stages I and II too
- No more individual application to the health insurer
- Arms and legs covered alike
- Outpatient treatment possible
Your requirements
- BMI of no more than 35
- 6 months of documented conservative therapy
- Two-doctor principle (diagnosis and the decision to operate made by different doctors)
- Stable weight beforehand
Everything taken care of at Lipo Doctors
Diagnosis, conservative therapy, surgical planning, the procedure, aftercare – we coordinate every step. You focus on your recovery; we take care of the rest.
Flexible & no obligation
Your consultation – the way you want it
Get to know us – in person, by phone or by video. Every consultation is 100% without obligation.
The treatment
How arm liposuction works
Compared with treatment of the legs, the procedure on the arms is less extensive. In most cases, both arms can be treated in one session.
The operation is performed under tumescent local anaesthesia. The diseased fatty tissue is gently removed through tiny incisions – usually in the armpit or the crook of the elbow. Recovery is quicker than after leg treatment, as less volume is removed.
The result
Moving freely again – without restrictions
The treatment doesn’t just change how your arms look – it gives you back quality of life.
Holding without pain
Carrying bags, leaning on your arms, being hugged – without flinching
Feeling lighter
The constant heaviness disappears and your arms feel ‘normal’ again
Enjoying your clothes
T-shirts, summer dresses, sleeveless tops – finally without feeling self-conscious
Feeling confident
Swimming pool, beach, summer party – joining in again instead of just watching
After the procedure
Your aftercare – we are with you
The right follow-up treatment is crucial for the best possible results. Here, too, you are not left on your own.
The first few weeks
Special compression garments for the arms for 4–6 weeks, regular lymphatic drainage and light movement. Avoid heavy lifting during this time.
In the long term
The fat cells that have been removed do not come back. With a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle, the results last. Check-ups help to safeguard the result.
Your questions
FAQ on arm treatment
Can the arms and legs be treated together?
In principle this is possible, but we recommend a step-by-step approach. The body recovers better when not too much is operated on at once. Most patients start with the more severely affected area – often the legs – and have the arms treated in a second step.
Is surgery on the arms more painful than on the legs?
No, if anything it is the other way round. The procedure is less extensive and the recovery time shorter. As a rule, you can resume light everyday activities after one week. Sport and strenuous activity should wait for about six weeks.
Will there be visible scars?
The incisions are only a few millimetres long and are placed in discreet spots – in the armpit, the crook of the elbow or at the wrist. Once healed, they are practically invisible.
Does insurance pay if only the arms are affected?
Yes – for patients with German statutory health insurance. Since October 2025, liposuction for lipoedema has been covered by German statutory health insurance – for arms and legs alike. It makes no difference whether both areas or only one is affected. The requirements (BMI, conservative therapy, two-doctor principle) are the same. We carry out operations covered by statutory insurance at our NATIONALKLINIK Wertheim – preparation and aftercare remain at the location near you.
How many sessions will I need for my arms?
In most cases, a single session is enough for both arms. If the findings are very pronounced, or if the forearms are also severely affected, a second appointment may be advisable. We discuss this with you individually after the examination.
Can lipoedema in the arms come back?
The fat cells that have been removed are gone for good. However, lipoedema is a chronic condition – the remaining cells can enlarge again with significant weight gain or hormonal changes. A stable weight and regular check-ups help to maintain the result.
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Your lipoedema consultation – the way you want it
Talk to our lipoedema specialists – in person, by phone or by video. With no obligation.
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