My treatment pathway with Lipo Doctors
Effective, professional treatment for lipoedema
From diagnosis to aftercare – we are with you every step of the way. Everything taken care of: no complicated applications, no uncertainty.
Medically reviewed byDr. med. Martin Reifenrath, Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic SurgeryLast reviewed:
Our approach
Everything from a single source – from specialists
At Lipo Doctors, you don't just get an operation, you get holistic care. From the initial diagnosis and conservative therapy to liposuction and long-term aftercare – we coordinate every step for you.
Our treatment concept is divided into four clear phases. Each phase builds on the previous one and prepares you as well as possible for the next step. You don't have to worry about a thing – we take care of the coordination.
Since October 2025
Liposuction covered by German statutory health insurance – in all stages
In July 2025, the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) decided: since October 2025, German statutory health insurers have covered the cost of liposuction for diagnosed lipoedema – regardless of its stage (for patients insured in Germany). You no longer need an individual application to your health insurer.
No more application
The complicated application procedure with the health insurer no longer applies at all. The treating doctors carry out the assessment directly.
All stages
Until October 2025, only in stage III – since then, patients in stages I and II have also been covered by statutory health insurance.
6 months of prior treatment
Compression, lymphatic drainage and exercise therapy must be documented – we coordinate this for you.
Two-doctor principle
The diagnosis is made by a different doctor from the one who operates; only then does the surgeon confirm the indication for surgery.
What you need for statutory cover – we take care of it
6 months of conservative therapy, a BMI of no more than 35, the two-doctor principle (diagnosis and the decision to operate made by different doctors) – sounds complicated? It doesn't have to be. At Lipo Doctors, we tell you which specialist can make the diagnosis and coordinate conservative therapy, surgery and aftercare. We carry out operations covered by statutory insurance at our NATIONALKLINIK Wertheim – preparation and aftercare remain at the location near you.
Patient experience
Elena tells her story
From diagnosis to successful treatment – a patient describes how she experienced her personal journey with Lipo Doctors.
Step 1
Diagnosing my lipoedema
The first and most important step: a confirmed diagnosis by specialised doctors – the basis for all further treatment and for statutory health insurance cover.
For a confirmed diagnosis that is also recognised by German statutory health insurance, a written report from a specialist in angiology, dermatology or physical and rehabilitation medicine, or a doctor with additional training in phlebology is essential. Alongside a detailed medical history, this includes a duplex ultrasound scan to rule out other conditions such as lymphoedema or venous insufficiency.
For statutory cover, the two-doctor principle applies: the diagnosis is made by a different doctor from the one who operates; only then does the surgeon confirm the indication for surgery. We will tell you which specialist can make the diagnosis.
- Detailed medical history
- Physical examination
- Duplex ultrasound
- Written report of findings
- Determining the stage
- Two-doctor principle
What to expect
Your examination appointment at Lipo Doctors
- A detailed conversation about your symptoms and medical history
- A physical examination by our doctors
- Discussion of the next steps towards a diagnosis
- Determining the stage and a treatment recommendation
- A written report – for your records
Duration: approx. 45–60 minutes. Everything in one appointment, everything in one place.
Step 2
Treating my lipoedema
The complete treatment pathway – from conservative therapy to surgical liposuction. Both elements are important for long-term success.
Compression therapy
Flat-knit compression as the basis of conservative treatment. We organise the prescriptions and made-to-measure garments for you.
Manual lymphatic drainage
Regular specialist massage to stimulate lymph flow. We put you in touch with specialised therapists near you.
Exercise therapy
Joint-friendly exercise to improve mobility. Swimming, aqua jogging or walking are particularly suitable.
Liposuction
Gentle tumescent technique (WAL/PAL) performed by experienced surgeons. As an outpatient or inpatient procedure – depending on the extent.
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.
Step 3
Losing weight with lipoedema
A BMI of no more than 35 is a requirement for cover by German statutory health insurance – and between 32 and 35 only if your waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is appropriate for your age. With the Weight Doctors programme, we support you with medically supervised weight loss – sustainably and without crash diets.
Good to know: lipoedema fat itself does not respond to diets. But losing weight can improve the overall situation and, for many patients, is the key to statutory cover.
- Medical supervision
- Nutritional advice
- Exercise therapy
- Metabolic analysis
Step 4
Skin tightening after lipoedema
Structured aftercare helps to secure your treatment result in the long term. Compression, lymphatic drainage and regular check-ups are essential.
After liposuction, the important aftercare phase begins. Consistently wearing compression garments (4–8 weeks), regular lymphatic drainage and check-ups are crucial for the best possible result.
- Compression garments for 4–8 weeks
- Lymphatic drainage 2–3 times a week
- Regular check-ups
- Thrombosis prevention organised
- If needed: skin tightening (aesthetic)
Everything taken care of
We take care of everything
At Lipo Doctors, everything comes from a single source. No searching for doctors, no complicated applications, no uncertainty.
Appointment coordination
We coordinate all appointments with our specialists for you – from the examination to surgery.
Documentation
We prepare all findings, proof of therapy and documentation for your records.
Two-doctor principle
Diagnosis and the decision to operate made by different doctors – a requirement for statutory cover. We tell you who can make the diagnosis.
Long-term support
We remain your point of contact after surgery too – for aftercare, check-ups and any questions.
Self-pay patients welcome too
Not every patient wants to or is able to wait for 6 months of conservative therapy. As a self-pay patient, you can start surgical treatment sooner. We will be happy to advise you on which route is better for you – statutory cover or self-pay.
Your timeline
How long does the whole pathway take?
The time frame depends on your individual situation. Here is a realistic overview of the pathway with German statutory health insurance.
1–2
weeks
Diagnosis & initial consultation
6
months
Conservative therapy
1–3
months
Surgery planning & procedure
6–8
weeks
Intensive aftercare
Frequently asked questions
FAQ about your pathway with us
Do I have to deal with health insurance applications myself?
No. Since October 2025, patients with German statutory health insurance no longer need an individual application – the treating doctors carry out the assessment directly. With German private health insurance, a cost estimate is still required. At Lipo Doctors, we coordinate conservative therapy, surgery and aftercare – and tell you which specialist can make the diagnosis.
How long does the whole treatment pathway take?
The time frame depends on your individual situation. The 6 months of conservative therapy are a requirement for cover by German statutory health insurance. If needed, we support you with weight loss at the same time. Once the requirements are met, surgery can be scheduled promptly. On average, you should expect 8–12 months from the initial consultation to surgery.
What is the two-doctor principle?
For cover by German statutory health insurance, the diagnosis must be made by a different doctor from the one who operates – a specialist in angiology, dermatology or physical and rehabilitation medicine, or a doctor with additional training in phlebology. Only then does the surgeon confirm the indication for surgery. We will tell you which specialist can make the diagnosis.
What happens if my BMI is above 35?
A BMI of no more than 35 is a requirement for cover by German statutory health insurance – and between 32 and 35 only if your waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is appropriate for your age. With our Weight Doctors programme, we support you with medically supervised weight loss – sustainably and without crash diets. Important: your weight must not increase during the 6 months of conservative therapy.
Which areas does statutory health insurance pay for?
Statutory cover only includes the typical lipoedema areas: legs (thighs, lower legs, knees) and arms (upper arms and forearms). Treatment of the abdomen, back or flanks is an additional aesthetic service and is billed separately on a self-pay basis – kept clearly separate in communication and on the invoice.
Can I also come to you as a self-pay patient?
Of course. Not every patient wants to or is able to wait for 6 months of conservative therapy. As a self-pay patient, you can start surgical treatment sooner. We will be happy to advise you on which route is better for you.
What sets Lipo Doctors apart from other providers?
At Lipo Doctors, everything comes from a single source: examination and discussion of your findings, coordinated conservative therapy, experienced surgeons for liposuction and structured aftercare. We carry out operations covered by German statutory health insurance at NATIONALKLINIK Wertheim, a hospital included in the German state hospital plan – using the tumescent technique, as the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) requires. In total, we have 6 locations in Germany and the Netherlands.
Personal & no obligation
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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Prefer to call? +49 231 54 504 900Mon–Fri 8 am–8 pm · Sat 9 am–3 pm (CET)