Step 2: Treat
Treating my lipoedema
From conservative therapy to liposuction – we support you along your individual treatment path and coordinate every step for you. Since October 2025, covered by German statutory health insurance at all stages (for patients insured in Germany).
Medically reviewed byDr. med. Martin Reifenrath, Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic SurgeryLast reviewed:
Your treatment path
Individual therapy, not one-size-fits-all
Every case of lipoedema is different – and every patient brings her own story. That is why we work with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your situation exactly. From gentle conservative therapy to surgical liposuction.
At Lipo Doctors you receive not only medical expertise – we also take care of the entire organisation. That means: no searching for appointments, no paperwork battles with your health insurer, no struggling on your own. We coordinate everything for you – from the initial consultation to aftercare.
Two paths to one goal
Conservative and surgical – hand in hand
Modern lipoedema therapy combines both approaches. Conservative treatment relieves symptoms and, in Germany, is a requirement for statutory insurance cover. Liposuction removes the diseased fatty tissue permanently.
01
Conservative therapy
Compression therapy, exercise therapy and – where needed – manual lymphatic drainage form the basis of conservative lipoedema treatment. They relieve pain and the feeling of heaviness and noticeably improve quality of life.
Important: 6 months of conservative therapy are a requirement for cover by German statutory health insurance.
02
Surgical therapy
Liposuction using the tumescent technique removes the diseased fatty tissue gently and permanently. The fat cells removed do not come back – a major step forward for everyone who has fought their lipoedema without success for years.
Since October 2025, covered by German statutory health insurance at all stages (I, II and III).
Patient experience
Elena shares her journey
From diagnosis to successful treatment – a patient describes how she experienced her personal journey with Lipo Doctors.
The three pillars
Conservative therapy in detail
These established methods have been shown to reduce symptoms – and, for patients insured in Germany, they are a requirement for statutory health insurance to cover the costs.
Compression therapy
Medical compression stockings or garments apply controlled pressure to the tissue. This reduces swelling, relieves pain and prevents new oedema from forming. We advise you on the right garments.
Manual lymphatic drainage
A gentle massage technique that, alongside compression, is mainly intended to relieve pain – with pure lipoedema, draining fluid is less of a focus. Your doctor writes the prescription – you have the therapy at a practice near you.
Exercise therapy
Joint-friendly activities such as swimming, aqua aerobics or cycling activate the muscle pump and support lymphatic flow. We advise you on which forms of exercise are best suited to your stage.
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 surgical solution
Liposuction – removing lipoedema fat permanently
Liposuction using the tumescent technique is the only method that permanently removes diseased lipoedema fat. We perform operations covered by German statutory health insurance at the NATIONALKLINIK Wertheim, a hospital included in the German state hospital plan – using the tumescent technique, as required by the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA).
01
Tumescent technique
A gentle method: the tissue is prepared with a special solution that minimises bleeding and allows local anaesthesia.
02
PAL / WAL
Modern techniques such as power-assisted or water-jet assisted liposuction are gentle on the surrounding tissue and allow precise results.
03
Day case or inpatient
Depending on the volume removed, as a day case or with an inpatient stay for monitoring. If more than 3 litres are removed, monitoring for at least 12 hours afterwards is mandatory.
04
Lasting results
Fat cells that have been removed do not come back. If your weight remains stable, the results are permanent – a real turning point for your quality of life.
Since October 2025
Liposuction is covered by German statutory insurance – at all stages
In July 2025 the G-BA decided that, since October 2025, liposuction for lipoedema has been a standard benefit of German statutory health insurance (for patients insured in Germany). An individual application to the insurer is no longer necessary.
Requirements for statutory insurance cover in Germany
- BMI of no more than 35 – between 32 and 35 only if your waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is appropriate for your age
- 6 months of conservative therapy, prescribed and documented by a doctor, without sufficient improvement
- Diagnosis by an authorised specialist (e.g. in angiology or dermatology)
- Two-doctor principle (diagnosis and indication for surgery by different doctors)
- No weight gain during the 6 months of conservative therapy
What we take care of for you
- Coordination of the conservative therapy phase
- Documentation of every treatment step
- Information on which specialist can make the diagnosis
- Insurance-covered surgery at our NATIONALKLINIK Wertheim – preparation and aftercare at the location near you
- Support with your BMI from Weight Doctors if needed
Your treatment process
From the initial consultation to aftercare
At Lipo Doctors you follow a structured process – we coordinate every single step and keep you informed at all times.
Weeks 1–2
Initial consultation & diagnosis
A personal consultation and thorough examination with us. For German statutory health insurance, the confirmed diagnosis is made by an authorised specialist – we will tell you who is suitable. You receive written findings and an individual treatment plan.
Months 1–6
Conservative phase
We coordinate your conservative therapy: compression garments, prescriptions for lymphatic drainage, regular check-ups. If needed, BMI optimisation with Weight Doctors at the same time.
After 6 months
Two-doctor principle
The diagnosis is made by a different doctor from the one who operates; only then does the surgeon confirm that surgery is indicated. We arrange the appointment for the surgical indication for you.
Preparing for surgery
Planning & informed consent
Detailed surgical planning with your surgeon: which areas will be treated? What volume is planned? Day case or inpatient? Everything is explained to you clearly.
Day of surgery
The procedure
Liposuction using the tumescent technique, performed by experienced surgeons. Most procedures take 2–4 hours. This is followed by monitoring and post-operative care – as a day case or inpatient, depending on the volume.
Afterwards
Aftercare & recovery
4–8 weeks of compression garments, regular check-ups, lymphatic drainage as needed. We support you until you have fully recovered – and beyond.
Everything taken care of
At Lipo Doctors you don't have to worry about a thing. We coordinate your entire treatment path – from start to finish.
- Examination and discussion of findings
- Coordination of conservative therapy
- Information on who can make the diagnosis for the insurer
- Experienced surgeons for liposuction
- Structured aftercare
- One point of contact for all your questions
“At last, someone who really takes care of everything.”
Treatment areas
The areas of the body we treat
Liposuction for lipoedema focuses on the limbs that are typically affected. German statutory health insurance covers only the arms and legs.
Thighs
German statutory cover
Lower legs
German statutory cover
Knees
German statutory cover
Arms
German statutory cover
Frequently asked questions
Your questions about lipoedema treatment
Here you will find answers to the most important questions about conservative and surgical treatment.
Do I have to have conservative treatment first?
For cover by German statutory health insurance, yes: 6 months of conservative therapy (compression, lymphatic drainage, exercise) are a requirement. This therapy must be prescribed and documented by a doctor. At Lipo Doctors we coordinate this phase for you – including all prescriptions and check-ups.
What happens during liposuction?
The procedure is performed using the tumescent technique: the tissue is prepared with a special solution that numbs the area locally and minimises bleeding. The diseased fatty tissue is then removed with fine cannulas. Most procedures take 2–4 hours. Depending on the volume, treatment is carried out as a day case or with an inpatient stay for monitoring.
How many sessions will I need?
That depends on the extent of your lipoedema. A maximum of 3 litres of fatty tissue can be removed per session on an outpatient basis. If both legs and arms are extensively affected, 3–5 procedures are typically needed, several weeks apart.
Is liposuction painful?
Thanks to the tumescent technique, the treated areas are locally anaesthetised, so the procedure itself is generally not painful. In the first few days afterwards, swelling, a feeling of pressure and mild pain are normal – comparable to severe muscle soreness. Painkillers and wearing your compression garments help with healing.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients can return to light activities after 1–2 weeks. Compression garments must be worn for 4–8 weeks. Sport and heavy physical exertion should be avoided for about 6 weeks. The final results are visible after 3–6 months.
How much does treatment cost as a self-pay patient?
The costs vary depending on the extent of treatment and the number of sessions. After your initial consultation you will receive a transparent cost estimate. As a self-pay patient you can start without the 6-month waiting period. Payment in instalments is possible – just ask us.
What is the difference between statutory insurance cover and self-pay?
The medical treatment is identical. The difference lies in the path to it: for cover by German statutory health insurance, you must provide evidence of 6 months of conservative therapy, have a BMI of no more than 35 and meet the two-doctor principle (diagnosis and indication for surgery by different doctors). As a self-pay patient you can start straight away. We will advise you on which path is better for you.
Can the fat deposits come back?
The fat cells that have been removed do not come back. If your weight remains stable, the results are permanent. However, lipoedema is a chronic condition – remaining fat cells can enlarge again with significant weight gain or hormonal changes. That is why long-term aftercare is important.
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)