Lipedema surgery in Frankfurt
Lipedema:
At a glance
Cost
From €5,000
plus anesthesia and clinic
Duration
1.5 to 3 hours
Anesthesia
General anesthesia, if applicable tumescent anesthesia with twilight sedation
Hospital stay
Outpatient for small suction volumes, 1 overnight stay if needed
Back to social life
After 7 to 10 days
Sports
after 4 to 6 weeks
Aftercare
Suture removal after 1 week, compression garment for 4 to 6 weeks, regular follow-up appointments as agreed
Treating a painful fat distribution disorder: lipedema liposuction with Dr. Nichlos
Around one in ten women in Germany suffers from so-called lipedema. This chronic fat distribution disorder often shows up as stubborn fat pads on the legs, hips or arms that do not go away despite a healthy diet and enough exercise, but even keep growing. Over time, further symptoms such as pain, strong tenderness to pressure and a tendency to bruise are added, often severely limiting the quality of life of those affected. The mind suffers too, as the body appears increasingly deformed due to lumps, dimples and hanging skin folds.
Conservative methods such as compression therapy or lymphatic drainage can bring relief but cannot cure the disease. Liposuction, in which the diseased fat cells are removed, can in contrast relieve the symptoms. Dr. med. Nichlos offers this lipedema treatment at his practice in Frankfurt am Main and supports you with his many years of experience and expertise as a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery in relieving your symptoms and improving your quality of life. Schedule an appointment now for a non-binding consultation!
What is lipedema?
Lipedema is a progressive fat distribution disorder that shows up as symmetrical and usually painful fat accumulations on the legs and arms. In this condition, which occurs mainly in women, the abnormally changed fat cells multiply uncontrollably and lead to palpable lumps under the skin, between which water accumulates (edema formation). Characteristic of lipedema is that the fat accumulations spare the ankles and joints and do not respond to classic weight loss efforts such as diets or exercise.
To classify its severity, lipedema is divided into several stages:
- Stage I: Mild form with still smooth skin and a finely nodular fat structure. Pain and swelling can occur, but do not have to.
- Stage II: Moderate form with clearly uneven, nodular fatty tissue, often accompanied by swelling and pain on pressure.
- Stage III: Severe form with large deformations, hanging fat folds, severe swelling and significant pain.
In many patients at stage III, a secondary lymphedema develops.
Experiences with lipedema surgery at Dr. Nichlos
What are the benefits of lipedema surgery in Frankfurt?
Specialist for lipedema surgery in Frankfurt
Dr. med. Emmanouil Nichlos has specialized in the surgical treatment of lipedema for over 17 years and has comprehensive experience in aesthetic and functional body surgery.
Through targeted liposuction, Dr. Nichlos can relieve symptoms and improve body proportions. Dr. Nichlos personally looks after freshly operated patients. In the first 24 hours after the operation, he is available to them for questions or problems.
What causes lipedema?
The exact trigger of lipedema is not known, as research in this area is still quite young. However, it is suspected that both genetic predisposition and hormonal causes, such as hormone fluctuations during puberty, are relevant to its development. Other factors such as stress, a diet very high in fat or calories, or lack of exercise are not considered direct causes, but they can certainly aggravate the symptoms of lipedema and should therefore also be taken into account for successful treatment.
What treatment methods are there for lipedema?
Lipedema can be treated both conservatively and surgically. The conservative therapy options do not aim to cure the fat distribution disorder, but primarily to relieve the symptoms and slow its progression.
In compression therapy, patients receive custom-made compression garments such as flat-knit stockings, which apply constant pressure and thus promote the drainage of lymph fluid to reduce swelling. The feeling of tension and the pain that often occur with lipedema/lymphedema can also be relieved well with compression therapy. Wearing stockings and arm sleeves, however, has no direct effect on the diseased fat itself.
The purpose of manual lymphatic drainage is to drain accumulated fluid in the limbs affected by lipedema through gentle, stroking movements. This special massage stimulates lymph flow within the lymphatic vessel system and thus has a decongesting and pain-relieving effect. Lymphatic drainage is usually combined with compression therapy. However, it cannot cure the condition or permanently eliminate the symptoms of lipedema.
For this chronic condition, lipedema surgery can relieve the symptoms. It consists of liposuction, in which the diseased fat is suctioned out. During the procedure, the surgeon injects a tumescent solution into the areas to be treated to loosen the fat. He then suctions out the diseased fatty tissue with a very fine cannula.
What happens before lipedema surgery?
If you suffer from an abnormal increase in fat cells and wish for relief from your symptoms, we gladly invite you to a personal consultation at our practice in Frankfurt. Here, Dr. Nichlos takes time in a relaxed atmosphere to talk with you about your condition and the associated symptoms and to listen to your wishes for the lipedema treatment. Since the severity and symptoms of lipedema differ from person to person, an examination of your body is necessary.
Once Dr. med. Nichlos has a precise picture, he will present the treatment options, explain the procedure and inform you about the possible risks. Throughout the conversation, you can of course ask your own questions at any time.
The topic of cost will also be discussed during the consultation. Since every treatment is different, the cost cannot be stated as a flat figure. After the examination, Dr. Nichlos can tell you more about the cost and, alongside your treatment plan, gladly prepare a cost estimate for you.
How does lipedema surgery work in Frankfurt?
On the day of your lipedema treatment, we expect you at our affiliated private clinic in Frankfurt. Here, Dr. med. Nichlos uses the high-quality medical equipment and modernly equipped operating rooms to provide you with high-quality treatment.
Before your procedure begins, Dr. Nichlos marks the areas to be treated. Then you lie down on the operating table. We usually perform the liposuction under general anesthesia, if applicable under tumescent anesthesia with twilight sedation, on an outpatient basis for small suction volumes, otherwise with an overnight stay. The operation takes about 1.5 to 3 hours. The exact length of the stay can vary depending on the extent of the liposuction.
Once the anesthesia takes effect and you are asleep, Dr. Nichlos makes several small skin incisions (approx. 5 mm long) in the areas to be treated, through which he first introduces a special tumescent solution into the fatty tissue. This serves, on the one hand, to numb the suction area locally and, on the other hand, to soften the fatty tissue so that it is easier to remove afterward.
After a short exposure time, Dr. Nichlos carefully inserts the suction cannula into the tissue and begins to suction out the diseased fatty tissue. Afterward, the specialist can additionally tighten the suctioned areas if needed to prevent sagging skin.
Finally, Dr. Nichlos closes the small wounds with sutures or wound closure strips and fits you with a compression garment, which you must wear continuously day and night for the next 4 to 6 weeks. If you are fit at the end of the operation and no inpatient stay is planned, you can leave the clinic accompanied by a relative or acquaintance.
Healing after lipedema surgery: What to keep in mind
After the operation, you should take it easy physically for a few days. Mild pain or a feeling of pressure in the suctioned area, as well as swelling, are completely normal at first and subside a bit more each day. For mild pain, you can take standard pain relievers. Swelling is reduced by wearing the compression garment.
You should also have postoperative lymphatic drainage performed by a physiotherapist. This stimulates the lymph vessels to drain the wound fluid that has collected in the legs or arms. The treatment also helps prevent tissue hardening.
The small wounds from lipedema treatment usually heal quickly, so we can remove the sutures or strips after about a week. You are usually back to social life after 7 to 10 days. After about 3 weeks, your arms and/or legs should have lost noticeable circumference, so that a tighter compression garment can be fitted. After 4 to 6 weeks, you can carefully start exercising again.
The final result shows after about 6 to 12 months, when the swelling from the procedure has completely subsided and your skin has adapted to the reduced fatty tissue.
What are the risks of lipedema surgery?
Liposuction is a frequently performed procedure in plastic and aesthetic surgery. As with any surgery, general surgical and anesthesia risks such as infections, bleeding and wound healing disorders can occur. Specific to liposuction, numbness and, in very rare cases, embolisms and thromboses can also occur. Thanks to Dr. Nichlos’ experience and the high hygiene and safety standards at our practice, however, these risks can be kept low.
More on lipedema & health insurance coverage
Also read our article Cost coverage of lipedema surgery by health insurance and learn everything about the current G-BA decisions, the requirements for liposuction and the treatment options at our practice in Frankfurt.
How much does lipedema treatment cost in Frankfurt?
The following costs may also apply to lipedema surgery:
For procedures at our partner clinics, these services are billed directly by the respective clinic.
To financingWhat is included in the price?
The total cost of lipedema treatment is made up of various medical services. These usually include:
- detailed consultation (€100, fully credited if you go ahead with the treatment)
- examination of the affected body regions and individual treatment planning
- surgical liposuction of the diseased fatty tissue
- medical care during the operation
- aftercare and follow-up appointments
The cost of lipedema treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the number of affected body regions. Since several areas such as the legs, thighs or arms often need to be treated, the surgical effort can vary from person to person.
At our practice, the cost of lipedema treatment generally starts at:
- Lipedema surgery (liposuction for lipedema): from €5,000
The final price depends, among other things, on the stage of the lipedema, the number of body regions to be treated and the duration of the procedure. After a detailed examination, Dr. med. Nichlos prepares an individual treatment and cost plan in which all services are listed transparently.
Can you finance lipedema surgery?
Since lipedema treatment is usually planned individually and the extent of the surgery can vary, it is generally also possible to use financing in monthly installments.
Financing is handled through an external financing partner and, depending on your creditworthiness, can be arranged flexibly. This way, the cost of the treatment can be conveniently spread over a monthly installment.
We are happy to inform you in detail about the financing options in a personal consultation.
Finance your desired treatment flexibly
You can conveniently pay your treatment costs in monthly installments, tailored to your financial situation. The application is straightforward, and processing is handled by our financing partner.
Your benefits at a glance:
- Flexible monthly installments for medical and cosmetic services
- Terms of up to 72 months to choose from
- Financing also possible for smaller amounts
- Desired amount and installment size freely selectable
- Attractive terms with an effective annual interest rate of 9.90% and a fixed borrowing rate of 9.48%
- Apply conveniently online or submit the form as a PDF
- Financing only through participating partners, subject to credit approval
Non-binding example calculation from a financing amount of €300 with an effective annual interest rate of 9.90% and a fixed borrowing rate of 9.48%. Financing only through participating partners, subject to credit approval.
To the installment calculator
Medically reviewed by Dr. med. Emmanouil Nichlos
Dr. med. Emmanouil Nichlos is a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery in Frankfurt and has specialized in lipedema surgery and body contouring procedures for over 17 years.
All content on this page has been personally reviewed by him and reflects the current medical knowledge and the specialist standards of plastic and aesthetic surgery.
Frequently asked questions about lipedema surgery in Frankfurt
How does lipedema differ from being overweight?
Lipedema shows up as a symmetrical fat distribution disorder, mostly on the legs, arms and buttocks. Unlike excess weight, lipedema does not respond to diet or exercise. It is also often painful and associated with an increased tendency to bruise.
Can lipedema also occur in men?
Yes, but rarely. Causes can be hormonal disorders or liver disease. Treatment is the same as in women, either conservative or surgical.
How is lipedema diagnosed?
The diagnosis is made clinically, i.e. through a physical examination, a detailed medical history and, if necessary, additional imaging. A blood test is usually not required.
Are visible scars left after lipedema surgery?
The scars are small (approx. 4 to 5 mm) and are placed in inconspicuous spots. They fade over time and usually heal inconspicuously.
Can lipedema come back after liposuction?
In treated areas, lipedema usually does not form again. A complete relapse is rare, but hormonal changes can lead to new symptoms.
Does health insurance cover the cost of lipedema surgery with Dr. Nichlos?
Dr. med. Nichlos does not have statutory health insurance accreditation and bills exclusively privately, so you bear the cost of lipedema surgery at this practice as a self-pay patient. For general information: statutory health insurance covers the cost of lipedema surgery only under certain conditions, such as a diagnosed stage III lipedema and after a prior application. No reimbursement can be derived from this for treatment at this practice.
You can find background on the requirements and the application in our blog article on cost coverage for lipedema.
What are the disadvantages of lipedema surgery?
As with any surgery, general surgical and anesthesia risks such as infections, bleeding and wound healing disorders exist. Specific to liposuction, numbness and, in very rare cases, embolisms and thromboses are possible. After the procedure, you wear a compression garment for 4 to 6 weeks, and swelling, lymphatic drainage and follow-up appointments are added to that. The final result only shows once the swelling has completely subsided. You bear the cost yourself because the practice has no statutory health insurance accreditation.
What is the difference between lipedema surgery and liposuction?
Both use liposuction, but the goal is different. In lipedema surgery, abnormally changed fatty tissue is removed because of symptoms such as pain and tenderness to pressure. Liposuction is about body contour at stubborn fat pads. Whether lipedema is present is determined by Dr. Nichlos through a physical examination and a detailed medical history.
Your practice in Frankfurt’s Westend
At our practice on Grüneburgweg, Dr. Nichlos takes the time for your personal consultation. Bright rooms, short distances and a calm atmosphere help you feel well looked after from your first appointment.
Preliminary examination, consultation and aftercare take place here. Dr. Nichlos performs the surgery itself at the affiliated clinic in Frankfurt.
Plastic Surgery Dr. Emmanouil Nichlos
Grüneburgweg 95, 60323 Frankfurt am Main
Schedule a consultation now
Does lipedema leave you with misshapen arms or legs, frequent pain and bruises, and do you no longer want to wear compression garments around the clock or feel generally uncomfortable in short or tight clothing? With lipedema treatment, Dr. Nichlos can help you improve life with the chronic condition by suctioning out the affected fat cells, relieving your symptoms and slimming your silhouette. Call us now for an appointment or use our online form to request one!
- 1Send your inquiry via the form
- 2We will get back to you promptly
- 3Personal consultation with Dr. Nichlos at the practice
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