Your lipedema treatment in Sindelfingen

A medical indication for surgical fat tissue reduction, on the other hand, exists in the presence of a pathological fat distribution disorder (lipedema). This condition affects women almost exclusively.

In addition to hereditary factors (familial clustering), outbreaks of the disease are also repeatedly seen during pregnancy and menopause, which is why hormonal factors are also discussed as a cause. At the onset of the disease, however, it is usually women between the ages of 20 and 30 who are affected.

In lipedema, different distribution patterns are distinguished. In most cases, the lower half of the body, i.e. the hip, buttock and leg region, is affected, and the disease usually also affects the arms. The disease occurs in both overweight and normal-weight women, although the distribution patterns described and the associated disproportions are usually easier to recognize in women of normal weight than in the case of general obesity.

Those affected usually suffer from severe feelings of tightness up to pain and bruise easily, which results from the high tissue pressure within the tissue and on the fine subcutaneous vessels. The disease often shows a progressive and sometimes episodic course.

Lipedema can and should be diagnosed as early as possible on the basis of typical features, characteristics and course. Ideally, this is first done by a vein specialist (phlebologist), who uses clinical tests and, if necessary, further examinations to assess the blood and lymph vessels to at least raise the suspicion or make the diagnosis, classifies the lipedema into different stages (stage I–III) according to its appearance or severity, and then recommends or refers you to the plastic surgeon.
Even though the diagnosis can of course be made by an experienced specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery on the basis of clinical criteria, it is advisable to see a colleague specializing in phlebology beforehand, as the examination methods used in each specialty further substantiate the diagnosis of lipedema.

Through a joint assessment and taking into account your expectations, wishes and concerns as an affected woman, the best possible treatment concept for you can thus be developed and implemented.

Once the diagnosis has been made correctly, a stage-appropriate treatment concept must follow, which always includes at least accompanying conservative treatment approaches (above all decongestion or compression treatment, long-term weight control, regular exercise and sport…).
In the treatment of lipedema, depending on the stage, symptoms and level of distress, essentially two therapeutic approaches can be considered:

On the one hand, there is so-called “complex decongestive therapy, CDT for short”, which primarily aims to relieve symptoms, slow the progression of lipedema and prevent an additional lymphedema component (lipo-lymphedema). The CDT treatment approach therefore has a clear justification and necessity at the onset of the disease, throughout its course and usually also after surgical liposuction.

In my experience and in everyday practice, however, it is all too often the case that affected women only receive a correct diagnosis late and the necessary treatment accordingly also starts late. This in turn means that by the time the diagnosis is made or a specialist is consulted, there are already pronounced and disproportionate fat accumulations that can only be reduced effectively and permanently by professionally performed liposuction!

Liposuction, combined with consistent decongestive therapy and an adapted, healthy lifestyle, can make a significant contribution to relieving symptoms and improving the well-being of women affected by lipedema.