Lipoedema surgery in Frankfurt am Main: So that you feel comfortable in your body again!
Around one in ten women in Germany suffers from lipoedema. This chronic fat distribution disorder is often characterized by stubborn fat deposits on the legs, hips or arms, which do not disappear despite a healthy diet and sufficient exercise, but actually increase continuously. Over time, other symptoms such as pain, a strong sensitivity to pressure and a tendency to bruising are added, which often severely restrict the quality of life of those affected. The psyche also suffers, as the body appears increasingly deformed due to the lumps, dents and sagging skin flaps.
Conservative procedures such as compression therapy or lymphatic drainage can bring relief, but cannot cure the disease. This is only possible with liposuction, which permanently removes the diseased fat cells. Dr. Nichlos offers this lipoedema treatment in his practice in Frankfurt am Main and will be happy to use his many years of experience and expertise as a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery to help you achieve a new body image and a better quality of life. Make an appointment now for a non-binding consultation!
Reviewed by the author
Dr. Emmanouil Nichlos is a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery and hand surgery with over 16 years of clinical experience. After working as a senior physician and head of a surgical department at Markus Hospital in Frankfurt, he founded his own practice in Frankfurt in 2025.
The content on this page has been personally reviewed by Dr. Nichlos. It is based on his many years of medical experience and is in line with current specialist standards.
Lipoedema:
At a glance
Financing
Table of contents
Introduction
What is lipedema?
Lipoedema is a progressive fat distribution disorder that is characterized by symmetrical and usually painful fat deposits on the legs and arms. The abnormally altered fat cells multiply uncontrollably in this disease, which occurs mainly in women, and lead to palpable lumps under the skin, between which water is deposited (edema formation). A characteristic feature of lipoedema is that the fat deposits do not affect the ankles and joints and do not respond to traditional weight loss measures such as dieting or exercise.
Lipoedema is divided into several stages to classify its severity:
- Stage I: Mild manifestation with still even skin and a fine nodular fat structure. Pain and swelling may or may not occur.
- Stage II: Medium severity with clearly uneven and nodular fatty tissue, often accompanied by swelling and pressure pain.
- Stage III: Severe manifestation with large deformities, hanging fat flaps, severe swelling and great pain.
In many stage III patients, secondary lymphoedema develops.
What are the causes of lipedema?
The exact cause of lipoedema is not known, as research in this area is still relatively new. However, it is suspected that both genetic predisposition and hormonal causes such as hormonal fluctuations during puberty are relevant to its development. Other factors such as stress, a high-fat or high-calorie diet or lack of exercise are not considered to be direct causes, but can certainly exacerbate the symptoms of lipoedema and should therefore also be taken into account in successful treatment.
Methods
What treatment methods are available for lipedema?
Lipoedema can be treated both conservatively and surgically, whereby the conservative therapy options are not aimed at curing the fat distribution disorder, but primarily at alleviating the symptoms and delaying progression.
Compression therapy
During compression therapy, patients receive custom-made compression garments such as flat-knit stockings that exert constant pressure and thus promote the drainage of lymphatic fluid to reduce swelling. The feeling of tightness and pain often associated with lipoedema/lymphoedema can also be alleviated with compression therapy. However, wearing stockings and arm sleeves has no direct effect on the diseased fat itself.
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)
The purpose of manual lymphatic drainage is to remove accumulated fluid in the extremities affected by lipoedema using gentle, stroking movements. The special massage stimulates the lymph flow within the lymphatic system and thus has a decongestive and pain-relieving effect. Lymphatic drainage is usually combined with compression therapy. However, it is not possible to cure the disease or permanently eliminate the symptoms of lipoedema.
Liposuction
Long-term freedom from symptoms can usually only be achieved with lipoedema surgery. This consists of liposuction, in which the diseased fat is permanently removed by suction. During the procedure, the surgeon injects a tumescent solution into the areas to be treated in order to dissolve the fat. He then sucks out the diseased fatty tissue using a very fine cannula.
Preparation
What happens before lipedema treatment?
If you suffer from a pathological proliferation of fat cells and would like to be permanently free of symptoms, we would like to invite you to a personal consultation at our practice in Frankfurt. Here, Dr. Nichlos will take the time to talk to you in a relaxed atmosphere about your condition and the associated symptoms and listen to your wishes regarding lipoedema treatment. As the severity and symptoms of lipoedema vary from person to person, an examination of your body is necessary.
Once Dr. Nichlos has gained an accurate picture, he will present the treatment options to you, explain the procedure and inform you about the possible risks. Of course, you will have the opportunity to ask your own questions at any time during the consultation.
The topic of costs is also discussed during the consultation. As each treatment is different, it is not possible to give a general estimate. After the examination, Dr. Nichlos will be able to tell you more about the costs and will also be happy to prepare a cost estimate for you in parallel with your treatment plan.
Procedure
How does lipedema surgery work?
On the day of your lipoedema treatment, we will be waiting for you at the Berger Klinik in Frankfurt. Here, Dr. Nichlos uses the high-quality medical equipment and modern operating theatres to guarantee you the highest possible quality of treatment.
Before your procedure begins, Dr. Nichlos will mark out the areas to be treated. You will then lie down on the operating table. Liposuction is usually performed under general anesthesia and an inpatient stay with an overnight stay. However, the exact length of stay may vary depending on the extent of the liposuction.
As soon as the anaesthetic has taken effect and you are asleep, Dr. Nichlos makes several small incisions (approx. 5 mm long) in the areas to be treated, through which he first introduces a special tumescent solution into the fatty tissue. The purpose of this is to locally anaesthetize the suction area and to soften the fatty tissue so that it can be removed more easily afterwards.
After a short application time, Dr. Nichlos carefully inserts the suction cannula into the tissue and begins to suction out the abnormal fatty tissue. If necessary, the specialist can then additionally tighten the suctioned areas to prevent sagging skin.
Finally, Dr. Nichlos closes the small wounds with staple plasters and puts compression garments on you, which you will have to wear 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 friend.
Reviews
Testimonials from our patients
Aftercare
What happens after lipedema surgery?
You should take it easy physically for a few days after the operation. Slight pain or a feeling of pressure in the suctioned area as well as swelling are completely normal in the initial period and will subside a little more with each day. You can take commercially available painkillers for mild pain. Swelling is reduced by wearing compression.
You should also have post-operative lymphatic drainage performed by a physiotherapist. This stimulates the lymph vessels to remove the wound fluid that has accumulated in the legs or arms. The treatment also helps to prevent tissue hardening.
The small wounds from lipoedema treatment usually heal quickly so that we can remove the plasters after around 10 to 14 days. After around 3 weeks, your arms and/or legs should have lost a significant amount of circumference so that tighter compression can be applied. After 4 to 6 weeks, you can carefully start exercising again.
The final result can be seen after around 6 to 12 months, when the swelling from the procedure has completely subsided and your skin has adapted to the reduced fatty tissue.
Risks
What risks are associated with lipedema surgery?
As liposuction is the most frequently performed plastic and aesthetic surgery procedure in the world, the risks are relatively low. However, as with any operation, general surgical and anesthetic risks such as infections, bleeding and wound healing disorders can occur. Particularly with liposuction, numbness and, in very rare cases, embolisms and thromboses can also occur. However, thanks to Dr. Nichlos’ experience and the high hygiene and safety standards in our practice, these risks can be kept to a minimum.
More about lipoedema & health insurance benefits
Read our article on the assumption of costs for lipoedema surgery by health insurance companies and find out everything you need to know about the current G-BA decisions, the requirements for liposuction and the treatment options in our practice in Frankfurt.
Consultation appointment
Lipedema Frankfurt: Dr. med. Nichlos advises you in our practice
Do you suffer from bulky arms or legs due to lipoedema, have frequent pain and bruising, no longer want to wear compression garments around the clock or generally feel uncomfortable in short or tight clothing? With lipoedema treatment, Dr. Nichlos can help you improve your life with the chronic condition by relieving your symptoms and slimming your silhouette through liposuction of the affected fat cells. Call us now for an appointment or use our online form to request an appointment!
Practice location & directions – Frankfurt Westend
You can easily plan your route to our practice at Grüneburgweg 95, 60323 Frankfurt am Main using the integrated Google Maps map. If you are arriving by car, we recommend the Palmengarten parking garage in the immediate vicinity.
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Frequently asked questions
about lipedema treatment:
- How does lipedema differ from obesity?
Lipoedema is characterized by a symmetrical fat distribution disorder – usually on the legs, arms and buttocks. In contrast to obesity, lipoedema does not respond to diet or exercise. It is also often painful and associated with an increased tendency to bruise.
- What are the different stages of lipoedema?
There are three stages: stage I with smooth skin and soft tissue, stage II with uneven skin surface and lump formation in the tissue, stage III with large fatty flaps and significant tissue changes.
- Can lipedema also occur in men?
Yes, but rarely. Causes can be hormonal disorders or liver disease. Treatment is the same as for women – either conservative or surgical.
- How is lipedema diagnosed?
The diagnosis is made clinically, i.e. by means of a physical examination, a detailed medical history and, if necessary, additional imaging procedures. A blood test is usually not necessary.
- How is lipedema treated surgically?
The affected fat cells are specifically removed by liposuction. Special gentle techniques are used to minimize the impact on the surrounding tissue.
- How long does it take to heal after lipedema surgery?
Complete healing can take several weeks to months. Swelling, bruising and slight pain gradually subside. The final result is usually visible after 3-6 months.
- Will visible scars remain from lipedema surgery?
The scars are small (approx. 4-5 mm) and are placed in inconspicuous areas. They fade over time and are hardly recognizable later.
- Do I have to wear compression garments after the operation?
Yes, for at least 4-6 weeks. The compression garment supports healing, reduces swelling and helps to achieve an even result.
- When will I be able to work and socialize again after the operation?
As a rule, patients are socially acceptable again after 7-10 days – depending on the extent of the procedure and the individual healing process.
- When can I do sports again after lipedema surgery?
Light exercise is possible at an early stage. However, exercise should be avoided for 4-6 weeks. After that, training can be slowly increased.
- Can lipedema return after liposuction?
Lipoedema does not usually recur in treated areas. A complete relapse is rare, but hormonal changes can lead to new symptoms.
- Does health insurance cover the costs of lipedema surgery?
The costs can only be covered by statutory health insurance under certain conditions – for example, if stage III lipoedema has been diagnosed and after prior application. Whether your individual situation is eligible depends on various factors. You can find all the important information and tips for the application in our blog article on cost coverage for lipoedema.
- What does lipedema surgery in Frankfurt cost?
The costs start from 4,000 euros, plus anesthesia, clinic and aftercare services. An exact price will be calculated individually after the consultation.