Lipoedema treatment with Dr. Schuhmann & Colleagues
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Why early treatment is crucial
Painfully swollen legs, nodular tissue changes, and increasing skin tension. For those affected, lipoedema is a significant burden – physically and emotionally – and therefore far more than "just" an aesthetic challenge. Early treatment is always beneficial: long-term complications can be avoided, and patients gain quality of life. Yet even when lipoedema is more advanced, treatment is worthwhile. At every stage.
The
liposuction
as the treatment of choice The
liposuction
(
liposuction
) for lipoedema is the most effective and efficient treatment available. The treatment is not covered by statutory health insurers in every case – this applies to both inpatient and outpatient treatment. Private health insurers apply different criteria. We offer suitable
financing options
for self-paying patients.
At a glance
- Duration: 2–4 hours
- Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia
- Further treatment: Outpatient or 1 night in clinic
- Downtime: approx. 1–2 weeks
- Exercise: Possible again after 6 weeks
Dauer: 2–4 hours 💉 Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia 🏥 Further treatment: Outpatient or 1 night in clinic 🛌 Downtime: approx. 1–2 weeks 💪 Exercise: Possible again after 6 weeks
Why early treatment is crucial
Painfully swollen legs, nodular tissue changes, and increasing skin tension. For those affected, lipoedema is a significant burden – physically and emotionally – and therefore far more than "just" an aesthetic challenge. Early treatment is always beneficial: long-term complications can be avoided, and patients gain quality of life. Yet even when lipoedema is more advanced, treatment is worthwhile. At every stage.
Liposuction as the treatment of choice
The
liposuction
(
liposuction
) for lipoedema is the most effective and efficient treatment available. The treatment is not covered by statutory health insurers in every case – this applies to both inpatient and outpatient treatment. Private health insurers apply different criteria. We offer suitable
financing options
for self-paying patients.
Lipoedema liposuction
We use two modern and well-established techniques for
liposuction
to gently remove pathologically excess fatty tissue. Good to know: once fat cells have been removed, they do not grow back! The result is therefore permanent – provided body weight is maintained.
Water-jet-assisted liposuction
(WAL)
A fine, pulsating jet of water loosens excess fat cells from the surrounding tissue. The method is gentle and comparatively tissue-sparing. WAL is used in particular in sensitive areas such as the lower legs and around the knees. The treatment is performed under local anaesthesia directly at our practice in Düsseldorf.
Vibration-assisted
liposuction
(PAL)
With the PAL technique, fat cells are mechanically loosened using a vibrating cannula. This loosening of the tissue facilitates the removal process. We use PAL primarily for larger areas such as the thighs. Prolonged post-treatment swelling is rare. We treat patients under general anaesthesia at our affiliated private clinic in Düsseldorf, in a pleasant, hotel-like atmosphere.
Dr. Karl Schuhmann – Lipoedema Specialist
Your experts for lipoedema treatment: Dr. Tim Lobe and Dr. Natalie Abou Dayé, specialists in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery. In addition to their work at artethic
Dr. Schuhmann
& Colleagues, both physicians specialise in tissue-sparing
liposuction
in clinical and outpatient settings, and bring senior-physician-level experience.
Who can develop lipoedema?
Lipoedema is a pathological disorder of fat distribution of as yet unestablished cause, which occurs symmetrically in both legs in women – usually also in the arms, hips, and buttocks. Men are not affected. Lipoedema never presents before puberty. It may also arise or worsen in connection with pregnancy, the menopause, or gynaecological surgery (removal of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, etc.). For these reasons, a hormonal cause of the condition is suspected. A familial clustering of lipoedema is often observed, though it can also develop "spontaneously" in patients with no known family history of the condition. It can affect women who are heavy or overweight, but also very slim, athletic women. The fat distribution disorder is therefore unrelated to body constitution.
What symptoms does lipoedema cause?
Depending on the stage of lipoedema, symptoms begin with a feeling of heaviness in the arms and legs, followed by increasing pressure and, as the condition progresses, severe pain.
What classifications exist for the fat distribution disorder?
Depending on which areas of the body are affected by the fat distribution disorder, different lipoedema types are diagnosed:
Type 1 – Hips
Type 2 – Hips and thighs
Type 3 – Hips, thighs, and lower legs
Type 4 – Arms
Type 5 – Lower legs
Stages of lipoedema
Lipoedema – Stage I:
visible tendency of the thighs towards a "riding breeches" shape
the skin is smooth and even
the subcutaneous tissue feels thickened and soft
particularly on the inner thighs and knees, structures are sometimes palpable that feel like polystyrene beads in a plastic bag
Lipoedema – Stage II:
pronounced "riding breeches" shape of the thighs
uneven skin surface with large indentations
subcutaneous tissue is thickened but still soft
Lipoedema – Stage III:
pronounced increase in circumference; subcutaneous tissue heavily thickened and hardened
very uneven skin surface
subcutaneous tissue thickened and hardened
deforming fatty lobes (apron-like folds) on the inner thighs and knee joints
fatty rolls partially hanging over the ankles
knock-knee alignment, causing permanent abnormal loading of the joints
Your benefits of lipoedema treatment with Dr. Schuhmann
reduced chronic pain
progression of lipoedema is halted
an improved sense of body awareness and greater mobility
permanent reduction of pathological fatty tissue
lasting improvement in quality of life
relief for the skin and connective tissue
frequently a boost to self-confidence
What treatment options are available for lipoedema?
Compression therapy for lipoedema
Compression stockings should be worn at least three days a week – ideally daily and during physical activity – to reduce symptoms and stabilise lipoedema in its early stage.
Lymphatic drainage for fat distribution disorder
This decongestive treatment provides relief through tissue drainage.
Complex physical decongestive therapy (CDT) for lipoedema
This conservative approach combines manual lymphatic drainage, proper skin care, compression stockings, and therapeutic exercise – most effective in advanced lipoedema Stage III.
Liposuction
|
Liposuction
–
Liposuction
of legs, arms, and buttocks
Fat removed during surgery is gone for good and will not return to the treated areas. This surgical removal of excess fatty tissue significantly reduces symptoms, particularly when performed at an early stage.
Exercise supports treatment of fat distribution disorder
Regular physical activity two to three times a week supports treatment outcomes in combination with weight management.
At a glance – Lipoedema | Fat distribution disorder
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Those affected | predominantly women, almost never men |
| Body areas |
|
| Symptoms | symmetrical increase in fatty tissue on the legs (and/or arms), pressure and tension pain, tendency to bruise |
| Therapies | compression therapy, lymphatic drainage, complex physical decongestive therapy (CDT), liposuction |
| Cause | not conclusively established; hormonal and genetic factors are suspected |
| Prognosis | not curable, but with the right therapy symptoms can be alleviated and progression of the condition halted |
Consultation
for lipoedema treatment
The practice invites patients to arrange individual consultations regarding lipoedema diagnosis, treatment of fat distribution disorder, and liposuction techniques at our Düsseldorf location.
Costs and coverage of
liposuction
for lipoedema
Conservative therapies are generally covered by health insurance.
Liposuction
is, however, generally not covered by statutory health insurers, although legislative changes are pending. Patients are advised to enquire with their insurers about coverage options; applications submitted by physicians are recommended. Private
financing options
are available through the practice.
Frequently asked questions
How does lipoedema differ from "normal" excess weight (obesity)?
Lipoedema is a chronic fat distribution disorder. Hormones and a corresponding predisposition can contribute to its development. Unlike obesity, the fatty tissue cannot be reduced through diet or exercise. Characteristically, the legs or arms are symmetrically thickened and sensitive to pressure. A feeling of tension is frequently present.
What stages of lipoedema are there?
Lipoedema is medically classified into three stages – ranging from soft, dimpled skin (Stage I) to coarse nodular deformities with marked tissue hardening (Stage III). The higher the stage, the more prolonged treatment tends to be. That said, successful treatment is possible and advisable at every stage.
Which conservative treatments help, and when are they no longer sufficient?
Compression stockings, lymphatic drainage, and exercise can alleviate swelling and pain, but they do not replace the removal of excess fatty tissue. When symptoms persist or worsen despite consistent therapy, liposuction is an option. The individual case, a well-founded diagnosis, and specialist medical advice are always decisive.
What does aftercare involve?
Immediately after liposuction you will receive a compression bandage, followed later by custom-made compression stockings. Lymphatic drainage, gentle movement, and skin care provide additional support. Exercise is possible again after a few weeks.
Can lipoedema fat cells grow back?
The removed cells cannot grow back. It is important to maintain a stable body weight in the long term; otherwise, pathological fat cells could develop in other areas. Long-term use of compression garments may be advisable.
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