Lipedema

Lipedema
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Lipedema

Lipedema – gentle liposuction for less pain

Legs of a woman in pink lace lingerie, tapering evenly to slim ankles, against a beige wall, symbolic image on the subject of lipoedema at BONITAS in Nuremberg

Heavy legs, pressure sensation, bruises – and the frustration of not being understood. If you suffer from lipedema, you know this all too well. Despite diet and exercise, your proportions don’t change; instead, pain and helplessness grow. Often, this long ordeal is accompanied by a lack of understanding – even in everyday medical practice.

Our specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery understands this silent suffering. His focus is lipedema therapy – with one goal: to permanently improve your quality of life. At BONITAS, we offer modern liposuction procedures that can sustainably transform not only your silhouette but also your well-being.

At a glance

the lipedema treatment combines modern diagnostics with the lymph-sparing PAL liposuction.

Diagnostics: clinical
Method: PAL liposuction (lymph-sparing)
Hospital stay: outpatient or 1 day inpatient
Recovery: 4 weeks of compression day and night, then 2 weeks during the day
Final result: visible after 3 to 6 months
Prices: in our price overview

Google reviews: Lipedema treatment at BONITAS

5,056 Google reviews*

Anna25.06.2026

I can recommend the Bonitas practice from the bottom of my heart. I was operated on there three times because of my lipedema and at all times I felt comfortable, safe and taken seriously. My surgeries went without complications and both the appointments beforehand and the aftercare appointments were always on an equal footing and very genuine. My last liposuction was already 3 months ago and I feel comfortable in my body again and everything is healing very well! Dr. Marti was also very helpful with regard to possible support from the health insurance. Thank you for that! I am very grateful to have found the practice, Dr. Marti and Jasmin and would choose it again and again. Thank you very much!

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traeumende08.04.2026

About four months ago I had treatment with Dr. Martì for my lipedema and I am completely satisfied. From the first consultation to the aftercare I felt in very good hands at all times. The whole team is young, professional and at the same time pleasantly relaxed, which creates a very trusting atmosphere. During my stay at the clinic I was also looked after in a consistently friendly and attentive way. I found it especially positive that Dr. Martì and his team were always reachable. I am more than happy with the result of the treatment. My quality of life has improved considerably, and I am very grateful to have taken this step. I would choose BONITAS again anytime and can recommend him with full conviction. 🙏🏼☺️

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Maria Stein29.11.2025

I am so endlessly grateful that I decided on this clinic. My liposuction on the shins and on the abdomen with additional plasma tightening was a great success. I can hardly find the right words to thank the entire Bonitas team, but especially of course Alejandro Marti , Two years earlier I had already had a liposuction on the thighs done at another clinic. Both the doctor's care before and afterwards and the operation were absolutely unsatisfactory and involved severe, long lasting pain and restricted movement. That is why my fears about deciding on another liposuction were correspondingly high. Even the first visit for the consultation with Mr. Marti (wonderful explanation, professionally and personally interested in the story behind the ordeal with the lipedema) at the Bonitasklinik was so positive that I decided to overcome my fears and give Mr. Marti my trust. I was not disappointed! The liposuction was carried out so gently and carefully that already when I woke up in the clinic I noticed that my pain was nowhere near the same as with the first operation. Now it has already been almost 6 weeks since the liposuction and I am so proud of the result and of how the healing has gone! A huge thank you for letting me overwrite my negative experiences with the first liposuction in such a positive way! I thank Alejandro Marti and his lovely assistant for the wonderful support and humanity, for the friendly and humorous manner and for giving me courage again to look forward to the coming operation with joy. This clinic is in every respect only to be recommended for lipedema patients! You cannot have a better doctor at your side. Thank you so much!!!!!!

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Julia22.11.2025

I had liposuction at BONITAS because of my lipedema and I am totally thrilled with the result and the care. The consultation with Dr. Martí was honest, understandable and realistic, I felt safe from the very beginning. Surgery, team and aftercare were super well organized and very warm, I never had the feeling of being "just a number". Clear recommendation!

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Franziska Dietrich11.07.2025

Two months ago I had my lipedema surgery on my thighs here. I felt so incredibly well taken care of. From the first consultation to the aftercare everything was really good. I always felt comfortable and in good hands. I can only recommend Dr. Mart and his team to everyone. As for the results, so far I can only give an interim update, but with that I am absolutely satisfied.

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MZ BT05.11.2025

I have lipedema in my legs and arms and right now, after 3 operations, I am still in treatment, 2 operations are still to come. On top of that I have an underlying condition that is not entirely unproblematic. Dr Marti has adjusted to that 100 percent, has tailored the whole treatment concept to it and sees me as a patient in a very holistic way. Because of his calm, level-headed manner I trust this doctor blindly. At the beginning there were so many questions, so many uncertainties. But by now I simply let go. Because I know Dr Marti does it perfectly. He looks after me and keeps an eye on everything. Jasmin is also always there and approachable. When you meet her at the practice, the sun comes out. She is an absolute gem. Together as a team, she and Dr Marti are a perfect unit and you simply feel it. I can recommend this practice 100 percent to all lipedema patients. And even though my operations are not finished at all yet, I already notice a clear improvement of the symptoms now. I am eternally grateful to Dr Marti for taking me by the hand on this path. And Jasmin takes the other one 🙂 What more could you want.

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Vanessa McKasi15.05.2026

Had 2 liposuctions at the clinic on my thighs/lower legs because of stage II/III lipedema, I am more than satisfied with the result and would do it again. You could tell with the team that an optimal result matters to them just as much as it does to me as a patient and I felt in very good hands. Alejandro Marti is really super nice and outdid himself both times. If I had to have surgery again, I would definitely go to him again. 🙂

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Mone S.28.04.2026

I was with Doctor Marti for my liposuction on the legs because of lipedema. Great, likeable doctor and Jasmin is super nice too. They both took great care of me. My last operation was only four weeks ago but I am already absolutely thrilled with the result. I can only recommend it

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See our reviews · Google profile

* Mandatory notice (Sec. 5b(3) German UWG): reviews since July 2024, as of 20.09.2026. Reproduced unchanged from Google, without our own authenticity check.

What is Lipedema?

Lipedema is a chronic fat distribution disorder that affects almost exclusively women. It is typically characterized by disproportionate fat accumulations on the legs, hips, and arms – accompanied by pain, tenderness to pressure, and a tendency to bruise. Exercise and diets show little effect. The disease progresses through several stages if left untreated.

The good news: With professional liposuction, the diseased fatty tissue can be removed – the first step towards more ease in everyday life.

Legs of a woman with lipoedema on a plain wooden bench, thighs and calves thickened in a column shape, symbolic image on the subject of lipoedema at BONITAS in Nuremberg

Decision-making guide: Is liposuction for lipedema right for me?

Question	Answer
Do exercise and diet show no effect?	A typical sign of lipedema – conservative measures are often not enough.
Do you suffer from pain?	Liposuction can noticeably alleviate this.
Does lipedema affect your daily life or self-esteem?	Then it’s time for professional help.
No diagnosis yet?	The consultation is also possible without a prior diagnosis.

The process of your lipedema treatment at BONITAS

Before Treatment

In a detailed consultation we analyze your physical condition, the stage of lipedema, and your personal wishes. We take our time – because trust is the first step towards healing.

During the Procedure

Liposuction is performed in several stages, depending on the extent. Using modern technologies such as vibration-assisted liposuction (PAL), the diseased fatty tissue is gently removed. We operate under general anesthesia: you should not be awake during an operation like this. Many patients find surgery while awake distressing or even traumatic.

After the Procedure

You will receive close medical support. Compression garments, lymphatic drainage, and movement support healing. Our aftercare is tailored to you – and doesn’t stop after the procedure.

Techniques & Materials

At BONITAS, we rely on state-of-the-art procedures:

Power-assisted liposuction (PAL): Particularly tissue-sparing and effective
Lymph-friendly surgical technique: For maximum safety for lipedema patients
Skin tightening with plasma
Compression therapy & lymphatic drainage: As part of the holistic concept

Your Results: What you can expect

Noticeable reduction of pain and feeling of heaviness
More harmonious proportions & greater freedom of movement
Sustainable improvement in quality of life
Higher self-esteem and emotional well-being

Advantages of Lipedema Treatment at BONITAS

Focus on lipedema for over 8 years
We are experienced and empathetic
Gentle, body-contouring liposuction techniques
Holistic aftercare concept
Centrally located – discreet and stylish

Risks & Side Effects

Like any surgical procedure, liposuction also carries certain risks:

Temporary swelling, bruising, numbness
Infections or lymphatic drainage disorders
Irregularities in skin appearance

Through careful planning, precise surgical technique, and our personal care, we minimize these risks.

Aftercare Tips for Your Healing

Wear compression garments consistently: usually 4 weeks day and night, then 2 weeks during the day
Schedule regular lymphatic drainage sessions
Engage in movement, but no strenuous exercise in the first few weeks
Keep follow-up appointments with us
Be patient with yourself – healing takes time

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Lipedema

Which Doctor should You Consult for Lipedema?

If you suspect lipedema, see a specialist in angiology, dermatology or physical and rehabilitation medicine, or a doctor with an additional qualification in phlebology, for the diagnosis, and a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery for the operation. BONITAS focuses on surgical lipedema treatment. With modern techniques (e.g., vibration-assisted liposuction, modern skin tightening) and great empathy, we accompany patients through all stages of the disease – even with complex findings. More about Liposuction.

Where Do You Gain Weight with Lipedema?

Lipedema typically leads to a symmetrical increase in fat on the legs, hips, thighs, and knees – less commonly also on the arms. The affected areas often feel heavy and tender to pressure, while the hands, feet, and torso remain unaffected. Affected individuals often report a disproportion between a slender upper body and a voluminous lower body – despite healthy eating and exercise.

What Does Lipedema Treatment Cost?

The costs of lipedema treatment vary depending on the severity, surgical technique, and number of treatment areas. At BONITAS, an individual cost calculation is made during a personal consultation – transparent, fair, and tailored to your findings. We focus on the highest medical quality and many years of experience, rather than cheap prices at the expense of safety.

As a guideline, lipedema liposuction of the legs starts from €7,500 per procedure (from €10,500 with plasma tightening); all surgical prices are listed in our price overview.

Can Lipedema Return after the Procedure?

The surgically removed lipedema fat cells do not grow back. A healthy lifestyle with exercise and conscious nutrition helps to maintain the surgical result permanently. Important: No new lipedema cells can form, but remaining areas can gain volume with significant weight gain. Medically supervised aftercare is essential.

How Do You Know if You Have Lipedema?

Lipedema is characterized by symmetrical fat accumulations, pressure pain, a feeling of tension, and a tendency to bruise – especially on the legs and/or arms. Typically, the symptoms increase throughout the day, while diets show little effect. A reliable diagnosis can only be made through a specialized medical examination. At BONITAS we provide detailed and individual consultation.

Does health insurance cover the treatment?

Since October 9, 2025, liposuction for lipedema has been a benefit of the German statutory health insurance regardless of stage, provided the medical requirements are met. Whether and to what extent your insurance covers the costs is decided on a case-by-case basis. BONITAS bills privately only. If you are seeking cost coverage, please contact your health insurer directly.

Why does the choice of surgeon matter so much?

In our practice, we are seeing an increasing number of inquiries about secondary and corrective procedures after operations performed elsewhere. Careful patient selection and experience with this condition are decisive for the result.

Smiling man with dark hair and beard in white coat against light background: Alejandro Marti, specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery, BONITAS Nuremberg

Alejandro Marti, MD
Founder of BONITAS

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Scientific References

8 sources

Kruppa P et al. „Lipedema – Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options.” Deutsches Ärzteblatt International. 2020. PubMed PMID 32762835
van la Parra RFD, Deconinck C. „Lipedema: What we don’t know.” Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. 2023. PubMed PMID 37390539
Lundanes J et al. „Effect of a low-carbohydrate diet on pain and quality of life in female patients with lipedema: a randomized controlled trial.” Obesity. 2024. PubMed PMID 38627016
Mortada H, Alhithlool AW. „Lipedema: Clinical Features, Diagnosis, and Management.” Archives of Plastic Surgery. 2025. PubMed PMID 40386000
Buso G et al. „Lipedema: A Call to Action!.” Obesity (Silver Spring). 2019. PubMed PMID 31544340
Forner-Cordero I et al. „Update in the management of lipedema.” International Angiology. 2021. PubMed PMID 33870676
Shavit E et al. „Lipoedema is not lymphoedema: A review of current literature.” International Wound Journal. 2018. PubMed PMID 29956468
Fife CE et al. „Lipedema: a frequently misdiagnosed and misunderstood fatty deposition syndrome.” Advances in Skin & Wound Care. 2010. PubMed PMID 20087075