Lipedema

Lipedema – gentle liposuction for less pain

Table of contents
Specialist during liposuction

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 journey of suffering is accompanied by a lack of understanding – even in everyday medical practice.

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

Google reviews: Lipedema treatment at BONITAS

Total: 59 reviews from our Google Business Profile. As of: 31.08.2026.

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!!!!!!

Translated from German

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.

Translated from German

Senay Turk18.01.2026

Dr.Martí is an outstanding surgeon, especially for lipedema patients. On December 22, 2025 he performed a tummy tuck and liposuction on me, I am completely satisfied with the result. Even before the operation Dr. Martí took a lot of time, listened attentively and seriously addressed my fears. That way I felt well informed and safe at all times. The stay at the clinic was also very pleasant. The night was quiet, and the care from the nursing staff was attentive and professional. I would also like to give special mention to the assistant Jasmin. You feel very well looked after with her. She is friendly, competent and always there for questions, also by phone. All in all a very positive experience with a well organized and empathetic team. Thank you for everything! 🙏💖

Translated from German

Reviews from Google, reproduced unchanged. We do not carry out our own verification of authenticity. See our reviews · Google profile

At a glance: the lipedema treatment combines modern diagnostics with the lymph-sparing PAL liposuction.

  • Diagnostics: clinical + ultrasound
  • Method: PAL liposuction (lymph-sparing)
  • Hospital stay: outpatient or 1 day inpatient
  • Recovery: 2 weeks of compression
  • Final result: visible after 3 to 6 months
  • Prices: in our price overview

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.

Diagram of the three stages of lipedema
Compression care for Lipedema

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

QuestionAnswer
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.
Has the diagnosis been confirmed?Medical confirmation is a prerequisite.

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. The treatment is performed under general anesthesia or twilight sleep.

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.

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:

Your Results: What you can expect

Advantages of Lipedema Treatment at BONITAS

Risks & Side Effects

Like any surgical procedure, liposuction also carries certain risks:

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

Aftercare Tips for Your Healing

Youtube video

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Lipedema

Which Doctor should You Consult for Lipedema?

If you suspect lipedema, you should consult specialized doctors for Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery or Phlebology. BONITAS specializes in surgical lipedema treatment. With modern techniques (e.g., vibration-assisted liposuction, modern skin tightening) and great empathy, he accompanies 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 9 October 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. Please contact your health insurance directly. BONITAS has no statutory health insurance seat (Kassensitz) and bills exclusively on a private basis.

Why does the choice of surgeon matter so much?

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

Alejandro Martí, specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, BONITAS
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Scientific References

  1. Kruppa P et al. „Lipedema – Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options.” Deutsches Ärzteblatt International. 2020. PubMed PMID 32762835
  2. van la Parra RFD, Deconinck C. „Lipedema: What we don’t know.” Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. 2023. PubMed PMID 37390539
  3. 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
  4. Mortada H, Alhithlool AW. „Lipedema: Clinical Features, Diagnosis, and Management.” Archives of Plastic Surgery. 2025. PubMed PMID 40386000
  5. Buso G et al. „Lipedema: A Call to Action!.” Obesity (Silver Spring). 2019. PubMed PMID 31544340
  6. Forner-Cordero I et al. „Update in the management of lipedema.” International Angiology. 2021. PubMed PMID 33870676
  7. Shavit E et al. „Lipoedema is not lymphoedema: A review of current literature.” International Wound Journal. 2018. PubMed PMID 29956468
  8. Fife CE et al. „Lipedema: a frequently misdiagnosed and misunderstood fatty deposition syndrome.” Advances in Skin & Wound Care. 2010. PubMed PMID 20087075

Medically reviewed and written by
Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery 🇩🇪 🇪🇸 · Belegarzt (admitting privileges)
With more than 1,000 plastic and aesthetic procedures performed. Comes from a family with a long tradition in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery.
Last reviewed: May 2026