Lipoedema Treatment in Switzerland: Causes, Symptoms & Modern Therapies

Lipoedema treatment in Switzerland: What those affected should know

Do you suffer from painful, heavy legs that don’t change despite diet and exercise? This may be due to lipoedema – a chronic fat distribution disorder that is much more than a purely cosmetic problem. In my practice in Switzerland, I offer specialized diagnostics and modern treatment options to reduce pain, harmonize the silhouette and sustainably improve your quality of life.

What is lipedema?

Lipoedema is a chronic, progressive fat distribution disorder that almost exclusively affects women. It is typically characterized by a symmetrical increase in fat on the legs and/or arms, while the hands and feet remain unaffected. The affected fatty tissue differs significantly from normal fatty tissue: it is painful, tends to bruise and can hardly be reduced despite a consistent diet, intensive exercise or weight loss. While weight loss is often possible on the upper body, the legs and arms remain virtually unchanged.

It is important to note that lipoedema is not the result of a lack of discipline or “poor diet”, but an independent disease with a genetic component and hormonal influences.

Typical symptoms of lipoedema (at a glance)

• Disproportionate fat distribution on legs and/or arms
• Pain, tenderness and heaviness
• Tendency to hematomas (bruises)
• Increase in complaints during the course of the day
• Hardly any improvement despite weight reduction

If you experience several of these symptoms, it may be advisable to consult a specialist.

Stages of lipedema

Lipoedema is divided into different stages according to the severity of the tissue changes. This classification helps with the diagnosis and planning of suitable treatment.

Stage 1: Smooth skin, fine-knotted fatty tissue

In the first stage, the skin surface still has a smooth structure, but the subcutaneous fatty tissue is already thickened and feels soft. Fine, uniform nodules can be felt on palpation, which are still barely visible from the outside. Those affected report a feeling of tension, slight pressure pain and the typical tendency to bruise.

Stage 2: Irregular skin, coarser fat nodules

In the second stage, the skin surface becomes increasingly uneven and wavy. The subcutaneous fatty tissue now shows coarser, irregular lumps that can be clearly defined by touch and are also visually recognizable. The pain symptoms often intensify: the legs feel heavy, touch is perceived as unpleasant and the symptoms are often particularly pronounced in the evening.

Stage 3: Massive fat flaps with functional limitations

The third stage is characterized by pronounced, coarse tissue changes in which large, hardened fat lobes and overhanging tissue bulges form, particularly on the thighs and around the knees. The skin surface is severely deformed and the lumps in the tissue are clearly visible and palpable. The pain can become chronic and severely restrict mobility, which has a massive impact on everyday life. It often leads to changes in gait, orthopaedic problems due to the incorrect load and massive psychosocial stress.

Do you suspect that you have lipoedema or would you like to know what stage you are at? Arrange a personal consultation.

Types of lipedema

Depending on the distribution of the abnormally increased fatty tissue, we distinguish between different types:

Type I – hip and buttock type

• Fat accumulation exclusively in the hips, buttocks and pelvic area
• Legs below the hip (thighs, lower legs, feet) are not affected
• Often early stage, outwardly not very noticeable at first

Type II – thigh type

• Pronounced accumulation of fat on the thighs, often up to the knees
• Typical are “riding breeches”
• Knee joints often appear constricted

Type III – Whole leg type

• Increased fat on the thighs and lower legs
• Legs appear columnar overall
• Feet are usually left out

Type IV – Arm involvement

• In addition to the legs, the arms are also affected
• Often with fat pads on the upper arms and elbow region
• Usually occurs in combination with type II or III

Type V – lower leg type

• Fat increase mainly on the lower legs
• Feet are left out
• Rarer form

Causes and risk factors of lipoedema

The exact causes of lipoedema are not yet fully understood. Current scientific findings point to a multifactorial process. Hormonal influences play a central role, as lipoedema occurs almost exclusively in women and often begins or worsens during phases of hormonal changes – for example during puberty, pregnancy or the menopause.

A genetic predisposition is also assumed: Many sufferers report other cases in the family. Inflammatory processes in the fatty tissue, impaired fat cell regulation and changes in microcirculation are also discussed as contributing factors.

Liposuction: surgical lipedema treatment in Switzerland

Lymph-sparing liposuction is currently the only evidence-based method for permanently removing lipoedema fat.

The goals are:

• a lasting reduction in pain,
• Improving mobility and
• Stabilization of the disease.

In contrast to conservative measures such as compression or manual lymphatic drainage, which primarily alleviate symptoms, liposuction addresses the cause of the disease.

Lipoedema liposuction is usually performed using tumescent or water-jet assisted techniques in order to protect the lymph vessels, nerves and surrounding tissue as much as possible. Depending on the stage and severity of the lipoedema, several procedures may be necessary, which are staggered over time.

How does lipedema surgery work at our clinic?

1. personal initial consultation and diagnosis

The first step is a detailed discussion about your symptoms, medical history and previous treatment attempts. This is followed by a physical examination to precisely determine the stage and type of lipoedema.

2. individual therapy planning

Based on the diagnosis, we develop a customized treatment plan together. We discuss realistic expectations, the timeline, possible risks and clarify all open questions – transparently and comprehensibly.

3. the operation

Lymph-sparing liposuction is performed under general anesthesia or tumescent anesthesia. The abnormal fatty tissue is gently suctioned out through small incisions in the skin, while lymph vessels and nerves are protected. The duration of the operation varies between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the area being treated.

4. aftercare and support

After the operation, you will wear compression garments for several weeks to support the healing process. We follow you closely with check-ups and are always available to answer your questions. Many patients report a significant improvement in their symptoms after just a few weeks.

Lipedema treatment at Tremp Plastic Surgery

Tremp Plastic Surgery offers specialized diagnostics, individual treatment planning and modern lymph-friendly surgical techniques with a focus on medical effectiveness and quality of life. We are aware that the path to the right lipoedema treatment is often accompanied by uncertainty, long periods of suffering and many unanswered questions. That’s why we take the time for a personal, honest consultation, clarify realistic treatment options and accompany you competently and sensitively through every step – from the initial diagnosis to aftercare.

If you are wondering,

• whether liposuction makes sense for you,
• which results are realistic or
• what the treatment process looks like in your individual case,

please feel free to contact us. We will provide you with transparent, medically sound advice at eye level – so that you can make a decision that feels right for you.

Further information

For detailed information on liposuction for lipedema and other body treatments, visit: Liposuction at Tremp Plastic Surgery