Lipedema
Lipedema is a chronic fat distribution disorder that almost exclusively affects women. It is a pathological increase in subcutaneous fat tissue that occurs primarily on the legs and hips, and less frequently on the arms. The disease is characterized by symmetrically distributed, painful accumulations of fat that often occur in combination with edema (swelling).
Causes and symptoms
Causes and symptoms
The exact cause of lipedema is not yet fully understood. However, it is assumed that hormonal changes, such as those that occur during puberty, pregnancy or menopause, play a crucial role. Genetic factors also appear to play a role, as lipedema often runs in families.
A characteristic feature of lipedema is the disproportion between the trunk and extremities: while the trunk often remains slim, the legs, hips and arms are significantly more voluminous due to the increased accumulation of fat. Those affected often suffer from severe pain, a feeling of tension and an increased tendency to bruise in the affected areas. In the advanced stage, mobility restrictions and an increased tendency to inflammation can also occur.
Lipedema not only has physical but also significant psychosocial effects. Many sufferers feel extremely burdened by their unusual body shape and the associated symptoms. This can lead to reduced self-esteem, social withdrawal and, in some cases, even depression.
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis and treatment
Lipedema is usually diagnosed through a physical examination and medical history by a specialist. Since lipedema is often confused with other diseases such as obesity or lymphedema, it is important to make a precise distinction.
The treatment options for lipedema can be divided into conservative and surgical options. Conservative therapy includes manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy with special stockings and exercise therapy. These measures can help reduce swelling and relieve pain.
However, the cause can only be treated with liposuction. As much of the diseased fatty tissue as possible is surgically removed, which can lead to a significant improvement in quality of life. It is important that the treatment is tailored to the individual needs and stage of the disease and is carried out by an experienced specialist.
Conclusion
Lipedema is a complex disease that is far more than just an aesthetic problem. Early diagnosis and individually tailored therapy are crucial to improving the quality of life of those affected.
At the Glückstadt Clinic, we use the most modern technologies available, such as tissue-sparing power-assisted liposuction. Our chief physician Dr. Bönke and Dr. Magens are experienced plastic surgeons who specialize in the treatment of lipedema, among other things. Your health and well-being are our top priority.
Please feel free to book an appointment for a consultation via our website or doctolib.
Institute for Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery
Institute for Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery
The Institute for Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery at the Glückstadt Clinic deals with functional, cosmetic, shape-changing and reconstructive procedures.
In this area, surgical procedures are performed for both aesthetic and functional reasons.
In order to work as a doctor in this field in Germany, you must complete training as a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery.
Dr. med. Florian Bönke
Head of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery
Career
After completing his medical studies at the University of Kiel, Dr. Bönke initially worked there and completed basic surgical training in cardiac and vascular surgery at the Schleswig-Holstein University Hospital in Kiel. In 2015, he then switched to the clinic for plastic and hand surgery with a center for severe burns at the St. Georg Hospital in Leipzig. In 2017 he followed Prof. Dragu to the University Hospital in Dresden, where he played a key role in founding the Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, where he most recently worked as senior physician. Since 2023 Dr. Bönke leads together with Prof. Dr. Said the Institute for Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery at Glückstadt Hospital.
Since 2015 Dr. Bönke works exclusively in plastic and aesthetic surgery. In addition to the reconstruction and restoration of the body shape using free tissue transfer and hand surgery, he specialized in body shaping and tightening operations after weight loss.
Dr. Bönke is a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery and a member of the German Society for Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (DGPRÄC). He also has an additional qualification in hand surgery.
Indications
Abdominoplasty / tummy tuck
thigh lift
upper arm lift
body lift
liposuction
Liposuction for lipoedema
scar corrections
Local flaps
(Free flap plastics)
Hand Surgery:
Secondary tendon reconstruction
Tendon transfer / tendon rearrangement
Nerve sutures / nerve reconstruction / nerve transplant
Annular ligament release in tendovaginitis stenosans (snap fingers)
extensor tendon cleavage
Nerve decompression (e.g. carpal tunnel, loge de gyon, sulcus ulnaris)
Ganglion
M. Dupuytren
