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Lipedema – Understanding, Diagnosing & Treating a Chronic Condition

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Lipedema is a chronic, progressive condition that primarily affects women. It leads to a disproportionate accumulation of fat on the legs, hips, buttocks and sometimes the arms — often causing pain, heaviness and a dramatic impact on self-esteem.

At Dr. Kelly® Group, our team of board-certified plastic surgeons provides a highly specialised, evidence-based approach to diagnosing and treating lipedema. With our international expertise and Swiss standard of precision, we support you through every step of the journey.

Treatment Overview

  • Procedure

    Outpatient in our own operating room. After the operation, short monitoring in the patient’s private room.

  • Duration of procedure:

    approx. 2-4 hours, depending on body areas

  • Downtime

    2-3 days

  • Anesthesia:

    Local anesthesia or twilight sleep

  • Complementary Treatments:

  • Cost:

    CHF 5,600 (1 zone in local anaesthesia), CHF 8,900 (2 zones with sedation), CHF 10,900 (3 zones with sedation)

  • Financing:

    Available from CHF 125 per month. Further details here.

  • Dr. Kelly® All Inclusive

    Everything included – one price, no surprise. See below for details.

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What Is Lipedema?

Lipedema is a disorder of adipose tissue where fat cells multiply abnormally and create a characteristic shape:

  • disproportionately large lower body
  • symmetrical swelling that does not respond to diet or exercise
  • pressure sensitivity and pain
  • easy bruising
  • a feeling of heaviness or tension

Although millions of women worldwide suffer from lipedema, it remains frequently misunderstood or misdiagnosed as obesity, water retention or simple weight gain. Many patients spend years trying to “reduce their legs” without success — unaware that they have a medical condition requiring specialised care.

Everything included – one price, no surprise

At Dr. Kelly®, transparency comes first. Our surgical fee includes:

  • Surgery & surgical team (including anaesthesia, consumables, operating room, private ward)
  • All follow-up visits – including extra appointments if needed
  • Complication management according to medical standards
  • Lifetime support for your surgical journey in our clinic*
  • Result & safety assurance: we stand by your outcome – professionally and personally
  • No Extra insurance needed: We got you covered, all the way to your result

Pay once – everything is included. No hidden fees, no unexpected costs.

The Different Stages of Lipedema

Lipedema is a progressive condition that develops in distinct stages. Understanding these stages helps us evaluate your symptoms and plan the most effective treatment.

Stage 1 – Early Lipedema

The skin is smooth on the surface, but the tissue underneath already feels nodular or grainy. Swelling appears after long days, and legs feel heavy, but the overall shape is still relatively proportional.

Stage 2 – Visible Irregularities and Dellen

The skin starts showing unevenness, small dimples and a classic “orange-peel” texture. The legs become more column-like, and the fat feels firmer and more fibrotic. Pain and tenderness increase.

Stage 3 – Significant Volume Increase and Deformity

The tissue becomes clearly enlarged with pronounced irregularities, bulges and fat lobules. The legs often appear disproportionate to the upper body. Mobility can be affected, and the skin becomes heavier and more sensitive.

Stage 4 – Lipedema with Secondary Lymphedema (Lipo-Lymphedema)

In advanced cases, the chronic pressure on the lymphatic system leads to combined swelling. This stage requires specialised, lymph-sparing surgical techniques and close postoperative support.

Each stage has its own challenges, from pain and swelling to changes in shape, skin texture and mobility. At the Dr. Kelly® Group, we diagnose and treat all stages with a tailored plan based on your individual symptoms, goals and comfort.

Liposuction

We will be very happy to advise you personally

In an initial, no-obligation consultation, We can show you the liposuction procedure in detail and answer all your questions.

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Why Is Lipedema Often Misdiagnosed?

Lipedema is still an under-recognised disease. Common reasons for misdiagnosis include:

  • symptoms are mistaken for lifestyle-related weight gain
  • persistent swelling is confused with lymphatic disorders
  • doctors without specialised training overlook early signs
  • patients often appear slim in the upper body but larger in the lower body

At our clinic, we take the time to listen carefully to your story, evaluate your symptoms in detail and provide clarity — many patients describe this first consultation as a turning point.

How We Diagnose Lipedema at Dr. Kelly® Group

Your diagnosis is carried out exclusively by our plastic surgeons with advanced training in lipedema assessment. We follow a structured diagnostic protocol:

1. Detailed Medical History & Symptom Analysis

Including onset, progression, pain, bruising and lifestyle impact.

2. Clinical Examination

We assess fat distribution, tenderness, swelling, skin quality and perform an accurate stage classification.

3. Ultrasound Evaluation (if needed)

Used to differentiate lipedema from lymphatic insufficiency.

4. Photographic Documentation & Treatment Planning

High-quality documentation helps us create a personalised and accurate plan.

This clear, structured diagnosis ensures you receive a tailored, evidence-based treatment plan.

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Emotional Support and Understanding

Lipedema is not only a physical condition — it deeply affects how women feel about their bodies. Many patients have struggled for years with misunderstanding, misdiagnosis and a sense of dysmorphia caused by a body shape they could not control.

At the Dr. Kelly® Group, we take this emotional journey seriously. Our surgeons and our entire team provide a supportive, respectful environment where you feel seen, understood and guided. We accompany you through every step with empathy, clarity and the reassurance that you are finally in expert hands.

Treatment Options for Lipedema

Lipedema cannot be cured — but symptoms and proportions can be improved dramatically.

Conservative Treatments

These methods cannot remove lipedema fat but may help reduce discomfort:

  • Manual lymphatic drainage
  • Compression garments
  • Physiotherapy
  • Anti-inflammatory lifestyle support
  • Weight control (helps symptoms but does not treat lipedema fat)

For long-term improvement of shape, pain and mobility, the gold standard remains:

Liposuction for Lipedema

A specialised technique requiring expertise and experience

Liposuction for lipedema is very different from aesthetic liposuction. At the Dr. Kelly® Group, we perform lymph-sparing liposuction, a technique designed to remove diseased fat thoroughly while protecting lymphatic structures.

“Lipedema liposuction is not about chasing perfection – it is about freeing women from pain, heaviness and a body shape they could never change on their own. Done correctly, it restores lightness, proportion and confidence.”

Dr. Kelly Vasileiadou

Why Lipedema Liposuction Is Different

The fat tissue behaves differently

Lipedema fat is fibrotic, resistant and requires a specialised, modified approach.

Lymphatic structures must be protected

Our surgeons use gentle, controlled movements to avoid any damage to the lymphatic system.

Larger treatment areas

Because lipedema affects the entire limb circumferentially, more extensive and strategic sculpting is required.

More sessions may be needed

Patients often need 1–3 sessions depending on their stage and the extent of the affected areas.

Focus on functional improvement

The goal is less pain, better mobility and a higher quality of life — not only a cosmetic improvement.

Our Surgical Approach

Advanced, lymph-sparing and designed for long-lasting transformation

Liposuction for lipedema requires a technique far beyond standard aesthetic liposuction. At the Dr. Kelly® Group, we combine international surgical expertise with Swiss precision to ensure maximal safety, contour improvement and symptom relief.

High-Volume, Circumferential Liposuction

Lipedema affects the entire circumference of the limb — not just isolated pockets. For this reason, our surgeons perform circumferential high-volume liposuction, removing significantly more fat than in aesthetic liposuction. This method:

  • improves proportions of the entire leg or arm
  • reduces the pathological pressure and heaviness
  • creates a more harmonious, functional shape
  • prevents “step deformities” when only partial areas are treated

Because lipedema fat is fibrotic and resistant, this comprehensive approach is essential for long-term results.

Why Skin Tightening Is So Important

Lipedema patients tend to experience more skin laxity after fat removal compared to standard liposuction patients. This is due to:

  • the higher volume of fat that must be removed
  • reduced skin elasticity caused by the chronic condition
  • the circumferential nature of the procedure

Without proper skin management, patients may be left with loose, sagging skin — which is why we integrate advanced technology to support optimal tightening.

Plasma Liposuction (RF-Assisted Liposuction)

To achieve both fat removal and skin tightening in one procedure, we frequently recommend Plasma Liposuction. This technique uses controlled radiofrequency-generated plasma energy to:

  • stimulate collagen and elastin
  • tighten the skin from the inside
  • improve skin retraction after high-volume fat removal
  • enhance the final contour and long-term result quality

For many lipedema patients, Plasma Liposuction significantly improves the final outcome and reduces the need for later skin excision procedures.

Lymph-Sparing Precision

Throughout the procedure, we use a meticulously gentle, controlled technique designed to protect lymphatic channels. This includes:

  • micro-cannula technology
  • power-assisted liposuction (PAL)
  • atraumatic, smooth cannula movements
  • careful planning of access points

This approach ensures maximal reduction of diseased fat with minimal risk to the lymphatic system.

How a Lipedema Surgery Works – Step by Step

From your arrival to your recovery

Lipedema surgery at the Dr. Kelly® Group follows a precise, structured and lymph-sparing protocol. Every detail is designed to maximise safety, contour improvement and patient comfort.

1. Arrival & Marking

Before the procedure, your surgeon performs detailed markings while you are standing. These markings outline:

  • the circumferential areas affected by lipedema
  • zones of higher fibrosis
  • access points for micro-incisions (2–3 mm)

This ensures the most harmonious and complete shaping possible.

2. Anaesthesia & Preparation

Most surgeries are performed under tumescent anaesthesia with sedation, depending on the areas being treated. Our anaesthesiology team monitors you throughout the entire procedure.

3. Micro-Incisions (2–3 mm)

We use extremely small entry points — typically 2 to 3 mm — strategically placed in natural skin folds. After healing, these points usually become almost invisible, leaving no noticeable scars.

4. Tumescent Technique

The affected areas are infused with a tumescent solution that:

  • loosens fibrotic lipedema fat
  • reduces bleeding
  • provides local anaesthesia
  • protects lymphatic structures

This prepares the tissue for controlled, gentle fat removal.

5. Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)

PAL uses a micro-vibration cannula that moves rapidly but gently. This technology is ideal for lipedema because:

  • it removes large volumes of fibrotic fat efficiently
  • it requires less manual force, which protects the tissue
  • it is lymph-sparing, preventing trauma to lymphatic vessels
  • it allows smooth, even shaping around the entire limb

The surgeon works circumferentially — from front, side and back — to restore natural harmony and reduce the heaviness typical of lipedema legs.

6. Plasma Liposuction (RF-Assisted Skin Tightening)

After the fat is removed, we introduce controlled radiofrequency-generated plasma energy beneath the skin. This technology is scientifically proven to:

  • stimulate collagen and elastin
  • tighten the skin from within
  • improve retraction after high-volume fat removal
  • stabilise tissue and enhance long-term contour

For lipedema, this step is especially valuable because these patients tend to have more skin laxity compared to aesthetic liposuction patients.

7. Lymph-Sparing Technique – No Damage to the Lymphatic System

Our surgeons are trained in advanced lymph-sparing protocols. This means:

  • no aggressive cannula movements
  • no deep tearing or scraping
  • smooth, controlled strokes respecting lymph flow
  • limited access points with minimal trauma

This approach allows us to remove high volumes of diseased fat without compromising lymphatic function.

8. Closing the Micro-Incisions

The tiny incisions are either left open to drain naturally for the first hours or closed with a single micro-stitch, depending on the case. In both situations, the wounds are:

  • very small
  • nearly invisible after healing
  • positioned discreetly

9. Compression Garments & Bandaging

After the procedure:

  • you are wrapped in light bandages
  • you immediately receive your medical compression garment
  • the garment must be worn for 4–6 weeks, depending on volume removed

This reduces swelling, supports the lymphatic system and ensures optimal contouring.

10. Immediate Recovery & Return Home

You remain under observation in our recovery area for a short time. Most patients can return home the same day, accompanied by a friend or family member. You can walk immediately, and movement is encouraged to support lymphatic flow.

Results You Can Expect

Lightness, symmetry and a visibly smoother skin surface

Lipedema surgery at the Dr. Kelly® Group delivers far more than a reduction of volume. Because we remove the diseased fat comprehensively and combine it with plasma-based skin tightening, our patients experience a remarkable transformation in both function and appearance.

1. A Noticeable Reduction in Pain and Heaviness

Most patients report an immediate sense of relief — legs feel lighter, pressure decreases and mobility improves within days. Walking, standing and daily activities become significantly more comfortable.

2. Harmonised Body Proportions

Circumferential liposuction restores balance between the upper and lower body. The silhouette becomes more defined, legs appear straighter, and the overall contour is more proportional and elegant.

3. Dramatic Improvement in Skin Texture

One of the most appreciated changes is the smoothing of the skin surface. Lipedema fat often creates:

  • uneven bumps
  • nodules
  • dimples
  • a wavy, irregular texture
  • pronounced cellulite-like changes

By removing the fibrotic lipedema fat and combining it with radiofrequency-generated plasma tightening, we stimulate collagen and improve the quality of the overlying skin.

As a result, the skin becomes:

  • visibly smoother
  • firmer and tighter
  • more even in texture
  • less nodular
  • significantly reduced in cellulite appearance

This is one of the reasons lipedema patients often describe their legs as “feeling like new legs.”

4. Enhanced Skin Retraction After High-Volume Removal

Because lipedema surgery removes much larger volumes of fat compared to aesthetic liposuction, supporting the skin is essential. Our RF-generated plasma energy helps the skin retract naturally, reducing the risk of:

  • loose skin
  • sagging
  • tissue irregularities

This leads to a more youthful, smooth and stable contour.

5. Reduction in Swelling and Pain with Steady Improvement Over Months

While you will see changes immediately, the final result develops gradually as swelling reduces. The most striking improvements are usually seen between 3 and 6 months, with full maturation of skin tightening and collagen production at 9–12 months.

6. Long-Term Stability and High Patient Satisfaction

Properly removed lipedema fat does not return. With circumferential treatment, most patients maintain their improved contour and comfort for many years. Combined with lifestyle support and compression in the early postoperative phase, the results remain stable and highly satisfying.

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Liposuction for Lipedema Cost

Prices for liposuction for lipedema start from CHF 5’600. 

Your well-being and an optimal result is our top priorities. Each patient has an individuality whose needs are the focus of my treatments. Therefore, it is not always possible to give a general estimate of the costs. Therefore, please understand that we cannot give generally valid prices for liposuction. The costs of each surgical treatment also depend on your personal initial situation and your wishes.

Write us a message and make your appointment.

Your Journey With the Dr. Kelly® Group

Lipedema care at our clinic is built around precision, trust and personal attention.

  • Consultation with a plastic surgeon specialised in lipedema
  • Diagnosis and stage classification
  • Individualised plan including number of sessions
  • Surgery in our Swiss-certified facility
  • Postoperative care, compression and follow-up
  • Continuous support from our medical team

Our patients describe their experience as empowering — finally understanding their condition and receiving treatment that truly works.

Why choose Dr. Kelly® for your surgery?

EXPERTISE YOU CAN TRUST

  • Switzerland’s top clinic for aesthetic surgery by number of procedures performed.

  • A team of board-certified plastic surgeons with international training.

  • Specialized across the full spectrum of cosmetic surgery – from facelifts to body contouring.

TECHNIQUE- DRIVEN EXCELLENCE

  • Advanced surgical methods for natural results with minimal scarring.

  • “No-touch” techniques and precision instruments for maximum safety.

  • Continuous refinement through the latest medical innovations.

UNCOMPROMISING SAFETY

  • Sedation instead of general anaesthesia – safer, gentler, and lower risk.

  • Faster, smoother recovery – most patients return home just hours after surgery.

  • AQC-certified in-house operating theatre for maximum control and safety.

  • Swiss precision in hygiene, monitoring, and standards of care.

FAST RECOVERY & SCAR SUPPORT

  • Tailored recovery protocols to reduce downtime.

  • Lymphatic drainage and medical-grade scar care for optimal healing.

  • Optional laser refinement for smooth, discreet results.

INDIVIDUALITY OVER MASS PRODUCTION

  • 100% personalized treatment plans – never one-size-fits-all.

  • Techniques and outcomes tailored to your body and your wishes.

  • Focus on harmony, proportion, and your unique aesthetic journey.

NATURAL RESULTS. ALWAYS

  • We don’t do overdone.

  • Every outcome reflects elegant, timeless beauty.

  • Subtle enhancements for a natural, confident look.

REPUTATION BUILT ON TRUST

  • Highest patient satisfaction and top Google reviews in Switzerland.

  • Long-term relationships built on personal, genuine care.

  • International patients choose us for Swiss precision and discretion.

FAQ

Is lipedema the same as obesity?

No. Lipedema is a chronic fat distribution disorder not caused by overeating. Weight loss improves general health but does not reduce lipedema fat. How many sessions do I need? Most patients require 1–3 sessions depending on the stage and how many areas are affected.

Will I need a skin lift after lipedema surgery?

Lipedema surgery involves high-volume, circumferential liposuction, which naturally places the skin under more tension than a standard aesthetic liposuction. In severe cases or in patients with significantly reduced skin elasticity, a surgical skin lift may be necessary in the future.

However, our goal is always to avoid additional surgery whenever possible. This is why we perform lipedema treatments using the most advanced technologies available — combining modern liposuction systems with radiofrequency-generated plasma energy.

This approach tightens the skin from within, improves collagen and elasticity, and helps the tissue retract smoothly.

For most patients, this technology keeps the skin in excellent condition, significantly reducing the likelihood of needing a skin lift afterwards.

Will the lipedema come back after surgery?

Properly removed lipedema fat does not return. However, progression in untreated areas is possible. Is liposuction for lipedema painful? The procedure is performed under anesthesia. After surgery you may feel swelling and pressure, which gradually improves.

What does the recovery look like after lipedema surgery?

Medical downtime is usually only 2–3 days. By day 4–5, most patients are already mobile, able to socialise and return to light daily routines, while still wearing their compression garment. You will continue the garment for 4–6 weeks, and the final result develops gradually over 3–6 months as swelling decreases and skin tightening progresses. To support and speed up your recovery, we also offer medical lymphdrainage sessions in our clinic, which help reduce swelling, improve lymphatic flow and accelerate healing

What is the difference between lipedema and lymphedema?

Lipedema is a disorder of abnormal, painful fat accumulation—typically symmetrical and sparing the hands and feet—while lymphedema is caused by lymphatic blockage leading to fluid swelling, often starting in the feet or hands. Lipedema mainly affects women and causes tenderness and easy bruising; lymphedema leads to heaviness and skin thickening. In advanced cases, both conditions can overlap, creating a lipo-lymphedema, which requires especially careful, lymph-sparing treatment.

Can men have lipedema?

Rarely, but it is primarily a condition affecting women.

Is lipedema covered by insurance?

In Switzerland, most health insurances still do not automatically recognise lipedema as a disease requiring surgical treatment. However, if you have a formal diagnosis from your general practitioner, endocrinologist or a vascular/venous specialist, you may apply for address us.. If your insurance grants approval, we are able to perform your surgery through your insurance coverage. Feel free to contact us with your documents — we will review them and support you through the next steps.

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Dr. Kelly® | Aesthetic Surgery and Medicine
by Dr. Kelly Vasileiadou

Luzernerstrasse 72
CH-6333 Hünenberg See

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+41 41 799 70 00
info@drkelly.ch

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