Liposuction for lipoedema
Lipoedema is not a question of discipline but a chronic disease of the fatty tissue. It affects almost only women, usually sits symmetrically on the legs, hips and arms and responds neither to diet nor to exercise. Liposuction removes the diseased tissue permanently — against pain, tightness and the imbalance between upper and lower body.
- Duration depends on the extent
- Twilight sedation
- Often several sessions
- From €6,000 per area
Examination and treatment plan with Dr. Saalabian or Dr. Arafat.
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What is lipoedema?
Lipoedema is a chronic, usually progressive fat distribution disorder in which diseased fatty tissue builds up symmetrically on the legs, hips, buttocks and sometimes the arms — painful, sensitive to pressure and resistant to diet and exercise.
The exact cause is not fully understood. Much points to an interplay of genetic disposition and hormones: lipoedema often runs in families and typically starts or worsens during puberty, after pregnancy or during the menopause.
Unlike with excess weight, the upper body often stays slim while the legs or arms become much fuller. When someone with lipoedema loses weight, the rest of the body gets slimmer — the lipoedema zones remain, and the imbalance becomes even more obvious.
More than a figure problem
Many patients have a long journey behind them: diets with no effect on the legs, well-meant advice to exercise more and diagnoses such as “being overweight” that do not fit. That is a burden, and not only a physical one.
In the consultation we take time for your history, examine the affected zones and distinguish lipoedema from ordinary excess weight and from lymphoedema. Only then do we plan.
How to recognise lipoedema
No single sign proves lipoedema; what is typical is several features occurring together.
The stages of lipoedema
Doctors classify lipoedema into three stages according to the appearance of the skin and tissue. The stage says nothing about the severity of pain, but it does influence how treatment is planned.
| Stage | Skin and tissue | What it means for treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Stage I | Smooth skin surface, fine nodules palpable in the fat | Good conditions, the tissue is still elastic |
| Stage II | Uneven, wavy skin surface, larger nodules | Usually several sessions, depending on the area |
| Stage III | Pronounced bulges of tissue and overhanging folds | Liposuction is often only one step; with excess skin a lift may be needed |
In later stages, lymphatic congestion can develop as well, known as lipo-lymphoedema. The earlier lipoedema is recognised and treated, the better pain and restricted movement can be limited.
What is possible at an early stage
Dr. Ali Saalabian explains how treatment differs by stage and when liposuction alone is no longer enough.
Why does liposuction help with lipoedema?
Liposuction is the only treatment that actually removes the diseased lipoedema fat; compression and lymphatic drainage ease the symptoms but do not change the tissue.
Fat cells that are removed do not grow back. In the treated areas, the lipoedema therefore cannot return in the same form. Many patients report less pain, lighter legs and more freedom of movement afterwards.
Liposuction for lipoedema is more demanding than liposuction for aesthetic reasons: the volumes are larger, the tissue is firmer and the lymphatic vessels must be protected. That is why we work with tumescent anaesthesia and gentle techniques such as power-assisted liposuction (PAL) and VASER.
| Method | Effect on the tissue | Effect on symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Liposuction | Diseased fat is removed permanently | Less pain and tightness |
| Compression and lymphatic drainage | No change | Relief for as long as they are used |
| Diet and exercise | No effect on the lipoedema zones | Good for health, not for lipoedema |
Lipoedema fat and normal fat
Why lipoedema is not ordinary excess weight — from its distribution to its sensitivity to pain, explained by Dr. Ali Saalabian.
Lipoedema liposuction at a glance
- Duration of surgeryDepending on the extent
- AnaesthesiaTwilight sedation or local
- StayUsually outpatient
- Socially presentableAfter about 2 days
- Desk workAfter 2 to 4 days
- Compression2 to 6 weeks
- ExerciseFrom 2 weeks, depending on the area
- Final resultAfter 3 to 6 months
- Price per area€6,000 – 16,500
Guide values per session. With lipoedema, larger areas are often spread over several sessions; with larger volumes you stay one night with us.
Before and after: legs and body shape
Case 7480 is a documented lipoedema liposuction of the lower legs. The other cases show liposuction of the thighs and abdomen, case 24213 following earlier lipoedema liposuction on the legs. All patients were operated on by Dr. Ali Saalabian.
- Case 7480
before 
after 
The patient felt her calves were far too voluminous compared with the rest of her body. Liposuction for lipoedema.
- Case 17636
before 
after 
Despite regular exercise her inner thighs often chafed in summer. Liposuction of the abdomen, flanks and inner thighs using the SAFE technique.
- Case 19390
before 
after 
In summer her inner thighs rubbed together and caused a burning sensation. Liposuction of the inner thighs.
- Case 24213
before 
after 
After lipoedema liposuction on her legs, the patient was bothered by her abdomen and flanks in relation to her legs. Liposuction with Renuvion.
Photos of patients who consented to publication. Every body heals differently; a result shown cannot be transferred to anyone else.
I was operated on three times by Dr. Saalabian and I am extremely satisfied. It does not just look great, I also have no more pain.
The process of lipoedema liposuction
Consultation, preparation, surgery and aftercare all take place in the same building. If you wish, surgery can usually take place just a few weeks after the consultation.
- First consultation
Analysis of the problem areas, assessment of skin and connective tissue, treatment plan and written quote.
- Pre-op talk and safety check
Surgical plan, instructions, anaesthesia consultation and blood test. The results form the basis for clearance for surgery.
- Marking and surgery
Around ten minutes of marking while standing, then surgery in our own theatre suite – for as long as it takes to get the result right.
- Going home and recovering
Usually home the same day, one night with us after larger procedures. Showering from day one, desk work after two to four days.
- Compression, check-ups, result
Compression garment for two to six weeks, exercise from two weeks, depending on the area. The final result shows after three to six months.
Why several sessions?
There is a limit to how much tissue can be removed safely in one session. If thighs, lower legs, hips and arms are affected, we therefore usually split the treatment into two or more procedures with recovery time in between. You receive the plan for this after your first consultation.
- Wear the compression garment consistently — it supports healing and shape.
- Go for walks from the first day; it supports your circulation.
- Lymphatic drainage helps to reduce swelling.
- No bath for three weeks, showering from the first day.
- Exercise from two weeks, depending on the area, building up carefully.
Who operates
Lipoedema liposuction requires experience with large volumes and gentle technique. At the Kuzbari Centre it is performed by two specialists in plastic surgery who focus on body contouring.
At the Kuzbari Centre since 2015, focusing exclusively on body contouring: liposuction, VASER, Renuvion, SAFE BBL and lifts. More than 2,000 liposuction procedures; he trains surgeons in his own academy. DocFinder 5.0 from 873 reviews.
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At the Kuzbari Centre since 2024, focusing on body contouring and facial surgery. On the body he performs liposuction and lifts. DocFinder 4.9 from 142 reviews.
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Our goal is not only an aesthetic improvement but above all less pain and better mobility for our patients.
How much does liposuction for lipoedema cost?
Lipoedema liposuction at the Kuzbari Centre costs per area: arms €6,000 – 9,900, thighs €9,600 – 16,500, lower legs €6,000 – 8,800.
Because the tissue behaves differently and the volumes are larger, lipoedema has its own prices. Where your price falls within the range depends on the stage, the volume and the number of sessions. The first consultation takes around 40 minutes and costs €90; if you decide to go ahead with surgery, the amount is credited in full.
- Lipoedema, lower legs€6,000 – 8,800
- Lipoedema, arms€6,000 – 9,900
- Surgery, anaesthesia, theatre teamincluded
- VASER and Renuvion where usefulincluded
- Two compression garmentsincluded
- All follow-up appointmentsincluded
Read on
- All about liposuction
- Liposuction of the thighs
- Back to everyday life after liposuction
- Before and after photos
- Thigh lift
Frequently asked questions about liposuction for lipoedema
Does liposuction for lipoedema hurt?
Not during the procedure: it is carried out under twilight sedation. Afterwards the treated areas feel like strong muscle soreness for a few days; painkillers help well, and the discomfort usually eases within a few days.
How many sessions will I need?
That depends on how many areas are affected and how much tissue has to be removed. Often it is two or more procedures with recovery time in between. You receive the plan after your first consultation.
How long does a procedure take?
How long a session takes depends on the extent; there is no fixed time, we operate until the result is right. You usually go home the same day; with larger volumes you stay one night with us.
Will the lipoedema come back after liposuction?
Fat cells that are removed do not grow back, so the result in the treated areas lasts. Lipoedema can, however, progress in areas that have not been treated; further treatment may then make sense.
How does lipoedema liposuction differ from ordinary liposuction?
The volumes are larger, the tissue is firmer and the lymphatic vessels must be particularly protected. We therefore work with tumescent anaesthesia and gentle techniques such as PAL and VASER and spread large areas over several sessions.
When can I go back to work?
Desk work is usually possible after two to four days. After larger sessions it is better to allow a few more days.
Do I have to wear compression afterwards?
Yes. The compression garment supports healing and helps the skin to settle evenly. It is worn for two to six weeks; how long in your case we discuss at the check-ups.
From which stage does liposuction make sense?
It can ease the symptoms at any stage. The earlier treatment takes place, the more elastic the tissue and the better the skin settles. In late stages a lift may also be needed.
How much does lipoedema liposuction cost?
Per area: arms €6,000 to €9,900, thighs €9,600 to €16,500, lower legs €6,000 to €8,800. You receive the fixed price after your first consultation; payment in instalments over up to 60 months is possible.
Your lipoedema consultation
An analysis of your problem areas, a treatment plan and a written quote. The first consultation takes around 40 minutes and costs €90; if you decide to go ahead with surgery, the amount is credited in full.
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