Lipedema: Visible, painful – and finally in focus

Plastic surgeon Christian Roessing in an interview with Blick.ch about myths, diagnoses, and modern treatment options

The topic of lipedema is increasingly coming into public focus – and rightly so. In a recent article by the Swiss news portal Blick.ch ("Women share their experiences on social media – doctor debunks lipedema myths"), affected individuals speak openly about their symptoms and the long struggle for a correct diagnosis.

"80 percent of my patients who come with a suspicion actually have lipedema."

With this statement, Christian Roessing emphasizes in the Blick interview how common the disease actually is – and how great the need for expert clarification is. Many women search for answers for a long time. They often hear that they just need to lose weight – but lipedema is not a purely aesthetic or weight-dependent issue.

What is lipedema?

Lipedema is a chronic fat distribution disorder that almost exclusively affects women. It manifests as symmetrical fat deposits on the legs, arms, or hips, accompanied by pressure pain, a feeling of swelling, and a tendency to bruise easily. Triggers are often hormonal changes – such as during puberty, after pregnancies, or during menopause.

"Many patients feel they are not taken seriously for a long time"

Plastic surgeon Christian Roessing also points this out in the article. Too often, symptoms are trivialized or incorrectly classified as obesity. However, an early, well-founded diagnosis is crucial to prevent worsening. "Many patients feel they are not taken seriously for a long time," he says in an interview with Blick.ch – thus pinpointing what many affected individuals experience.

Treatment at the Metropolitan Clinic

At the Metropolitan Clinic, we offer:

Comprehensive medical consultation

Careful diagnostics and differentiation from other clinical pictures

Surgical liposuction for lipedema, individually planned and performed with many years of experience

The goal: a sustainable improvement in quality of life, mobility, and body perception.

If you recognize yourself in the described symptoms or are unsure whether you have lipedema: Our team, led by specialist Christian Roessing, will be happy to advise you – confidentially, individually, and without obligation.

Note: The quoted article appeared in May 2024 on blick.ch under the title: "Women share their experiences on social media – doctor debunks lipedema myths". You can read the full article here. "Recognizing and treating lipedema – specialist Christian Roessing clarifies in the Blick.ch interview."