Venen Engel: Professor Taeger, you often emphasize that your goal is a natural and individually tailored result. What does this mean when treating women with lipedema?

Prof. Dr. Christian Taeger: For me, a successful treatment begins with listening carefully. Each patient has different complaints, expectations, and goals. Some suffer mainly from pain, others from significant increases in size. Often, it's a combination of both.

That's why I take a lot of time for consultation. Only when I truly understand the individual needs can I develop the appropriate treatment strategy together with the patient.

Equally important to me is personal support. I perform the surgery myself and am always available during the healing phase. This long-term care not only helps the patients but also allows me to continuously develop and review my treatment results over time.

Pain relief is the focus

Venen Engel: Many equate liposuction with purely aesthetic fat removal. What is the crucial difference?

Prof. Dr. Christian Taeger: With lipedema, the primary goal is to relieve pain and improve the patients' daily lives. Of course, aesthetics also play a role. However, especially in advanced stages, compromises sometimes have to be made.

When large amounts of fat are removed, skin excesses can occur. This cannot always be completely avoided. That's why I discuss very openly in advance what results are realistic. For me, improving quality of life is always the top priority.

Venen Engel: Which surgical method do you prefer to use?

Prof. Dr. Christian Taeger: I have extensively used both water-jet assisted and power-assisted techniques. In my personal experience, power-assisted liposuction combined with plasma tightening delivers the most reliable results.

However, the technique alone does not determine success. Equally important is how carefully the procedure is performed and how much time the surgeon takes for each treatment step. Especially plasma tightening can support skin retraction when performed consistently and with the necessary experience.

Creating Realistic Expectations Builds Trust

Venen Engel: What expectations do patients have when they come to you?

Prof. Dr. Christian Taeger: Most women primarily wish for one thing: to finally be pain-free. When liposuction is performed professionally, we can often achieve this goal.

At the same time, honest communication is part of every treatment. Liposuction does not replace weight loss and it does not magically create perfectly flawless legs. Therefore, it is crucial to define realistic goals together and tailor the treatment individually to them.

Venen Engel: What role does aftercare play?

Prof. Dr. Christian Taeger: Aftercare significantly determines the final outcome. That's why it begins immediately after the operation.

Consistent compression helps reduce swelling and promote circulation. Afterward, I personally monitor the healing process and decide individually when intermittent pneumatic compression and later—if necessary—manual lymphatic drainage can be effectively used.

This individualized management of the healing phase is an important part of the treatment.

Patience is part of the healing process

Venen Engel: When do patients see the first results?

Prof. Dr. Christian Taeger: After about ten days, most patients are socially presentable again. After around six weeks, a large part of the result is already visible.

However, it takes six to nine months for the skin to reach its final firmness. This patience pays off, as many changes develop over time.

Venen Engel: Is there a patient who particularly stands out in your memory?

Prof. Dr. Christian Taeger: Yes. One patient had very pronounced lipedema in her thighs and could hardly walk without pain. After several procedures, she came for a follow-up – and told me that she now rides a racing bike.

Of course, it's not about having perfect legs. It's about being able to actively participate in life again. Seeing women regain their joy of life after years of pain is one of the most rewarding moments of my profession.

 “There is a suitable path for most women.”

Venen Engel: What would you like to tell women who have just been diagnosed with lipedema?

Prof. Dr. Christian Taeger: First of all: You are not alone with your condition.

Today, there is significantly more knowledge about lipedema than there was a few years ago. As a result, many affected individuals receive a diagnosis more quickly and can seek targeted advice.

Not every woman needs the same treatment. Some benefit from conservative measures, others from liposuction. It is important to find the individually suitable path together with experienced specialists.