Holistic treatment of lipedema at PANTEA® in Munich
Weight gain despite exercise and a healthy diet, rapid hematoma formation, pain-sensitive arms and legs? These can all be signs of lipoedema. Up to 10 % of all women in the DACH region are affected.
The clinical picture of lipoedema is still largely unknown. The result is misdiagnosis or incorrect treatment. Many sufferers go through years of odysseys until the right therapy is applied. If lipoedema is not diagnosed and treated correctly, there is a risk of lipolymphoedema, which cannot be cured. This makes it all the more important to put yourself in the hands of experts at an early stage.
Typical areas for liposuction for lipoedema are the inner and outer thighs, the upper arms ("angular arms"), the abdomen, the hips and the chin ("double chin"). Other areas of the body can include the calves, knees and buttocks.
In good hands with PANTEA
As a leading center for lipedema surgery with more than 700 operations per year, we ensure the professional diagnosis and treatment of your lipedema. We pursue a holistic approach.
Our renowned private practice for plastic and aesthetic surgery offers you all available treatment options. We accompany you from conservative treatments to aesthetic medical liposuctions. Our quality standard - the PANTEA® method, which all PANTEA specialists use - ensures the gentlest and most effective liposuction (PAL method) of the highest possible volume of liposuctioned fatty tissue (up to 10% of body fat / operation) with the best possible aesthetic results.
We are the only leading center for lipedema surgery that offers "Vaser® liposuction for lipedema" as an optional combination technique for the best possible medical and aesthetic treatment.
For the best possible aesthetic result , we also offer optional modern, tissue-sparing procedures such as Renuvion® (plasma energy) and QUANTUM® RF (radio frequency) as a combination procedure. Alternatively, we also offer surgical skin tightening for above-average excess skin.
We support patients not only before and during therapy, but also afterwards as a trusted companion.



Your lipoedema experts at PANTEA
At PANTEA®, you can expect a whole team of highly qualified specialists who have been working intensively with lipoedema for many years. We perform more than 700 procedures every year.
All treating physicians work according to the scientifically researched "PANTEA® method".
Dr. Katty Castrellon
Our interdisciplinary approach combines the comprehensive knowledge of plastic aesthetic surgery with aesthetic medicine and gynecology. This unique combination enables us to achieve the best possible treatment results for our patients.
The focus is on you
As former lipoedema patients and medical experts, we know all your worries and fears.
Every lipoedema is different and so is every patient. We look after you sensitively and take plenty of time for your treatment.
Arrange a consultation with us now:
+49 (0) 89 - 38 38 08 66
What is lipedema?
Lipoedema is a chronic, progressive, symmetrical fat distribution disorder on the upper and lower extremities that mainly affects women. In addition to visible fat deposits, many sufferers also experience pain, tenderness, a tendency to hematoma and an unpleasant feeling of tightness.
Lipoedema often occurs during hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy or the menopause. The fatty tissue can often not be reduced by exercise or dieting.
Symptoms of lipoedema
- symmetrical increase in fatty tissue in the area of the legs (and possibly the arms)
- Chronic pain
- Swelling of the legs
- Sensitivity to pressure and a feeling of tension in the affected areas
- Contourless, columnar-looking legs (and possibly also arms) with relatively slender hands and feet
- Disproportion of the extremities to the trunk
- Increased tendency to hematomas (bruises)
- Feeling of coldness in the affected areas
- Accompanying cellulite



IMPORTANT: If lipoedema is not treated early and appropriately, it can develop into lipolymphoedema over the course of 15 to 20 years. Lipolymphedema is resistant to therapy and requires much more complex treatment.
Let us improve your beauty and health
Arrange a consultation with us now:
+49 (0) 89 - 38 38 08 66
New standards in lipedema therapy
The specialists at PANTEA® are leaders in research and therapy. Our practice founder, Dr. Anna-Theresa Lipp, was herself affected by lipedema.
Together with her dedicated team
- she is dedicated to scientific research into the disease
- she has perfected the "PANTEA® method", according to which all treatments at PANTEA® are carried out
- Together with other lipedema experts, she established the "Munich Lipedema Score (MLS)". This covers all symptoms and facilitates the diagnosis of lipoedema
- nutritional supplements are being developed for use in conservative therapy and follow-up treatment
Treatment methods
We are one of the leading centers for lipedema surgery in Germany and perform more than 700 operations every year based on a uniform quality standard. Dr. Anna-Theresa Lipp is one of the most experienced and recognized lipoedema experts in the world. She is herself affected by lipoedema and has published her in-depth practical and scientific knowledge in numerous specialist books. We have our own research team with 2 emeritus university professors and publish regularly in scientific journals.
Typical areas for liposuction for lipoedema are the inner and outer thighs, the upper arms ("angular arms"), the abdomen, the hips and the chin ("double chin"). Other areas of the body can include the calves, knees and buttocks.
The prerequisite for medically indicated liposuction for lipoedema is a confirmed diagnosis of lipoedema by a specialist in dermatology or internal medicine with an additional qualification in phlebology.
Based on our extensive experience, we have developed our "PANTEA® method" according to Dr. med. Anna-Theresa Lipp as a uniform surgical standard, which ensures that we guarantee the highest possible medical and aesthetic quality standard for every operation. All our doctors are intensively trained according to the "PANTEA® method". The PANTEA® method ensures the gentlest and most effective liposuction of the highest possible volume of liposuctioned fat tissue (up to 10% of body fat / operation) with the best possible aesthetic results.
Our holistic therapeutic approach begins with conservative measures. As a specialized center for lipoedema surgery, PANTEA® also offers surgical treatment by means of liposuction for your lipoedema (PAL liposuction).
For the gentlest possible liposuction and optimal body definition and contouring, we are the only specialist center for lipoedema surgery in Germany to offer "Vaser® liposuction for lipoedema" as an optional combination technique. Vaser® technology uses ultrasound to liquefy the fat cells before PAL liposuction . This protects the nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue and reduces pain as well as healing and downtime . It also enables more precise definition and contouring of body parts.
For optimal aesthetic results, we offer intraoperative skin tightening as an optional combination procedure following liposuction using modern, tissue-sparing procedures such as Renuvion® (plasma energy) and QUANTUM® RF (radio frequency) to. These technologies improve the quality of the skin from the inside out and ensure the best possible overall aesthetic result - without additional incisions or scars.
Alternatively , a surgical skin tightening procedure (e.g. abdominoplasty, upper arm lift, thigh lift, breast lift, etc.) may be recommended for larger areas of excess skin .
*The personal contribution to the treatment costs can be tax-deductible as an extraordinary burden in accordance with §33 EStG if an official medical certificate or a certificate from the medical service of the health insurance companies is available before the treatment.
Therapy procedure with PANTEA
Medical treatment comprises several steps: from diagnosis through to completion of treatment.
1.
The first step at PANTEA® is a detailed consultation. Our doctors will take time for you, answer your questions and carry out a photo documentation, a 3D body scan with avatar as well as an ultrasound and physical examination.
2.
Depending on the findings, we will work with you to determine an individual treatment plan. We will either opt for conservative treatment of lipoedema or liposuction (surgical liposuction). When recommending liposuction for lipoedema, we will discuss all the options in order to achieve the best possible medical and aesthetic result.
3.
In the case of conservative lipoedema treatment, we discuss the topics of diet, nutritional supplements, exercise & sport, manual lymphatic drainage and wearing compression garments. You will receive a lot of help from us regarding the treatment.
In the case of liposuction for lipoedema, we decide on the most suitable surgical method for the individual patient during the consultation, taking all technologies into account to achieve the best possible medical and aesthetic result.
4.
If conservative treatments are not sufficiently successful or are not suitable for you, surgical treatment of lipoedema is possible.
During medical liposuction, the diseased fatty tissue is permanently removed. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia using our effective, gentle "PANTEA® method". Patients can usually leave the clinic the very next day.
5.
Liposuction can lead to excess skin that does not completely disappear during the healing process. If appropriate, at PANTEA® we optionally offer the particularly gentle and contouring "Vaser® liposuction for lipoedema" in conjunction with the PAL method as well as intraoperative skin tightening with Renuvion® (plasma energy) or QUANTUM® RF (radio frequency) as a combination technique. Surgical skin tightening is also possible if there is a lot of excess skin.
6.
After the operation, our patients receive a "post-op kit". This contains useful aids, high-quality nutritional supplements and nutriceuticals as well as the "Liporello" with important tips and tricks for the post-operative phase and dealing with lipoedema.
We also offer personal care as part of our holistic concept. Of course, we are always available to answer our patients' questions after the operation.
7.
We recommend that you take approx. 1 to 2 weeks off after liposuction. Aftercare includes wearing compression garments day and night for 6 weeks and then during the day for a further 6 weeks. To regenerate the tissue, we recommend regular manual lymphatic drainage.
8.
Follow-up appointments are made at fixed times after the operation, depending on the healing process. In addition, appointments can be arranged at any time in the event of uncertainties or questions after the operation.
9.
After approx. 6 weeks you can resume light sport. We also recommend a sustainable change in diet and offer nutritional support as well as specific dietary supplements and nutriceuticals.
We also provide helpful tips, which you can also find in our numerous specialist books.
Would you like to exchange ideas in person?
The PANTEA® team of doctors will be happy to answer any questions you may have during a personal consultation.
Make an appointment for an initial consultation:
+49 (0) 89 - 38 38 08 66
Before the treatment
After the treatment
Your advantages with PANTEA
Please contact me for a consultation appointment
Questions about lipedema treatment
The "PANTEA® method" was developed by Dr. Anna-Theresa Lipp and her team of specialists. All PANTEA® procedures are carried out according to this medical approach.
This is a standardized, very effective and particularly lymph-friendly and established liposuction technique (PAL = power assisted liposuction). For particularly gentle operations with rapid healing phases, we offer the option of "Vaser® liposuction for lipoedema" in conjunction with the PAL method. In general, the highest possible, medically acceptable amount of fatty tissue is gently removed.
The advantages:
- the abnormal lipoedema fat is removed radically and at the same time gently and in a medically acceptable volume
- attention is paid not only to the medical side, but also to the best aesthetic result
- Pain is relieved and the shape of the arms and legs is optimized
Every specialist at PANTEA® is trained for months according to this treatment approach and undergoes numerous operations under the guidance of Dr. Anna-Theresa Lipp before performing independent procedures.
For optimal aesthetic results, we combine liposuction with intraoperative skin tightening using Renuvion® (plasma energy) or QUANTUM® RF (radiofrequency) as a combination technique.
The result: the treatment results of all PANTEA® specialists always meet the highest quality standards.
The doctors at PANTEA® have been researching the causes and treatment options for lipoedema for years together with two university professors and a research team from our partner universities. The exact triggers of the disease are still unclear.
Current research findings suggest that genetic factors play a role in the development of lipoedema, as affected women often report other family members with the condition.
Since lipoedema usually occurs in phases of hormonal change (e.g. puberty, pregnancy, menopause etc.) and often develops progressively, it is assumed that hormonal changes influence the development of lipoedema.
However, it is important to note that hormones are not solely responsible for lipoedema. Although there is often an imbalance in certain hormone regulatory circuits in lipoedema, this is not detectable in all lipoedema patients.
The lymphatic system plays an important role in the body, as it transports dead cells, protein and fat cells, bacteria and metabolic products, and removes fluid from the tissue to maintain fluid balance in the body.
It is assumed that another cause of lipoedema is that the lymph vessels lose their transport capacity, which leads to a build-up of fat- and protein-rich substances. As a result, fewer and fewer fat cells can be removed.
Lipoedema is not caused by a lack of exercise or a poor diet. However, lipoedema is often associated with being overweight. This in itself is not a trigger for the disease, but can worsen the symptoms.
Although there is no cure for lipoedema, there are forms of treatment available to relieve the pain and discomfort of those affected in everyday life. In addition to improving symptoms, treatment also aims to prevent complications such as the development of secondary lymphoedema or orthopaedic malpositions.
For many patients, conservative treatment of lipoedema is the first option before surgery.
If conservative treatment measures (e.g. manual lymphatic drainage, compression garments, dietary changes, possibly in conjunction with nutritional support with specific dietary supplements and nutrients, exercise and sport, etc.) have been exhausted and have not achieved sufficient improvement in symptoms or findings, an individual treatment plan will be drawn up in a consultation at PANTEA.
We pursue a holistic therapy concept and accompany our patients from conservative therapy through to surgery.
Liposuction for lipoedema is the surgical removal of abnormal fatty tissue. This leads to a long-term reduction of the diseased subcutaneous fatty tissue. Dr. Anna-Theresa Lipp and her team of specialists have developed the "PANTEA® method" for this purpose. This is a standardized, very effective and particularly lymph-friendly and established liposuction technique (PAL = power assisted liposuction), which can be used to gently remove the highest possible, medically acceptable amounts of fatty tissue.
Each PANTEA® specialist undergoes months of intensive training in the application of this method in a large number of operations to ensure that the treatment results of our patients with each specialist meet the highest possible quality standards of PANTEA®.
With PANTEA® we combine our standardized PANTEA® method with state-of-the-art technologies to ensure the best possible medical and aesthetic surgical results.
We use two different methods with the PANTEA® method to effectively remove fat deposits. On the one hand, there is the tumescent technique, which we use for smaller areas and also perform in our outpatient surgery under local anesthesia (possibly in conjunction with twilight sleep). A special saline solution is mixed with a local anesthetic and then the mixture is injected into the tissue to be treated. The fat cells absorb this liquid and can then be suctioned out through tiny incisions in the skin using a special suction tube. Vibration liposuction (PAL = "power assisted liposuction") is also available for the suction of larger areas under general anesthesia in our clinic. Here, fine cannulas are inserted into the body, which "shake out" the fat cells, so to speak, and suck them out.
We often combine these two techniques in order to achieve the best possible result - especially when large amounts of fat are to be suctioned out. This protects the surrounding nerves and lymph channels. For smaller procedures, it may be possible to limit ourselves to one type of liposuction, but we decide this on a case-by-case basis.
As part of our PANTEA® method, we use the most innovative technologies. The Vaser® pre-treatment liquefies the fat cells using ultrasound technology. This technology is very gentle on the tissue, which reduces pain and accelerates the healing phase. Vaser® technology also enables optimal body contouring and body definition for the best possible results. With Vaser® liposuction, we then remove the excess liquefied fat using PAL technology ("power assisted liposuction"). Intraoperative skin tightening with QuantumRF® or Renuvion® is the ideal complement for the best possible aesthetic results.
In the best case scenario, liposuction can lead to lifelong results and thus to an increase in quality of life. This can be achieved in particular if patients maintain a healthy and balanced diet and sufficient exercise before and after liposuction.
Liposuction for lipoedema involves the long-term surgical removal of abnormal fat. Our aim is always to use our standardized "PANTEA® method" to remove the maximum medically acceptable volume of lipoedema fat as gently as possible while achieving the best possible aesthetic result.
All PANTEA® specialists follow our standardized holistic treatment approach and have learned the "PANTEA® method" through intensive collaboration with Dr. med. Anna-Theresa Lipp in a large number of joint operations. This ensures that the treatment results of all our PANTEA® specialists always meet our highest possible quality standards.
In our private practice for plastic & aesthetic surgery and our center for lipedema surgery in Munich, we not only accompany our patients before and during treatment, but also support them after treatment in their pain-free life with a new quality of life as a trusted companion.
Lipoedema is a chronic, progressive, symmetrical fat distribution disorder. This means that the disease can worsen significantly over time without treatment.
If lipoedema is not treated, it often leads to so-called lipolymphedema after 15 to 20 years, which is virtually resistant to treatment.
If lipoedema is treated incorrectly, it can lead to complications or corrective surgery. As part of liposuction for lipoedema using the PANTEA method, up to 10% of the body weight is regularly and radically removed from all affected areas. Once the fat has been completely removed, it cannot grow back and the pain is usually gone. If lipoedema is removed incorrectly or incompletely by inexperienced doctors, the abnormal fat is not removed and the pain continues. According to the S2k guideline "Liposuction" of the DGPRÄC, only a maximum of 3.0-3.5 liters of pure fat may be removed in an outpatient liposuction procedure. For most lipoedema patients, even in stage 1, this amount is by no means sufficient to completely remove the abnormal fat from the affected areas in one operation. The result is a large number of necessary operations to remove all the abnormal fatty tissue from the affected areas with the associated downtime and numerous self-pay corrective operations by experienced plastic aesthetic surgeons such as PANTEA.
You should make sure that you are only treated by experienced lipoedema experts. Only specialists who have demonstrably performed a large number of liposuctions for lipoedema are reputable. Ask to see the before and after pictures and ask around in forums to find the right expert for you.
As the causes of lipoedema have not yet been researched, there is unfortunately currently no therapeutic approach to completely cure the disease.
With holistic therapy, however, the chances of alleviating or even virtually eliminating the symptoms are very good.
Conservative therapy has a short-term effect and is a symptomatic therapy. It can therefore alleviate pain and other complaints, but cannot permanently eliminate them.
Liposuction is the surgical removal of abnormal fat cells. Liposuction does not provide a complete cure, but it can achieve a lasting long-term improvement in symptoms.
