Many women feel for years that something is wrong with their body: Their legs are constantly swollen, hurt to the touch, their proportions change and no amount of exercise seems to help. At some point, the all-important question arises: “Do I have lipoedema?” And shortly after that comes the next one: “Which doctor is actually responsible for this?”
Precisely because lipoedema is still often misjudged or confused with obesity, the right medical point of contact is crucial for a sound diagnosis, treatment plan and emotional understanding.
In this article you will find out which doctor is the right one for lipoedema, how to find the right specialist in your area and what you should look out for when choosing a doctor.
Since the GBA decision of July 2025, only certain specialists may be responsible for a diagnosis recognized by the health insurance funds. These include:
If you need a lipoedema diagnosis in order to apply for health insurance cover, you must contact one of these specialists.
Please note: Even if family doctors or gynecologists, for example, can provide initial indications, they are no longer allowed to make an official lipedema diagnosis.
At LipoClinic Dr. Heck, we offer you in-depth diagnostics and personal advice from experienced lipoedema experts, even if we are unable to bill health insurance companies. As a private clinic, we accompany you on your journey: from diagnosis to possible surgery and aftercare.
For patients with private health insurance or from abroad, we can of course issue written diagnoses.
When lipoedema is suspected, it is often associated with uncertainty and many unanswered questions. This makes it all the more important to take the right steps early on and not be discouraged.
Even if the path to diagnosis can be associated with hurdles, it is a decisive step on the way to a better quality of life.
The choice of doctor is not just a question of proximity – but above all of experience and specialization. Many patients report that they were fobbed off with statements such as “You just need to lose weight” or “That’s just normal cellulite” when they first contacted their doctor. Such experiences can be hurtful and often lead to those affected withdrawing.
What you can look out for:
The more familiar a doctor is with the clinical picture, the quicker you will get clarity and the feeling that you are finally being understood.
Once you have been diagnosed by the right specialist, your lipoedema treatment begins – and here too the question arises: “Which doctor will continue to treat my lipoedema?”
The treatment may include:
Topics such as a balanced lipoedema diet, lipoedema sequelae and the connection between lipoedema and the psyche should not be left out.
At the LipoClinic, only highly qualified specialists with years of experience carry out liposuctions – on an inpatient basis, safely and with individual care. You will have a dedicated contact person who will accompany you from start to finish.
The question “Which doctor really helps with lipoedema?” is absolutely justified. Because your symptoms deserve more than trivialization or misdiagnosis.
Specialists with real expertise in the field of lipoedema are the right place to go. Strict guidelines apply for the health insurance company, but one thing counts above all for you: to feel seen, heard and medically competently supported.
The team at LipoClinic Dr. Heck is at your side – independent of health insurance regulations, with many years of experience, clear communication and genuine commitment to your health.
Would you like to know if you have lipoedema and what you can do about it? Arrange a non-binding consultation. Together we will clarify what your body is trying to tell you – and which next steps make sense.
Yes, we can diagnose lipedema as part of our consultation and treat you as usual. However, we no longer issue a diagnosis that is recognized by health insurance companies. An exception only applies to international patients or privately insured patients. The Federal Joint Committee (GBA) has stipulated that a diagnosis valid for health insurance companies may only be made by certain specialists.
A good doctor for lipoedema not only recognizes the physical characteristics, but also takes your symptoms seriously. Experience, empathy and a sound understanding of the particularities of this condition are crucial, as are transparency in the information provided and clear communication about treatment options.
If you suspect that you have lipoedema, you should contact one of the approved specialist groups or have an initial private consultation at a specialized clinic such as the LipoClinic. There, your symptoms can be correctly classified and the next steps discussed.
The diagnostician makes a medically confirmed lipoedema diagnosis – necessary for further treatment and, if applicable, reimbursement of costs. The surgeon performs the liposuction and must also draw up a separate indication. Both functions cannot always be performed by the same doctor.
In some regions, there are only a few lipoedema doctors licensed by health insurance companies. You can also travel further to see one or initially seek advice privately, e.g. at LipoClinic Dr. Heck. Many clinics also offer telephone or video consultations to clarify initial questions.
Yes, of course. In a private clinic such as LipoClinic Dr. Heck, you will receive individual consultation, specialized diagnostics and surgical treatment at the highest medical level – regardless of your health insurance affiliation. The services are billed privately. For many patients, this is a valuable alternative to avoid long waiting times, bureaucratic hurdles and unclear responsibilities.
LipoCheck (2025): Liposuction for lipoedema: Who can make the diagnosis? (https://lipocheck.de/magazin/diagnose-lipoedem-wer-darf-diagnostizieren-fur-liposuktion-4c90d)
Dr. Thomas Witte is Medical Director of LipoClinic Dr. Heck and a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery. With decades of surgical experience and a deep understanding of the individual needs of lipoedema patients, he is one of the leading experts in this field. His focus is on holistic, safe and empathetic care – always with the aim of restoring quality of life.
Medical Director
Specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery
Specialist in surgery and hand surgeon
