Stage 3 lipoedema - understanding and overcoming it together
Often misdiagnosed and trivialized – this is the clinical picture of lipoedema. It is a chronic and symmetrically occurring fat distribution disorder that mainly affects women. For general consensus, the clinical picture of lipoedema is divided into three different stages or degrees. Stage 3 of lipoedema is the stage in which the disease reaches its “peak”.
We, the team at LipoClinic Dr. Heck, therefore want to address the exact symptoms of grade 3 lipoedema and do our part to provide essential information. The clinical picture of lipoedema is socially associated with many stigmas, which place an additional burden on patients and expose them to both physical and emotional stress.
What is lipedema? - Diagnosis of stage 3
The lipoedema is a chronic, progressive fat distribution disorder. However, medical research has now developed some very effective treatment methods that can alleviate the symptoms of lipoedema. lipoedema symptoms symptoms and give patients back their quality of life.
Research has not yet come to a definitive conclusion as to the causes that lead to the onset of lipoedema. It is currently assumed that it has to do with severe hormonal changes (puberty, pregnancy, menopause) in combination with genetic predisposition and the hormone oestrogen. The latter explains above all why lipoedema occurs almost exclusively in women.
How is stage 3 lipoedema recognized or diagnosed?
Lipoedema is characterized by a pathological proliferation and enlargement of fat cells. It mainly affects the legs, arms, buttocks and hips. The skin has visible dents or lumps. In stage 3, lipoedema also results in a pronounced skin overhang with the formation of skin pockets. It is also important to note that in some patients only certain areas are affected. For example, a person’s thighs may be affected, but not their lower legs.
Hands and feet remain completely unaffected by the disease and may even appear slim. The fat distribution of this disease is symmetrical, which means that it appears to the same extent on both halves of the body.
Patients often have reduced self-confidence as the condition makes their body appear misshapen and disproportionate. Those suffering from stage 3 lipoedema are particularly ashamed of their appearance and are therefore reluctant to participate in social activities or interactions. In the long term, this leads to psychological disorders.
How is stage 3 lipedema treated?
Stage 3 lipoedema is a very advanced form of the disease. Many patients who seek help are advised to undergo liposuction. Liposuction is an effective way of alleviating patients’ symptoms and giving them a new quality of life. Not to be forgotten, however – as in all stages of lipoedema – the conservative accompanying therapy. In particular, flat knit compression should be mentioned here, which in itself leads to decongestion of the tissue. In some cases, manual lymphatic drainage is also necessary.
At LipoClinic Dr. Heck, we have made it our mission to guide our patients through the entire process with a respectful, empathetic and professional approach. When you come to us, we will sit down with you to develop a plan for your new lifestyle.
We advise you from the lipoedema diagnosisthrough the operation to the healing process. And we will continue to support you even after liposuction. Our network of expertise in the fields of nutrition, compression and physiotherapy will help you to organize your everyday life in such a way that stage 3 lipoedema is well controlled.
Lipedema stage 3 - a new attitude to life with LipoClinic Dr. Heck!
It is important to us at LipoClinic Dr. Heck to help our patients to the fullest extent possible. We always keep up to date with the latest research so that we can continue to support you in the future. Our operations and treatments for stage 3 lipoedemaLipoedema treatment is always carried out according to recognized standards.
We want to use our expertise to help you find yourself again and gain a new attitude to life, free from stigma and prejudice. With this goal always in mind, we start the therapy and continue it until we have reached the goal together with you.
Stage 3 lipoedema is a serious restriction for those affected. However, we don’t just mean the physical limitations, such as pain and loss of mobility, but also the emotional pain. We believe that no one should suffer from the symptoms of stage 3 lipoedema alone. This is precisely why we will continue to support you with our high-quality treatment methods!
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about stage 3 lipedema
What exactly does stage 3 lipedema mean?
In stage 3, lipoedema is significantly advanced. There is a significant increase in volume on the legs, hips, buttocks and sometimes also on the arms. The skin surface often appears uneven or lumpy and movement is increasingly restricted.
Can lipedema worsen further in stage 3?
Yes, lipoedema can progress if left untreated. There is a risk of even more severe movement restrictions, a massive psychological burden and the risk of developing secondary lipo-lymphedema.
Do I have to undergo surgery with stage 3 lipedema?
Yes, stage 3 lipoedema urgently needs treatment. The only effective method is surgical treatment in the form of liposuction. Conservative treatment measures in the form of flat-knit compression garments and manual lymphatic drainage help to decongest the tissue and alleviate the symptoms, but do not eliminate the cause.
In some cases, however, surgical treatment is not feasible – for example, if certain pre-existing conditions or risk factors are present. However, these can be discussed in detail during the consultation.
What are the chances that I will feel better physically after the operation?
In the past, surgical treatment in the form of liposuction has helped many women to achieve a new attitude to life. Long-term studies have shown that symptoms can be significantly reduced by liposuction. In our own internationally published long-term study (available on our homepage), for example, we were able to determine a reduction in symptoms of around 80 % and an improvement in quality of life of over 90 %!
I'm not sure if I have lipedema. Can I still book an appointment for a consultation?
Of course! If you suspect you have lipedema, you are welcome to attend a consultation at our clinics or make an appointment with a specialist such as a phlebologist or vascular specialist. During a consultation at one of our two locations, we can get a more detailed picture of the situation on site and, if the suspicion of lipedema is confirmed, present you with surgical treatment options.
CG LYMPHA: Lipedema stage 3 (https://cg-lympha.de/lipoedem/lipoedem-stadium-3/)
KBV (2025): Liposuction becomes recognized treatment method for lipedema. (https://www.kbv.de/praxis/tools-und-services/praxisnachrichten/2025/07-17/fettabsaugung-wird-anerkannte-behandlungsmethode-bei-lip%C3%B6dem)
Lipocura: Understanding and treating stage 3 lipedema. (https://www.lipocura.de/lipoedem-stadium-3/)
Lipedema Center Munich: Lipedema stages. (https://lipoedem-zentrum-muenchen.de/basiswissen-lipoedem/stadien/)