Nadja carried an enormous burden with her for her entire life. Ever since puberty, she'd struggled with heavy legs, constant pain, fluid retention, bruising, and even high blood pressure. For a long time, she accepted all of these symptoms - until she finally decided things couldn't go on like this. From that moment on, everything changed!

"I knew, now my new life begins!" - How a single surgery could change her entire life. Let yourself be inspired by her gripping and moving story with a happy ending.

How Did You Find Out You Had Lipedema?

Looking back, I have to start with puberty.
At around 14 or 15 - after my body started changing into that of a woman - I noticed that I had very sturdy, thick thighs. The shape of my legs wasn't as nice as other girls' my age. I noticed it, among other things, in my misshapen calves, and my ankles were barely visible. The diagnosis, though, wouldn't come until much later.

Did You Notice Lipedema Flare-Ups Too?

Over the years, as I had children, the struggle with my weight and my legs never stopped. After every vacation, my pants no longer fit around my thighs. Exercise also became more and more exhausting for me, since my legs were so heavy. In summer, fluid retention would build up, and while it improved somewhat in winter, it never fully went away. Because of this, I saw various specialists, since I thought I might have a problem with my heart or my kidneys. But no, everything was fine.

What Did You Do About the Lipedema Back Then?

I was already physically active as a small child, from around age three. Over time, I tried doing more specifically for my legs, since they didn't match my slim upper body. Unfortunately, all my effort was in vain. Looking back, I have to admit that I struggled with an eating disorder at times, always trying to get rid of my thick legs. But nothing helped, and it was incredibly frustrating. I sought advice from doctors and my health insurer, including about my diet, but success mostly eluded me. It seemed like I just had to accept the thick legs, the compression garments, the pain, and the bruising.

When Did You First Hear About Lipedema?

I'd been thinking about getting liposuction on my thighs for as long as I could remember. At some point, I started researching cosmetic surgeons and scheduled an initial consultation. That's where I heard the word "lipedema" for the first time.

At home, I researched it thoroughly and was relieved that my problem finally had a name! After talking to my primary care doctor, I tried to get an appointment with a specialist. That turned out to be very difficult, and I always felt like I was being left on my own. After a lot of effort, I finally got an appointment, and I was indeed diagnosed with stage I lipedema.

Finally, it was confirmed that it wasn't my fault, or about my eating habits or anything like that, but that it was a chronic condition.

Why Did You Decide to Have Lipedema Surgery?

The decision to have my lipedema treated surgically was obvious to me. I couldn't keep going the way things were. It could only get better from there.

And once I got to know Dr. Jungehülsing from the med-plast team, I was won over immediately. She gave me the confidence I needed, and I didn't have to think about it for long. I finally wanted to live a life where my body matched who I was, where I didn't constantly have to hide my legs under A-line skirts and loose dresses. I wanted the freedom to exercise in shorts or simply enjoy summer. On the beach on vacation, I no longer wanted to hide my legs under a towel. I wanted to be able to wear leggings or tight jeans. Shopping for jeans and pants was always agony for me - either the waist was way too big or the pants wouldn't fit over my thighs. I wanted to finally put an end to this long-awaited chapter.

How Was the Pain After the Surgery?

The pain was bearable. It felt like a burning muscle soreness. I barely noticed the scars from the thigh lift. Overall, pain medication like ibuprofen 400 mg was completely sufficient for me. It's important to note, though, that everyone experiences pain differently.

How Has Your Life Changed Since Your Lipedema Surgery?

My life has changed overnight since I had my lipedema surgery. My self-worth and self-confidence have grown enormously for the better. My overall health has also improved. Before the surgery, I had high blood pressure, among other things, and had to take medication every day. Since the surgery, I no longer need any pills, and my blood pressure is now within a normal range.

Even though only four months have passed since the surgery and healing isn't complete yet, I feel like the happiest person in the world. Healing is taking a bit longer, since I also had a thigh lift done, because my skin didn't return to the desired shape on its own after the surgery.

When Dr. Jungehülsing told me the evening after the surgery that she'd had to remove 15 cm of skin at its widest point, I was shocked at first. But that shock quickly turned to relief, once I realized just how much psychological weight I'd been carrying around all those years, without really being aware of it.

With this surgery, that weight was lifted from me, and I knew my new life was about to begin.

What Would You Recommend to Others With Lipedema?

My recommendation is, if possible, to have lipedema surgery, even though it's a surgical procedure. Unfortunately, this isn't affordable for everyone, and it's only covered by statutory health insurance if the lipedema is at stage III or the health impairments are severe. I wish this condition got more attention in the media and that public awareness of it would improve. Choosing the right clinic is crucial here, since specialized expertise matters enormously. I can only recommend the med-plast clinic, since they specialize in this exact field.

Thank you to the whole med-plast team! I felt very well taken care of the entire time. The whole team, from the front desk to the clinic staff to the operating room, is extremely competent, trustworthy, kind, and friendly. I can't even express how grateful I am. You gave me a new outlook on life, and I can finally accept my body with my new legs, pain-free. That's me!

For Nadja, lipedema surgery meant not just treating her condition, but also the beginning of a more fulfilling chapter in her life: she shared some beautiful photos from her vacation in the Maldives, where she spent a lot of time with her loved ones and fully enjoyed her new sense of her body. The procedure gave her not just a healthier future, but a happier one too.

Breaking Down Prejudice About Lipedema - and We Have You to Thank, Too!

Stories like Nadja's fill us at med-plast with pride and happiness. Our work - relieving patients' pain and giving them a new outlook on life - fulfills us deeply. A heartfelt thank-you to you and to Nadja!

The symptoms of lipedema don't have to be accepted, and even more importantly: it's not your fault. Let's work together to break down prejudice and raise awareness. Visit our Instagram feed @medplast.berlin to learn more.

Curious? Want to find out whether you have lipedema, or what your treatment could look like? Feel free to schedule a consultation with us and, just like Nadja, fight back against your lipedema!