Four years ago, Jasmin received a diagnosis of "lipedema" from her phlebologist. Since then, the thought of surgery had been circling in her mind from time to time - she began researching and educated herself about her condition. In the course of her research, she came across us. By now, Jasmin has successfully gone through three surgeries - and is currently in the middle of her healing phase, getting to know her new body step by step.

When Did You First Hear About Lipedema, and How Did the Diagnosis Affect Your Life?

I came across the topic of lipedema through a YouTube video in 2020. I recognized most of the symptoms the well-known YouTuber described at the time, and I already had a first suspicion. In 2021, I got the diagnosis from my phlebologist. At first, I was shocked, and the doctor unfortunately sent me home feeling quite lost, without any recommendations for what I could do about the symptoms. I had to teach myself. But from that point on, I knew: I'm not imagining this. That was the first step toward feeling better in my body. I could understand my body much better, and I finally had an explanation for the pain in my legs and the fat buildup.

I was fortunately able to let go of the pressure to lose weight, and I developed a better relationship with my body again.

What Challenges Did You Face Day-to-Day as Your Lipedema Symptoms Progressed?

The pain was worst on warm days. I could feel my legs get heavy and start burning right from my first steps in the morning.
On the really bad days, I didn't even want to leave the house, not even for a short walk.
I also never really managed to build a consistent exercise routine, even though I found things like yoga and HIIT training really interesting. After intense exercise, though, the pain got worse and I felt terrible about it. During yoga, I was restricted by the disproportionately distributed fat in my legs. After two surgeries, I feel a very noticeable improvement here.

What Conservative Treatments Did You Try - and How Effective Were They?

At first, I didn't do much, since I spent a long time researching on my own first. In 2022, I got my first compression garment, but it was poorly fitted, slipping and chafing. Manual lymphatic drainage only brought short-term relief. After a long day at the office, my legs felt just as heavy as before. I realized that conservative treatments were taking up a lot of my time and energy, and I quickly understood: I didn't want to, and couldn't, keep living like this forever.

What Made You Decide to Have Lipedema Surgery at med-plast?

I didn't want to wait any longer. In 2023, I started researching clinics near Berlin and booking consultations. I was won over immediately by med-plast: the consultation was knowledgeable, and the team listened to me and took their time. What I especially appreciated was that the clinic specializes in lipedema. First, I wanted to know how many surgeries I'd need and, of course, what the financial side would look like.
After my consultation at med-plast, I was already convinced I definitely wanted to go through with surgery. And after just one other consultation at a different clinic, I chose med-plast. The consultation was knowledgeable, and I felt well taken care of. I was convinced by med-plast's approach.

In summer 2024, I had a second consultation at med-plast and scheduled a total of three surgery appointments:

• October 2024 for the front of my legs and abdomen,
• December 2024 for the second surgery, on the back of my legs and my back,
• and March 2025 for the third, on my arms.

Photo credits: All photos courtesy of Jasmin (@jasmin.filia), Instagram.

How Did You Experience the Surgeries and the Time Afterward?

The lipedema surgeries went well and felt stress-free to me. I'm usually an anxious person around doctors, had never had surgery before, and had never been under anesthesia. So I was really nervous the first time. But on the day of surgery, everything was so well planned and went so quickly that I barely had time to be afraid.

Everyone was very kind and took great care of me, both before and after the procedure. Right after the lipedema surgeries, I felt good. I noticed a slight burning sensation from the plasma treatment, but otherwise had no major pain.

What gave me the most trouble was my circulation - that was also the most uncomfortable part of the whole process. Even there, though, you could tell that all the nursing staff really knew what they were doing and exactly what needed to happen. I felt very well cared for.

The pain at home was mostly bearable, though I did find the first three days quite painful at times. The most challenging part was my circulation and putting on and taking off the compression garment.

After ten days and having my stitches removed, it just felt like mild muscle soreness, and the hardships of the previous days were practically forgotten.

How Has Your Life Changed Since Your Lipedema Surgery?

It really is like a new life. I can move more freely, have less pain, and feel much more comfortable in my body. Exercise is easier for me again too - the fat doesn't get in the way anymore. I eat more mindfully now, but without forcing myself. My quality of life is simply on a completely different level.

How Was Your Time at med-plast?

I felt very well taken care of. Dr. Labschies is extremely knowledgeable and always makes time for questions that come up after an appointment. During the consultation, lipedema is explained in detail, and you learn exactly why it causes the pain it does. That alone helped enormously in understanding the condition. You're never pressured into surgery at any point.

The entire med-plast team is warm and always in good spirits, and I felt well taken care of at every step. Thank you for taking lipedema seriously and giving us patients the help we need, which unfortunately can still be hard to find elsewhere. You're doing an amazing job.

What Would You Tell Others With Lipedema Who Are Unsure About Considering Surgery?

Deciding to have lipedema surgery isn't easy - especially since it can also be a financial burden and isn't something everyone can do right away. So I'd recommend first exhausting the conservative treatment options. A well-fitted flat-knit compression garment can make everyday life easier and at least somewhat reduce the suffering.
But if the option is available to you, I'd definitely consider surgery. In the long run, it was the only way for me to experience truly noticeable relief in everyday life - conservative methods alone couldn't achieve that.

You Dedicate Many Instagram Posts to Raising Awareness About Lipedema. What Motivated You to Share Your Experiences Publicly?

I made a very deliberate choice to make my journey public, because awareness around lipedema is incredibly important. After diagnosis, many women initially find themselves alone - without support, without a clear path forward.
It mattered to me to encourage other people affected, to speak openly about my experiences with lipedema surgery and liposuction, and to show them they're not alone. Connecting with other women feels good, gives strength - and creates visibility for this chronic condition.
Unfortunately, lipedema still receives far too little attention in public and political discussion. I hope that changes. The more we share our stories, the greater the social pressure grows to finally take lipedema seriously - including when it comes to better cost coverage from health insurers.

Finding a New Quality of Life Through Her Own Strength

Jasmin's story touched us deeply. Her journey shows just how important courage, awareness, and the right medical support are. As a clinic specialized in the surgical treatment of lipedema, we know how great the suffering can be - and how liberating it is to finally leave it behind.
Do you see yourself in Jasmin's experience? Want to know whether lipedema surgery could be right for you, or what your individual treatment could look like?
Then feel free to reach out to us - for a thorough consultation, real support, and your own personal path to a better quality of life.