Thick upper arms that are sensitive to pressure, with slim hands, can point to lipoedema, often together with the legs. How you recognise it in the arms, how liposuction works and what matters after the operation.
Upper arms, mainly the back, sometimes the forearms
Hands
stay slim
Amount removed
a few hundred millilitres for a smaller finding
Anaesthesia
local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia
Stay in the clinic
outpatient or 1 to 2 nights
Compression
6 to 8 weeks, day and night
Financing
possible through our financing partner
Thick above, slim hands: At the wrist the padding often ends as if cut off.
Often together with the legs: If both are affected, the treatment is planned as a whole.
After the liposuction: compression for the arms and, if necessary, an upper arm lift.
01
Lipoedema of the arms in Düsseldorf: consultation at Klinik am Seestern
Consultation room
Thick upper arms that hurt when touched and barely change despite exercise and dieting are a burden for many women over a long time. At Klinik am Seestern in Düsseldorf we examine your arms and legs, assess whether lipoedema is present and discuss with you whether liposuction is an option for you. Consultation, procedure and aftercare stay in the same hands.
The clinic is in the Lörick district of Düsseldorf, on the left bank of the Rhine in the Am Seestern office district and close to the B7. The U77 takes you from the main station directly to the Am Seestern stop; if you come by car, you will find free parking on the premises. The clinic is also easy to reach from Meerbusch and Neuss.
02
How to recognise lipoedema of the arms
In the arms, lipoedema shows a pattern similar to that in the legs:
Both arms are affected to the same degree
Thick upper arms, especially at the back
Hands and wrists stay slim
The tissue hurts under pressure and touch
Losing weight changes the upper body, but hardly the arms
Sleeves become tight on the upper arm even though the size otherwise fits
The legs are often affected as well as the arms. Our self-test gives a first orientation; for what the stages describe, see Lipoedema symptoms and stages. Whether lipoedema is actually present is determined by a medical examination.
03
Which areas of the arms are treated
Upper arms
In the arms, the diseased fatty tissue is usually located in the upper arms, especially at the back. This is why the focus of the liposuction is usually here.
Forearms
Sometimes lipoedema extends as far as the forearms. Whether they are treated as well depends on your findings. The hands are left out.
04
Arms and legs: when both are affected
If the legs are affected as well as the arms, we plan the treatment as a whole. How much fatty tissue can be removed in one session is subject to limits of what is medically justifiable. For a more extensive finding, we therefore spread the treatment over several sessions for safety reasons. In which order the arms and legs are treated is something you discuss with your doctor during the consultation in Düsseldorf.
05
Diagnosis and conservative treatment before surgery
The diagnosis required by German statutory health insurance comes from specialist doctors in, for example, angiology or dermatology, physical and rehabilitative medicine, or with additional training in phlebology. Whether surgery is carried out is then decided by another doctor. How to proceed is explained under Lipoedema diagnosis in Düsseldorf.
As a rule, conservative treatment comes before surgery: compression for the arms, manual lymphatic drainage and exercise can relieve pain and a feeling of tightness. For German statutory health insurance, at least 6 months of this therapy without weight gain are among the requirements. If symptoms persist nonetheless, liposuction may be an option, more under Treating lipoedema without surgery.
06
How lipoedema surgery on the arms works at Klinik am Seestern
Before the procedure we mark the areas on the upper arms and forearms that are to be treated and go through them with you once more. The operation is usually carried out under general anaesthesia. First, a tumescent solution is introduced into the tissue of the arms, after which the diseased fatty tissue is suctioned out through a few small punctures. The clinic’s vibration-assisted method is intended to make the suction easier and to protect the surrounding tissue.
In the arms, the amount is usually smaller than in the legs: with a smaller procedure it is in the range of a few hundred millilitres. After a smaller procedure you can go home the same day; after a larger one you stay with us for 1 to 2 nights for observation.
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Compression and everyday life after liposuction on the arms
In the first few days, swelling, a feeling of tightness and bruising on the arms are normal. You usually wear the compression garment for about 6 to 8 weeks, day and night. It is intended to counteract swelling and to help the skin settle back against the tissue.
As a rule, you are back out among people after 7 to 10 days. Many patients can work again with the compression after about two weeks; you discuss heavy lifting and sport with us beforehand. The body is usually fully recovered after 4 to 6 weeks. More on this under After lipoedema surgery.
08
When the skin on the upper arms loses firmness
How well the skin retracts after the liposuction depends mainly on its elasticity and the amount removed. If excess skin remains after healing, there are two options at Klinik am Seestern:
Upper arm lift
In an upper arm lift, excess skin and fatty tissue are removed from the inner side of the upper arms. The procedure takes about 1 to 2 hours, is carried out under general anaesthesia and leaves a scar on the inner side of the upper arm.
RENUVION®
For moderately slack skin, RENUVION® may be an option, even directly after the liposuction through the same puncture sites. If the skin is markedly slack, surgical tightening is more likely to be an option.
Cost of lipoedema surgery on the arms in Düsseldorf
The costs depend on the areas treated, the amount removed and whether the arms are treated together with the legs. After the consultation in Düsseldorf, we will prepare a quote for you as a self-pay patient for the treatment of your arms; financing is possible through our financing partner, more under Financing your treatment.
Since October 2025, German statutory health insurance can cover liposuction for lipoedema at all stages if the requirements are met, more under Lipoedema surgery as a patient with statutory health insurance. Surgery is then usually carried out at the Weight Doctors Nationalklinik in Wertheim; consultation and aftercare remain in Düsseldorf. Health insurance does not usually cover skin tightening.
Typical signs are thick upper arms, especially at the back, while the hands and often the forearms as well stay slim. Both arms are affected equally, the tissue hurts under pressure or touch, and losing weight barely changes the arms. Whether lipoedema is present is determined by a medical examination.
Can lipoedema occur in the arms only?
The legs are often affected as well as the arms. Whether and where lipoedema shows itself in your case, we assess during the examination, and we also look at the legs.
Are the arms and legs treated in one operation?
That depends on the total amount that is to be removed. For a more extensive finding, we spread the treatment over several sessions for safety reasons. Which areas are treated, and in which order, we plan together with you.
How long do I have to wear compression after surgery on the arms?
You usually wear the compression garment for the arms for about 6 to 8 weeks, day and night. The even pressure is intended to reduce swelling and to bring the skin of the upper arms back against the tissue.
When can I go back to work after liposuction on the arms?
As a rule, you are back out among people after 7 to 10 days. With the compression for the arms, many patients can work again after about two weeks. You discuss heavy lifting and sport with your doctor beforehand.
Does the skin on the upper arms stay slack after the liposuction?
That depends mainly on the elasticity of your skin and the amount removed. If excess skin remains after healing, an upper arm lift may be an option, and for moderately slack skin RENUVION® as well.
What does lipoedema surgery on the arms cost in Düsseldorf?
The costs depend on the scope of the treatment, that is, on the areas, the amount removed and whether the arms are treated together with the legs. Anyone who pays themselves receives, after the consultation, a quote tailored to their own findings; it can be financed through our financing partner.
Where in Düsseldorf is lipoedema of the arms treated?
At the Klinik am Seestern, Am Seestern 4 in 40547 Düsseldorf-Lörick. The clinic is on the left bank of the Rhine near the B7, the U77 runs directly from the main station to the Am Seestern stop, and there is free parking on the grounds.
Costs and financing
Pay conveniently in instalments.
You can pay for your treatment in monthly instalments through our financing partner medipay, with terms of up to 72 months. We will tell you the price of your procedure after the consultation.
I am a lipoedema and lymphoedema patient and have been trying to find help for about 10 years. Here it was no problem at all! I was called in quickly, was well looked after, my questions were answered very professionally, and I was able to leave the practice in tears of joy! Many thanks for the support so far.
Alina · October 2026
The friendliness of everyone I dealt with.
Anonymous · July 2026
I had my appointment at the practice for a consultation about my lipoedema, and I really want to leave a review even though I haven't had any surgery there yet. The reason is that this was the first time I felt truly taken seriously during an examination of my lipoedema. Dr. Witt was very friendly and professional from the start, and at the same time incredibly pleasant and humane. He took an exceptional amount of time, examined me very thoroughly and answered all my questions in detail. He is incredibly respectful and explains realistically what could be done and how the whole process would work. I found it particularly positive that at no point did a hectic or unpleasant mood arise. You never had the feeling of being “brushed off” or being under time pressure. Instead, the whole atmosphere was calm, relaxed and trusting. Dr. Witt was very committed, photos were taken of the affected areas and every possible treatment was explained in an understandable way. Dr. Witt explained everything in detail, yet never came across as complicated or distant. Although he is an absolute specialist in his field, I felt at all times that I could speak openly and ask any question. It felt more as if I had been a patient there for a long time. It was also particularly important to me that I never felt pushed towards an operation. It is still not at all clear whether I will have my operation at all, and yet I was taken incredibly seriously and treated with respect. That is exactly what built so much trust in me. I would also very much like to mention the lady at reception, Marris, in a positive way. She was super polite, had a very pleasant and calm manner and immediately gave me a good feeling. Although it was almost 5 p.m. and the end of the working day was approaching, she was incredibly friendly to me and did not seem at all annoyed or stressed. It is precisely such little things that make a huge difference to me personally and reinforced my positive overall impression of the practice. The practice itself is also absolutely impressive. It is extremely modern, high-quality and stylishly furnished. You feel more as if you are entering a luxury hotel than a traditional doctor's practice. Everything seems very well thought out, calm and professional. The organisation around the appointment was also excellent. Even before the appointment, communication was always very friendly, quick and professional. Questions were answered immediately and the whole process seemed perfectly organised. I was also allowed to park in the clinic's car park, which was an enormous relief since everything in the area was completely full. Although it was already later in the afternoon, Dr. Witt even personally saw to it that enquiries were made internally about my question regarding costs. Shortly after I had left the practice, I already received all the information by email. That too simply shows how professionally and attentively they work there. Overall, an exceptionally positive experience, of a kind you unfortunately only rarely have in the medical field. Absolutely fabulous.
Kerasoula P. · June 2026
Very beautiful clinic, wonderful reception and great service. The consultation with the doctor was very comprehensive and she addressed all my questions, which is all you could wish for as a patient / customer. I will definitely have my treatment done here.
Sandra W. · April 2026
Dr. Bromba took the time and advised me very well.
Anonymous · April 2026
A very kind doctor. I felt very comfortable from the first moment!
Elisabeth-katrin · March 2026
Everything was great, just one small remark..... I didn't get any dinner/bread in the evening. The most important thing for me was the operation, or rather everything around it.
Mix · February 2026
I was welcomed and advised incredibly kindly. The consultation takes place on an equal footing and without medical jargon, and what I like best is that they paid attention to what the best treatment is for my concern, and not to what would earn the practice the most money. I took a week to think it over, but actually the decision to choose the clinic was made much sooner.
Anonymous · January 2026
Everyone was very friendly, especially the nurses.
Anonymous · October 2025
I had a consultation and felt taken seriously and understood. They took a lot of time for me, and the examination and the conversation were very thorough. In the end, the treatment is too expensive for me, so I won't be able to have it done.
Anonymous · October 2025
Very competent and friendly consultation.
Anonymous · October 2025
Very competent consultation, super friendly staff!
Anonymous · September 2025
Medical assistant with partly insufficient professional competence.
Andreas M. · August 2025
Very competent consultation and medical examinations. I feel very well looked after.
BrigitteM · August 2025
I really liked the super friendly manner of the ladies at reception, and also that the doctor took the time to see and advise me, as well as the nice lady who went through the cost plan with me. I felt wonderfully looked after and will definitely have my treatment there. Thank you once again for everything so far.
Astrid R. · August 2025
A conversation in peace and without time pressure. I felt very well looked after.
Anonymous · August 2025
I was welcomed very nicely. The doctor was also very nice and answered all my questions. She also showed understanding that one does not decide straight away.
Anonymous · July 2025
Dr. Bromba's calm, matter-of-fact manner and his competence really convinced me during the consultation.
