Lipoedema surgery at Weight Doctors® RESHAPE: how cost coverage by German health insurance works

1. 01Specialist diagnosisThe initial diagnosis must be made by a specialist in internal medicine and angiology, in physical and rehabilitation medicine or in dermatology – or by a specialist with additional training in phlebology.
2. 02Conservative pre-treatmentMedically supervised therapy lasting at least six months, documented without gaps, is required.
3. 03Stable body weightWith monthly measurements at your GP’s practice, you demonstrate that your weight has remained stable over the documentation period.
4. 04Expert report on the operationThe certificate of the medical necessity of liposuction is issued by a specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, by a specialist in another surgical field who performs operations, or by a dermatologist.

• We go through the exact policy terms with you.
• We put together the clinic’s cost estimate and the evidence of therapy for your insurer.
• We clarify whether there are special lipoedema programmes – some insurers, for example HanseMerkur, offer such programmes.

• Symmetrical increase in fatty tissue on the arms and/or legs
• Hands and feet are not affected and remain slim
• Pain on pressure and touch in the soft tissue of the affected body regions

• Internal medicine and angiology
• Physical and rehabilitation medicine
• Dermatology
• Additional training in phlebology

Important to know: GPs or plastic surgeons – even if they are lipoedema specialists who perform operations – may not make the initial diagnosis within the meaning of the decision of the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA).

• Conservative therapy has been prescribed by a doctor, carried out continuously for 6 months and has not relieved the symptoms sufficiently.
• You have not gained weight in the last 6 months (documented monthly at the GP’s practice).
• Psychological factors have been recorded and taken into account.

1. 01The German statutory health insurance (GKV) pays for thisLiposuction of the arms, legs and, where applicable, the buttocks (depending on findings), as well as anaesthesia, inpatient monitoring and the usual aftercare.
2. 02The German statutory health insurance (GKV) does not pay for thisLiposuction of the abdomen, back or chest, and skin tightening after liposuction.

Good to know: for lipoedema at stage I and II, treatment is currently carried out only as an outpatient, with a maximum aspiration volume of three litres.

1. 01With cost coverage by German health insuranceIf your German health insurer approves the lipoedema surgery, the treatment can take place at the Weight Doctors® Nationalklinik in Wertheim – with the comprehensive care of the Weight Doctors® RESHAPE programme.
2. 02As a self-paying patientWithout cost coverage by German health insurance, lipoedema surgery is possible at every Weight Doctors® location that offers Weight Doctors® RESHAPE. The current prices are on the page on lipoedema surgery; financing through medipay is possible.

All procedures are performed by specialists in plastic surgery.

• Individual planningEvery therapy is tailored to your needs and goals – on the basis of a thorough examination by experienced specialists.
• 360-degree careWeight Doctors® RESHAPE combines the medical, aesthetic and psychological aspects of body contouring for lasting results.
• Comprehensive aftercareFrom the initial consultation to full recovery, we support you medically.