Lipedema Successfully Treated With Lymph-Sparing Liposuction At NYC Surgical Associates
New York, NY (PRWEB) April 24, 2014 -- “Lipedema is a disease of lipid metabolism that almost exclusively affects women, typically in their 20s and 30s, but can occur at any age. Lipedema is often brought on or exacerbated by the hormonal changes of stress” says Dr. David Greuner, surgical director of NYC Surgical Associates. “Studies suggest that 11% of the female population is affected. Often misdiagnosed as ‘lymphedema’ or simply obesity, lipedema is characterized by a bilateral and symmetrical swelling of the lower extremities (except the feet), caused by the impairment of the body’s ability to distribute and store fatty tissue along with the enlargement of individual fat cells. This leads to "cylinder" appearing legs, often described as “column legs” says Dr. Greuner.
"While there are several conservative treatments that can reduce pain and the development of secondary lymphedema, they do not seem to affect the problematic fat tissue. Therefore, the only successful long term treatment for lipedema is tumescent lymph sparing liposuction," says Dr. Greuner. The procedure involves injecting a liquid solution into the legs to help numb the area and minimize blood loss before the unwanted fat is removed in the least traumatic way possible.
“NYC Surgical Associates is the only freestanding center in the country that offers the full array of vascular and lymphatic diagnostics and therapeutics to accurately diagnose lipedema, conservative non-surgical treatment, as well as definitive surgical treatment at one location, without the need for referrals,” says Dr. Greuner. In addition, we offer diagnostics and management for the other soft tissue and vascular issues that most often co-exist with this disorder, such as venous insufficiency, and lymphedema.
Dr. Greuner and the rest of the surgical team are trained and pioneers in lymph sparing liposuction using specialized custom cannulas (instruments) that remove diseased tissue in the most non-traumatic way, minimizing damage to the critical lymphatic structures that are often dysfunctional in these disorders.
“Because of our advanced diagnostic capabilities, we are able to offer real time imaging of the lymph vessels, veins, and arteries to avoid potential pitfalls in the clinical course of treatment, and are equipped to treat all facets of this complex disease,” says Dr. Greuner.
Lipedema can occur in women of all sizes, from the seriously underweight to the morbidly obese
The disease causes the excess deposit and expansion of fat cells, usually from the waist to a line just above the ankles. Unlike the fat associated with obesity, lipedemic fat generally can't be lost through diet and exercise.
“Surgical treatment of lipedema is available in very few centers worldwide,” says Dr. Greuner. “In Germany, the UK and elsewhere, primarily in Europe, lymph sparing liposuction to remove lipedemic fat has been used for several years with excellent results; however, this extremely specialized technology has not been widely used in the United Staes. At NYC Surgical Associates our lymphovascular team specializes in the full range of lymphatic and vascular issues, particularly pertaining to the lower extremities and other areas.”
For more information visit http://www.nycsurgical.net or call 888-286-6600. NYC Surgical Associates has locations in Manhattan, New Jersey, Brooklyn, Long Island and the Hamptons.
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Gary Grasso, Director - Doctor's P.R., Doctor's PR, http://www.doctorspr.com, +1 (626) 222-7955, [email protected]
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