Lymphedema / Lipedema Clinic

Dr. Margarita Correa – Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist

Working in collaboration with certified lymphedema therapists, offering a holistic approach in a compassionate and patient-centered environment.

In-Office Services

• Diagnosis and management of edemas (lipedema, lipo-lymphedema, lymphedema, venous edema, edema associated with other conditions) and fatty tissue disorders such as Dercum’s disease and lipomatosis

• Compression garment and device analysis and prescriptions

• Education on lifestyle modification

• Individualized therapeutic exercise program

• Nutrition, dietary, and supplementation advice

• Skincare guidance

• Fitting of compression garments (arm sleeves, gloves, trunk, breast, abdomen, leg stockings)

  …and more

Services Provided Through Collaboration (Not In-Office)

• Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and multilayer compression bandaging with certified lymphedema therapists

• Guidance on decongestive therapy techniques

• Support for advanced cases requiring coordinated care with surgeons or specialized centers

Not Provided at PhysMedi

• Hands-on lymphedema therapy (not performed in-office)

• ICG Lymphography – information provided for patient education only; this test is not performed in our office or in local imaging centers

• Surgical procedures, including liposuction and lymphatic surgeries (e.g., LVA, VLNT, SAPL)

About Dr. Margarita Correa

• Specialist in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation with training in lymphedema management

• Provides diagnosis and comprehensive conservative care for lymphedema and lipedema patients

• Collaborates with certified lymphedema therapists for hands-on therapy (not provided in-office)

• Does not perform ICG lymphography

• Does not perform surgeries, including liposuction

Educational Information

Lymphedema

Lymphedema is caused by the accumulation of lymphatic fluid due to obstruction, absence, or dysfunction of the lymphatic system.

• Primary lymphedema: congenital/hereditary

• Secondary lymphedema: acquired after cancer, surgery, trauma, or radiation

Conservative treatments include manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), compression bandaging, skincare, therapeutic exercise, compression garments, and intermittent pumps.

Advanced surgical options (in specialized centers) may include:

• Vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT)

• Lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA)

• Suction-assisted protein lipectomy (SAPL)

ICG Lymphography (ICG Scan)

Indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography uses a fluorescent contrast and specialized camera to visualize superficial lymphatics.

• Identifies lymphatic dysfunction

• Defines patterns of lymph flow

• Detects early signs of lymphedema, even in asymptomatic limbs

Note: This test is not performed at PhysMedi and is not currently available in local imaging centers.

Lipedema

Lipedema is a progressive condition characterized by the symmetrical accumulation of painful fat tissue, primarily in the legs (feet typically spared) and sometimes in the arms.

• Common signs: tenderness, easy bruising, disproportionate fat distribution

• Often associated with venous disease, obesity, joint disorders, or psychosocial conditions

Diagnosis: based on clinical evaluation; no definitive blood test exists. Imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI, lymphoscintigraphy) may assist in later stages.

Treatment options:

• Conservative: compression garments/devices, exercise, nutritional optimization, supplementation, and collaboration with lymphedema therapists

• Surgical (in select cases): lymph-sparing tumescent or water-jet assisted liposuction (WAL)

⚠️ Important Notice: Due to high demand, a limited number of appointments are available.