Lymphedema Treatments in Downtown Brooklyn, New York

The lymphatic system is a network of vessels, tissues, organs and glands that drain fluids containing toxins and waste from your tissues through lymph nodes. The vessels in the lymphatic system maintain fluid levels and boost your immunity by transporting white blood cells. Lymphedema is swelling that occurs if your lymphatic system malfunctions.

The swelling caused by an accumulation of protein-rich fluid in your lymphatic system can affect your legs, hands or other parts of your body. Early diagnosis and treatment by a vascular specialist addresses complications, such as sores and infections. Dr. Sergei Sobolevsky, an endovascular specialist at the Downtown Vein & Vascular Center in Brooklyn, treats lymphedema and other vein conditions, including:

• Venous or arterial ulcers
• Bulging hand veins and arm veins
• Circulation problems
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Varicoceles
• May Thurner syndrome
• Pelvic congestion syndrome

Doctors classify lymphedema into primary and secondary types. Primary lymphedema is congenital, while secondary lymphedema is caused by damage to the lymphatic system.

Some causes of lymphatic disfunction include:

• Hereditary factors. You’re more at risk of lymphatic dysfunction if a family member suffers from the condition. A rare disease known as Meige disease is the most common form of hereditary lymphedema.
• A leg or arm injury. You can damage the network of lymphatic vessels under your skin if you suffer an injury on your arm or leg. The damaged lymphatic vessels affect the flow of lymphatic fluid in your body and may cause lymphedema.
• Venous diseases. Venous diseases such as deep vein thrombosis and varicose veins cause circulatory problems, which increase the risk of lymphoedema. The damaged veins cause the blood to overflow into the surrounding tissues, overwhelming the lymphatic system responsible for draining excess fluid.
• Standing or sitting for long periods may cause the lymphatic fluid to pool in the vessels, leading to swelling in your legs.
• Heart conditions. A weak heart affects the functions of the lymphatic system. Congestive heart failure increases your risk of lymphedema by reducing the lymphatic transport capacity, causing swelling in your arms or legs.
• Previous surgeries. Some surgical procedures, such as breast cancer surgery and pelvic surgery, may cause lymphatic problems. Surgeries that involve the removal of lymph nodes can cause lymphedema.
• Radiation therapy. Treatment using radiation therapy may damage your lymphatic system by destroying lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes.
• Infections such as cellulitis affect the tissues around the lymphatic system, including the vessels or lymph nodes, causing poor drainage of lymphatic fluid.
• Being obese or overweight. Excess fat in your body pushes against the lymph nodes and vessels, increasing the risk of damage to your lymphatic system.
• Some tumors block the flow of lymphatic fluid in the lymphatic system, causing swelling.

With state-of-the-art equipment and modern technology at the Brooklyn lymphedema clinic, your experienced vein doctor accurately diagnoses the underlying cause of your lymphatic dysfunction. Your individualized treatment plan is based on your diagnosis.