Swelling that won't go down. Legs that feel heavy by mid-afternoon. Socks and shoes that suddenly leave deep marks in the skin. If that sounds familiar, you may be dealing with lymphedema. The good news is that it’s a condition that responds well to treatment when caught and managed correctly.
El Paso Varicose Veins Laser Clinic has spent more than a decade treating the circulatory and lymphatic conditions that cause chronic leg swelling and other discomfort. Call (915) 577-0121 for a free initial consultation about lymphedema therapy.
Your lymphatic system drains excess fluid out of your tissues. When part of that system is damaged, blocked, or underdeveloped, the fluid has nowhere to go. That’s when it starts to collect, usually in an arm or leg. Lymphedema generally falls into two categories:
Primary lymphedema — the lymphatic system doesn't form properly, often appearing in adolescence or early adulthood
Secondary lymphedema — caused by surgery, lymph node removal, radiation, infection, injury, or long-standing venous disease
Lymphedema occurs in many patients with untreated venous insufficiency. For this reason, accurate diagnosis matters before any treatment begins.
Early-stage lymphedema is much easier to control than advanced-stage lymphedema. If swelling has lasted more than a few weeks, get it evaluated. Some more specific symptoms you should have checked include:
- Swelling in one limb that doesn't fully resolve overnight
- A tight, heavy, or full sensation in the arm or leg
- Skin that thickens, hardens, or takes on a leathery texture
- Reduced flexibility in the ankle, wrist, or fingers
- Clothing, jewelry, or footwear that suddenly feels restrictive
- Repeat skin infections or cellulitis in the same limb
- Fluid weeping through the skin surface
Compression is the backbone of lymphedema therapy and management. Graduated pressure supports the tissue, moves fluid toward healthy drainage pathways, and keeps swelling from rebuilding between visits. We fit compression based on your limb, your stage, and your daily routine:
- Graduated compression garments in the correct class and gradient
- Multi-layer bandaging during volume-reduction phases
- Proper sizing and measurement — not off-the-shelf guesswork
- Wear schedules built around your work and activity level
- Replacement guidance, since garments lose elasticity over time
Compression only works when it fits. We measure, adjust, and re-measure as your limb changes.
Lymphedema is a chronic condition, but it's a manageable one. Our approach starts with finding out exactly what's driving your swelling. Your care may include:
- Duplex ultrasound to rule out venous reflux, obstruction, or clotting
- Treatment of any underlying venous disease contributing to the swelling
- A staged plan to reduce limb volume, then hold that progress
- Skin and nail care instruction to lower infection risk
- Movement and elevation strategies that support lymphatic flow
- Ongoing monitoring so small changes don't become major setbacks
Treating the venous side of the problem often makes the lymphatic side far easier to control.
Swelling after surgery is common, especially following lymph node dissection, cancer surgery, orthopedic procedures, or vascular intervention. We help patients:
- Recognize early swelling before it becomes established
- Get fitted for compression during the healing window
- Manage discomfort, tightness, and skin changes
- Protect the affected limb from infection and injury
- Transition from short-term recovery care to long-term maintenance
Don’t hesitate to reach out to El Paso Varicose Vein Laser Treatment Center.
- A short physical exam with a vascular surgeon
- An ultrasound study of the affected limb
- A clear explanation of what's causing your swelling
- A treatment plan built for your stage and lifestyle
- Straightforward answers on insurance and cost
Board-certified vascular surgeon. Dr. Gilbert Aidinian is a board-certified vascular surgeon, a fellow of the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American College of Surgeons, and has cared for El Paso patients since 2011.
We diagnose before we treat. Chronic swelling has multiple possible causes. Ultrasound imaging tells us which one you're dealing with.
Over a decade serving El Paso. We've built our practice around the veins and circulation of this community.
Three convenient locations. East side, west side, and northeast — Zaragoza, Murchison, and Hondo Pass.
On-call around the clock. Patients receive our medical mobile number after every procedure.
Insurance and self-pay friendly. We accept most major insurance plans, major credit cards, and offer self-pay discounts for lymphedema therapy.
Free initial consultation. Find out what's going on before you commit to anything.
Chronic swelling rarely improves on its own. The sooner you know what's causing it, the sooner you can get ahead of it. Call (915) 577-0121 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation regarding lymphedema therapy and management.
