Bartolotta helps celebrate opening of lymphedema and wound care clinic

The specialized facility is located in Canonsburg.

A woman-owned medical clinic opened Friday in Canonsburg.

The Lymphedema & Wound Care Clinic of Southwestern PA is the first of its kind in the region, offering comprehensive care for patients suffering from lymphedema and other related problems.

State Sen. Camera Bartolotta, R-Carroll Township, celebrated the grand opening Friday for the new facility, which is located at 380 Southpointe Blvd., Suite 115, Plaza II in Canonsburg.

“It was wonderful to share a ‘dream come true’ moment with these amazing women as they cut the ribbon to officially open the Lymphedema & Wound Care Center of Southwestern PA in Southpointe,” Bartolotta said.

Lymphedema is a condition characterized by swelling, usually in the arms or legs, due to a buildup of lymph fluid.

This fluid, which is part of the body’s lymphatic system, normally helps remove waste and toxins, but when lymphatic vessels are damaged or blocked, the fluid can accumulate, causing swelling and discomfort.

Swelling is not restricted to the legs, but also occurs in the arms, breast and buttocks areas.

The lymphatic system is a network of vessels, nodes and organs that play a crucial role in the immune system and fluid balance.

It helps transport lymph fluid, which contains white blood cells, proteins and other substances, throughout the body.

Lymph nodes act as filters, trapping bacteria and other harmful substances.

Lymphedema occurs when the lymphatic system is unable to properly drain lymph fluid, often due to the damage or removal of lymph nodes (like surgery or radiation for breast cancer), the blockage of lymphatic vessels from infections (like filariasis), tumors or other conditions.

There is also a genetic predisposition for the disease.

Some individuals are born with a lymphatic system that is more susceptible to developing lymphedema.

It can be painful and potentially lead to open wounds, ulcers and chronic infections.

Amber Young, a certified family nurse practitioner, recognized the need to treat both conditions in one office, Bartolotta said, as wound care centers don’t typically offer lymphedema treatment and lymphedema centers don’t normally provide wound care.

Young cut the ribbon to the facility surrounded by family, friends and co-workers. She used special scissors given to her by a former mentor.

“It was a touching moment when Amber shared that the bandage scissors used to cut the ribbon had been given to her 34 years ago by her mentor, the late Dr. James Davidson,” Bartolotta said.

The Lymphedema & Wound Care Clinic of Southwestern PA offers a holistic approach to improve outcomes and enhance quality of life for those experience lymphedema or chronic conditions pounds.

Appointments can be made by calling 724-4167484.