Work

Rare adipose disorders: a review of clinical presentation, pathophysiology, and management with illustrative case series

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Rare adipose disorders are abnormal subcutaneous adipose tissue diseases that present as a spectrum of soft tissue abnormalities that may be encountered by plastic surgeons. Presentation ranges from distinct subcutaneous masses in characteristic distributions in the body to large generalized fatty deposits. It is imperative to recognize these rare adipose disorders, as they are typically refractory to standard treatment approaches to obesity, such as weight loss, lifestyle modifications, pharmacologic therapy, and bariatric surgery. In this review, we provide a complete and updated review of lipedema, Madelung disease, familial multiple lipomatosis, and Dercum's disease as well as present a case series highlighting our surgical approach to rare adipose disorders.

Source: JPRAS Open

DOI: 10.1016/j.jpra.2026.10.014

Authors: Hao Huang, Dylan K. Kim, Kathleen Gu, Terrence C. Green, Ryan Engdahl

Institutions: NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University, Harlem Hospital Center

Language: English

Topic: Body Contouring and Surgery

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,920