About us?
The
France Lipoedème association
Allow us to introduce the three founding physicians of our association:
Dr. Nicolas Zwillinger, Dr. Paul Pittaluga, and Dr. Michèle Cazaubon.
Longtime friends and lipedema specialists, they joined forces and expertise on February 16, 2024, to establish this association.
Driven by a shared commitment to better understand this complex disease, they have made it their mission to explore lipedema in all its uniqueness, taking into account various factors such as hormones, metabolism, and many others.
Each brings their own specialty: plastic and aesthetic surgery, vascular surgery, and angiology. Their commitment to scientific research, medical education, and the improvement of lipedema care is reflected in their daily practice. Together, they work to advance science and offer patients a comprehensive and innovative approach to this still too-little-known condition.
Dr. ZWILLINGER
President
Dr. Nicolas Zwillinger, a renowned plastic and esthetic surgeon, is now a leading authority in the treatment of lipedema. A 2004 graduate of the Paris V Faculty of Medicine and a 2006 trainee at Necker Hospital, he has built his career at prestigious Parisian hospitals, where he was notably awarded the Silver Medal of the Paris Hospitals.
A former Chef de Clinique Assistant (Assistant Head of Clinic) at the Paris Hospitals, Dr. Zwillinger is also certified in microsurgery. He is an active member of recognized learned societies such as the French Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (SOFCEP) and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS).
Deeply committed to the recognition and management of lipedema, he also serves as President of the France Lipoedème association, where he actively contributes to raising awareness and developing research around this still underrecognized pathology.
A pioneer in France for water-jet assisted liposuction (W.A.L.), Dr. Nicolas Zwillinger utilizes the most advanced surgical techniques to provide his patients with specialized and innovative care.
With an exceptional background within renowned medical institutions such as Clinique Paris Étoile, Clinique Sainte-Geneviève, and Clinique du Trocadéro, Dr. Nicolas Zwillinger embodies excellence in plastic and aesthetic surgery.
Since 2006, he has practiced with passion, rigor, and an uncompromising commitment to the quality and safety of care, making each procedure a personalized and exceptional experience.
Today, as CEO of Clinique Esthétique Paris Étoile, he personally consults with his patients, combining cutting-edge surgical expertise with tailored support.
Dr. PITTALUGA
Treasurer
Dr. Paul Pittaluga is a key authority in the field of vascular surgery and lipedema research. A graduate of the Faculty of Medicine of Nice in October 1995, he quickly distinguished himself through his commitment to medical excellence.
His many years of experience, acquired both in France and internationally—notably at the Mayo Clinic in the United States and the Universidad San Salvador in Buenos Aires, Argentina—have enriched his expertise and consolidated his reputation on the global medical stage.
In January 2022, Dr. Paul Pittaluga founded the Riviera Vein Institut in Monaco, and more recently the Paris Vein Institut in the capital, both reference centers in the field of vascular surgery, demonstrating his leadership and commitment to medical innovation.
It is within these establishments that he developed and perfected the ASVAL method for varicose vein treatment, a major advancement in vascular surgery. Concurrently, as Treasurer of the France Lipoedème association, he puts his expertise at the service of research and awareness for this still underrecognized pathology.
His involvement in prestigious international scientific societies, as well as his role as a reviewer for leading medical journals, illustrates his ongoing commitment to advancing the discipline. With over 50 original articles, 36 book chapters, and over 600 lectures to his credit, his contributions have a significant impact on medical practice and the understanding of the human venous network, making him a respected authority and a source of inspiration for his peers.
Dr. CAZAUBON
Founding Member
Dr. Michèle Cazaubon, a founding member of our association, is a recognized specialist in angiology, with in-depth expertise in the diagnosis and management of vascular diseases.
She has practiced in major hospital departments in Paris, notably Bichat, La Pitié-Salpêtrière, and Ambroise Paré, as well as in renowned establishments such as the American Hospital of Neuilly and Clinique du Val d'Or in Saint-Cloud, thereby developing a diverse and comprehensive background.
Dr. Michèle Cazaubon, a founding member of our association, provides her patients with the most modern and appropriate vascular exploration techniques, with a particular focus on the examination of the lower limbs, notably in the context of lipedema, a recent specialization.
As General Secretary of the French Society of Angiology since 1998, she has developed a vast network of correspondents across various specialties, nationally and internationally, demonstrating her commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and the continuous improvement of vascular care.
Trained in cardiology and angiology, Dr. Cazaubon adopts a comprehensive approach to the management of vascular disorders, placing quality of care and patient well-being at the heart of her practice.