Can an Early Visit to a Lymphedema Surgeon Prevent the Adipose Deposition in Lymphedema?

What Does a Lymphedema Surgeon Do?

A lymphedema surgeon will perform one of three different types of experimental surgeries on lymphedema patients to alleviate swelling in the arm and promote the healthy flow of lymph fluid in the arm. While there are few qualified lymphedema surgeons in the US, Houston area breast cancer patients can visit Dr. Fusi & Dr. Craig for lymphedema surgery and treatment.

Lymphedema surgery treatments include a lymph node transfer (or transplant) and lymphovenous anastomoses. If fatty tissue build up has already occurred, then a special type of liposuction can also be performed to reduce the volume in the arm.

What is a Lymph Node Transfer or Transplant?

A lymph node transfer, or transplant, is a specialized surgery performed by your Houston lymphedema surgeon to allow for the proper flow of lymph fluid in your arm. With this experimental procedure, microsurgery techniques are used to remove a healthy lymph node from an unaffected area of your body, usually your abdomen or your groin. Your Houston lymphedema surgeon will then transfer or transplant that healthy lymph node to your affected arm, again using microsurgery to attach the lymph node to a blood supply. In the end, the transferred or transplanted lymph node becomes a healthy part of the arm’s lymph infrastructure, promoting the normal flow of lymph fluid in the arm and allowing the built up lymph fluid to exit, thus reducing your swelling.

What is Lymphovenous Anastomoses?

Lymphovenous anastomoses is a second type of lymphedema surgery that your Houston lymphedema surgeon may perform to treat existing lymphedema and prevent the build up of fatty tissue in your arm. With this procedure, your lymphedema surgeon will use microsurgery techniques to build new pathways between your lymphatic vessels and veins. The goal of this surgery is to create a new route for lymph fluid to flow so that it exits the arm in a normal fashion.

What is Liposuction for Lymphedema Treatment?

If you have already acquired a build up of fatty tissue in your arm that is affected by lymphedema, then liposuction may be indicated. Unlike a liposuction surgery that is used to treat an aesthetic issue like stubborn fat deposits in your abdomen, hips or thighs, the goal of liposuction performed by a Houston lymphedema surgeon is to remove the fatty tissue build up in your arm to reduce your arm’s volume. By reducing this fat and lowering the volume of your arm, your affected extremity can then be treated by less invasive lymphedema treatment options include bandages and compression garments.

How Can I Learn More About Lymphedema Surgery?

If you are a breast cancer patient and you think you are experiencing lymphedema, the best thing you can do is see a qualified lymphedema surgery right away to prevent the situation from getting worse. Houston area breast cancer patients can schedule a lymphedema surgery consultation with lymphedema surgeons Dr. Fusi & Dr. Craig by calling (713) 346-9909.