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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
05:44
Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema
Published on: January 12, 2017
Controlled compression and liposuction treatment for lower extremity lymphedema
1Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Malmö University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden. hakan.brorson@med.lu.se
Lymphology
|August 30, 2008
Summary
This study shows liposuction effectively reduces excess adipose tissue in non-pitting lymphedema, offering a long-term solution for arm and leg swelling. Patients experienced complete volume reduction and no recurrence after treatment.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Vascular Surgery
- Dermatology
Background:
- Lymphedema, particularly following breast cancer treatment, can lead to significant limb swelling.
- Excess adipose tissue is a key component of chronic, non-pitting lymphedema.
- Traditional treatments often focus on fluid reduction, potentially leaving persistent tissue volume.
Observation:
- Excess adipose tissue was observed in patients with arm lymphedema post-breast cancer.
- Objective studies confirmed adipose tissue as a dominant factor in non-pitting arm lymphedema volume.
- A 15-year prospective study demonstrated complete volume reduction in non-pitting arm lymphedema via liposuction.
Findings:
- Liposuction successfully removed excess adipose tissue in patients with non-pitting lymphedema.
- A staged approach involving compression therapy followed by liposuction achieved complete reduction in leg elephantiasis.
- Long-term follow-up (11 years) showed no recurrence in treated patients.
Implications:
- Liposuction is a viable and effective treatment for the adipose tissue component of chronic lymphedema.
- A conservative-to-surgical approach (compression then liposuction) offers a comprehensive solution for pitting and non-pitting lymphedema.
- This strategy provides a durable, recurrence-free outcome for patients with significant limb volume excess.
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