From lymph to fat: liposuction as a treatment for complete reduction of lymphedema.

Abstract

There is some controversy regarding liposuction for late-stage lymphedemas. Although it is clear that conservative therapies such as complex decongestive therapy and controlled compression therapy should be tried in the first instance, options for the treatment of late-stage lymphedema that is not responding to treatment is not so clear. Liposuction has been used for many years to treat lipodystrophy. Some results have been far from optimal; however, improvements in technique, patient preparation, and patient follow-up have led to a greater and a wider acceptance of liposuction as a treatment for lymphedema. This article outlines the benefits of using liposuction and presents the evidence to support its use.

• Authors: Håkan Brorson
• Journal: The international journal of lower extremity wounds (Int J Low Extrem Wounds) Vol. 11 Issue 1 Pg. 10-9 (Mar 2012) ISSN: 1552-6941 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 22363050 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Topics

• Adiposity
• Breast Neoplasms (complications, surgery)
• Compression Bandages
• Female
• Humans
• Lipectomy (methods)
• Lymphedema (etiology, surgery)
• Middle Aged