Can Liposuction Help Lymphoedema? | Cadogan Clinic London

When excess fat tissue develops as a result of lymphoedema, liposuction is a treatment that tackles the condition's long-term effects. Read on to learn more about lymphoedema, and whether liposuction is the right treatment for you.

What is lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema is a chronic (long-term) disorder that results in tissue swelling due to an accumulation of protein-rich fluid, which is typically discharged through the lymphatic system of the body. Although it typically affects the arms or legs, it can also happen in the chest wall, abdomen, neck, or genitalia.

Severe lymphedema can impair motion in the affected limb, raise the risk of sepsis and skin infections, and cause skin abnormalities and disintegration.

What causes lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema is caused by a malfunction of the lymphatic system. This is a system of arteries and glands found all over the body. One of its main jobs is to remove extra fluid from tissues and aid in the fight against infection.

Lymphoedema may result from the lymphatic system developing improperly, being damaged, or having more fluid than normal in the bodily tissues.

This condition primarily comes in two forms:

Primary lymphoedema. This is caused by genetic defects that interfere with the lymphatic system's development; it can appear at any age, but commonly does so in adolescence.
Secondary lymphoedema. Often caused by lymphatic system damage or issues with fluid transport and drainage in the lymphatic system, frequently as a result of an infection, accident, cancer therapy, limb inflammation, or a lack of limb mobility.

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Who is at risk of developing lymphoedema?

Depending on whether lymphedema is primary or secondary, different risk factors apply.

Primary lymphoedema runs in families. It occurs when the genes involved in the lymphatic system's development have flaws, which prevent it from properly draining fluid. Having close family members who suffer from primary lymphoedema is the biggest risk factor.

Secondary lymphoedema develops as a result of another lymphatic system disorder. The risk elements consist of:

Immobility. Muscle activity encourages the passage of fluid along the lymphatic vessels, which aids in lymph drainage. Reduced mobility can therefore increase the likelihood of lymphedema. People may be at risk of developing lymphedema if they have prolonged periods of decreased motion, such as from illness, nerve damage, or arthritis.

Injury. There are situations when severe bruising and soft tissue injuries can raise the risk of lymphedema. Risk factors include those who have had burns, crush injuries, or other types of trauma.

Cancer surgery. To prevent the spread of cancer, surgeons will occasionally remove lymph nodes, which are a component of the lymphatic system. This raises the possibility that lymph won't drain appropriately, leading to lymphedema. Surgery to remove lymph nodes may be part of the course of treatment for diseases such as breast cancer, skin cancer, cervical cancer, and prostate cancer.

Radiation treatment. Radiation is used in this cancer treatment to kill cancer cells. The lymphatic system, among other healthy tissues, may also be harmed, losing its ability to discharge fluid.

Tumours. Sometimes a lymphatic channel is blocked by the malignant tumour itself, causing fluid to accumulate.

Vascular diseases. The risk of lymphedema can increase in situations that alter the veins' ability to carry blood. Fluid may overflow into the tissue spaces through unhealthy veins. This eventually exhausts the lymphatic system's components in charge of fluid drainage.

Infections. A bacterial skin infection called cellulitis can raise your chance of developing lymphedema. Damage to the tissue surrounding the lymphatic system may result from severe cellulitis. Scarring and poor drainage result from this. Lymphedema can also be brought on by a parasite infection called filariasis. Thread-like worms live in the lymphatic system of filariasis patients and obstruct lymphatic drainage.

Inflammation. Lymphedema risk can be increased by illnesses like arthritis and other conditions that result in chronic inflammation. This is because inflammation has the potential to harm or even destroy lymph veins.

What are the signs and symptoms of lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema's primary symptom is swelling, which can make it difficult to fit into clothing or cause jewellery and watches to feel constrictive. Lymphoedema can affect one or more limbs or other parts of the body.

The swelling may first come and go. It could deteriorate during the day before improving at night. Without therapy, it typically gets worse and persists longer.

Additional signs in the affected body part can be:

a painful, heavy sensation
movement difficulties
the skin getting tight and brittle
skin folds beginning to form
a fluid leak through the skin
continual skin infections

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How is lymphoedema treated with liposuction?

Lymphoedema can be treated with liposuction. When lymphatic fluid leaks into the tissues around you, it can lead to inflammation and encourage the growth of fat stem cells. This additional fat that lymphoedema has produced is removed by your surgeon. The majority of the time, liposuction for lymphoedema is an outpatient treatment with a relatively quick recovery period.

Are there any lifestyle changes that can help manage lymphoedema?

A healthy lifestyle can both lower your chance of lymphoedema development and help you manage the disease if you currently have it.

This includes:

eating a balanced, nutritious diet
exercising frequently
staying at a healthy weight

Lymphoedema is a condition where tissue swells due to an accumulation of fluid, caused by a malfunction of the lymphatic system. It can affect one or more limbs or other parts of the body. This condition can be caused by genetics or lymphatic damage. Although lymphoedema cannot be completely cured, treatment can greatly reduce swelling and discomfort. The optimal course of treatment for you should be discussed with your doctor. Liposuction can be used to remove the additional fat that lymphedema has produced.

Liposuction is regularly performed at the Cadogan Clinic and our surgeons are leading experts in their respective fields. If you’re considering undertaking any of the procedures mentioned, get in touch with us today for a consultation with an experienced surgeon.

Treatments mentioned in this article

Liposuction is a surgical procedure to remove unwanted pockets of fat on the body and face.

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Body Surgery

Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical procedure to remove unwanted pockets of fat on the body and face.

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