Liposuction for arm lymphoedema

[NESKA75]

Hi I've recently seen a surgeon in regards to my lymphoedema and he was going to profits LVA but says mine is too advanced so has suggested liposuction - very nervous and struggling to find outcomes of people who have had this as too how long in hospital , healing , complications ,compression afterwards , does it damage you tissues ? And does the skin just shrink back ?? Really need some answers from patients who have actually felt and experienced it not a "medical " answer any help would be greatly appreciated

[Gem272]

Hi! I had liposuction for arm Lymphoedema in December. It was very painful for at least a week after and bruised but soon began to heal. You need to wear compression 24/7 for 4 weeks and then I began just wearing day compression. By February my arm was looking great and measurements showed it was almost the same as the left. I continue to wear compression most days and arm feels really good. I've also had a lymph node transfer 2 years ago so hope that the new nodes have less stress on them now to filter the arm. Best wishes

[NESKA75 in reply to Gem272]

thank you so much for replying ! Can I ask Did u also have it in your hand or just your arm ? My hand is so big and my fingers swell so much especially in the summer .. It's so good to hear from someone who has actually been through it ..I'm so glad you are happy with your results and your arm feels good .interesting that you had the node transplant too as i have also wondered how successful that is .. I can't remember the last time mine arm felt good and want all the info I can get before making the right decision

[Gem272 in reply to NESKA75]

I do have some swelling in my hand and definitely think it's worse from wearing the sleeve and hot weather. Sorry to hear your arm hasn't felt good in so long, it's such an awful condition to have and when it is hot it is just the worst. My surgeon was Anne Dancey in Birmingham and I love her! X

[CR1325 in reply to Gem272]

Hi Gem272

I am due to have liposuction for arm lymphoedema within the next 3 months so was very interested to read your post. I too have had a lymph node transfer, it was in February 2016, but sadly no reduction in the size of my arm. Can I ask how long you were in hospital and how long you were off work? Did you notice the difference as soon as the swelling had gone down, and were you left with saggy skin? I have so many questions, it is so nice to communicate with someone who has actually had the surgery so can talk from experience. My Consultant said that the lymph node transfer may still work as it can take a few years to 'kick in', Im just wondering if there is a chance once some of the volume has been reduced from my arm. I really hope so as that would mean not having to wear the sleeve at all. Talking of which, do you wear it every day? I know they say you have to but do you ever allow yourself a day off? Mt Consultant is Mr Amar Ghattaura in Swansea and he is absolutely brilliant. Sorry for all of the questions.

[Gem272 in reply to CR1325]

Hello,

It was very bruised and tender for the first week and then got better gradually from that. I was quite swollen for a while too and wore compression 24/7. I wasn’t working at the time but I would say you probably need a minimum of 2 weeks off. I didn’t have saggy skin afterwards but my lymphedema wasn’t really bad (7%) and my surgeon removed 500ml of fluid. How bad Ian your swelling? That’s a shame the node transfer hasn’t worked yet but like you said this may help.

I had my lymph node transfer in January 2015 and then my lipo in Dec 2016. I currently wear my sleeve 3 or 4 times a week and give myself days off in between. This hasn’t given me any increased swelling. I wish you loads of luck and if I can be any more help please let me know.

Gemma

[CR1325 in reply to Gem272]

Hi Gemma,

Thank you so much for replying, your answers have been so helpful. May I just ask please the reason that you had to have the liposuction following your lymph node transfer? Is it because there was no reduction in the size of your arm like me? My arm is twice the size of my other arm. My surgeon said that although the lymph node transfer was successful (my body didn't reject the transplant), unfortunately for 2% of people there is no reduction and I think I fall into this category, although I remain optimistic. Has your lymph node transfer worked at all? Have you been told it may still work? I am hoping that after my liposuction the new lymph nodes may start working. I had my lymph node transfer in February 2016.

Christine

[Gem272 in reply to CR1325]

Hi Christine

I had my lymph node transfer in Jan 2015 and then lipo in Dec 2016. I did get a result from the node transfer and my swelling didn’t improve but I had some stubborn areas on my forearm which the new nodes couldn’t clear so that’s why I opted for the lipo. My consultant tends to do it that way around I suppose so the new nodes have less stress on them but they are there to further improve or stabilise the arm. I would recommend lipo definitely as it’s given me lots more confidence to show my arm etc in the summer and I wear my sleeve only a few times a week now x

[Hidden]

Hello,

It's a big step to take and congratulations on being offered funding for the procedure.

Who is doing the surgery and where ? You can ask to be put in touch with other patients who have had the procedure and take a look at LSN's website too.

I have given up hope of funding from the NHS after 3. 5 years of having applications refused.

I have spoken to other patients who have had very good outcomes and wad promised an excellent one myself 😞.

It's not a pleasant experience and I had to undertake to wear compression 24/7.

Let us know what you decide.