Abstract
In the Western world, lymphedema most commonly occurs following treatment of cancer.
Limb reductions have been reported utilizing various conservative therapies including
manual lymph and pressure therapy, as well as by microsurgical reconstruction involving
lymphovenous shunts and transplantation of lymph vessels or nodes. Failure of these
conservative and surgical treatments to provide complete reduction in patients with
long-standing pronounced lymphedema is due to the persistence of excess newly formed
subcutaneous adipose tissue in response to slow or absent lymph flow, which is not
removed in patients with chronic non-pitting lymphedema. Traditional surgical regimes
utilizing bridging procedures, total excision with skin grafting, or reduction plasty
seldom achieved acceptable cosmetic and functional results. Liposuction removes the
hypertrophied adipose tissue and is a prerequisite to achieve complete reduction,
and this reduction is maintained long-term through constant (24 h) use of compression
garments postoperatively. This article describes the techniques and evidence basis
for the use of liposuction for treatment of lymphedema.
Keywords
lymphedema - liposuction - adipose tissue - fat
