Lymphedema Treatment
“Lymphedema, the worst side effect
I’ve had, has been virtually eliminated
thanks to these forward-thinking doctors.”
– Shelli Cody
Dedicated Lymphedema Treatment Program Now Offered
The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery is pleased to announce the opening of the first dedicated and comprehensive lymphedema treatment program of its kind. Our Lymphedema Treatment Center provides evaluation of those affected by arm swelling post mastectomy and full service solutions for improvement ranging from lifestyle counseling, massage therapy, compressive garment fitting and instruction, and, when indicated, surgical management strategies including the newest state of the art lymph node transplant procedures. The revolutionary Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer (VLNTx) procedure for lymphedema can be performed at SCSH when combined with any breast reconstruction surgery or as follow-up treatment to a previous surgery.
Lymphedema is a debilitating condition of localized fluid retention caused by a compromised lymphatic system. It is most frequently seen after breast cancer treatments such as lymph node dissection, surgery and/or radiation therapy, which can damage the lymphatic system of the arm. The National Cancer Institute has established that 25% to 30% of breast cancer surgery patients with lymph node removal and radiation therapy develop lymphedema. Chronic swelling, discomfort, and skin infections are among the symptoms that may be improved with proper therapy and in some cases, microsurgical repair. These groundbreaking techniques offer hope to those affected by lymphedema.
As leaders in the groundbreaking VLNTx technique, our Lymphedema Team evaluates those who may be candidates for surgical options and advises each candidate individually during their initial visit. For those with need of simultaneous breast reconstruction, a visit with the Breast Reconstruction Team can be coordinated in the same visit.
The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery was established to serve as a dedicated resource for women seeking the most advanced methods of breast reconstruction utilizing the body's own tissue. Founded by Frank J. DellaCroce, M.D., FACS and Scott K. Sullivan, M.D., FACS, the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery specializes exclusively in state-of-the-art breast surgery techniques (DIEP, SIEA and GAP flap procedures) that allow for breast reconstruction without sacrifice of important functional muscles.
