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Lymphedema and lymphatic disorders refer to diseases that affect the lymphatic system — the network of tissues, vessels, and organs that move a specific fluid called lymph throughout the body. They occur when the lymphatic system is damaged or blocked, preventing lymph from circulating normally. Left untreated, these disorders can cause pain, heaviness, swelling, and other complications such as skin infections.
Treatment will depend on your diagnosis, stage of lymphedema, and related medical problems. It may include manual lymphatic therapies, compression bandaging, therapeutic exercise, compression garments, pneumatic pumps, dietary management, or surgery.
What causes lymphedema?
Lymphedema can be caused by a malformation of the lymphatic system present at birth (congenital abnormality), called primary lymphedema. Symptoms of primary lymphedema can begin in infancy or develop later in life, such as during puberty or pregnancy.
It can also develop because of a disease or treatment — called secondary lymphedema — such as:
- Cancer, which can block lymph nodes or vessels
- Cardiovascular diseases that affect blood flow or cause venous insufficiencies.
- Surgery or radiation therapy for cancer treatment
- Lymphatic system infections or trauma
- Removal of the lymph nodes
- Genetic predisposition.
Lymphedema doesn’t go away on its own, and it can affect both your physical and emotional wellness.
Lymphedema Prevention Surgery
Seek treatment right away. Not all lymphedema is related to cancer but we can perform lymphedema prevention surgery or immediate lymphatic reconstruction. This specialized surgery is performed at the same time as a cancer surgery to decrease the risk of developing lymphedema. This is most performed with breast cancer surgery when the surgeon removes lymph nodes where cancer has spread.
The lymphatic disorder experts at the University of Miami Health System offers the latest treatments to help reduce swelling and let you move freely, without pain. You will get personal attention and expert care from a team of specialists.
Make an appointment and start living better today.
What are the symptoms of lymphedema?
- Swelling
- Skin tightness
- Pain
- Heaviness in the affected area
- Reduced joint flexibility
- As it progresses, it causes hardening of the tissues, reduced mobility, and can lead to infections and recurring skin problems.
Conditions we treat
Meet Your Team
Cutaneous (Skin) Surgical Oncology
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Breast Surgery
Microvascular Plastic Surgery
Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
Plastic Surgery
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Hand Surgery
Microvascular Plastic Surgery
Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
Plastic Surgery
Why Choose Us?
The only LE&RN accredited comprehensive lymphedema program in South Florida. As one of only three lymphedema surgery programs in Florida, we offer innovative techniques to prevent and treat this condition. We take a collaborative approach to provide you with individualized lymphedema care. Our cancer rehabilitation medicine specialists offer holistic care to improve your function and overall well-being. You won’t find this specialty care anywhere else in South Florida.
Fellowship-trained, highly-specialized surgeons. The plastic and reconstructive surgeons at the University of Miami Health System Lymphatic Surgery program have extensive fellowship training in microsurgery, the type of surgery required to treat lymphedema.
Multidisciplinary care, all in one place. The Lymphatic Surgery team is part of the multidisciplinary care you can receive at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and UHealth. All of your physicians and providers, from your oncologist to your physical therapist, your surgeon to your dietitian, work together to improve your quality of life.
Teaching the next generation of health care providers. As an academic program, our physicians train the next generation of doctors and providers in many specialties to offer high-quality care for lymphedema and lymphatic disorders. With more providers experienced in lymphedema care, patients can get the treatment they need, when they need it.
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