Lymphedema SURGERY

stands the test of time and improves quality of life

Standard lymphedema treatment focuses on conservative management, including compression garments and physical therapy, which can be effective in early stages of the condition.

However, in chronic lymphedema, the tissue gradually changes from fluid-based swelling to fat accumulation (non-pitting lymphedema). At this stage, compression alone cannot reduce limb volume, and symptoms often persist.

To address advanced lymphedema, liposuction combined with lifelong compression therapy was developed by Professor Håkan Brorson almost 30 years ago. This approach has proven to be the only long-lasting surgical intervention for patient suffering from arm and leg lymphedema.

Unlike microsurgical techniques that aim to restore lymphatic flow, liposuction removes the excess fatty tissue responsible for the increased limb volume. This allows for a complete and durable reduction in swelling, provided that compression therapy is maintained after surgery

With 25 years of documented follow-up, this surgical method has demonstrated:

 Complete volume reduction
No recurrence of swelling
Successful outcomes in hundreds of patients with arm or leg lymphedema

It remains the only surgical treatment with documented long-term effectiveness for chronic non-pitting lymphedema. Read more and view the results here.

Through Skåne Care, international private patients can now access this advanced lymphedema surgery where the pioneering Dr Brorson works today – Art Clinic Aleris. Treatment is based on decades of research, clinical experience, and a structured care pathway designed to ensure safe procedures and long-term results.

 

ARE THERE ANY OTHER OPTIONS?

At present, lymphedema cannot be cured, as no surgical technique is able to fully restore a damaged lymphatic system. Treatment therefore focuses on long-term control of symptoms and reduction of swelling. 

For patients with chronic lymphedema, the combination of liposuction and lifelong compression therapy has been well studied over decades, and demonstrated reliable and lasting volume reduction. By removing the excess fatty tissue that cannot be reduced by compression alone, this approach can restore the limb to a normal or near-normal size.

Several microsurgical procedures, such as lymphatic-venous anastomosis, lymph vessel transfer, or lymph node transplantation, have been developed with the aim of improving lymphatic drainage. While these techniques seem promising, there is no current evidence that they achieve complete reduction nor long-lasting results.

If you want to read the scientific research supporting our approach, please find it here.

Watch a video of professor Håkan Brorson when he presents his results here

SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS

Lymphedema – Presentation, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Author: ArinK. Greene, SumnerA. Slavin, Håkan Brorson
Publication year: 2015

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Complete reduction of chronic non-pittinglymphedema – 22 years’ follow-up
Author: Håkan Brorson
Publication year: 2016

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Surgical Treatment of Postmastectomy Lymphedema – Liposuction
Author: Håkan Brorson
Publication year: 2011

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Liposuction for Advanced Lymphedema in Multidiciplinary Team Setting in Australia: 5-Year-Follow-Up
Author: Karlsson et al. Brorson
Publication year: 2024

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Liposuction Gives Complete Reduction ofArm Lymphedema following Breast Cancer Treatment—A 5-year Prospective Study in105 Patients without Recurrence
Author: Hoffner et al. Brorson
Publication year: 2018

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Liposuction Treatment of Lymphedema
Author: Mark V. Schaverien, Alex Munnoch, 2Håkan Brorson
Publication year: 2018

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Annals of Surgical Oncology
Author: S. Vignes & H. Brorson
Publication year: 2017

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Complete reduction of chronic non-pittinglymphedema – 22 years’ follow-up
Author: Håkan Brorson
Publication year: 2016

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Controlled Compression Therapy after Liposuction of Leg Lymphedema – How to keep control over time: The story continues
Author: K. Ohlin, B. Svensson, H. Brorson
Publication year: 2016

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Liposuction of arm and leg lymphedema – Tissue composition alterations and treatment outcomes
Author: T. Karlsson
Publication year: 2023

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Liposuction in Lymphedema Treatment
Author: Håkan Brorson
Publication year: 2016

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Liposuction of post mastectomy arm lymphedema decreases the incidence of erysipelas
Author: D. Lee, N. Piller, M. Hoffner, J. Manjer, H. Brorson
Publication year: 2016

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Liposuction in Lymphedema Treatment
Author: Håkan Brorson
Publication year: 2016

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Liposuction in Arm Lymphedema Treatment
Author: Håkan Brorson
Publication year: 2007

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