When you are treated for cancer with surgery, your surgeon may also remove lymph nodes where cancer has spread. This is especially common with breast cancer, gynecologic cancers, or head and neck cancers.

But when lymph nodes are removed, it can cause fluid (called lymph) to build up in your limbs, limiting your range of motion and leaving you uncomfortable. Millions of cancer survivors experience lymphedema every year.

We offer comprehensive lymphedema treatment, including advanced microsurgery. These surgeries include lymphovenous bypass to redirect fluid into your veins, and vascularized lymph node transplant to move lymph nodes from other areas of your body to the limb where you experience lymphedema.

For advanced lymphedema, we also offer liposuction, to remove excess fat that can build up because of lymphedema. We also offer excision surgery to remove fibrosis that lymphedema can cause.

All of these surgical options can improve your quality of life, function, and comfort when physical therapy or compression are not effective enough.

Why Choose Us?

The only 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 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. Our plastic and reconstructive surgeons have extensive fellowship training in microsurgery, the type of surgery required to treat lymphedema.

One of only 71 NCI-designated cancer centers in the United States. Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center is one of only two cancer centers in Florida the National Cancer Institute has recognized. The team earned this distinction through its outstanding work conducting research in its laboratories, treating patients in its clinics and hospitals, and reaching out to medically underserved communities with innovative cancer prevention strategies. Our physicians work to advance the field of lymphedema treatment and prevention with new procedures.

Multidisciplinary care, all in one place. The Lymphedema Surgery Program 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 healthcare providers. As an academic program, our physicians train the next generation of doctors and providers in many different specialties to offer high-quality care for lymphedema. With more providers experienced in lymphedema care, future patients can get the treatment they need, when they need it.