Reconstruction after developing lymphedema?

Yes, I do. Mine is about the same after--maybe slightly worse. I tried to get a VLNT with my recon but that didn't work out because the lymph flow in the donor area was insufficient

I had very mild truncal and upper arm LE before nipple reconstruction. The radiated tissue became mildly infected. Afterwards I had a six month flare I was able to control and resolve. Having troubles again with a flare 1.5 years after that surgery. Hard to know if this latest one has at all been made worse by the reconstruction.

Hello, I was diagnosed with lymphedema after my BMX and ALND on the right only. My experience was that initially after my unilateral DIEP, my lymphedema got better. And it was especially good while I still had JP drains in. I did however also notice that once I had the TE placed on my non cancer side, the lymphedema got a little bit worse. I assume from the TE and then subsequent placement of the implant causing more pressure and therefore blocking lymph channels. This is just my personal experience. Although it is a little bit worse, I would still do recon all over again. My lymphedema is mild truncal on cancer side and in my entire cancer side arm including hand and fingers. Hope this helps

I had surgery after having Lymohedema. It neither made it better nor worse. It was a nice relief when I had drains in as for that time I had no Lymohedema and a skinny ar. This was a bizarre silver lining to one of the most miserable parts of surgery.

I do. Mine got initially worse right after but I blame that on being forced to be inactive. But once that passed, it got better. Way better. Hope this helps and good luck!

Again, I wish there was a study on it, but anecdotally some people with LE have improvement with recon. I think the place in NOLA that does recon also can include a node transplant as part of it. I know the jury is still out on those, but perhaps it might work better as part of recon? I am just trying to recall what I have read here and online.