Lymphedema / Compression

Lymphedema Products Near Me

After breast cancer surgery, women risk developing an uncomfortable fluid buildup known as lymphedema. Lymphedema can cause serious health complications such as infection and cellulitis if left untreated. The best way to prevent and manage lymphedema symptoms is with compression therapy. 

Mastectomyshop.com offers a full range of lymphedema garments, including sleeves, gauntlets, wraps, and hosiery that provide gentle compression and gradient pressure to alleviate symptoms of lymphedema.

What Is Lymphedema? 

Lymphedema (lymphatic obstruction) is the build-up of fluid in your body’s soft tissues that can occur when the lymphatic system is blocked. This fluid buildup leads to uncomfortable swelling, typically in the arms and legs.

Doctors classify lymphedema as either primary or secondary. Primary lymphedema is when the lymph system develops abnormally, and lymphedema symptoms can appear at any time after birth. Secondary lymphedema occurs when the lymphatic system is damaged and is usually caused by cancer, lymph node removal, radiation treatment, injury, or infection.

Women who undergo breast cancer surgery run the risk of developing secondary lymphedema.

Cancer Treatment and Lymphedema

Any cancer or cancer treatment that affects the way lymph fluid travels through lymph vessels can potentially lead to lymphedema. If lymphedema develops, it can develop within days or after many years. Most of the time, lymphedema symptoms arise within three years of surgery.

Generally, the more lymph nodes removed during surgery or treated with radiation, the greater your risk of developing lymphedema. In breast cancer patients, lymphedema most often occurs in those who have had their breast and axillary lymph nodes removed.

Patients who only have the sentinel lymph node removed (the first node in a group) are generally at a lower risk of developing lymphedema after surgery.

You may be at higher risk of developing lymphedema after cancer surgery if:

• You are obese
• Your skin is healing slowly after surgery
• Your tumor blocks lymph nodes in your neck, underarm, chest, pelvis, abdomen, or left lymph duct
• Surgery or radiation caused scar tissue to build up in the lymph ducts under your collar bones

Signs and Symptoms of Lymphedema

Symptoms vary across lymphedema patients, and other conditions can cause similar symptoms, but most patients experience some or all of the following:

• Swelling of the extremities
• Feeling of fullness or heaviness in the legs and arms
• Skin tightness, especially when wearing clothing or jewelry
• Trouble moving your arm and leg joints
• Thickening skin, sometimes with warts or blisters
• Itchy legs and toes
• Burning sensation in the legs
• Insomnia
• Hair loss

If you believe you have lymphedema, make an appointment with your physician or surgeon as soon as possible to discuss your options. In the meantime, explore available lymphedema products to help reduce your symptoms.

Lymphedema Products

Products that address symptoms of lymphedema include compression garments and related compression products like sleeves and bandages. These products apply gradient pressure and gentle compression to your skin that helps move fluid around your body, so it doesn’t build up.

Compression Bra

A post-surgical bra that offers gentle lymphedema compression can be invaluable during early recovery. A compression bra prevents fluid build-up, so you experience less swelling after surgery. Lymphedema garments like compression bras promote circulation, reducing your risk of blood clots which can also lead to complications.

Compression bras also help ensure that your surgical incisions heal correctly, which is why many patients must wear a medical compression bra immediately following surgery. These bras also feature pouches that can hold drains.

Compression Stockings and Sleeves

Compression stockings improve blood flow to your leg veins by gently squeezing your legs. The gentle compression can help reduce swelling in your legs and take away the feeling of heaviness.

Compression sleeves offer your arms the same benefits and often include a gauntlet (a section that extends from your wrist over your palm) that helps reduce hand swelling and issues like carpal tunnel. Compression stockings and sleeves can be worn while relaxing or provide extra comfort when exercising.

Compression Bandages and Wraps

Stretch bandages provide resistance and compression that help your body remove fluid from a limb. Ideal compression bandages are air permeable and absorb moisture. Many of these bandages are machine-washable and can be reused.

Compression wraps feature Velcro straps and a firm knit fabric, allowing you to control the level of compression.

Find a Lymphedema Product Near You

Mastectomyshop.com offers an outstanding collection of lymphedema products, including compression bras, sleeves, stockings, and bandages. Shop by brand, style, cup size, or color to find your perfect match.

Or to find out more about our products and shipping information send us a message or call at (877) 413-2273.