Lymphedema Prevention Surgery in San Diego, CA

Name: Lymphedema Prevention Surgery
Brand: Coastal Plastic Surgeons
Rating: 5 (51 reviews)

Empowering healing and recovery through advanced microsurgical techniques that prevent lymphedema before it starts.

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Lymphedema Prevention Surgery in San Diego Restoring Balance and Protecting Long-Term Wellness

Lymphedema is one of the most challenging complications that can follow cancer treatment or lymph node removal, but today’s surgical advancements make it possible to prevent it altogether. At Coastal Plastic Surgeons, we specialize in lymphedema prevention surgery in San Diego, offering patients the opportunity to preserve lymphatic function and minimize future swelling, discomfort, and mobility issues. Dr. Chagri combines expertise and compassion to help patients recover with confidence and comfort. Schedule a consultation today to learn how early surgical intervention can protect your long-term health and quality of life.

What Is Lymphedema Prevention Surgery?

Lymphedema prevention surgery, often performed at the time of cancer treatment or lymph node removal, is a specialized microsurgical technique that reconnects or reconstructs the lymphatic system to maintain healthy fluid circulation. The goal is to prevent the buildup of lymph fluid that causes swelling, discomfort, and infection risk in the arms, legs, or other affected areas.

The most advanced form of this procedure is Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction (ILR), in which lymphatic vessels are connected to nearby veins during the same surgery that removes lymph nodes (such as during breast cancer or melanoma treatment). By restoring the lymphatic drainage pathways right away, ILR greatly reduces the risk of chronic lymphedema development after cancer surgery. This innovative approach is transforming patient outcomes—helping individuals heal faster, regain mobility, and enjoy long-term comfort without the limitations that often accompany lymphedema.

Benefits of Lymphedema Prevention Surgery

Preventive lymphatic surgery offers both physical and emotional benefits, protecting patients’ health and quality of life after cancer treatment.

Reduces Risk of Chronic Lymphedema: Reconstructs lymphatic pathways before damage occurs, lowering the likelihood of long-term swelling.
Improves Postoperative Recovery: Supports faster healing and minimizes fluid buildup following lymph node removal or radiation.
Preserves Mobility and Function: Prevents stiffness and heaviness in the affected limbs, maintaining flexibility and strength.
Enhances Quality of Life: Allows patients to return to daily activities, exercise, and social routines more comfortably.
Decreases Long-Term Care Needs: Reduces dependence on compression garments, physical therapy, and other lifelong management strategies.
Aesthetic and Functional Harmony: Promotes natural body balance while minimizing visible or structural changes.

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Who Is a Good Candidate for Lymphedema Prevention Surgery?

Candidates for lymphedema prevention surgery in San Diego typically include patients undergoing cancer surgeries that involve lymph node removal— most commonly breast cancer, melanoma, or gynecologic cancer. Patients at high risk for lymphedema may have one or more of the following:

Planned axillary, inguinal, or pelvic lymph node dissection
Prior radiation therapy to the lymph node regions
History of swelling or heaviness in the arms or legs after cancer treatment
A desire to proactively minimize long-term complications

The best candidates are those who have not yet developed lymphedema and can benefit from early surgical reconstruction. However, patients already experiencing mild lymphedema may also benefit from reconstructive procedures that restore lymphatic flow and reduce symptoms.

During consultation, Dr. Chagri carefully evaluates each patient’s medical history, cancer treatment plan, and anatomy to determine whether preventive lymphatic surgery is appropriate and safe.

What to Expect During Your Lymphedema Prevention Surgery

Lymphedema prevention procedures are performed using supermicrosurgical techniques, which require extraordinary precision. Under a high-powered surgical microscope, Dr. Chagri identifies tiny lymphatic vessels—sometimes less than half a millimeter in diameter—and connects them to nearby small veins to allow fluid drainage. This delicate process, called lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA), is most effective when performed immediately after lymph node dissection. By reestablishing the body’s natural drainage system during the same operation, the risk of lymphatic fluid buildup is dramatically reduced. The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and adds minimal additional time to the cancer surgery itself. Patients can usually recover at the same pace as they would from the primary procedure.

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Recovery and Results

Recovery from lymphedema prevention surgery is generally well tolerated. Because this procedure is minimally invasive and uses small incisions, postoperative pain and downtime are minimal. Most patients can resume light activities within a few days and return to full activity as cleared by their surgical and oncology teams. Early results often include less swelling, smoother healing, and improved range of motion compared to patients who undergo lymph node dissection without lymphatic reconstruction. Over time, the benefits become even more significant—most patients who undergo ILR or LVA avoid chronic swelling altogether, maintaining normal limb appearance and function long after cancer treatment ends. Dr. Chagri follows each patient closely during recovery to monitor healing, confirm restored drainage, and ensure optimal long-term outcomes.

The Importance of a Multidisciplinary Approach

Lymphedema prevention surgery requires collaboration between your oncology team, surgical oncologist, and reconstructive surgeon. Dr. Chagri ensures that the procedure is performed safely and effectively during cancer surgery across all providers. This collaborative approach not only protects lymphatic health but also contributes to better overall cancer recovery. At Coastal Plastic Surgeons, our patients receive both expert surgical care and holistic support during every phase of treatment.

How Much Does Lymphedema Prevention Surgery Cost?

The cost of lymphedema prevention surgery in San Diego depends on the complexity of the procedure, the number of lymphatic reconnections performed, and any additional surgeries taking place at the same time (such as cancer resection or breast reconstruction).

Since ILR is performed alongside cancer surgery, portions of the procedure are often covered by insurance. Our team will work with you to verify your coverage, provide detailed cost estimates, and review financing options as needed.

Meet Your Provider Dr. Chagri

Dr. Chagri is a trusted plastic and reconstructive surgeon known internationally for his expertise in complex microsurgical procedures. With years of surgical experience and results, Dr. Chagri specializes in advanced reconstructive techniques that restore both function and confidence.

His precision, compassion, and collaborative care philosophy have made him one of the most trusted names in reconstructive surgery throughout San Diego and beyond.

Why Choose Coastal Plastic Surgeons?

At Coastal Plastic Surgeons, we believe that true recovery means more than healing from surgery—it means regaining comfort, confidence, and control over your life. Our team provides compassionate, personalized care and uses the most advanced surgical techniques to ensure the best outcomes possible. From prevention to full reconstruction, we are dedicated to helping patients restore balance and wellness after cancer treatment. Schedule your consultation today to learn how lymphedema prevention surgery can protect your long-term health and quality of life.

FAQs Lymphedema Prevention Surgery

Can this procedure be done after lymph node removal?

Yes. While prevention is most effective when performed immediately after lymph node dissection, patients who have already had surgery may still benefit from lymphatic reconstruction to improve drainage and reduce early symptoms.

Is lymphedema prevention surgery safe?

Yes. This surgery is performed using advanced microsurgical techniques under strict safety protocols. Because it adds minimal operative time and risk, it’s considered a safe and valuable complement to cancer surgery.

Does insurance cover lymphedema prevention surgery?

In many cases, yes—especially when the procedure is performed alongside medically necessary cancer treatment. Our team assists with insurance verification and documentation.

What are the risks?

As with any surgery, there is a small risk of infection, bleeding, or fluid retention. However, these risks are rare and generally mild compared to the long-term complications of untreated lymphedema.

How soon will I see results?

Most patients notice smoother healing and reduced swelling within weeks. The full preventive benefits—avoiding chronic swelling or discomfort—become clear over several months as recovery continues.