Reduce your risk of developing lymphedema after lymph node removal with immediate lymphatic reconstruction in Westchester County. At Addora Plastic Surgery, fellowship-trained microsurgeon Dr. Kamal Addagatla provides the personalized, attentive care you deserve throughout your breast cancer and reconstructive journey in Westchester and surrounding counties.
Reduce Your Risk of Lymphedema After Cancer Surgery
Immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR) is a microsurgical procedure that reduces your risk of lymphedema after lymph nodes are removed during breast cancer surgery. Lymph node removal can disrupt the vessels that drain lymphatic fluid from your arm. During ILR, Dr. Addagatla uses microsurgical techniques to reconnect these disrupted lymphatic vessels to nearby veins, creating alternative drainage pathways that help lymphatic fluid continue to flow away from your arm and chest.
When Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction May Help:
- Disrupted lymphatic drainage following lymph node removal
- Increased risk of arm lymphedema after axillary lymph node dissection
- Increased risk of swelling caused by impaired lymphatic fluid drainage
- Severed lymphatic vessels during breast cancer surgery
- The need to establish alternative lymphatic drainage pathways
Dr. Addagatla’s Approach to Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction
Immediate lymphatic reconstruction in Westchester County is performed during the same operation as your axillary lymph node dissection. After the lymph nodes are removed, Dr. Addagatla identifies the small lymphatic vessels that previously carried fluid from your arm through those nodes. Using specialized microsurgical techniques and magnification, he carefully connects these disrupted lymphatic channels to nearby small veins, creating an alternative route for lymphatic fluid to drain from your arm.
Because these vessels can be extremely small, the procedure requires precise microsurgical skill. Dr. Addagatla’s fellowship training in microsurgery provides an advanced foundation for performing these delicate connections. By restoring a pathway for lymphatic drainage at the time your nodes are removed, ILR helps reduce your risk of developing lymphedema. Your procedure is carefully coordinated with your breast cancer surgery and treatment plan.
Advantages of Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction:
- Reduces the risk of developing lymphedema after axillary lymph node dissection
- Creates alternative pathways for lymphatic fluid to drain from your arm
- Addresses disrupted lymphatic drainage at the time lymph nodes are removed
- Is performed during the same operation as your breast cancer surgery
- Uses microsurgical techniques to reconnect small lymphatic vessels to nearby veins
- May help reduce the risk of persistent arm and chest swelling associated with lymphedema
FAQs
Who May Be a Candidate for ILR?
You may be considered for immediate lymphatic reconstruction in Westchester County if your breast cancer treatment includes an axillary lymph node dissection, which involves removing lymph nodes from your underarm. Because this can disrupt lymphatic drainage, ILR may be performed during the same operation to create alternative drainage pathways. Dr. Addagatla evaluates your cancer treatment plan, anatomy, medical history, and other factors to determine whether this microsurgical technique is appropriate for you.
Does ILR Guarantee I Will Not Develop Lymphedema?
No. ILR is performed to reduce your risk of developing lymphedema, but it cannot eliminate that risk completely. Lymphedema is influenced by several factors, including the extent of lymph node removal, radiation therapy, and your individual anatomy. Dr. Addagatla will explain what ILR can realistically accomplish and how it fits into your broader breast cancer treatment plan.
Why Choose Dr. Kamal Addagatla for Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction?
Dr. Addagatla is a double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with fellowship training in microsurgery, giving him the specialized foundation required for delicate lymphatic procedures. At Addora Plastic Surgery, his goal is to make this advanced level of surgical care accessible close to home, so you can receive fellowship-level microsurgical expertise in Westchester without traveling into New York City.
Just as importantly, your care remains personal throughout. Dr. Addagatla takes the time to explain how ILR fits into your breast cancer treatment and remains involved in your care. Located in Westchester and serving patients throughout Westchester and surrounding counties, Addora Plastic Surgery offers advanced surgical expertise with the attention of a private practice. Schedule your consultation for immediate lymphatic reconstruction in Westchester County to learn whether ILR is right for you.
