{"id":693,"date":"2026-08-20T17:06:34","date_gmt":"2026-08-20T15:06:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/glossar\/lymphoedem\/"},"modified":"2026-08-20T17:26:05","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T15:26:05","slug":"lymphoedema","status":"publish","type":"glossary","link":"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/glossar\/lymphoedem\/","title":{"rendered":"Lymphoedema"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-boxed has-apricot-light-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Lymphoedema<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lymphoedema is a chronic swelling of parts of the body \u2013 usually the arms or legs \u2013 that is visible and palpable, caused by a disruption in the lymphatic system\u2019s drainage function. It is incurable, but can be treated and managed very effectively with Complex Physical Decongestive Therapy (CPDT), which comprises lymphatic drainage and compression.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#definition-was-ist-ein-lymphodem\">Definition: What is lymphoedema?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#primares-vs-sekundares-lymphodem-die-ursachen\">Primary versus secondary lymphoedema: the causes<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#der-wichtige-unterschied-lymphodem-vs-lipodem\">The key difference: lymphoedema vs. lipoedema<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#die-4-stadien-des-lymphodems\">The 4 stages of lymphoedema<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#die-therapie-komplexe-physikalische-entstauungstherapie-kpe\">The treatment: Complex Physical Decongestive Therapy (CPT)<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#risiko-nach-schonheits-ops-und-finanzielle-absicherung\">Risks following cosmetic surgery and financial protection<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#haufig-gestellte-fragen-faq-zum-lymphodem\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about lymphoedema<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-boxed has-white-warm-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Important note<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This article is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for a medical diagnosis or advice. If you are unsure, or if you require a personalised treatment plan, it is essential that you consult a qualified specialist.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"definition-was-ist-ein-lymphodem\">Definition: What is lymphoedema?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lymphoedema is a chronic swelling of parts of the body (usually the arms or legs) that is visible and palpable, caused by a disruption in the lymphatic system\u2019s drainage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the lymphatic vessels are damaged or overloaded, the protein-rich lymph fluid can no longer be adequately drained from the tissue. It accumulates between the cells, leading to progressive swelling and changes in the tissue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"primares-vs-sekundares-lymphodem-die-ursachen\">Primary versus secondary lymphoedema: the causes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are two fundamentally different types of lymphoedema:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"primares-angeborenes-lymphodem\">Primary (congenital) lymphoedema<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A rare condition caused by a congenital malformation of the lymphatic system. For example, the vessels may be too narrow or there may be too few of them. The swelling often occurs as early as puberty or in early adulthood without any apparent cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sekundares-erworbenes-lymphodem\">Secondary (acquired) lymphoedema<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is by far the most common form. In this case, the lymphatic system was originally healthy but was damaged by an external event. The most common causes are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Surgery involving the removal of lymph nodes:<\/strong> The classic example is arm lymphoedema following breast cancer surgery.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Radiotherapy:<\/strong> It can cause the fine lymph vessels to become blocked.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Injuries and infections:<\/strong> Severe bruising or recurrent inflammation can damage the lymphatic system.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cosmetic procedures:<\/strong> Even following extensive liposuction, temporary or (rarely) permanent damage to the lymphatic vessels may occur.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"der-wichtige-unterschied-lymphodem-vs-lipodem\">The key difference: lymphoedema vs. lipoedema<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These two conditions are often confused, but they are fundamentally different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Characteristic<\/th><th>Lymphoedema<\/th><th>Lipedema<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Cause<\/td><td>Accumulation of lymph fluid<\/td><td>Abnormal fat distribution<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Affected departments<\/td><td>Often affects only one side (e.g. one arm); feet and hands are affected<\/td><td>Always symmetrical (both legs\/arms); feet\/hands are free<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Pain<\/td><td>Usually painless (a feeling of tightness)<\/td><td>Severe pain when pressure is applied, tendency to bruise<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Stemmer symbol<\/td><td>The fold of skin over the toes cannot be lifted<\/td><td>The skin fold can be lifted easily<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"die-4-stadien-des-lymphodems\">The 4 stages of lymphoedema<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Untreated lymphoedema progresses. Medical professionals classify it into four stages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Stage 0 (latent stage):<\/strong> The lymphatic system is damaged, but there is no visible swelling yet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stage 1 (Reversible stage):<\/strong> The swelling is soft and will subside on its own if the area is elevated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stage 2 (spontaneously irreversible stage):<\/strong> The swelling is hardened (fibrosis) and no longer subsides when the affected area is elevated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stage 3 (Elephantiasis):<\/strong> Severe swelling accompanied by skin changes, an increased risk of infection and restricted mobility.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"die-therapie-komplexe-physikalische-entstauungstherapie-kpe\">The treatment: Complex Physical Decongestive Therapy (CPT)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lymphoedema cannot be cured, but it can be treated very effectively with Complex Physical Decongestive Therapy (CPDT). The therapy must be continued for life and consists of two phases and four pillars:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"phase-1-entstauung\">Phase 1: Decongestion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Intensive treatment is carried out here every day to reduce the volume. The two main pillars are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD):<\/strong> Gentle, circular massage strokes stimulate the remaining lymphatic vessels to drain away the accumulated fluid.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Compression therapy:<\/strong> Immediately after the MLD treatment, the decongested leg or arm is wrapped tightly with special bandages to prevent it from swelling up again.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"phase-2-erhaltung\">Phase 2: Maintenance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once the maximum result has been achieved, treatment is switched to a maintenance regimen:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Made-to-measure compression stockings:<\/strong> Replace the bandages; they must be worn every day.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Skin care &amp; exercise:<\/strong> Careful skin care helps prevent infections. Special decongestive exercises help to promote lymph flow.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"risiko-nach-schonheits-ops-und-finanzielle-absicherung\">Risks following cosmetic surgery and financial protection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Secondary lymphoedema is a recognised, serious complication following surgical procedures. Treatment \u2013 in particular the lifelong need for manual lymphatic drainage and custom-made compression stockings \u2013 can incur significant costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-boxed is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Protection against follow-on costs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If lymphoedema requiring treatment develops following a purely cosmetic operation (such as liposuction), disputes may arise with the health insurance provider regarding the coverage of costs for the long-term treatment. A policy taken out prior to the procedure <a href=\"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/after-care-insurance\/\">Consequential Costs Insurance<\/a> provides important cover in this regard. It covers the costs of medically necessary treatment required to manage such a post-operative complication.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can find further information on covered procedures on the overview page for treatments and procedures, as well as in the frequently asked questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-boxed is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">None<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-polar\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/after-care-insurance\/\">Insure against consequential costs<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"haufig-gestellte-fragen-faq-zum-lymphodem\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about lymphoedema<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-1&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-1-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" id=\"accordion-item-1\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Can lymphoedema be treated with surgery?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-1\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"state.isHidden\" data-wp-on--beforematch=\"actions.handleBeforeMatch\" id=\"accordion-item-1-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Highly specialised centres offer microsurgical procedures (e.g. lymphatic vessel transplantation). However, KPE always remains the standard treatment. In stage 3, liposuction may be advisable to remove the excess fatty tissue.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-2&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-2-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" id=\"accordion-item-2\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Which doctor diagnoses lymphoedema?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-2\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"state.isHidden\" data-wp-on--beforematch=\"actions.handleBeforeMatch\" id=\"accordion-item-2-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The right person to consult is a specialist in lymphology or a phlebologist (vein specialist).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-3&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-3-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" id=\"accordion-item-3\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Can I do sport if I have lymphoedema?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-3\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"state.isHidden\" data-wp-on--beforematch=\"actions.handleBeforeMatch\" id=\"accordion-item-3-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, absolutely! Exercise (particularly swimming, aqua aerobics and walking) whilst wearing compression garments is extremely important, as the muscle pump stimulates lymph flow.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-4&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-4-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" id=\"accordion-item-4\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">What happens if lymphoedema is left untreated?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-4\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"state.isHidden\" data-wp-on--beforematch=\"actions.handleBeforeMatch\" id=\"accordion-item-4-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The tissue becomes increasingly hardened (fibrosis), the swelling worsens (to the point of elephantiasis) and the risk of serious skin infections (erysipelas) rises dramatically.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lymphoedema is a chronic swelling caused by a disruption in the lymphatic system\u2019s drainage, usually affecting the arms or legs \u2013 it cannot be cured, but it can be managed effectively.<\/p>","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-693","glossary","type-glossary","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossary\/693","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossary"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/glossary"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=693"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}