1. Home
  2. /
  3. Procedures
  4. /
  5. Lymphedema

Lymphedema

Lymph node transfer

Healthy lymph nodes for the areas affected by edema. Connected to the circulation microsurgically.

Operating time
approx. 4 hours
Stay
7–10 days with intensive lymphatic therapy
First effect
Usually 2–3 days after surgery
Rest
4–6 weeks without pressure on the newly transplanted areas

Suitable for

  • Advanced-stage lymphedema
  • Affected areas such as the armpit or groin

Background

What is lymphedema?

In lymphedema, lymphatic fluid builds up in the tissue because the lymphatic system can no longer drain it adequately. The arm or leg swells and feels heavy and tight, and over time the tissue can harden.

Lymphedema most often develops after cancer treatment, when lymph nodes have been removed or irradiated (secondary lymphedema). Less often, the lymphatic system has developed differently from birth (primary lymphedema).

The basis of treatment is lymphatic drainage and compression. Surgery may be considered if this treatment is not sufficient. Whether a procedure is suitable, and which one, depends on factors such as the stage and is clarified in the consultation.

Your path

From your inquiry to aftercare

The same steps for every procedure. What applies specifically to this procedure is highlighted.

Request a consultation
  1. Schritt 01

    Your inquiry

    Via the contact form, for your individual inquiry. Prof. Aung will get back to you as soon as possible.

  2. Schritt 02

    Personal consultation

    Individual consultation without time pressure. It starts with your wishes and questions.

  3. Schritt 03

    Individual planning

    The procedure is tailored to your personal circumstances, not to a standard template.

    Lymph node transfer
  4. Schritt 04

    Information & decision

    The process, risks and alternatives are discussed calmly. You make the decision.

  5. Schritt 05

    Your procedure

    At one of the three surgery locations, minimally invasive wherever possible.

    Lymph node transfer
    • An intact package of lymph nodes is removed together with its artery and vein.
    • It is connected to the circulation in the affected area, for example in the armpit or groin.
    • This restores lymphatic drainage and counteracts further edema.
    • Afterwards: elevation and bandaging for good decongestion.
  6. Schritt 06

    Aftercare

    Scheduled check-ups, tailored to your procedure.

    Lymph node transfer
Prof. Aung im Beratungsgespräch
I use a wide range of different operations […]. This allows me to respond individually to the needs of my patients […].
Prof. Dr. med. Thiha Aung

Patient story

What patients say

Es ist äußerst natürlich und präzise. Man sieht keinerlei Narben, weder am Ober- noch am Unterlid.

Upper & lower eyelid lift
Erfahrungsbericht ·
December 2025

Prof. Aung besticht durch seine professionelle und kompetente Art.

Face & neck lift with upper eyelid lift
Erfahrungsbericht ·
November 2025

Mit Hilfe der Spritzen und einer kompletten Lebensumstellung konnte ich insgesamt 82 kg abnehmen und dank Prof. Dr. Thiha Aung wieder aktiv am Leben teilnehmen.

Tummy tuck after weight loss
Erfahrungsbericht ·
November 2025

Questions

Frequently asked questionsGood to know

How restricted will I be afterwards?

The donor site must not be put under strain for 4–6 weeks, and no pressure may be applied to the recipient site for 4–6 weeks. You continue the conservative therapy after consulting the surgeon.

Wer meldet sich nach meiner Anfrage?

Prof. Aung will get back to you as soon as possible.

Übernimmt die Krankenkasse die Kosten?

That depends on the type of procedure. During the consultation we always discuss what kind of procedure it is and whether it can be covered by health insurance.

Wo wird operiert?

At three hospitals: Kliniken Am Goldenen Steig in Freyung, Klinik am Isar Park in Plattling and Klinikum Weiden.

Wie lange falle ich nach der Operation aus?

That depends on the procedure. Each procedure page lists the operating time and length of stay.

Request a

Questions about this procedure?

  • Personal reply
    As soon as possible
  • Individual consultation
    No time pressure
  • Open, honest and without pressure
    In a calm and respectful setting
Schritt 1 von 3
Worum geht es?
Wo und wie möchten Sie beraten werden?

Concern: change

Preferred location

Wie erreichen wir Sie?

Preferred reply by

Offen, ehrlich und ohne Druck
Thank you. Your inquiry has been received. Prof. Aung will get back to you as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, that did not work. Please try again or write to kontakt@plastische-und-lymphchirurgie.de.