Northwest Oncology & Hematology

Rolling Meadows Office: 847.870.4100
Elk Grove Village Office: 847.437.3312
Hoffman Estates Office: 847.885.4100
Barrington Office: 847.842.0180
Elgin Office: 847.577.1023

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Welcome to our health education library. The information shared below is provided to you as an educational and informational source only and is not intended to replace a medical examination or consultation, or medical advice given to you by a physician or medical professional.

Preventing Lymphedema After Breast SurgeryC³mo prevenir el linfoedema despu©s de una cirug­a del seno

Preventing Lymphedema After Breast Surgery

Call the Doctor If Your Arm Is:

  • Swollen or red

  • Hot

  • Painful

After breast surgery, fluid may collect and cause swelling in the arm on the side of your surgery. This is called lymphedema. It occurs when lymph nodes under the arm are removed or the underarm area is treated with radiation therapy. This causes the normal flow of fluids in the arm to be reduced. To prevent lymphedema, try the tips on this handout.

Image of woman
Carry a purse on your other arm.

Avoid Excess Use

  • Carry purses and heavy packages with your other arm.

  • Build strength with gentle moves such as making a fist.

  • Don't favor your operated arm. Use it to do light tasks such as dusting, writing, and weeding.

Keep Fluid Moving

To prevent swelling, keep the fluid moving in your arm. Try these tips:

  • Raise your operated arm above your heart when you sit or lie down.

  • Don't wear tight sleeves, elastic cuffs, bracelets, wristwatches, or rings on that arm.

Image of woman
Raise the affected arm above your heart.

Protect Your Arm and Skin from Infection

  • Wear gloves when you garden or handle garbage.

  • Wash, treat, and cover even the smallest cut.

  • Use an electric razor if you shave under your arms.

  • Have injections given and blood pressure taken in your other arm.

  • Don't pick at or cut the skin around your fingernails.

  • Avoid sunburns and burns from cooking or smoking.

Date Last Reviewed: 2007-01-15T00:00:00-07:00

Date Last Modified: 2002-07-09T08:39:21-06:00

Preventing Lymphedema After Breast SurgeryC³mo prevenir el linfoedema despu©s de una cirug­a del seno

Preventing Lymphedema After Breast Surgery

Call the Doctor If Your Arm Is:

  • Swollen or red

  • Hot

  • Painful

After breast surgery, fluid may collect and cause swelling in the arm on the side of your surgery. This is called lymphedema. It occurs when lymph nodes under the arm are removed or the underarm area is treated with radiation therapy. This causes the normal flow of fluids in the arm to be reduced. To prevent lymphedema, try the tips on this handout.

Image of woman
Carry a purse on your other arm.

Avoid Excess Use

  • Carry purses and heavy packages with your other arm.

  • Build strength with gentle moves such as making a fist.

  • Don't favor your operated arm. Use it to do light tasks such as dusting, writing, and weeding.

Keep Fluid Moving

To prevent swelling, keep the fluid moving in your arm. Try these tips:

  • Raise your operated arm above your heart when you sit or lie down.

  • Don't wear tight sleeves, elastic cuffs, bracelets, wristwatches, or rings on that arm.

Image of woman
Raise the affected arm above your heart.

Protect Your Arm and Skin from Infection

  • Wear gloves when you garden or handle garbage.

  • Wash, treat, and cover even the smallest cut.

  • Use an electric razor if you shave under your arms.

  • Have injections given and blood pressure taken in your other arm.

  • Don't pick at or cut the skin around your fingernails.

  • Avoid sunburns and burns from cooking or smoking.

Date Last Reviewed: 2007-01-15T00:00:00-07:00

Date Last Modified: 2002-07-09T08:39:21-06:00

Contact us at Northwest Oncology & Hematology. You can reach us at 847.870.4100 (Rolling Meadows office), 847.437.3312 (Elk Grove Village office), 847.885.4100 (Hoffman Estates office), 847.842.0180 (Barrington office) and 847.577.1023 (Elgin office). For your convenience, you can also use our New Patient Appointment online form to schedule your consultation with us.

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