Lymphoedema is a condition that can significantly impede daily functioning. When it occurs, it requires immediate action. It is an incurable disease, but with the right treatment it can be controlled. For this purpose, professional aesthetic medicine and cosmetology treatments performed at Arcadia Clinic in Krakow will prove useful.
The team at the Arcadia Clinic aesthetic medicine and cosmetology practice in Kraków consists of qualified specialists who will effectively support the treatment of lymphoedema. During a free holistic consultation, they will propose an individual therapy tailored to the severity of the problem.
Arcadia Clinic in Krakow is the place for people who want to take comprehensive care of their body condition. Our qualified team will guide you through the process of relieving lymphoedema. To this end, we offer LPG endermology treatment and laser therapy or micro-needle radiofraction (RF micro-needling) treatments.
Make an appointment for a free, holistic consultationLymphoedema is one of the most common disorders of the lymphatic system. It manifests itself as swelling of the arms and legs due to chronic lymphatic stasis in these limbs. Abnormal lymph circulation leads to initially painless swelling. Over time, however, the lymph becomes harder and a large swelling of the tissue and skin occurs. The limb becomes less functional and can cause imbalance. Lymphoedema is associated with a number of complications, including infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue.
The lymphatic system, also known as the lymphatic system, is made up of lymphatic vessels and organs such as the thymus gland, tonsils, lymph nodes and lymph nodes. Lymph is the fluid flowing from the cardiovascular system into the lymphatic system. The lymphatic vessels form a wide network of branches reaching most tissues of the body. The vessels branch out through connections called lymph nodes.
The lymphatic system plays a significant role in the body. The lymph flowing through the lymph vessels collects toxic substances and bacteria draining them into the lymph nodes. These are then transported to the kidneys and removed from the body. The lymphatic system also produces the antibodies necessary to fight disease.
Lymphoedema usually occurs in one or both arms, or legs, depending on the extent and location of the damage to the lymphatic vessels. In most cases, the disease affects one limb. The disease is most often visible to the naked eye – the disproportion between the diseased and healthy part of the body is apparent. The swollen limb is heavier and therefore has limited mobility. The diseased limb has a reduced skin immunity, so additional bacterial and fungal infections may occur.
– Stage 0 – swelling is latent, limb asymmetry is slight. It can last for years and, if untreated, can progress to subsequent stages,
– Stage I – the oedema is transient, soft and malleable and resolves with elevation of the limb,
– Stage II – fibrosis forms at the site of the disease, making the oedema less malleable. It does not subside after elevation of the limb,
– Stage III – so-called elephantiasis. The visible swelling of the limb is due to the build-up of connective and fatty tissue in the limb. There is a tendency towards complications such as a decrease in immunity, skin infections, bacterial infections, inflammation, deformation of the limb and, in extreme cases, cancer.
Treatment of stage II and stage III lymphoedema requires consultation with a specialist and is often very expensive. For this reason, prevention is recommended to prevent the development of severe disease.
The type of lymphoedema needs to be identified in order to carry out the appropriate interventions and correct treatment. Lymphoedema is divided into primary and secondary.
Primary lymphoedema is associated with an abnormality of the lymphatic system and usually occurs at birth, although symptoms may take many years to appear (determined by factors such as acquired disease and hormonal changes).
In the case of primary lymphoedema, we are dealing with diseases as a result of which the lymphatic system cannot keep up with the removal of toxins from the body. In this situation, a complete cure is not possible, but with appropriate treatments and additional prophylaxis, it is possible to effectively reduce the oedema. Three forms of primary lymphoedema are distinguished, depending on the age at which symptoms appear.
occurs after birth and is more common in women than in men. People with congenital lymphoedema inherit what is known as “Milroy’s disease”
this is the rarest form of primary lymphoedema. It manifests after birth and before the age of 45, with symptoms most commonly appearing in adolescence
manifests after the age of 35 years and is known as Meige’s disease. It occurs less frequently than congenital lymphoedema and early lymphoedema.
Secondary lymphoedema develops when lymphatic vessels become blocked or damaged. The most common causes causing secondary lymphoedema include mechanical trauma, surgery, infection, inflammation, obesity, radiotherapy and chronic venous insufficiency. Lymphoedema may worsen in women during pregnancy and reduce to its primary form after childbirth. In the case of secondary lymphoedema, it is possible to reverse the symptoms, but treatment should be implemented as soon as the first symptoms are noticed.
In the treatment of lymphoedema, the most important thing is to get rid of concomitant diseases, for example parasites or inflammation. It is important to remember that primary oedema is a disease that cannot be completely cured. Due to genetic predisposition, we can only alleviate the symptoms of the problem.
Physiotherapy is the mainstay of treatment for lymphoedema. Treatment is mainly based on lymphatic drainage. This is a massage that stimulates the activity of the lymphatic vessels to allow the lymph to flow freely. For the therapy to be fully effective, the doctor also introduces compression therapy, which involves applying pressure to the affected areas with a bandage.
Lymphoedema therapy is carried out by the doctor, but for prevention, or in the case of slight symptoms of the condition, it is worth visiting an aesthetic medicine and cosmetology salon. On site, a team of qualified ones will conduct a thorough interview with the patient and select the ideal treatment to alleviate the symptoms and eliminate the problematic feeling of heaviness.
See what the first visit to Arcadia Clinic looks likeA problem with the lymphatic system is one of the most common causes causing inflammation of the skin and connective tissues and deep vein thrombosis. If left untreated, swelling can lead to functional problems in the affected area and unsightly cosmetic issues.
People struggling with long-term lymphoedema have a 10% chance of developing a lymphatic vascular tumour, known as malignant lymphangioma. This is an aggressive cancer that is treated by amputating the affected limb.
The swelling at an advanced stage affects the appearance, which can have a major psychological impact on the patient’s self-esteem.
It is important to remember that we cannot prevent primary lymphoedema. We can only take measures to reduce the risk of developing secondary oedema. First and foremost, protect your arm or leg. Injuries, wounds or scratches on the affected limb should be avoided, as this can cause infection. Rest has an important function in preventing the development of oedema. Also try not to overheat the affected limb and avoid tight clothing. Elevate the limb above the level of the heart on a regular basis to help fluids flow around the body.
It is important to emphasise that it is essential to see a doctor if you are struggling with advanced lymphoedema. The doctor will suggest appropriate treatment and rule out any risk of dangerous complications.
When struggling with mild secondary lymphoedema, it is worth going for aesthetic medicine and cosmetology treatments. Specialists from Arcadia Clinic in Krakow will conduct a thorough interview, thanks to which it will be possible to alleviate the symptoms of the disease.
Endermologie is a revolutionary method during which pressure is generated that sucks a fold of skin between the rollers placed in the head. An internal and external massage begins, during which connective tissue cells are stimulated to work and begin to produce more collagen and elastin. The mechanical massage decongests the lymphatic system and the circulatory system. The treatment is ideal for improving circulation and oxygenation of the lower and upper limbs. Endermologie provides excellent results after just 5-6 treatments, not only draining intercellular fluid, but also reducing cellulite and unnecessary fatty tissue.
The acoustic waves used in the treatment of oedema are a non-invasive and safe procedure that guarantees excellent results. The procedure consists of two stages. The first is lymphatic drainage, which results in an amplified effect by unblocking lymph flow, reducing swelling and soreness in parts of the body. Next, an acoustic wave is directed at the skin and strikes unwanted cells, causing them to break down quickly and completely. The treatment does not require any cuts or tissue disruption and effectively supports the treatment of congestion in the lymphatic system.
Waterpeeling involves injecting active ingredients into the skin using compressed air. The treatment strongly stimulates the skin reducing roughness and improving product absorption. The technology used for the treatment effectively intensifies the nutrients and lymph, reducing swelling. After the treatment, the skin becomes radiant. Waterpeeling is recommended for people with delicate and sensitive skin, as well as those struggling with rosacea and acne vulgaris.
The Arcadia Clinic aesthetic medicine and cosmetology practice in Krakow offers a range of effective treatments to help reduce excess body fat. During a free consultation, the specialist will take a detailed history of your health, skin condition and propose an individual treatment therapy guaranteeing the best results.
Make an appointment for a free, holistic consultation