Sometimes, if these are combined with the special exercises, the limb will slowly reduce, as it will if they are combined with the benzopyrones. Much more compression, and much longer garments, are needed for lymphoedema than for a venous problem. Exercise Moderate exercise, especially if specifically designed for the treatment of lymphoedema, is helpful. Surgery There have been many operations for lymphoedema. In a very few, very unique situations, certain specialised operations are very successful, but such conditions are rare.
Liposuction makes lymphoedema much worse.
Elevation Early, soft lymphoedemas benefit from simply keeping the lib elevated whenever possible. The more long-lasting the lymphoedema and the more excess fibrous tissue there is, the less use is this treatment. Diet Patients sometimes think that, since excess proteins in the tissues cause the swelling, a low-protein diet should help. A normal well-balanced diet is best. However excess fat will make the effects of lymphoedema more severe and the condition harder to treat.