Surgery can bring bigger problems with it. We try to make it quite clear that this can be done but frequently it brings on more problems. Surgery is not a one-time solution that will take away the problem. I encourage people to take care of their condition as much as possible so that if something does come along they can take advantage of it. If you get to the point where your skin has changed and the tissue is fibrous and woody when something comes along you will be less likely to be able to take advantage of it.
Many patients appreciate having different treatment options to consider.
Some parents have learned the manual lymph drainage massage techniques as an alternative to pumping and enjoy the opportunity to bond with their children. If you are going to move lymphatic fluid out you have to use compression garments during the day in conjunction with pumping or massage when you are not wearing the garments. When your limbs are hanging down your chances of having the lymph building back up are quite high. If you have lymphatics which are restricted or non-functioning, it is important to wear the garments to keep the swelling down. There are definitely different preferences for different people.