A doctor in a white coat marks guidelines on a woman's bare abdomen with a purple marker, likely preparing for a cosmetic or medical procedure.

Lymphedema Treatment

Often called the body’s “second circulatory system,” the lymphatic system plays a vital role in immune function and fluid balance. When it is damaged — most commonly in the United States by breast cancer treatment involving the removal or radiation of underarm lymph nodes — progressive swelling can develop in an affected limb. This swelling tends to worsen over time and can lead to recurrent soft-tissue infections from protein-rich fluid buildup, significantly limiting quality of life due to the size and weight of the extremity. In rare cases, long-standing lymphedema can progress to a cancer called lymphangiosarcoma.

Few surgeons are as qualified to treat this condition as Dr. Erez Dayan, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and Medical Director of Avance Plastic Surgery Institute who has been at the forefront of lymphedema research and treatment for over a decade. Harvard-trained — where he served as Chief Resident in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital — and fellowship-trained at the Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute, Dr. Dayan has published seminal research on the surgical treatment of lymphedema and was selected as Scientific Chair of the Harvard Lymphedema Symposium, an international multidisciplinary consortium of lymphedema experts. His background spans complex microvascular reconstruction, face transplantation, and the most advanced lymphatic techniques available today.

In select patients, Dr. Dayan can treat lymphedema through innovative techniques such as vascularized lymph node transfer, lymphatic venous bypass, or liposuction. He uses cutting-edge diagnostic tools, including indocyanine green lymphangiography, for precise assessment and diagnosis. After evaluating your condition, he will discuss a recommended plan and provide detailed information during your consultation at Avance Plastic Surgery Institute in Reno/Tahoe, NV.

“Lymphedema surgery isn’t a cure, but for the right patient it can dramatically reduce swelling, prevent infections, and restore a quality of life that’s been slipping away for years. Careful diagnosis and the right technique make all the difference.” — Dr. Erez Dayan

What Is Lymphedema Surgery?

Although surgery for lymphedema is not a cure, in select patients it is known to reduce the severity of symptoms and mitigate complications such as recurrent infections and the need for daily compression. With cutting-edge microsurgery techniques, lymphedema can now be addressed in ways that were not previously possible.

Surgical and Non-Surgical Lymphedema Treatment Options

Surgical options include:

Liposuction: removes excess fat and scar tissue caused by lymphatic fluid that has spilled into surrounding tissue, driving inflammation and fat-cell growth
Lymphatic Venous Bypass: redirects fluid from the lymph nodes toward small veins, and in select cases can be performed preventively during breast cancer treatment through the LYMPHA technique
Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer: transplants healthy lymph nodes — typically from the abdomen, groin, neck, or chest — to replace those damaged by cancer treatment

Non-surgical options include:

Lymphatic Massage Therapy: gentle, painless manual drainage that promotes lymphatic flow, used both on its own and by Dr. Dayan to improve swelling after aesthetic surgery

What Are the Stages of Lymphedema?

Stage 1: no outward signs or symptoms, but abnormal lymphatic flow is detectable on indocyanine green lymphangiography
Stage 2: fluid accumulates and the area swells, subsiding with elevation, and pressing may leave an indentation
Stage 3: swelling no longer resolves with elevation, pressing leaves no indentation, and the skin begins to thicken
Stage 4: limb deformity becomes apparent (elephantiasis), with thickened skin, scarring, and surface growths

Planning Your Reno/Tahoe Lymphatic Surgery

The first step is a consultation with Dr. Dayan at Avance Plastic Surgery Institute in Reno/Tahoe, where he assesses your stage of lymphedema and discusses the best approach. Before and during your consultation, patients can expect to:

Coordinate Care: arrange communication between Dr. Dayan and your lymphatic and occupational therapist
Review Your History: provide a thorough medical and surgical history of any past or present conditions
List Medications: share a detailed list of all medications, including supplements and herbs
Complete an Evaluation: undergo a physical assessment and near-infrared indocyanine green lymphatic imaging
Discuss Details: review the risks, benefits, costs, and insurance coverage options with Dr. Dayan

Anesthesia for Lymphedema Surgery

Dr. Dayan will ensure you are comfortable throughout every stage of your procedure. General anesthesia is typically used, meaning you will remain asleep during surgery, though local anesthesia with sedation is a viable option in select cases. With either approach, you will need a friend or family member to drive you home afterward.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Lymphedema Treatment?

Surgery is not a primary treatment for lymphedema, but it has been shown to successfully improve the condition in select cases. The best candidates have been evaluated and optimized by a certified lymphatic therapist and are in the less advanced stages of the condition. A consultation and physical evaluation are the best way to confirm whether surgery is appropriate for you.

What to Expect From Your Recovery

After your procedure, you will receive a detailed aftercare plan to support a safe recovery, and following Dr. Dayan’s instructions closely is essential to optimal healing. His experienced nursing staff will check on your progress regularly, in addition to scheduled visits with Dr. Dayan before and after your procedure.

Lymphedema Surgery Cost in Reno/Tahoe, Nevada

Because there are several different approaches to lymphatic surgery, each carries a different cost. The most accurate way to obtain a quote is through a consultation and physical evaluation with Dr. Dayan in Reno/Tahoe. The office can assist with insurance paperwork and with financing if needed.

Why Choose Dr. Dayan at Avance Plastic Surgery Institute

Lymphedema Research Leader: author of seminal articles on lymphedema surgery and Scientific Chair of the Harvard Lymphedema Symposium
Advanced Microsurgical Expertise: an extensive background in complex microvascular reconstruction and face transplantation
Harvard Training and Honors: recipient of the Harvard Plastic Surgery Academic Achievement Award, the Robert Goldwyn/Harvard Medical School Grant, and the Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation Grant
Published, International Authority: author of six books with more than 150 publications and presentations, lecturing across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and South America
Industry Leadership: a key investigator and opinion leader for Allergan, Galderma, InMode, and MTF Biologics

Schedule Your Lymphedema Consultation in Reno/Tahoe

If lymphedema is affecting your comfort, health, or quality of life, advanced treatment from one of the field’s research leaders is available. Contact Avance Plastic Surgery Institute online or call (775) 800-4444 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Erez Dayan in Reno/Tahoe, NV. Virtual consultations are also available for patients traveling from out of town.

Maintenance Program

The maintenance program at Avance Plastic Surgery Institute is designed to offer patients a convenient way to continue seeing the benefits of our treatments for as long as possible.

To maintain the outcomes of body cosmetic procedures, we recommend non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments with the following devices:

Forma Body (InMode)
Morpheus 8 Body (InMode)
Evolve

Research by Dr. Dayan

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Reviews

5.0 / 5.0

5.0 stars from 587 reviews

Hands down the most qualified, honest and knowledgeable plastic surgeon in Northern Nevada. Dr. Dayan and his staff are truly committed to offering leading edge technology, quality and professionalism to each and every treatment ranging from to simple non invasive injections to complicated procedures. What he and his team have to offer always seems too good to be true, but they always over exceed expectations and are incredibly budget conscientious. The Reno-Tahoe area is incredibly fortunate to welcome such a skilled and qualified aesthetic professional into the area!

Shelby M.

Dr. Dayan is the surgeon clients should interview with and choose for their procedures. I am always very cautious when deciding important life decisions and I can say without a doubt that I would go through my surgeries again with Dr. Dayan. Every appointment has been professional, courteous, informative, and truthful. I never felt rushed. I also appreciate knowing my privacy is maintained. My fear of pain is very respected, and his demeanor eases it quite a bit. I made my decision to trust Dr. Dayan because of his extensive education, vast experience, and my first-hand witness of his character. These factors have allowed me to look forward to all of my appointments.

Aubrey S.

I had three consultations and didn't make any decisions lightly, but Dr. Dayan blew the competition out of the water. From the moment I met him during my consultation, he was honest and open while also personable. He also insisted on putting me in touch with previous patients before I made my decision so that I could have a better understanding of the process and recovery as a whole. I ultimately picked him because I knew he would do a good job but also because I felt at ease with him. The day of surgery, I was very nervous and he was comforting while efficient with his time. He was also completely honest with me during my recovery and called either myself or my husband often to make sure I was doing well, but also to make sure my husband understood the process completely. He also makes himself so available for any little questions or concerns I've had, making me feel secure in knowing he's only a phone call or a text away. Although I am not yet completely healed (only 3 weeks post-op) I already feel so confident in the work that has been done. He has helped me to transform something that had me so insecure for such a long time into a body I feel comfortable in. I cannot wait for the final results! I won't hesitate to return to Dr. Dayan for anything else I need done. Between him and his office staff (Alli) I feel like more of a member of the Avance family rather than a patient!

Jacelyn O.

I highly encourage anyone who is considering plastic/reconstruction surgery to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dayan. I couldn't have asked for a better experience and outcome from my breast augmentation. At my consultations, not only did I get my questions thoroughly answered, but I was treated with such genuine kindness and patience. Dr. Dayan is professional, highly knowledgeable, honest and has a certain way of connecting with others. For these reasons, I trusted him and felt supported throughout my whole breast augmentation experience from pre- to post-surgery care. All around, I felt safe and informed about this big decision/investment which is all I could ever ask for. I recovered so much easier than I expected, and my breasts are looking perfect and natural! Dr. Dayan definitely listened to what I wanted and followed through. Lastly, I want to mention how sweet and supportive his team is over at Avance! I am very appreciative of their service.

Sidney C.

My results after a "noninvasive" procedure are amazing. The cutting-edge techniques and noninvasive technology that Dr. Dayan incorporates into his procedures, as well as being a gifted and talented surgeon and individual, all contribute to his many accomplishments. However, I personally am impressed with his abilities to listen, communicate, and create beautiful results. I highly recommend a consultation with Dr. Dayan before making a final decision on any kind of procedure. Just another satisfied patient!

Mary J.

I had a perfect experience at Avance. Dr. Dayan was quick, professional, and checked in with me regularly to make sure I was comfortable during the short procedure I needed done. His demeanor was calming and I was able to put full trust in his abilities from start to finish. Erez really knows his stuff, and it's amazing he's here in Reno when he could clearly be somewhere much bigger if he wanted. I definitely won't hesitate to book again if needed.

Chris S.

Absolutely an amazing experience! Where to start? When I first thought of getting a mommy makeover my expectations were not that high because I didn’t ever think I could look the way I wanted to. I always just hoped it would be an improvement and I would be happy with that. Then I met Dr. Dayan. From the first consultation he made me realize that he could give me beautiful results that I didn’t know were possible. He was so kind and confident and I knew from that moment that he was going to be my surgeon. I booked my surgery (a breast augmentation with implants and a tummy tuck with lipo) that day and it was the best choice I have ever made. Before my procedure he was very thorough and explained step by step what he was going to do which made me feel so comfortable. I actually wasn’t nervous at all. I was so excited! I am now 1 month post op and my results are above and beyond what I could have ever dreamed my body could look like after a mommy makeover. Dr. Dayan did an exceptional job. I am not completely healed and I already am so pleased. There are no words that can do justice to how amazing it is to put trust in someone with my body and wake up with results that are better than I could have ever imagined. He truly is skilled in his profession and has the eye for what is best for your body to give you the best results. He followed up with me several times post op to see how I was feeling. If I had any concerns or questions he responded to them quickly and personally which made me feel confident that everything was going well! His care is exceptional from beginning to end. He has an amazing staff as well. His Patient coordinator Ali is so sweet and helpful. She is amazing with communication as well as helping you with financial options and scheduling. You won’t be disappointed working with Dr. Dayan and Ali!

Valerie F.

Dr. Dayan and his team are the best of the best! The level of care, professionalism is top of the class. I strongly recommend Dr. Dayan and his entire team. I cannot say enough about his work - he is incredibly talented and I am confident under his care. Of course the results are amazing! I love my LIPS!

Nasya M.