146 patients with unilateral extremity lymphedema were treated with Complex Lymphedema Therapy (CLT), also known as Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). Lymphedema reductions after CLT averaged 67.7 % in the 112 patients with one affected arm, and 71.6 % in the 34 patients with one affected leg. At 5-year follow-up, the average reduction in-patients with one affected arm increased to 75%, and decreased to 62% in those with one affected leg. Successful maintenance of initial lymphedema reduction is dependent upon compliance with the daily home self-care program. This program includes individualized lymphedema exercises which combine self manual lymphatic drainage, deep abdominal breathing, sequential isotonic/isometric exercises, instruction in risk reduction techniques/skincare to avoid infection in the affected limb, and 24 hour compression on the affected limb via compression garments/bandages. Sufficient time is needed for patients to successfully learn how to apply all the components of the home program. Patients who were compliant showed significant increases in lymphedema reduction, whereas non-complaint patients lost part of their initial reduction. These results showed that reductions in lymphedema achieved from a single course of CLT/CDT can be successfully maintained for 5 years without further treatment, provided the patient is taught a proper self-care program and is compliant with that program on a daily basis.

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