If lymphedema is not treated, the patient is at high risk of physical, psychological and psychosocial problems, which accompany changes in body appearance and seriously affect daily activities. Some of the more common complications of lymphedema include:
Recurrent infections, mainly cellulitis (inflammation of the skin) and lymphangitis (inflammation of the lymph vessels). Cellulitis occurs in 50% of patients with lymphedema and is caused by B-haemolytic streptococcus. Patients are prone to recurrent infections as the immune system response is inadequate. Signs of skin and subcutaneous tissue infection include:

It is important that treatment for the infection starts immediately, as if the local infection is not treated it can lead to skin degeneration and sepsis (generalized inflammation) which is more difficult to treat.

• Progressive trophic changes of the skin resulting in elephantiasis (Stage III Lymphedema).
• Progressive destruction of the lymphatic vessels.
• Cosmetic and structural changes in the body.
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Pain due to, pressure on nerves, loss of muscle tissue and scar formation.
• Lymphangiosarcoma. Cancer of the lymphatic system. There is a 10% risk of developing this condition after 10 or more years of chronic lymphedema. It is usually seen in lymphedema due to mastectomy. It starts with red or purple discoloration of the skin. The tumor is usually progressive and has a poor prognosis.