Recent advances in the medical understanding of the biological processes of lymphatic development and repair suggest that these mechanisms may be able to be manipulated to enhance the regenerative responses in the lymphatic vasculature following injury. Breast cancer-associated lymphedema is a model of such an acquired form of lymphatic vasculature insufficiency. Clinically, this poses a substantial clinical problem. It is estimated at 1woman in 4 who survives a breast cancer intervention will develop lymphedema, often progressively. The appearance of lymphedema has documented adverse effects on physical and psychologically well-being. New insights into lymphatic repair suggest that such mechanisms can be employed in a prophylactic fashion to forestall or eliminate the development of lymphedema. This proposal investigates this hypothesis in a prospective fashion, using a randomized trial design in 80 patients enrolled at the time of breast cancer surgery. If the investigation documents a beneficial effect of preventive measures, it could have a profound impact on subsequent breast cancer care. These measures are simple and cost-effective and, could help to eliminate the impact of a substantial detractor to the improved longevity and health that breast cancer survivors otherwise may expect to enjoy.