The importance of manual lymphatic drainage in the postoperative period of abdominoplasty

Abstract

Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure with reconstructive purposes, frequently associated with liposuction and/or its variants. Although considered a safe surgery, there are risks of complications such as seroma, hematoma, necrosis, infection, and asymmetries, as well as systemic complications like thromboembolic disease and respiratory insufficiency. These local complications, in particular, may require treatments like manual lymphatic drainage (MLD). The objective of this study was to discuss the relevance of MLD in the postoperative period of abdominoplasty. For this purpose, a literature review was conducted. The results indicated that MLD is important in the recovery after abdominoplasty, helping to reduce edema, hematomas, and pain, while also improving aesthetics and patient well-being. MLD is more effective when initiated early, preventing complications like seromas. Although ten sessions of MLD are generally sufficient, cases of edema and paresthesia may require more sessions. Therefore, MLD is essential and widely recommended in the postoperative care of abdominoplasty. However, it is suggested that future studies focus on the need to review the prescribed number of sessions for the effective improvement of postoperative edema in abdominoplasty.