EFICÁCIA DA DRENAGEM LINFÁTICA MANUAL NA REDUÇÃO DO EDEMA PÓS-OPERATÓRIO DE ABDOMINOPLASTIA

Introduction: Postoperative edema is a common complication in aesthetic procedures, such as abdominoplasty, and can compromise patient recovery and prolong rehabilitation time. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a technique frequently used to reduce swelling and improve postoperative recovery. However, its effectiveness is still debated in the literature. Objective: To evaluate the scientific evidence on the effectiveness of manual lymphatic drainage in reducing postoperative edema after abdominoplasty. Materials and Methods: An integrative literature review was carried out, considering studies published between 2018 and 2024. The databases consulted included Books, PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS. Articles that investigated the effects of manual lymphatic drainage on the recovery of patients undergoing abdominoplasty were selected, totaling 15 studies. Results: Most of the studies analyzed demonstrated that MLD contributes to the reduction of postoperative edema, improves lymphatic circulation, and reduces patient discomfort. However, the frequency and technique used may influence the results. Conclusion: Manual lymphatic drainage was shown to be an effective intervention in reducing postoperative edema in patients undergoing abdominoplasty, favoring a faster and more comfortable recovery. Additional studies are needed to standardize protocols and optimize the benefits of this technique.