CLINICAL

Post-operative CARE

Maisa Cursino discusses integrative approaches in post-operative plastic surgery care

MAISA CURSINO

Maisa Cursino is a specialist in integrative aesthetics and post-operative care with over 15 years of clinical experience. She is the founder of Maisa Wellness Centre and has built her career on a holistic approach that aligns body, mind, and spirit. Her methods combine advanced manual therapies, bio-quantum energy tools, and evidence-based protocols focused on personalised healing. She is also an educator and mentor, offering training for professionals in aesthetics and integrative health..

Plastic surgery, widely performed for aesthetic and reconstructive purposes, involves a critical post-operative period that requires specialised care to ensure satisfactory outcomes and minimise complications. In this context, integrative therapies have gained prominence as a complement to conventional medical care, promoting holistic approaches that consider the patient’s physical and emotional wellbeing.

The post-operative recovery process begins well before the surgery itself. Choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon is essential to ensure safety and optimal outcomes. Equally important is scheduling a structured post-operative aftercare plan in advance and ensuring that the professional responsible for therapies is duly trained and certified in integrative techniques. Patients who smoke should stop at least one month prior to surgery, as nicotine can impair healing and increase the risk of complications. Furthermore, individuals taking regular medications such as hormonal contraceptives should seek medical guidance to evaluate potential surgical risks and make necessary adjustments.

METHODOLOGY

An integrative literature review was conducted, selecting studies published between 2015 and 2024 from databases including SciELO, PubMed, and LILACS. Inclusion criteria focused on research addressing the use of integrative therapies – specifically manual lymphatic drainage, taping, ozone therapy, IV therapy, and radiofrequency – in the context of postoperative plastic surgery care.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

MLD stimulates the lymphatic system, aiding the removal of interstitial fluids and toxins. Studies report benefits such as:

• Reduction of swelling and bruising

• Prevention of fibrosis and seromas

• Improved healing

• Pain and discomfort relief.

Application should be performed by qualified professionals, typically starting two to seven days post-surgery, according to medical guidance.

Taping

Elastic taping (kinesiology) supports lymphatic drainage and reduces oedema. When combined with MLD, it enhances and

prolongs therapeutic effects, offering greater comfort to the patient.

Ozone therapy

Ozone therapy uses medicinal ozone with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties. Postoperative benefits include:

• Accelerated healing

• Reduced infections

• Pain and inflammation relief

• Prevention of seromas and keloids.

It may be applied topically or systemically, by certified professionals following proper protocols.

IV therapy (vitamin infusion)

This involves the intravenous administration of nutrients like vitamins and minerals, aiding post-operative recovery by:

• Replenishing essential nutrients

• Strengthening the immune system

• Accelerating tissue repair

• Enhancing skin hydration and quality.

Must be applied, respecting individual needs, by a blood test check.

Laser Therapy (LLLT)

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) uses low-intensity light to stimulate biological processes in tissues. Benefits include:

• Faster healing through enhanced cell regeneration and collagen synthesis

• Pain and inflammation reduction

• Reduced risk of infection and fibrosis

• Improved scar quality. Indicated for surgeries such as abdominoplasty, breast surgery, and dermolipectomy, especially beneficial for elderly or compromised patients.

Radiofrequency

Radiofrequency applies electromagnetic waves to heat deep skin layers, stimulating collagen production. Benefits include:

• Reduced skin laxity

• Improved skin texture

• Enhanced tissue regeneration and healing.

Must be applied carefully, respecting individual recovery timelines and doctor recommendations.

POST-OPERATIVE CARE FOR LIPOEDEMA SURGERY

Lipoedema is a chronic condition involving abnormal fat accumulation, often in the lower limbs. Surgical treatment, typically via liposuction, requires a multidisciplinary and personalised post-operative approach.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

(MLD) MLD is crucial for managing post-operative oedema. Combining MLD with low-intensity therapeutic ultrasound pre- and post-op improves symptoms like pain, mobility, and fatigue, and reduces bruising and sensitivity.

Compression therapy

Wearing compression garments for two to three months post-surgery helps control swelling and shape body contours. Continuous use may be necessary in advanced cases.

Lymphatic taping

Elastic taping supports lymphatic drainage and enhances MLD effects, offering extended benefits and comfort.

Ozone therapy

Helps reduce inflammation, pain, and infection risk. Must be applied by trained professionals using specific protocols.

LLLT

LLLT stimulates tissue repair, reduces pain, and prevents adhesions, proving beneficial in lipoedema treatment, especially in patients with poor healing capacity.

Radiofrequency

Promotes collagen production, skin tightening, and tissue regeneration, supporting a smoother recovery process.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT

Nutritional guidance is a critical yet often underemphasised component in the integrative care of surgical patients. Consulting with a qualified nutritionist during the pre- and post-operative phases can significantly enhance patient outcomes. Adequate nutrition supports immune function, accelerates tissue healing, reduces systemic inflammation, and contributes to a more efficient and stable recovery. A personalised nutritional plan ensures the patient is well-nourished and properly hydrated, promoting optimal conditions for surgical healing and minimising the risk of complications. Incorporating nutritional counselling as part of a multidisciplinary approach aligns with evidence-based practices and reinforces the importance of treating the patient as a whole: body, mind, and spirit.

An anti-inflammatory, nutrient-rich, gluten and dairy free diet enhances healing and strengthens the immune system.

LOW-GLYCEMIC CARBOHYDRATES

Certain foods like complex carbs can cause inflammation so encourage patients to make sensible swaps that actually help reduce it...

• Yam: Supports digestion, immunity, and blood sugar control

• Sweet potato: Rich in beta-carotene for cell regeneration

• Plantain: High in potassium and ideal in light meals.

High-quality proteins

• Lean meats (chicken, beef), eggs, omega-3-rich fish (tuna, sardines)

• Legumes (chickpeas, lentils)

• Ora-pro-nóbis, a high-nutrient plant protein rich in fibre, iron, calcium, and magnesium.

Healthy fats

• Avocado, extra virgin olive oil, nuts, and seeds (flaxseed, chia, sesame, coconut).

Antioxidant fruits and vegetables

• Berries, citrus fruits, papaya

• Greens like kale, spinach, broccoli, and red cabbage.

Anti-inflammatory drinks and spices

• Herbal teas: Rosemary, calendula, chamomile, green tea

• Natural spices: Turmeric, garlic, onion, oregano, rosemary.

• Rosemary tea: Aids digestion, anti-inflammatory, revitalising

• Calendula tea: Promotes healing and regeneration.

Foods to avoid

• Pork, seafood, sugary and alcoholic beverages due to their inflammatory effects and interference with healing.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

The adoption of integrative therapies in the post-operative phase of plastic surgery, such as manual lymphatic drainage, taping, ozone therapy, IV therapy, and radiofrequency, combined with an anti-inflammatory diet, proves highly beneficial. Emotional support is equally essential due to the chronic and psychosocial aspects of lipoedema. These practices promote a more effective, safer, and more satisfactory recovery when administered by qualified professionals in conjunction with standard medical care.