Efficacy of Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Reducing Postoperative Complications After Cosmetic Plastic Surgery: A Systematic Review

Background

Cosmetic plastic surgical procedures, such as liposuction and abdominoplasty, often disrupt the lymphatic system, leading to complications, including swelling, pain, fibrosis, and seromas. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is commonly recommended postoperatively to enhance lymphatic flow and accelerate healing. However, evidence regarding its efficacy remains inconsistent, particularly in cosmetic procedures. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of MLD in reducing postoperative swelling, pain, fibrosis, seromas, and recovery time compared with standard care following cosmetic procedures and assess secondary outcomes, including bruising, patient satisfaction, and adverse effects.