ABDOMINOPLASTY: THE ROLE OF THE NURS IN THE POST-SURGICAL PERIOD FOR EFFECTIVE RESULTS

Abstract

Introduction: Abdominoplasty is an increasingly common cosmetic surgical procedure that involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen, providing a firmer and more toned appearance. However, as it is an invasive surgery, the postoperative period requires rigorous care, and it is in this context that nurses play an essential role. Thus, the rehabilitation of a patient undergoing this surgery involves managing dressings, monitoring vital signs, preventing complications such as seromas and infections, as well as providing guidance on home care and restrictions on physical activities. Objectives: To analyze the role of nurses in the postoperative period of abdominoplasty, verifying how their interventions influence the effectiveness of surgical results. Methodology: This is a qualitative methodology, based on an existing literature review. Data collection took place between March and April of 2025, through the Virtual Health Library (VHL), Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (Lilacs) and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) databases, using the descriptors in health sciences (Decs): role of the nurse, postoperative, effectiveness of results, abdominoplasty, associated with the Boolean and. The following inclusion criteria were adopted: articles published between 2019 and 2025, articles available in Portuguese for free on the websites described above, which address the topic and are available in full. Thus, duplicate articles were eliminated, that is, those present in more than one database, articles in other languages, monographs, incomplete articles, dissertations and those that deviate from the proposal of the aforementioned study. Results and discussions: Nursing practices in this phase are focused on continuous monitoring of vital signs, pain control, and prevention of complications such as infections, seromas, and suture dehiscence. The professional is also responsible for providing guidance on early mobilization, adequate nutrition, and dressing care. These interventions contribute to the healing process occurring as expected and to the patient feeling supported and instructed during the rehabilitation phase. Conclusion: During the investigation process, it was possible to perceive that nursing practices focused on pain control, prevention of complications, guidance on self-care, and emotional support contribute to the patient feeling more confident in the face of the limitations imposed by surgery.