INTEGRATED APPROACH TO PRE- AND POST-OPERATIVE CARE IN AESTHETIC PLASTIC SURGERY: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Objective: To gather updated evidence on the main pre- and postoperative care strategies in aesthetic plastic surgery, emphasizing patient safety and clinical outcomes. Methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted through PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS, using the descriptors “aesthetic plastic surgery,” “preoperative care,” “postoperative care,” and “patient safety.” Articles published between 2018 and 2024, in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, with full-text availability, were included. Results: The literature highlights the relevance of thorough clinical and psychological assessment in the preoperative phase to reduce risks and align expectations. In the postoperative period, strict pain management, infection prevention, the use of compression garments, supervised lymphatic drainage, and multidisciplinary follow-up stand out as key strategies. Patient adherence to medical recommendations proved decisive in minimizing complications and optimizing aesthetic outcomes. Conclusion: Structured and individualized protocols, combined with a multidisciplinary approach, are essential for ensuring safety and efficacy in aesthetic plastic surgery, directly influencing recovery and patient satisfaction.