RECONSTRUCTIVE PLASTIC SURGERY IN THE BRAZILIAN PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM: AN ANALYSIS OF REGIONAL DISPARITIES IN ACCESS TO CARE

Abstract

Reconstructive plastic surgery is essential for the functional and aesthetic recovery of patients undergoing procedures such as post-mastectomy breast reconstruction and post-bariatric surgeries. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on regional disparities in access to these procedures within the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). Searches were conducted in PubMed, SciELO, Web of Science, Embase, and BVS databases, covering studies published between 2015 and 2025; 25 articles addressing geographic distribution, socioeconomic barriers, and profiles of reconstructive plastic surgery services in SUS were selected. Results indicate significant disparities, with a higher concentration of services and specialists in the Southeast and South regions, to the detriment of the North and Northeast, negatively impacting equitable access to care. Barriers include insufficient specialists, limited infrastructure, and socioeconomic inequalities. It is concluded that public policies aimed at expanding the network and regional qualification are essential to guarantee equity in access to reconstructive plastic surgery in Brazil.