Kinesio tape technique, or therapeutic elastic tape, has gained recognition as an effective technique in the post-operative care of various plastic surgeries. Beyond its widespread use in pain relief and edema reduction, its application plays a crucial role in preventing complications such as bruising, fibrosis, and undesirable scarring, which are common after procedures like liposuction and abdominoplasty. This article aims to discuss the use of kinesio tape in the post-operative period of plastic surgeries, emphasizing its benefits in reducing bruising (ecchymosis), preventing fibrosis, and enhancing the healing process. It will also highlight the importance of qualified professionals for administering this therapy.
1. The Kinesio Tape Technique
Kinesio tape is an elastic adhesive strip that can be applied directly to the skin. It was developed to support the skin and muscles without restricting the body’s natural mobility while stimulating the lymphatic, circulatory, and neuromuscular systems. Its application in the context of plastic surgeries has shown substantial benefits in accelerating recovery and reducing complications such as edema, pain, fibrosis, and hypertrophic scars.
2. Benefits in the Post-Operative Period of Plastic Surgeries
2.1 Prevention of Complications
After procedures such as liposuction and abdominoplasty, complications like bruising (ecchymosis), fibrosis, and abnormal scarring are common. Kinesio tape can play a crucial role in preventing or reducing these complications.
2.1.1 Bruising (Ecchymosis)
Bruising, or ecchymosis, is frequently observed after liposuction, especially in areas like the abdomen, flanks, and thighs, where significant tissue manipulation occurs. The application of kinesio tape improves blood and lymphatic circulation in the affected areas, facilitating the reabsorption of hematomas and bruises. A study by Kase et al. (2014) demonstrated that kinesio tape can reduce the severity and duration of bruising after liposuction, accelerating the reabsorption of blood accumulated under the skin.
The tape lifts the skin slightly, creating space between the dermis and epidermis, which allows for more efficient fluid drainage and improves tissue oxygenation. This helps minimize bruising, speeding up the healing process and reducing visible hematomas.
2.1.2 Prevention of Fibrosis
Fibrosis, which involves the formation of excessive fibrous tissue after surgery, can occur following liposuction, particularly if recovery is not optimized. These hardened areas can be painful and aesthetically undesirable. Kinesio tape applied in the post-operative period can help prevent fibrosis by stimulating local circulation and promoting more efficient reabsorption of edema and inflammatory cells.
The tape helps normalize the cellular regeneration process, preventing excessive fibrous tissue formation. Studies, such as Santos et al. (2015), indicate that kinesio tape significantly reduces the incidence of fibrosis by enhancing lymphatic drainage and maintaining tissue mobility, thus preventing it from hardening.
2.1.3 Improving Healing After Abdominoplasty
Healing after an abdominoplasty, which involves the removal of excess skin and repair of the abdominal musculature, can be delicate, especially due to scar formation. Kinesio tape, when applied correctly, can reduce the risk of hypertrophic scars or keloids, promoting smoother healing and fewer aesthetic complications.
The application of the tape over the scar after abdominoplasty exerts controlled traction on the skin, which increases local oxygenation and blood circulation, improving tissue nourishment and accelerating regeneration. Additionally, kinesio tape has a “lifting” effect that helps keep the scar flat, preventing excessive stretching of the skin, which could result in wider or raised scars. A study by Kim et al. (2016) observed that the application of kinesio tape reduced the formation of visible scars and improved the aesthetic appearance in patients who underwent abdominoplasty.
2.2 Improving Mobility and Proprioception
Another important benefit of kinesio tape in the post-operative period is its ability to improve mobility. After liposuction or abdominoplasty, patients often face limitations in movement due to swelling, pain, or discomfort. The tape allows for freer, more comfortable movement, contributing to the prevention of joint and muscle stiffness, and promoting a faster recovery with a greater range of motion.
Kinesio tape also plays a role in proprioception, helping patients better perceive their body during rehabilitation, thus avoiding compensatory postures that could hinder recovery.
3. How to Receive Kinesio Tape Therapy in the Post-Operative Period
3.1 Consult a Qualified Professional
It is essential that kinesio tape application in the post-operative period of plastic surgeries is performed by a qualified professional, such as a physiotherapist or occupational therapist with experience in the technique. Improper tape application may lead to adverse effects, such as skin irritation, worsened edema, or even impaired healing. Qualified professionals, in addition to knowing the correct application techniques, can tailor the therapy to each patient’s specific needs, considering the area of the body treated and the type of surgery performed.
3.2 Application Technique
The application of kinesio tape should be done strategically, following the contours of the body and the biomechanical principles of the treated area. After liposuction or abdominoplasty, the tape can be applied in specific patterns to ensure proper edema drainage and support healing in the affected areas. The tape is typically applied to areas with swelling or at risk of fibrosis, such as the flanks or abdominal region.
Tape application should begin shortly after surgery when swelling and bruising start to form. The duration of tape use can vary from three to five days, depending on the patient’s clinical condition and the type of surgery performed. It is important that patients follow the professional’s guidelines regarding skin care and the ideal time for tape replacement.
3.3 Ongoing Monitoring
Continuous monitoring of the patient is crucial to ensure that kinesio tape therapy is being effective. The physiotherapist or responsible professional can adjust the application techniques as the recovery progresses, monitoring indicators such as reduced swelling, wound healing, and prevention of fibrosis.
4. The Importance of Qualified Professionals
As mentioned, kinesio tape application in the post-operative period of plastic surgeries should be performed by a qualified professional, preferably a physiotherapist with specific training in therapeutic taping techniques. Incorrect application of the tape can result in adverse effects such as skin irritation, worsening edema, or negative interference with the healing process.
4.1 Training and Certification
Qualified kinesio tape professionals, such as specialized physiotherapists, must have in-depth knowledge of the techniques and the physiological reactions that occur during the post-operative period of plastic surgeries. Additionally, they should have access to certifications that confirm their competency in performing the application safely and effectively.
5. Final Considerations
Kinesio tape proves to be an essential tool in the post-operative period of plastic surgeries, contributing to the reduction of bruising, prevention of fibrosis, improvement of scar healing, and minimization of aesthetic complications such as hypertrophic scars. When applied by qualified professionals, this technique can accelerate recovery, promoting a smoother healing process with less pain and better aesthetics.
Combined with other rehabilitation strategies and appropriate post-operative care, kinesio tape can provide significant results, helping patients achieve a complete and optimized recovery after procedures such as liposuction and abdominoplasty.
At Best and Beyond Spa, Day and Davilla are dedicated professionals passionate about wellness and beauty. With expertise in spa day treatments, couples massages, and senior wellness, they provide high-quality, personalized care in a relaxing environment. Their mission is to help clients feel rejuvenated, refreshed, and truly cared for.
