Background: Lymphoedema after lymphadenectomy for breast cancer has been extensively studied, but more studies concerning lymphadenectomy for melanoma are needed. Aim: To assess the incidence of lymphoedema and other postoperative complications in patients undergoing radical lymphadenectomy for melanoma. Methods: Eighty-four patiens who had undergoing axillary, inguinal or ilio-inguinal lymphadenectomy for the treatment of cutaneous melanoma at AC Camargo Hospital in Brazil were evaluated. Patients' data were obtained by tape measurement, medical records and questioning. Results: The incidence of lymphoedema in the postoperative period was 17.5% and 59.1% for the upper and lower limbs, respectively. The incidence of other postoperative complications of axillary, inguinal and ilioinguinal lymphadenectomies were: seroma, 37.5%, 38.1% and 34.8%; surgical site infections (SSIs), 17.5%, 33.3%, and 47.8%; scar dehiscence, 5%, 66.7% and 26.1%; cellulitis and/or erysipelas occurring up to one year postoperatively, 20%, 14.3% and 26.1%. Conclusions: Inguinal and ilio-inguinal lymphadenectomy showed a higher prevalenece of lymphoedema in comparison to axillary lymphadenectomy. In addition to lymphoedema, skin numbness, infection and scar dehiscence were the most frequent morbidities. Declaration of interest: None.