Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) performed by lymphatic massage, in the postoperative period after abdominoplasty with core liposuction, may promote a faster resolution of edema. The purpose of this study was to determine the benefits of MLD by assessing the amount of edema at 6 and 8 weeks after abdominoplasty with core liposuction in patients who did or did not receive MLD for 3 weeks. The study used a prospective, comparative design. A total of 20 women aged 30 to 60 years, who underwent an abdominoplasty and core liposuction, were recruited from 2 clinics. Participants were divided into 2 equal groups based on clinic location. All participants wore a standard compression garment for 8 weeks after surgery. Starting at 6 weeks after surgery, the treatment group was treated by a certified lymphedema specialist twice a week for 3 weeks (6 visits). At 6 and 8 weeks after surgery, the waist circumferences of all participants were measured in 3 locations: at the navel, 3 cm above the navel, and 3 cm below the nave. Data from the 2 groups were compared to determine the change in edema. The mean age of participants was 41.6 years (range = 32-59 years) in the treatment group and 40.8 years (range = 30-59 years) in the control group. The mean (SD) reduction in edema between weeks 6 and 8 in the treatment group was 9.8 cm; 1 participant lost 18.2 cm during that period. The mean (SD) reduction in edema between weeks 6 and 8 in the control group was 6.6 cm; a few participants lost 12.0 cm during that period. No differences in mean reductions were found between groups ( P = .11). No differences were found between groups based on clinic location ( P = .84). Our results suggested that receiving MLD after abdominoplasty and core liposuction reduced edema more than the standard compressive garments, but not by a statistically significant amount. Furthermore, differences in the study groups were not dependent on clinic location.

Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is a commonly experienced side effect of those utilizing narcotic pain medication. The current treatment for OIC commonly consists of stool softeners and bowel stimulants which often leads to abdominal bloating and discomfort ultimately resulting in uncomfortable bowel movements and loose stools. We present a novel approach to the treatment of acute OIC after abdominoplasty in patients taking narcotic pain medication utilizing a wellknown medication currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of OIC in adult patients with chronic noncancer pain.