Hi my name is Valerie and I have had roux en y bariatric surgery. I am a past smoker, stopped smoking about 4 years ago. I would like to know if I would be a good candidate for surgery regarding the flab on my arm (called batwings). I understand that people who have smoked may not be a good candidate for such surgeries as this and tummy tucks, etc. I would like your opinion. I am 48 years old and in good health. I do have asthma & hypothyroidism. Thank you for your response.
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The Plastic Surgery Channel Surgeon Answers: (3)
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Dr. Walden responded:
Hi Valerie,
After massive weight loss, brachioplasty or arm lift, can result in dramatic improvement to the contour of the upper arm where you likely now have "bat wings". This is accomplished by lax skin resection and sometimes liposuction if you have isolated fat deposits. Having stopped smoking 4 years ago is a good sign, but you would need to be evaluated by your local plastic surgeon and obtain a routine medical clearance prior to elective surgery.
P.S. If you would like to look at a standard set of before and after photos on a patient that I performed this surgery on, please visit my practice website. Be sure and scroll down to the second set of photos under the heading "Brachioplasty".
Best of luck,
Dr. Jennifer Walden
Dr. Rosenblatt responded:
Smoking is never good and as long as y ou have stopped, you complication rate should be no worse than the general public. Bat wing surgery is commonly done for people who have lost a lot of weight and have extra skin. A medical work up with clearance would be needed because of your other medical issues.
Dr. Krieger responded:
Smoking is one the most easily controllable risk factors for surgery. If you stopped smoking 4 years ago, the added risk from smoking should be minimal. Smoking's effect on wound healing tends to sudsibe within 3-4 weeks. It is important to maintain good nutrition in the postoperative period and to begin smoking once again. Be sure to inform your surgeon of your history but it should not present a problem for the surgery you have planned.
Giood luck to you.