Smoking, Weight Loss and Mommy Makeover-Case Report from Raleigh, NC*

Mommy Makeover is a significant operation and depending on the procedures that are desired. It can entail anywhere from 3-1/2 to 6 1/2 hours under anesthesia. For healthy patients, this can be quite a well-tolerated procedure despite the length. Patients who smoke are urged to quit as the effects of nicotine and other combustible products can affect not only wound healing but also pulmonary health. This 39 year old patient initially presented with desire for breast reduction and tummy tuck but she was smoking so Dr. Lyle insisted that she quit-and be off cigarettes for 6 months. Despite doing so, during the procedure her pulmonary status was compromised so the abdominoplasty portion of the operation was abandoned. The patient had further evaluation by a pulmonary specialist-got treatment, and ultimately underwent the abdominoplasty successfully. The patient was overweight during the initial procedure which probably added to some of the problems with anesthesia. After surgery, she became quite motivated to improve her health and she ultimately had additional 50 pound weight loss. When she presented for her initial mommy makeover she weighed about 215 pounds and after 3 years with dietary changes, increased exercise and smoking cessation she got down to 155 pounds for this postoperative picture. The take-home points #1 You must cease smoking prior to major surgery. #2 Attempt to maximize weight loss prior to surgery and continue efforts to lose weight after