Lymphnodes gone - "batwing" removal OK?

 If one is a breast cancer survivor, and had underarm lymphnodes removed during the cancer surgery, can they later have the excess upper arm skin removal surgery? Is it done? Can having this elective surgery  increase your chances of developing lymphedema? Anyone know?

I to am a survivor, I had the sentinel lymph node biopsy and am having plastics in 6 weeks. The surgeon has not said anything about an increased risk of lymphedema. It is something that I will put on my list of things to ask him when I contact him next week.
I'll let you know what he says, if you haven't got another answer by that time.

Sue