Plastic Surgeon Cautions Against Smoking Before Surgery

    BROOKLINE, MA, February 05, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Concerned about studies that indicate a link between smoking and complications during and after breast augmentation, Boston, MA area plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Tantillo is urging women to kick their cigarette habits prior to surgical procedures. He's so concerned, in fact, that he's using Facebook to spread the word about the connection between smoking and surgical complications.

"Despite so many studies showing the risks of smoking, it's still a widespread habit," Dr. Tantillo says. "Many people do not even know about the potential affect it can have on surgery. To help spread the word on the risks of smoking when it comes to surgical procedures, I decided to use my Facebook Page to call attention to an ABC News report on the correlation between cigarettes and surgical complications.

"The ABC report cited an actual case in which a breast-surgery patient who smoked experienced severe complications."

Before Dr. Tantillo's patients undergo procedures such as breast implants at his Boston area practice, he emphasizes the importance of halting their nicotine habit.

"If they've considered giving up cigarette smoking and want any type of surgery, reading the report that I publicized on my Facebook Page will, I hope, motivate them to kick that habit," he says.

In addition to discussing the ABC report, Dr. Tantillo tells his Boston area plastic surgery patients who smoke that the American Society of Plastic Surgeons has issued a recommendation that they stop well in advance of their procedures.

"I emphasize to them that there are numerous studies showing the risks if they persist in smoking and have surgery of any kind," Dr. Tantillo says. "For example, a 2009 report to the American College of Surgeons indicated that smoking could complicate the use of anesthetic during surgery and also affect the recovery process. For that reason, I also urge them to refrain from cigarettes after their procedure in order to promote healing."

In addition to breast enhancement, Dr. Tantillo performs facial procedures, such as face lifts and rhinoplasty; body procedures, such as liposuction and tummy tucks; and post-weight-loss procedures, such as body lifts and arm lifts. Dr. Tantillo's practice also offers non-surgical treatments, including BOTOX Cosmetic, injectable fillers and LATISSE.

Dr. Michael Tantillo (www.cosmeticsurgeonboston.com) is a Boston-area plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He received his medical degree from University of Alabama School of Medicine and went on to pursue extensive training, including a plastic surgery residency through Harvard University. A faculty member of Harvard Medical School, Dr. Tantillo continues to expand his knowledge by staying up to date on the latest cosmetic and plastic surgery techniques.

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