Dr. Samaha is the first plastic surgeon on the South Shore to offer the Axis Three 3D portrait system, the imaging system that helps you visualize the results of your procedure.

Now, instead of comparing before and after photos of people who vaguely resemble your body type, you can visualize the results on your own body.

This is a really useful tool for the consultation process. Most plastic surgeons with the device are using it as a visual aid for educating patients about breast augmentation, but the technology is also developed for many facial plastic surgery procedures.

• Read more about Axis Three 3D portrait with Dr. Samaha

Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a “tummy tuck,” is one of the top five most requested cosmetic surgery procedures in the U.S. It removes excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen, tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall, and repositioning the navel to recreate a taut, youthful looking abdomen. For individuals who have a sagging, protuding abdomen, the results are often very satisfying.

Q: What’s the difference between a mini tummy tuck and the traditional tummy tuck?

With a full abdominoplasty, stretch marks from pregnancy can usually be eliminated, as well. If a significant amount of fatty tissue is involved, liposuction is often combined with abdominoplasty, in order to further sculpt the abdominal area and attain an optimal result.

The mini abdominoplasty is sometimes called the “scarless tummy tuck.” It’s also referred to as a partial abdominoplasty or a “mini tummy tuck,” This procedure is a simpler variation of abdominoplasty surgery, and is an excellent option for those who have only a small amount of excess fat and minor skin sagging below the navel area.

During a mini abdominoplasty procedure, excess fat and loose skin are removed and the skin is drawn downward and sculpted into place near the edge of the pubic hairline. As with a full abdominoplasty, the mini tummy tuck is sometimes combined with liposuction to achieve an optimal result, and the mini abdominoplasty requires less surgery time and a smaller incision.

Q: Where is the incision placed with a mini abdominoplasty?

A: A mini tummy tuck incision is typically placed along the edge of the pubic hairline. You should be able to wear a two piece swimsuit and clothing that reveals your mid-section with no problem.

• Read more about tummy tuck surgery in Boston

Saturday’s broadcast of Sirius Doctor Radio featured a program called “The Dean’s List: A Decade in Medicine,” outlining the major medical breakthroughs that occurred during the past decade.  Host Dr. Andrew Brotman of NYU and other physicians discussed these breakthroughs in depth, some of them directly related to plastic surgery.

Along with the procedure, drug, and medical discovery of the decade, The Surgery of the Decade was “Minimally Invasive,” including advanced techniques that utilize “smaller incisions, laparoscopes, robotics and computer-aided surgery.”

Cosmetic procedures like TUBA breast augmentation, the endoscopic brow lift and others would fall into this category.

• Read the full story here.

Winter in Massachusetts can be harsh and this year is definitely no exception.  These conditions – low temps, dry air, and sun exposure – can be hazardous for your skin health.

Modify your skin care routine and you can maintain that healthy complexion through the winter.

Skincare products

Use an antioxidant moisturizer with these water-binding, anti-inflammatory ingredients:

• amino acids
• fatty acids
• ceramides
• sodium PCA
• glycerin

Keep those lips from cracking!  Use high quality lip balm with hemp oil, shea butter, vitamin e, beeswax and SPF 15 to keep your lips smooth and soft.

Winter Skin Care Tips

1. Stay hydrated
2. Remember your sun protection, even in the winter.
3. When your skin is tight, reapply moisturizer.
4. To allow better penetration of moisturizer, exfoliate problem areas with glycolic or salicylic acid.
5. Get a humidifier in your house or apartment.
6. Visit our skin & wellness center for professional advice and treatment.

Q: What is the best type of liposuction?

A: While the operator is always the most important factor, several new liposuction platforms have been introduced in recent years. There is no best method because each platform has particular benefits. For example, water assisted liposuction is great for removing a large volume of fat, while VASER ultrasonic liposuction is great for precise body contouring.

Q: Why do I keep hearing about new liposuction methods?

A: Plastic and cosmetic surgeons are trying to set themselves apart with more effective liposuction methods. You might hear about “reduced downtime” or “reduced trauma to surrounding tissues” in the marketing for these procedures; just know that any proven liposuction technique will utilize the same basic tools as the standard tumescent liposuction technique.

Q: Can I get liposuction anywhere on my body? What is the most common area to treat?

A: Many people aren’t aware that liposuction can be done on so many areas of the body. While the abdomen and thighs are probably most common, you can also get liposuction below your chin or even on the ankles.

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