Critical Thinking: When to Adopt New Technologies for Plastic Surgery and When Not To
September 26, 2008 by dr. lam · Leave a Comment
I was very honored that my mentor said to me in Chicago, “Sam, you are really a great thinker. You are one of the thinkers in our Academy.” I had another individual whom I respect say to a vendor, “You must talk with Sam because he is a really respected thinker in the Academy.” Finally, I talked with another colleague of mine from Florida who said, “I really like the way you think.” I was very touched by these words and took them to heart. I think many times we pass through life “satisfied” with where we are and really don’t exercise the noggin a bit to see if what we are doing is the best thing that we could do.
In Chicago last week, I spent as much time in the exhibit hall looking at new technology as I did in the lecture hall listening to scientific papers. I will be doing the same today, as I am lecturing In St. Louis. What I have learned to develop over time is a critical skepticism about new technologies out there. It is great to go to the annual meeting and see what is the latest thing that is out there and before jumping head first to sit back and evaluate the efficacy, safety, and “long-term” benefits that a new technology may have.
I will be introducing a couple of new injectable fillers on Monday and Tuesday’s blogs that I have true skepticism about and I will tell you why. Does that mean I won’t ever be using these products? No. That may not be the case. I just want to have you understand where I see that technology today. I also was looking at some new laser/light technology that I am a year away from adopting if ever. I studiously evaluated each system by asking the individual about the pros and cons (which is obviously extremely prejudiced information) and then will be doing some clinical tests over the next year to see for myself any validity. There is a good saying, “Don’t be the first person on the block to do something and don’t be the last person on the block to do something.” Those are words to live by.
Two errors I made in the past by adopting technology too fast were the Threadlift and the Surgiwire. Both technologies proved to be useless and did not live up to the brand quality that I have established when you come to see me as a surgeon and practitioner. I have promised my patient base that I will not jump blindly into new technology but evaluate that technology over time to ensure that it is what it is touted to be. At the same time, many surgeons never go to a meeting, whereas I go to 10 to 12 meetings a year. So it is very important to keep up with the latest thinking and techniques but only to adopt that technology and technique when sufficient time has passed to see whether that technology merits incorporation into a plastic surgery practice. That is my promise to you.
Understanding the Nature of a Transplant Part III
September 24, 2008 by dr. lam · Leave a Comment
In my quest to continually understand the nature of fat transfer and any kind of free graft, I am constantly thinking about the evolution of a result. Not just the result at a short time point like 1 month out but how does that result shape up over time. I am happy to report after coming back from Chicago and listening to a talk that a colleague of mine gave on long-term volumetric changes with fat transfer using computer modeling, the longevity of fat transfer is now unequivocal.
Using advanced computer modeling software, a single session of fat transfer was evaluated before the procedure, at 3 months and followed up to 18 months after the procedure. What was interesting was that at times there was such a significant dip in the result at 3 months that the volumes shown on the computer were the same as before the procedure. Nevertheless, in every case where the 3-month dip was present, the volumes steadily increased until 18 months.
This study is the first conclusive, scientific proof that validates 3 important findings that I have been observing clinically but only had photographic evidence of my thinking, namely: 1) fat transfer can dip mildly to significantly at 3 months following a procedure (and therefore a touch-up procedure should not be performed too quickly), 2) that fat grafting continues to improve between 6 months to 18 months, and 3) that a single session of fat grafting has unequivocal longevity.
Obviously, safe and long-lasting fat grafting is completely technique dependent. Many practitioners out there simply cannot attain longevity or safe, smooth results so I want to be careful with the information provided in this study. Further, the artistic interpretation is critical to attaining a balanced, youthful, and attractive result. Fat transfer is not just about making a big cheek or filling in the hollow eye. It is about a face that expresses natural beauty by emphasizing harmonious structures.
ANTI-AGING AND VITALITY CENTER TO BE FEATURED TONIGHT ON 10 PM NEWS
August 5, 2008 by dr. lam · 1 Comment
I am really proud to inform all the local Dallasites that my anti-aging center will be featured tonight on the 10 o’clock news on Channel 8, WFAA ABC. Â Macie Jepson will be reporting on male hormone dysfunction and libido issues. Â For those of you in Dallas, don’t miss it. Â For those of you outside of Dallas and who are interested, I am sure that they will post it on their site soon. BTW, MY TELEMUNDO APPEARANCE ON FEMALE HAIR LOSS FROM A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO IS NOW POSTED ON THIS SITE. HERE IS THE LINK TO THE VIDEO.