Samuel Lin, MD, FACS

Products And Services

• Diep Flap Breast Reconstruction

  In a DIEP flap reconstruction (DIEP stands for deep inferior epigastric perforator artery) fat, skin, and blood vessels are cut from the wall of the lower belly and moved up to the chest to rebuild the breast. Once in place, Dr. Lin reattaches the blood vessels of the flap to blood vessels in the chest using microsurgery. DIEP flap reconstruction is popular because it doesn’t move or cut muscle. Plus, because fat and tissue is removed from the belly, the patient will end up with a flatter, tighter lower abdomen, similar to results from a tummy tuck. Of course, there will be a lengthy horizontal scar just below the bikini line as well.

  Link: Diep Flap Breast Reconstruction

• Breast Augmentation

  Reasons for Considering Breast Augmentation: - Accentuate body shape if the breasts are too small - Enhance breast volume following pregnancy and nursing, or massive weight loss - Promote breast symmetry - Breast reconstruction following a mastectomy or injury There is a great deal of give and take between surgeon and patient as there are many decisions to make: implant type, implant size (measured in CCs of filled volume), implant shape (round or teardrop), incision location (around the areola, in the breast crease, or in the armpit), and implant placement (atop or beneath the pectoral muscle). What are the different types of implants? -Saline— Saline implants are a silicone shell filled with sterile salt water. Saline implants have the advantage of being placed empty and then filled, requiring a smaller incision. If a saline implant ruptures, the body simply absorbs the salt water. But the deflated implant would still require surgery to remove the collapsed shell and replace it. -Silicone— Silicone implants are named for the medical-grade silicone that fills the silicone shell. The silicone used to fill implants is thicker today than earlier iterations in the 80s and 90s. The general consensus is that silicone feels more like natural breast tissue than saline. It is also less prone to rippling. The disadvantage is that if the implant leaks, silicone enters the breast pocket created for the implant. This rupture may not be obvious to the patient, but will show up on mammograms, which are required with silicone implants. A newer option is the gummy bear implant. Although made of silicone, the cohesiveness (this is the degree the silicone stays together and within the shell if there is a leak) is much higher than typical silicone implants. How do I choose the size of my implants? Implants are sized by the amount of silicone or saline used to fill the implant, measured in cubic centimeters, cc’s. The degree of enlargement is totally personal, but is something Dr. Lin will help you decide. We also have computer simulations that will help you visualize different sizes and how they will look with your body type. Beyond the size, you will decide the shape and projection of your implants. “Standard implants” create a more rounded appearance, while “high profile” implants project more outwards. Teardrop-shaped implants mimic the shape of the natural breast. How long do breast implants last? Breast implants generally last from 10-15 years. Implant durability is increasing, but you shouldn’t expect to have just a single set of implants during your life. When an implant reaches its lifespan it will usually begin to leak. At this point, you’ll need replacement surgery to remove the old implants and place new implants. This surgery is easier than the original augmentation procedure and usually is done through the previous incisions. What should I expect after my augmentation surgery? Recovery from breast augmentation surgery is not difficult. Your breasts will be bandaged when you return home, and there will be some pain and discomfort for the first two or three days. This is not extreme, however, and is usually quite manageable. Most patients can return to work in four or five days. You can return to non-impact activities in just a week or so, but any impact exercise will need to wait for one month. Upper body exercise such as weight training can be resumed in six weeks.

  Link: Breast Augmentation

• Breast Lift

  The goal of a breast lift is to return sagging breasts to a higher, younger position on the chest. What causes that sagging? The unending pull of gravity makes skin sag and underlying muscles less taut. Pregnancy and breastfeeding tend to stretch breast skin and reduce breast volume. The gain and loss of a significant amount of weight creates sagging, hanging breasts. A breast lift with Dr. Lin raises and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. After a breast lift, the breasts sit higher on the chest with less of the breast mass sitting at the bottom of the breast. A breast lift can be combined with breast implants to not only reverse sagging, but to return volume.

  Link: Breast Lift

• Breast Reduction

  Sometimes enough is too much. Women with overly large breasts can see them as a burden: they cause back and neck pain, make bra straps dig into the shoulders, preclude participation in many athletic activities, and attract undo attention. These women want to reduce the size of their breasts with breast reduction surgery. Breast reduction surgery involves the surgical removal of excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts. The breasts are made smaller, lighter, firmer, and more proportional to the rest of the patient’s figure. The incisions made in reduction surgery usually circle the areola, extend downward to the breast crease, and then move outward in both directions. These are colloquially known as anchor incisions. The nipple and areola usually will be moved to fit the new breast proportions. If the patient has more fatty tissue, liposuction may be used to reduce breast size. Who should have breast surgery? The question of who should have these types of surgeries is obviously based on the individual. If a woman has always felt her breasts were too small, augmentation can be life changing. In contrast, if overly large breasts keep a person from partaking in physical activities and social engagements, reducing their size can feel freeing. Looking in the mirror and seeing sagging breasts with the nipples pointing downward can be ultimately deflating, but a breast lift can raise the breasts and the patient’s confidence. And if you’ve lost a breast to breast cancer, nothing says “I’m back” more than having your breasts reconstructed. Is breast surgery recovery painful? Again, this depends on the surgery, but generally the recovery required from breast surgery is not overly painful. Augmentation is relatively easy surgery and recovery. Lifts and reductions involve removal of excess skin, so there is somewhat more pain during healing. Reconstruction involves the most tissue trauma and longer incisions, so its recovery is more involved. Will I lose nipple sensation or the ability to breastfeed? This varies by surgery. If the nipple needs to be moved, as it often does in a breast lift and in breast reduction, sensation can be diminished or even more sensitive for a period of time. Augmentation doesn’t usually affect breastfeeding, but there can be some loss of nipple sensation. In a reconstructed breast, you will not have nipple sensation, as nipples that are rebuilt or are tattooed onto the breast are purely cosmetic. How long is the recovery from breast surgery? Recovery from augmentation surgery can be under a week or so (while avoiding heavy lifting for six weeks). A breast lift will require a week off work, with full recovery in six weeks. In breast reduction, you’ll need from 10 to 14 days off work. Swelling may not fully subside for months, depending on the amount of tissue removed and the incision locations. Breast reconstruction surgery recovery varies depending on the procedure, from 6-7 weeks for implant-based recovery to 6-8 weeks for flap reconstruction.

  Link: Breast Reduction

• Latissimus Dorsi Flap Reconstruction

  In a latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction, an oval flap of skin, fat, muscle, and blood vessels from the upper back is used to reconstruct the breast. This flap is moved under the skin from the back around to the chest to rebuild the breast. The blood vessels stay attached to their original blood supply. A latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction is considered a muscle-transfer type of flap. This method is a good option for women with small- to medium-sized breasts because the area of the back where the tissue originates doesn’t have a great deal of fat. In most cases, a breast implant has to be placed under the flap to achieve the desired shape, size, and projection. A downside of the latissimus flap method is that the patient may have partial loss of strength of function that makes it hard to lift things and twist, affecting activities such as swimming, golf, tennis, and the ability to turn and manipulate objects.

• Implant-Based Reconstruction

  In implant-based reconstruction, an implant is used to rebuild the breast. This method requires less surgery than flap reconstruction, since it only involves the chest area and not a tissue donor site. Surgery time and recovery time are usually shorter with implant reconstruction than flap reconstruction. The implant is placed under the pectoral chest muscle. The one unknown here is how long the implant(s) will last. Whether filled with saline solution or silicone gel, breast implants usually last from 10 to 20 years. Implant-based reconstruction is a good option for thin women with small breasts because these women often don’t have enough extra tissue on their bellies, backs, thighs, or buttocks to form a good breast shape as required in flap surgery. It is also a good option if you want to avoid the incisions and recoveries required with flap procedures.

• Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)

  As one of the few double-board certified surgeons in both Plastic Surgery (focused on changing the appearance of the nose) and Otolaryngology (functional nasal surgery, Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery) Dr. Lin continues to be able to positively change the shape of one’s nose while improving and preserving the nasal function and breathing for patients near Boston. By specializing in nose reshaping, Dr. Lin can help patients that suffer from a deviated septum, have trouble breathing through their nose, and individuals that are interested in changing the appearance of their nose even from a previous Boston nose job. The nose is perhaps the most noticeable part of the face, due to its central location. Minor deformities and irregularities are very difficult to hide or camouflage and are more eye-catching than any other area of the face. Nasal proportions should be in harmony with each other and with the rest of the face and body features. A long thin nose that looks balanced in a tall, thin person with a long face will look out of place in a short stocky person with a wide face. Aesthetic Rhinoplasty :: Changing the Appearance of the Nose Rhinoplasty (commonly referred to as a nose job) is the art of enhancing the shape of the nose and may involve improvement of the breathing. Rhinoplasty can be done by open or closed approach according to the degree of nasal deformity and the corrections needed to be done. In the closed rhinoplasty all the incisions needed to reshape the nose are made from inside the nose, while in open rhinoplasty there is a small incision done at the base of the nose between the 2 nostrils at the columella (the portion of your nose between your nostrils). This columellar incision is usually unnoticeable due to its hidden location and usually heals exceptionally well. Aesthetic, or cosmetic rhinoplasty, involves changing the outward appearance of the nose. This may involve reshaping the bridge of the nose or tip of the nose, along with other areas. It is important to be able to preserve the function of the nose and being able to breathe through the nose after these procedures are performed. Functional Rhinoplasty :: Improvement of Breathing Functional rhinoplasty involves improving breathing after one has had a prior nose surgery or nasal trauma/broken nose. This procedure may be done to improve the nasal airway as well as the outward appearance of the nose. Dr. Lin’s specialty is functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty, as he is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (Ear, Nose, and Throat Surgery). Insurance may cover portions of nose surgery relating to breathing issues. Patients that Dr. Lin sees usually fall into several groups of people. Patients who: Have already had a rhinoplasty (nose job) who would like to make further changes to the visible part of their nose and/or have breathing difficulty through their nose. Patients who are in this category may be candidates for a Revision or Secondary Rhinoplasty. Have not had a rhinoplasty or nose surgery previously who would like to improve the outside appearance of their nose and/or would like to breathe better through their nose. Functional Airway Surgery, or surgery to improve breathing, which is sometimes performed at the same time as Nose shaping, may involve various placement of a patient’s cartilage to help provide support to the nostril or internal mechanics of the nose. These cartilage support grafts may be placed at the nostril area or at the valve area of the inside of the nose as depicted below.

  Link: Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)

• Tummy Tuck

  A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty, from Lin Plastic Surgery in Boston, is indicated in patients with loose and excessive skin following significant weight loss, multiple pregnancies or from protruding abdominal muscles that do not disappear with diet or exercise. It helps to shape and flatten the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the abdominal wall muscles. A tummy tuck can provide a smaller waistline, firmer abs and flatter abdomen. Reasons for Considering an Abdominoplasty: - No improvement in the abdominal area with diet and exercise - The presence of fat pockets following weight loss - Loss of skin elasticity or diastases (loose abdomen muscles) due to pregnancy General Procedure for a Tummy Tuck: This procedure(s) can last anywhere from one to four hours. To begin the procedure, an incision is made just above the pubic bone area. A horizontal incision is made across the lower abdomen (and sometimes around the back) above the pubic region. The excess skin is removed and the abdominal muscles are tightened to provide a firmly contoured and well-defined waistline. An additional incision is made around the navel, or belly button to provide results. What Is The Recovery Process For A Tummy Tuck? The first one to two hours following surgery are spent in the recovery room. In order to speed up the healing process, rest and limited movement are advised. Stitches are removed shortly after surgery. Normal activity can resume within two weeks. The body may take up to a year to adapt to its new configuration. Diet and exercise are advised to optimize results. Patients may report pain following surgery which can be treated with oral medication. Although the occurrence of complications is rare, Dr. Lin’s Boston patients can reduce the risk of developing potential problems after their tummy tuck procedure by carefully following the post-operative instructions.

  Link: Tummy Tuck

• Liposuction

  Liposuction is a procedure, for men and women in Boston, that removes fat deposits present under the skin from different parts of the body using a vacuum-suction cannula (a hollow pen-like instrument). Reasons For Considering Liposuction: Eliminate fat from any of the following areas: -Back -Upper Arms -Stomach and Waistline -Hips and Buttocks -Thighs and Knees -Calves and Ankles -Create a more proportional figure General Procedure for Liposuction: This procedure can take thirty minutes to several hours depending on the amount of fat to be removed. A small incision is created through which a narrow tube or “cannula” is inserted and used to vacuum out the fatty tissue beneath the skin. The amount of fat removed is determined by the surgeon. Following removal of excess fat, incisions are closed and the dressing consists of applying a compression dressing or bandage to the area. What is The Recovery Process for Liposuction? Recovery time is dependent on the extent of the procedure. The first one to two hours following surgery are spent in the recovery room. In order to speed up the healing process, rest and limited movement are advised. An elastic garment or body stocking will be worn over the treated area for two weeks. Patients may report pain following surgery which can be treated with oral medication. Although the occurrence of complications is rare, Dr. Lin’s patients in Boston can reduce the risk of developing potential problems after their liposuction procedure by carefully following the post-operative instructions.

  Link: Liposuction

• Body Lift

  A body lift, otherwise known as belt lipectomy, is performed to remove loose and sagging body contours by eliminating loose skin and related fat deposits resulting in a more toned and youthful appearance. A body lift includes the lower torso and upper legs including the abdomen, waist, inner/outer thighs, buttocks, and/or hips. It may accompanied by liposuction if necessary. Reasons for Considering A Body Lift: - Toning of mid-body contour - Removal of sagging skin

  Link: Body Lift

• Lower Body Lift

  Aging, sun damage, pregnancy, dramatic weight loss, and even genetic factors may contribute to poor tissue elasticity that can result in sagging of the abdomen, buttocks and thighs. Lower body lift surgery, also known as belt lipectomy, tightens the buttocks, the backs of the thighs, outer thighs, inner thighs, the hips and abdomen. Excess skin that is aesthetically displeasing or causes mobility restrictions is removed. What does a lower body lift include? A body lift may include the abdominal area (locally or extending around the sides and into the lower back area), the buttocks, the groin area and the thigh (the inner, outer, or posterior thigh, or the thigh’s circumference). What can a lower body lift do? A lower body lift can improve the shape and tone of the underlying tissues that support fat and skin. Excess, sagging fat and skin are removed and the dimpled, irregular skin surface, which is commonly known as cellulite can be improved. Dr. Lin performs this procedure through an incision along the bikini/boxer line. Who would be a good candidate for a lower body lift? A lower body lift is major surgery, so it is important that you be of good general health. Additionally, you would be a good candidate for this procedure if: -You are distressed by sagging skin in your lower body. -You have experienced dramatic weight loss due to bariatric surgery or dieting. -You have relatively thin layers of fat below the skin in the hip, thigh, abdomen and buttock areas. -You have overhanging skin in your lower body that restricts your mobility and/or causes painful chafing, rashes or infection. -You are near your ideal weight and are committed to leading a healthy lifestyle. -You do not smoke. -You have a positive outlook and realistic goals. -How long is recovery following a lower body lift? Dressings or bandages will be applied to your incisions after surgery. Small, thin tubes may be temporarily placed under your skin to drain any excess blood that may collect. You will be given specific instructions, along with medications to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection. You will be advised of specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, how to care for your drains, and when to follow up with Dr. Lin. Each patient is unique and healing times can vary. It is important that you follow Dr. Lin’s post-surgical instructions. Here are a few general guidelines: -You will need to take at least two to three weeks off from work and restrict normal activities for four to six weeks. -You will have some discomfort. This is expected and typically is controlled with pain medications. -You will have to wait approximately six to eight weeks before you can resume your usual exercise schedule. -Discomfort will subside over a week or two after the surgery. -You will need to wear the compression garment for a few weeks after the surgery and follow a special diet. How long will the results last? The lift effect from lower body lift surgery is, for the most part, permanent. The contouring and tightening of your skin is permanent, but naturally, there will be some relaxation of your skin early after surgery, and your skin and connective tissues will gradually loosen as you age.

  Link: Lower Body Lift

• Laser Skin Resurfacing

  Laser skin resurfacing is a procedure in which lasers are used to create smooth skin appearance. The laser functions to remove the outer layers of skin damaged by age, sun, acne, wrinkles, or issues with pigmentation or spots to allow a new layer of skin to regenerate. Reasons for Considering Laser Skin Resurfacing: - Remove facial wrinkles, creases, and lines - Treat sun-damaged skin - Address issues with pigmentation and spots - Treat scars from acne, birthmarks, moles, and tattoos - Tighten skin that has lost elasticity Anesthia: Local anesthesia with or without sedation. General Procedure: To prepare the face for the laser procedure, it is first cleansed with oils and an antibiotic is applied. The laser is then used to remove the various layers of the skin until the appropriate depth of skin is reached. This procedure is done under local anesthesia, with or without sedation. Recovery Process: Rest and limited mobility are recommended to accelerate the healing process and reduce recovery time. Bandages and antibiotic cream are applied to the affected area immediately following surgery. Recovery time may differ depending on the extent of resurfacing and the number of procedures completed. Patients may report pain following surgery which can be treated with oral medication. Although the occurrence of complications is rare, patients can reduce the risk of developing potential problems by carefully following the post-operative instructions.

  Link: Laser Skin Resurfacing

• BOTOX®

  BOTOX® is a substance in which Botulinum Toxin is used to treat the visual signs of aging by minimizing wrinkles. It is considered a safe and effective means of dealing with aging eyebrows and “crow’s feet” around the eyes. BOTOX® has proven to be one of the best forms of non-surgical of facial rejuvenation. Reasons For Considering BOTOX® Treatment: Wrinkles on the face Forehead furrows “Crow’s feet” around the eyes “Frown lines” around the eyebrows

  Link: BOTOX®

• Chemical Peels

  A chemical peel is a procedure performed to remove fine lines, and to achieve better skin tone and especially on the face. It functions by removing the outer layers of skin which are damaged by age, sun, acne, wrinkles, or pigmentation problems. This will allow the body to generate a new layer of skin cells. Reasons for Considering A Chemical Peel: - Minimize facial wrinkles and lines - Treat sun-damaged skin - Reduce age spots and pigmentation problems - Treat scars (especially from acne) - Treat precancerous lesions

  Link: Chemical Peels

• Chin and Cheek Implants

  Chin and cheek implants are an excellent means of enhancing the facial profile Chin implants (mentoplasty) function to shape and contour the symmetry of the face. Cheek implants (malarplasty), otherwise known as malar (high cheek) or submalar (low cheek) augmentation, can add fullness and definition to the face. Chin surgery is commonly performed in conjunction with rhinoplasty (nose surgery). Cheek surgery is often performed along with a facelift procedure. Reasons for Considering a Chin and/or Cheek Implant: Extend or augment the chin Improve definition of facial profile Bring the face into proportion Round out the cheeks if they are hollow Accentuate the upper cheeks providing a higher and fuller appearance General Procedure: To augment the chin, an implant is inserted in front of the jawbone. An incision is made either inside the mouth or below the chin on the outside to allow the implant to be positioned in a pocket just under the skin. In cheek augmentation, incisions are made either through the lower cheek, inside the mouth or below the bottom eyelid. Both these procedures typically last 30 minutes to one hour. Recovery Process: Immediately following surgery, the face will be dressed using tape or bandages in order to minimize swelling. It is advised that the patient rest following surgery in to accelerate the healing process and reduce recovery time. The head should be kept elevated during the initial recovery phase. Patients may report pain following surgery which can be treated with oral medication. Any swelling or bruising of the face can be addressed using cold compresses. Although the occurrence of complications is rare, patients can reduce the risk of developing potential problems by carefully following the post-operative instructions.

  Link: Chin and Cheek Implants

• Ear Surgery

  Surgery of the ear, also referred to as otoplasty, is a procedure that helps to reduce protrusion of the ear away from the head. The premise of this procedure is bringing the ears closer to the head. This procedure is commonly performed on, but is not limited to, children. Reasons for Considering Ear Surgery: - Address prominent ears - Correction of folded ear tips (lop ear) - Reshaping of earlobes - Treat congenital defects - Treat an accidental injury including ear loss

  Link: Ear Surgery

• Eyelid Surgery

  Eyelid surgery, known as blepharoplasty or brow lift, is procedure that raises the eyebrows for a more youthful appearance. It can reduce dark circles or “bags” under the eyes, remove excess wrinkles, and provide a more youthful appearance to the eyes. This procedure is commonly performed in conjunction with other facial procedures such as a face lift or rhinoplasty. Reasons for Considering Eyelid Surgery: - Bags or dark circles under the eyes - Excessive skin or wrinkles around the eyelids - A tired, sad or angry appearance General Procedure: This procedure is typically performed in the physician’s office or hospital. Tiny incisions are made along the natural contours around the eyes. Upper eyelids are addressed first; fatty tissue is removed and loose skin is tightened. The lower eyelids are then completed next to eliminate puffiness and reduce dark circles. To optimize results, laser technology may be used to smooth lower eyelid areas. Or Botox® may be injected to firm fine lines and wrinkles. The surgery may last one to three hours. Recovery Process: Rest and limited mobility are recommended to accelerate the healing process and reduce recovery time. Patients may report pain following surgery which can be treated with oral medication. Although the occurrence of complications is rare, patients can reduce the risk of developing potential problems by carefully following the post-operative instructions.

  Link: Eyelid Surgery

• Facelift

  A Facelift (Rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure designed to counteract the effects of aging, exposure to the sun or gravity providing a fresh, youthful appearance. This procedure involves tightening of the facial and neck skin as well as removal of excess fat deposits. This procedure may be performed in conjunction with other facial cosmetic procedures to optimize the aesthetic outcome. Reasons for Considering a Facelift: - Sagging skin, muscles, and fat in the face and neck - Excessive skin and fat in the neck - Sagging jaw line - Crease lines along the nose, mouth, and chin General Procedure for Facelift: Small incisions are made just inside the hairline, along the contour in front of the ear, and extending under the earlobe to the backside of the ear and lower scalp. The skin is then stretched and tightened, and any excess is removed. If additional attention is required for the neck line, an incision is made under the chin. Tiny stitches are used to close the incisions and to reduce any chance of scarring. Metal clips or staples may also be utilized at the hairline. This procedure may take several hours. Various techniques can be employed which can be discussed during your initial consultation. Recovery Process for Facelift: Immediately following your facelift surgery from Dr. Lin in Boston, MA, bandages are applied to the face to reduce the recovery time and minimize swelling. Rest and limited mobility are recommended to accelerate the healing process and reduce recovery time. Patients may report pain following surgery which can be treated with oral medication. Although the occurrence of complications is rare, patients can reduce the risk of developing potential problems by carefully following the post-operative instructions.

  Link: Facelift

• General Reconstruction

  Aside from his areas of clinical focus, Dr. Lin routinely takes care of patients who need reconstruction following removal of cancer, trauma, prior surgery and other scenarios. He has a broad training background with prior training at the internationally known M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and continues to perform general reconstruction for the head and neck/chest/abdomen and extremities.

  Link: General Reconstruction