Monday, April 18, 2016 witnessed the first-of-its-kind visit of world renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Sam Hamra to the Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC). In his visit which lasted till May 13, Dr. Hamra lectured on various topics related to plastic surgery, a field dedicated to the reconstruction of facial and body defects, and he operated on several patients in need of corrective surgeries after failed procedures.
Dr. Hamra, who is of Lebanese origins, has been a pioneer in composite face lifting and was the first to introduce the inclusion of cheek fat to the facelift, in 1999. He was also the first to include the orbicularis muscle of the lower eyelid in the Deep Plane Facelift, known as the "Composite Facelift” and was later credited for modifying and refining the composite facelift to its present state.
In this interview, Dr. Hamra gives an overview of his expertise in the field of plastic surgery, the “Composite Facelift”, and highlights the impact of the Division of Plastic Surgery at AUBMC on Lebanon and the region.
1-How does this visit impact AUBMC in general and the Department of Plastic Surgery in specific?
This is my first visit to the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) though I have been coming to Lebanon for plastic surgery meetings with the Lebanese Society of Plastic Surgery for the past 10 years. This visit comes as a payback to my country and the residents here who have been highly impacted by what I do. I want to share with my fellow doctors and the residents what I have written in my articles through lecturing and operating on complex situations. I personally consider AUBMC as a professional hub; in fact, I rate it as the best medical center in the region.
2-In your opinion, where does AUBMC stand in terms of service excellence in the field of plastic surgery when compared to topnotch institutions?
It is a well-known fact that Lebanon is one of the most prominent and renowned countries in the region, and it has for long been the number one destination for medical services one of which is plastic surgery. In my opinion, AUBMC is credited for such a reputation due to the tremendous achievements and its different contributions to the field of medicine. I have been here at AUBMC for three weeks operating and lecturing on the latest technologies in the field of plastic surgery, and I have noticed how the surgeons are well backed and enhanced by the rigorous medical training and depth and breadth of knowledge, experience, and innovation that enables them to compete with any plastic surgery department in the states and the world. As a specialist myself, I have found the surgeons to be at the forefront of their professions pioneering in the day to day techniques.
3-You are credited for originating and modifying the “Composite Facelift”, what is the difference between this type of surgery and the conventional facelift?
The “Composite Facelift” is based on the concept that the face ages as one dynamic, universal unit, rather than a group of isolated and independent parts. While the conventional facelift only repositions the tissue horizontally, the Composite Facelift counters the natural descent of the face with a true vertical lift. The strongest lift direction is upwards, toward the eye. Another important difference between the composite and the traditional facelift procedures is in the treatment of the lower eyelid area. Traditionally, surgeons removed the under-eye fat pads and lifted the skin and muscle only as far as the orbital rim, the bony ridge below the eye socket, which eventually resulted in a hollow, gaunt appearance over time. The Composite Lift, in comparison, preserves most, if not possibly all, of the fat beneath the eye and repositions it over the orbital rim, smoothing the transition from the lower eyelid to the cheek. This eyelid-cheek junction plays a major role in a youthful or aging look.
4-Who should undergo a facelift? What are the short and long term complications (if any)?
There is no specific age as to when patients should have their first facelift. It really depends on the individual. Our faces age according to genetics and our environment and that is why some might suffer from premature aging while others won’t. However, aging is noticeable in the late 40s and that is when a face lift is recommended.
5-What are the latest technologies in the field that are offered by AUBMC and that are unique to Lebanon and the region?
AUBMC has a long lasting history of excellent patient care to Lebanon and the region. I can clearly assert that the Division of plastic surgery at AUBMC is on par with any American training program and I would go even more to say that it is in certain areas better. When it comes to plastic surgery, AUBMC competes with every medical center in the world. What is also worth mentioning is the cutting-edge technology AUBMC is using to treat blast-wound patients from Iraq and Syria who lack the expertise and professionalism due to the various upheavals taking place in their countries or due to their encountering extreme medical complications.
Dr. Sam Hamra is board certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the American Association of Plastic Surgeons.
