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Having a pear shape for woman used to be considered a good thing. Think Marilyn Monroe or Jane Russell they were considered bombshells. But, a new LA Times article is having women rethink the pear shape and the health implications that come along with it. According to the article women with the pear-shaped are at a slight increase for the risk of developing diabetes because fat that is stored in buttocks releases abnormal levels of two proteins that are linked with inflammation and insulin resistance. The emerging research is calling into question the cardiovascular and diabetes risk for those who carry excess fat on their hips, thighs, and bottoms when compared to those who carry most of their weight around the middle. A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism focus on a number of proteins that help to identify people who are at risk for obesity and the medical troubles associated with it. Researchers found that participants who had fat around the buttocks pumped out an unusually high level of proteins that are associated with high blood pressure. Abdominal fat has long been the most detrimental when it comes to health and gluteal fat was believed to protect against diabetes so this study is significant in helping medical doctors share the information with patients that at in either area can be detrimental to the patients health. Controlling the shape of the body for women can be challenging especially after menopause. Dr. Kim encourages patients to be proactive concerning their body contour and additional fat that can significantly change body contour. Addressing concerns early on can make a huge difference in the cosmetic surgery options available to the patient. Patients who are significantly overweight are no longer suitable candidates for liposuction or abdominoplasty. These procedures are most beneficial for patients who are at or near their ideal body weight. Although abdominoplasty does remove loose and lax skin, patients who are obese will not be able to appreciate the cosmetic advantage of a flatter and more toned abdomen. Liposuction allows Dr. Kim to reduce fat in targeted areas therefore modifying the body contour of the patient. While it is unrealistic to expect a complete change in the genetic body contour of the patient, it is feasible to expect a more attractive and proportionate body contour following abdominoplasty and or liposuction. Patients who are considering body contouring procedures are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

So, you have had your breast implants over 10 years now that it is 2013. Whens the last time you had them checked? Maybe you have saline implants because your original surgery was performed during the time when silicone implants were not available. Perhaps you have accepted the irregularities and contour differences in your breast and chocked them up to part of the aging process. Or maybe, you have decided that there is no way you could afford to have them redone so you will just live with the way they look and feel even though you are dissatisfied. All of these reasons are common reasons why women put off having their breast implants checked unless there is a significant and obvious problem(like a deflation or obvious rupture). Dr. Kim advises patients to have their breast implants checked annually as does the FDA and implant manufacturers. Although breast implants have a lifetime warranty for the most part, it is still incumbent upon the patient to have their breast implants checked by the plastic surgeon for any concerns or issues that may be present. It is easy to talk yourself out of ”opening a can of worms” when it comes to considering the possibility of breast implant exchange. There are many factors to consider. These factors include price, how the procedure will be performed, which implants would be best, and many more. Realistically, this is why a consultation allowing Dr. Kim to check the implants is imperative in helping patients clearly view the options that are available. Breast implant exchange could also include the need for what is known as a capsulectomy. This procedure will help to release excess scar tissue which is likely to be present especially with older implants. Dr. Kim will carefully explain the differences between the new cohesive gel silicone implants and the liquid silicone gel implants that were previously available on the market. Patients will have access to multiple before-and-after photographs of patients just like them who exchange their breast implants for new breast implants. The beginning of 2013 is the perfect time to have your breast implants checked and if breast implant exchange is the recommendation, having surgery now will assure that you will be beautifully healed by the summer months. Patients who are considering breast implant exchange are encouraged to contact Dr. Kims office and schedule a consultation.

Looking for ways to lose weight can be a never-ending battle. According to recent article people who reduce added sugars in their diet loose on average about 1.7 pounds. Researchers say this amount may be small but it is significant. The result was published in the paper online in the British medical Journal that reviewed 71 studies of sugar intake as they relate to wait. The World Health Organization recommended in 2003 that people limit their sugar intake to approximately 10% of calories. The agency commissioned this study to examine if they should update their recommendation. The studies also revealed that increasing consumption of added sugars has resulted in approximately 1 1/2 pounds of weight gain according to the University of Otago and Reddit Institute in New Zealand. Weight gain is only one of the health effects that can be directly associated with sugar however researchers noted that weight gain is only one of the” definitive conclusions” that could be surmised.  The utilize terms including” free “sugars which they defined as though sugars that were added to foods by the manufacturer, cook, or consumer, and also included those found in honey, syrups and fruit juices.Walter Willett, a professor at the Harvard School of Public Health, added in an accompanying editorial that reducing consumption of sugar sweetened drinks is a high priority. This is a stand many health activist and researchers share. He called policies including soda taxes are useful and wrote that medical professionals should lead the way. He added that any particular limit would be somewhat arbitrary. 10% of calories which is 5% less than the average in the United States and the United Kingdom could be seen as a realistic goal. The American Heart Association suggests a 5% limit on calories from sugar in the diet. This is more consistent with a goal for optimal health. As patients struggle with maintaining a realistic and stable weight it is no surprise that patients are also looking for ways to maintain their best contour and shape. Dr. Kim explains to patients that while liposuction will help them to create better and more proportionate body contour, it is not a weight loss procedure. In order to be viable candidate for liposuction patients must be at or near their ideal body weight. Dr. Kim uses his artistic talent and surgical skill to help patients achieve better contour and shape in areas including the abdomen, outer thighs, and upper and lower back. Patients who are considering liposuction are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim’s office and schedule a consultation.

Choosing to eat at a restaurant for most people is expected to have some element of enjoyment. With the obesity epidemic rampant regulations have pressured restaurants to list their caloric intake of their dishes. Realistically anyone who orders fried chicken, mashed potatoes, or other known high calorie foods is not expecting a low number if they decide to check out the number of calories in their selection. A recent Los Angeles Times article highlighted the Center for Science in the Public Interest harsh critique of some restaurant choices by handing out what they called the “Xtreme Eating Awards”. The article included dishes like IHOP country fried steak and eggs which they noted has 1760 cal. The IHOP spokesman reiterated that guest have several options and that IHOP has a range of items that are under 600 cal. Maggiano’s Little Italy, was included on the report however there spokesman says that they are served in generous portions, perfect for sharing or enjoying later at home. The company also added that the kitchen staff is willing to change dishes to suit customer’s needs. Chili’s was also cited and quickly responded that they offer a lighter choices menu to meet the needs of their guest. The Cheesecake Factory also weighed in making it clear that they have many calorie choices that are less than 200 items. They pointed out that many of the guests that come into the restaurant to celebrate and are not concerned with calories. Others want to share their dish and The Cheesecake Factory stated that they encourage that. Federal dietary guidelines suggest that an adult should eat about 2000 cal per day. Dr. Kim explains to his patients that maintaining a proper diet following body contouring procedures is critical for lifetime result. Patients who are not good about diet and exercise following liposuction or abdominoplasty procedures are likely to gain at least some of the weight back and compromise the body contour they were able to achieve after the procedure. This does not mean that patients have to be extreme following their plastic surgery procedure; only that they are focused and conscious of the potential to gain weight. Patients who are considering liposuction or abdominoplasty are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

Most people underestimate their real weight according to recent article. Men and women specifically those that are obese have become more likely than ever before to underestimate their true weight according to recent study. In a paper published in the Journal PLos ONE, researchers at the University college of Cork analyzed height and weight data for Irish adults over a nine year span of time. They found in three separate health surveys in which many women were asked to guess their height and weight, and those figures were in turn used to calculate BMI, over time the participants underestimated their weight increasingly over time. The height measurements that were estimated were surprisingly much more consistent. BMI is used as an indicator body fat content. Based on a person’s BMI they are categorized as either underweight, normal, overweight, or obese. People in the obese category will face greater risks to their health. The researchers surmised that the reporting of BMI and its inaccuracies have increased over time due to the normalization of obesity. In other words, obesity has become commonplace and it has altered the view of what people consider normal or obese. Dr. Kim explains to patients who contact him desiring body contouring procedures including liposuction or abdominoplasty that it is imperative that they are not obese. While it makes sense to many patients to consider liposuction as a removal of fat and therefore allowing them to lose weight the reality is that liposuction is a contouring procedure that removes only small amounts of fat for the purpose of achieving better contour. And abdominoplasty will remove loose and lax skin or what is also known as an abdominal flap; however, on a person who is obese the true aesthetic value is lost. Dr. Kim also shares with patients who have invested in abdominoplasty and or liposuction that is in their best interest to maintain a healthy weight and a consistent exercise program to maintain the best long-term life long results. Patients who are considering liposuction or abdominoplasty are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

Most reports in the media are highlighting the increase in men choosing cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. The uptick in men has patients has been fairly steady over the past decade. As the marketplace becomes more competitive, men can no longer ignore the value placed on a youthful appearance. The competition can be not only in the workplace but also from a personal perspective as well. The Internet has had a profound effect on how people are viewed and in which format. For many men this could include photos on Facebook, Skype, or Facetime. Without the clear advantage of a confident and youthful appearance some men could lose out. Dr. Kim explains to men that while there are differences from then who are having plastic surgery compared to women having plastic surgery, overall the most important aspect is that the plastic surgeon understands the differences in not only the structure of the male body but also the differences in the expectations of men compared with women. Most men do not want a dramatic difference that would be noticeable to everyone. Most preferred gradual improvement. The most popular procedures for men include gynecomastia surgery which removes male breast tissue, liposuction, and brow lift. For most men downtime is a serious issue. Combining procedures will slightly increase the recovery time; however, most patients prefer to combine procedures so that they are experiencing only one recovery. Dr. Kim also explains to his male patients that the popular procedures usually have only mild to moderate pain for most men. Since men tend to be less than later than women with surgical procedures, doctors and pain, men are likely to be overly concerned about the possible pain they will experience. Dr. Kim assures them that they will be given proper medication to help manage the pain. Men who are considering plastic surgery are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim’s office and schedule a consultation.

Although it may seem rather obvious, a recent article highlighted the fact that people who take smaller bites are less likely to gain weight. Researchers from the Netherlands published a study in the Journal Plos One that examined what happened when 53 participants consumed soup while taking various size sips when focusing and when they were distracted. Participants who took small steps consumed approximately 30% less than those who took big sips and those who decided the size of their sips. And those who took larger sips underestimated how much they consumed. “Consuming small bites rather than large bites involves more bites for consumption of the same amount of food. Due to a relatively higher number of bites … small bites may lead to lower food intake,” the researchers wrote. It’s also possible, they said, that lower intake results from diners’

beliefs about how much they are eating. “These findings stress the importance of cognitive factors on satiation,” they said. So if you think you are full, that makes a difference. Diners who do not pay attention to what they are eating are more likely to overeat. Several studies have supported this as it relates to television viewing while eating. The researchers wrote that in conclusion the food industry could design food products that encourage consumers to take smaller bites as one way to attack the obesity epidemic. As the new year is in full swing there are likely to be no shortages of New Year’s resolutions that include eating less. One way to focus on something different than eating is the focus on ways to modify and improve one’s appearance significantly yet not dramatically. Dr. Kim shares with patients that injectables including Botox and fillers like Restylane have a dramatic effect on the overall appearance. Most patients like the fact that with injectables the results can be seen virtually right away. Although for Botox patient the first time it takes a few days to see the final results, once a patient continually receives the injections the results can be seen much sooner. Watching your weight including how much food you consume is a lifelong choice that yields big dividends. However, just as important as it is to maintain a healthy weight and consistent exercise it is just as important to maintain your most youthful appearance. Patients who are considering injectable services are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

There are many misconceptions concerning obesity and weight loss according to a recent article. An international group of dietitians, doctors as well as other experts reviewed more than a dozen conceptions concerning obesity that are commonly believed to be true but are not supported by actual reliable medical evidence. If not just the consumers to believe these misconceptions according to the study authors much of the incorrect information is espoused by physicians, academic scientist, government agencies and public media. Some of the myths that they expose included: is a little less or exercising a little more ultimately lead to large weight loss over time provided the behavior remains. This myth is based on the concept that 3500 cal people 1 pound of weight loss. This equation was predicated upon short-term experiments. In the long term, the body compensates and various ways to slow down weight loss. Slow, gradual weight loss is easier to sustain their large, rapid weight loss – this is another commonly held myth. The reality is that clinical trials have proven that people who jumpstart their diets by losing a lot of weight in the beginning (consuming only 100 to 1200 cal per day for example) had the best long-term results in studies. Another commonly held myth is that babies who are breast-fed are less likely become obese. The World Health Organization presented this as a fact in one of its report but a randomized, controlled clinical trial that followed 13,000 children for more than six years discovered that there was no compelling evidence that breast-feeding prevents obesity according to the New England Journal of Medicine report.(The authors did note that breast-feeding has other benefits and should be encouraged). A myth many believe mostly because they want to believe it is that having sex burns 100 to 300 cal. The fact is having sex burns calories at the same rate as walking at a pace of 2.5 mi./h.  The article goes on to explain that the true benefit of having sex from calories perspective is only going to allow 14 additional calories to be burned. Dr. Kim consults with women who are dissatisfied with the appearance, shape, and or size of their breast. For many of them, the changes in their breast have come as a result of breast-feeding and pregnancy. While most do not choose breast feeding solely for the benefit of preventing obesity in their child, some were unaware of the aesthetic changes that would happen in their breast as a result of pregnancy and breast-feeding. Dr. Kim puts his patients at ease by helping them understand that breast augmentation combined with a breast lift is necessary is an excellent option for creating better contour, more fullness, and improving the firmness of the breast. Breast augmentation also allows women to increase the size of their breast for more proportionate figure overall. Patients who are considering breast augmentation are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

Thanks to the obesity epidemic portion control has become the buzzword for the decade. According to a recent article the portion control plan is a five-step approach that uses a measured system designed to take the guesswork out of dieting.  The co-creator of the program Myles Berkowitz, claims that the regimen allows for larger portions that are likely to help people feel more full and discourage them from snacking.We want you just to focus on one thing: And that’s how much you’re eating, Berkowitz said. What happens is you leave the table fully satisfied, so for the rest of the day, in between your meals, you’re not grazing on food. The program is called Life-Size and allows for dishes like two scoops of macaroni and cheese with salad. The program is worked for many participants and according to Berkowitz there’s more than just patient testimonials to back that up. The Life-Size program and Life-Size tools were tested at Colorado State University and they discovered that people are eating an average of 500 cal less than they were eating before starting the program. 500 less calories equals about 1 pound of fat lost each week. Experts noted that you do not need a structured plan to keep track of your portions. Household items can help to guide you as well. For example a golf ball is a great way to visualize a portion size of peanut butter. A deck of cards is a great way to think about a portion of proteins like beef or chicken. The average sized breast is representative of about half a cup which is sufficient for proportioning pasta. Many portions of premium ice cream and tiny containers for nuts are also helpful in measuring high calorie food. Using smaller plates works well in controlling the amount of food that you eat. The bottom line is that it’s not always what you eat that matters but rather how much you eat. Denying life pleasures is not necessary. Having smaller quantities, and getting the correct amount of nutrition and each meal will ensure that cravings don’t add two extra snacking later in the day. Dr. Kim consults with patients who are considering alternative ways to improve their appearance after weight loss. For many patients there could be significant sagging of the breast or loose and lax skin on the abdomen. For these patients Dr. Kim may recommend an abdominoplasty to improve the look and contour of the abdomen or a breast lift to improve the overall appearance and contour of the breast. Patients who are considering these procedures following weight loss are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

Living the good life especially in Southern California usually includes not only feeling good but looking good as well. According to a recent online news report living the good life is as much about attitude as it is about eating better and exercising more. Most doctors recommend a healthy lifestyle to their patients as the best form of antiaging. According to the article there are some tips that will help people reach and maintain their health goals. Your first focus is to be proactive about what you drink. Replace coffee think about what you put on your plate. About 50% should be veggies, one quarter should be protein, and the remaining should be whole grains. Maintain an accurate food diary. Thirdly, 30 min. of exercise per day, is a minimum requirement. The best advice is to break up your exercise time is necessary. 7 to 8 hours of sleep is also very helpful in maintaining a healthy body. Relieve stress and if you smoke quit smoking. A healthy life is a pro active life. Nothing just happens. This is the same successful approach to maintaining your most youthful appearance. Dr. Kim encourages patients to start cosmetic plastic surgery procedures including injectables such as Botox as well as surgical procedures like blepharoplasty or brow lift as soon as they begin to see the signs of aging. Addressing the effects of aging early allows patients to have the best and longest lasting benefits from the improvements cosmetic surgery can make. Patients who are considering cosmetic plastic surgery are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.