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According to online post Health Day it may come as a shock to you, but if you’re toting your favorite purse from the gym locker room, to a parent-teacher meeting, to the floor of your favorite public restaurant, you may as well be carrying around a supersized petri dish of bacteria. One ABC News investigation showed that most purses have tens of thousands of germs. Half of the bags tested in the experiment were positive for coliform bacteria, demonstrating the possible presence of human or animal waste . How could this be? It’s not that difficult to believe — women place their purses in public bathrooms, including on floors where bodily fluids may be emitted; on public transportation, such as bus and train floors; and on fast-food counters, floors, and chairs, all of which contain potentially harmful germs, notes Deepti Chauhan, MD, an infectious disease specialist at Loyola University Health System in Maywood, Ill. “Public bathroom floors are the most consistent offenders for creating dirty purses,” she adds. Germs and bacteria live on purses. “Primarily bacteria, including staph and E. coli species, can result in infections,” says Susan Stuart, MD, a dermatologist at La Jolla Dermatology in California. Patients who are having surgery are told during their preoperative visit about the importance of a clean environment. The goal is to prevent infection from germs. Dr. Kim explains the risk of infection that is a part of every surgery. Patients are informed that infections that are as a result of exposure to germs and bacteria can in part be avoided by washing hands prior to touching incisions. Since many of the articles that patients handle on a daily basis including purses, cell phones, wallets, and eyeglasses are riddled with germs, frequent hand washing is even more important for patients who have had surgery, and the people who are caring for them. Good preventative health measures should be taken for all surgeries including abdominoplasty, facelift, and breast lift as the incisions for these surgeries usually include instructions for patients or their caregiver to keep the incisions clean and dry.

According to an online Orange County Register blog post, a Los Angeles plastic surgeon and UCLA professor who specializes in rhinoplasty surgery made marks similar to surgical markings made before surgery on photos of Kim Kardashian’s face. He says that they illustrate his “forensic analysis” of changes made to her nose. The surgeon believes that Kardashian has had a rhinoplasty. He perceives “subtle” changes. “Kim Kardashian’s plastic surgeon must have known that s/he was messing with near perfection,” he says.  Questions surrounding Kim Kardashian and plastic surgery, only one of which was a rhinoplasty, have come up before.

When she appeared on “Nightline” in 2010, she said she did not have a nose job and, after a consultation, chose not to get one .“But what’s funny is about my nose, it’s my biggest insecurity,” she said. “I always want to get my nose done. … I went to a doctor, I had them take the pictures, he showed me what it would look like and it just didn’t — It — I wouldn’t look the same.” Although many may scrutinize Kim Kardashian’s nose and wonder if, in fact, she had rhinoplasty, the reality is even with all of the photos and film footage; no one can tell for sure. This is a good thing! Dr. Kim explains to patients that good cosmetic work should not be immediately visible especially with a rhinoplasty procedure. The goal is to maintain the basic structure, character, and in some cases ethnicity of the nose. It is also important for a good surgeon to evaluate the entire face in comparison to the nose, and include recommendations if necessary like chin augmentation or blepharoplasty. The average person does not have their photograph taken as many times as a celebrity like Kim Kardashian;, however, every day the most important person will see your face. The most important person is you. Dr. Kim strives to help patients make the best long-term cosmetic surgery decisions by maintaining a solid commitment to delivering the best possible cosmetic surgery results.

According to an online Orange County Register blog post, the new Demi Moore image that was released as part of the Helena Rubinstein cosmetic company advertising a promotion shows a celebrity who is virtually unrecognizable. Many other blog post and beauty articles allege that the photograph has been extensively digitally enhanced. Many writers point to the fact that the skin looks eerily flawless and that there are absolutely no wrinkles on the 49-year-old actress. The public is well known that fashion companies digitally enhance photographs to sell their products. When cosmetic companies do so in such an obvious way it raises questions as to the message of their attempting to convey to their consumers. The implied message would be that if they use the products, they can achieve the look of the model. The reality is if consumers can tell that the photo has been digitally enhanced it is debatable as to whether the connection to the product will be a positive one. Dr. Kim reminds his patients that digital imaging and Photoshop should always be considered when patients are comparing celebrity photos to the cosmetic surgery enhancements they are considering. Cosmetic plastic surgery results are highly dependent upon the patient, the plastic surgeon, and the patient’s desires. It is not realistic for an average 49-year-old woman to compare herself to a celebrity like Demi Moore and expect to have the same appearance whether digitally enhanced or not. The reality is each person is able to achieve their best most youthful appearance when they are honest and realistic about what can be achieved in their specific situation. The most popular procedures include breast augmentation, liposuction, and for women over 40, facelift. Dr. Kim encourages his patients to celebrate their unique features and to realize that his goal is to enhance the beauty each patient already possesses.

According to an online industry article Botox for men or the slang term “Brotox” is supposedly a new trend. Those of us who live and work in Southern California specifically Beverly Hills, fail to see the novelty of what many media outlets call the desire for men to look good. In this day and age it is not just about looking good it is also about looking better, more youthful, and more energized.  It should not surprise most people that men would consider Botox or other cosmetic procedures. When you consider the competitive nature of men celebrated in our culture it is quite possible that this could carry over into the area of appearance. It is possible that this has become more of an issue lately due to a fiercely competitive job market in a post economic climate. It is not uncommon for men to feel that they may be passed over for new opportunities because they look older, less energetic, and less youthful. Dr. Kim encourages his mail client to embrace their best possible appearance. There are many procedures including Botox injections, liposuction, and brow lift that can benefit the overall appearance of most men. Dr. Kim has the expertise and artistic skill to assure that his male patients not only look better but still continue to look like themselves. Traditionally, male patients are most fearful of looking different and looking made over. Even in our celebrity environment, this is not the desire of most men. Dr. Kim offers a host of before and after photos as well as an in-depth one-on-one consultation to put fears of cosmetic surgery that men may have at ease. Being a good-looking man, especially in Southern California is not a trend; its practically an expectation!

According to recent online article medical information on a smart phone makes sense. Health management has moved from files and folders, to EMR and into the memories of smart phones.  There are some (free) smart phone apps and mobile services that can help you manage your health. These are a few according to a recent online article: iTriage is a one-stop health app. Created by two ER doctors in 2008, tells you what’s wrong with you and where to go for treatment. It uses a huge data base of ER locations and service times.  Another application, Text4Baby uses free text messaging to educate and inform moms to be and new moms about how to give new babies the “best possible start in life.”  Another application Smokefree TXT is an app that uses free 24/7 text messages to help smokers kick the habit.   One of the best apps in the article is Rxmind Me Just download the free app, put in your medications, dosages and other important information and Rxmind Me will alert you when it is time to take your pills. You can also add pills you take infrequently so you can check on drug interactions with your physician or pharmacist. Patient should always remember that cosmetic surgery procedures are medical in nature and should be taken seriously. Dr. Kim stresses to patients during the preoperative visit that prescribed medications and instructions should be followed exactly as written. The majority of patients are given a prescription narcotic, antibiotic, medication to prevent nausea, and in some cases other medications to help reduce swelling. Patients who are having sub- muscular breast augmentation, abdominoplasty or other procedures that made disturb the muscle could be prescribed muscle relaxants as well. Patients may choose to use a smart phone app to remind them when to take the prescribed medications at the proper times. This can be very important as patients under the influence of prescription medication may not recall taking their medications and may duplicate schedule dosages accidentally. Dr. Kim requires patients to have a responsible adult to assist with proper aftercare following surgery.

According to a recent My Fox LA video report coworkers can easily sabotage any well-intended diet program. It becomes a bit difficult to blame an expanding waistline on coworkers but it is easy to see how it can sneak up on you. During the holidays it is very common for coworkers to bring in cookies, cakes, brownies and other tempting sweets. But, it doesnt really end with the holidays. If the office is big enough, its always someone’s birthday, retirement party, or baby shower. So, what do the experts suggest that you do, so that you can save face as well as your waistline? One of the best suggestions is to allow yourself a taste by cutting away a small piece and leaving the rest in the pan or on a plate. This will work better for most than denying themselves all together. Another excellent suggestion is to be sure that what you contribute is healthy and calorie conscious. Then eat what you contributed. Dr. Kim empathizes with patients when considering coworkers as part of the equation of our lives. Most people spend the majority of their day at work; so therefore, much of the influences come from coworkers. When patients are considering plastic surgery they often ask how to handle coworkers and what they may think or say. This question comes up most often when patients are considering breast augmentation or facelift. These procedures tend to be more obvious and it is likely that coworkers will notice the difference. Patients making the decision to have cosmetic surgery for the right reason; namely for their own personal benefit, should take comfort in the fact that it is a personal decision. There is no reason to explain or defend their decision to coworkers. How much information a patient chooses to divulge is solely their decision.

It appears as though spring has sprung. This is the time of year when many of us begin to think about summer vacations and what we would like to add to our spring and summer wardrobe. What many women fail to realize is that the quest to achieve the best body contour prior to summer should begin now. This includes a consistent and regimented workout plan as well as proper diet. However we must be realistic and admit that even when we are great about exercise and diet department there certain things that a woman has little to no control over. One of these is her bust line. It is no mystery that breast augmentation is the number one considered cosmetic plastic surgery in the United States. As spring and summer approach, it becomes more obvious than ever before, that women who have difficulty finding an acceptable wardrobe, are going to dread yet another season. Critics may say that women should embrace the fact that they are aging, or that they have had children.  This is why  their breasts are not as perky as they once were. However, the countless women who have chosen breast augmentation, (and/or breast lift), having children or aging does not have to be marked by sagging and droopy breast. Most women tell Dr. Kim that they want to look more proportionate in their clothes, and that they would like a fuller and firmer look. Contrary to what many people believe most patients choose a breast augmentation size that is  less than 2 cup sizes larger than what they already have. Dr. Kim advises patients to choose a plastic surgeon with a broad base of experience to help ensure that they will get the best results. Dr. Kim and his staff empathize with their patients and help them to understand the benefits and risks of the breast augmentation procedure. Patients who have had breast augmentation surgery look eagerly to the new season and the opportunity to choose from a wardrobe that is at least three times larger than selection that she had previously.

According to a recent celebrity online blog  actress Susan Sarandon recently fessed up to having cosmetic plastic surgery, and made it known that she plans to have even more. “I’ve had some lipo under my chin and under my eyes,”  Sarandon, 65 admitted. She added that she would possibly have more work done in the future to keep a natural look. She made a point to let her fans know that she would not overdo it. I have these two huge frown lines here (on my forehead),” Sarandon explained. “But if you cant move your face or youre unrecognizable, I dont see how thats a productive enhancement. You dont want to look like a female impersonation of yourself. In her guest appearance on The Wendy Williams Show, Sarandon spoke about her older woman, younger man romance with businessman Jonathan Brinklin, 34. That seemed more interesting than the cosmetic plastic surgery to the audience. Dating is such a stupid word,” the actress said. “You can say…We are collaborating in a lot of different areas.  The aging of Hollywood actresses is inevitable, but it is refreshing when one admits to doing a little bit of cosmetic surgery and getting great value from it. Dr. Kim is careful to help his patients understand that antiaging is a process. It involves addressing the aging process as soon as women began to see signs that they are not happy with. This is why most patients begin Botox and medical grade skin care in their early 30’s. Many patients will have a modified facelift as early as mid-40’s along with a blepharoplasty and brow lift. At this age, the change is subtle yet dramatic enough to yield as much as a ten year difference in their appearance. Celebrities that have used this approach successfully are the ones that the public usually finds to be ”aging gracefully”.

In this day and age, as technology continues to progress, the line between reality and real has become ever so faint. The latest celebrity to be outed for over-the-top Photoshop is the pitchwoman for the AbGlider, The View co-host  Elizabeth Hasselbeck.  In the popular infomercial, viewers see Elizabeth touting the wonderful attributes of the at-home exercise machine. As she approaches the camera, there is a shot in plain view, where Elizabeth appears to have no bellybutton at all.  All you can see is a smooth stomach. Obviously, it is a case of excessive photo retouching. As a matter of fact, minutes later in the same infomercial her bellybutton mysteriously reappeared. This incident was the subject of a recent Orange County Register blog. Elizabeth, as the mother of three children, proves to be quite an impressive pitchwoman for an exercise machine that claims to give anybody a flat abdomen, even after having multiple children. The fact that her photograph had to be retouched in order to be believable, takes the amusement out of the situation. Women should understand that loose and lax skin usually comes after bearing children and cannot be exercised away. Dr. Kim explains carefully to patients who have had children that an abdominoplasty actually removes the loose and lax skin. The procedure allows him to not only remove the skin but stretch, pull down and tuck the skin into an incision low in the bikini line. This creates a flat tight abdomen. The muscles that were stretched and pregnancy are also tightened. Typically Dr. Kim will perform liposuction to enhance the entire waistline. The results Dr. Kim is able to achieve could never be achieved through exercise alone. Dr. Kim strives to provide patients real-life results, resulting in real life satisfaction.

The recent horror story concerning the PIP implants continues to make the plastic surgery news. According to recent industry article The Guardian(a UK newspaper) reports that a woman in the United Kingdom  received 3,700 pounds back from Lloyds TSB, a UK credit card company. She had used her credit card as payment for her breastaugmentation surgery. Unfortunately, the breast implants that she received were the problematic PIP implants, which the news sources have reported, “…were filled with non-medical grade silicone.” National Health Service removed her breast implants and she contacted a law  firm to see if she could get a refund for the initial surgery. She found that the surgical group that had implanted the defective breast implants had gone into “administration,” (an alternative to liquidation). Since she had paid with her credit card, Lloyds TSB issued a full refund within three months after she had completed the required form. The British Association of Plastic Surgery (BAAPS) has taken a firm position that PIP implants should be explanted, preferably prior to rupture taking place, and believes it’s unethical that many clinics that implanted these devices will not replace them without cost to the patient. PIP breast implants that were said to be filled with non-medical grade silicone were not sold in the United States. Patients who had surgery outside of the United States should check their implants to be sure they are not PIP implants, especially if they paid a very low price for the surgery. Dr. Kim explains to patients that having breast augmentation outside of the United States means that the guidelines being used to determine medical safety of the process as well as the products used, is unlikely to be the same as the guidelines used in the United States. Every breast surgery including breast lift and breast reduction should be considered a serious operation and patient should always take into consideration the steps that should be taken to ensure their best breast health. This includes monthly breast self-exam as well as annual mammograms after 40 years of age. Dr. Kim encourages patients to follow the advice of their primary care physician concerning their breast health.