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Just when we thought it was safe to look adoringly at women having multiple pregnancies, Nayda Suleman is back in the news. The Orange County Register blog reported on it once again. This time, Octomom, Nadya Suleman is in the news for posing in semi-nude for a British magazine. Just as before, questions- or rather accusations, about whether she’s had plastic surgery, most notably a tummy tuck — are once again talk around the water cooler. Suleman, the mother of 14 was compensated to appear in the photos for Closer magazine, where the cover marked in bold letters, “Octomum bares all! ‘My body’s never looked this good!’. After the magazine came out, Suleman gave a video interview on Celebuzz denying that she’s had any plastic surgery but a breast reduction.  “I’ve never had a tummy tuck,” says Suleman, 36, in the video. She says she had skin removed from around her navel area because of an issue with a belly button ring. This admission alone is subject to interpretation. When the video interviewer asked if she would consider getting plastic surgery in the future, she said :“I think God gives us what we were born with. I’m different, my ethnicity is mixed. Middle Eastern, and European and Lithuanian and German. And so, I don’t believe in it.”  Honestly, the most disturbing part about her statements are that she has not had a tummy tuck or any other large removal of skin. They are an insult to the overwhelming majority of women who have loose and lax skin after pregnancy that is virtually impossible to get rid of. Most of these women have not had 14 children; all of which were multiple birth pregnancies. Dr. Kim explains to his patients who have had children that pregnancy can take a cruel toll on the body of most women. Many women even after one pregnancy are left with loose and lax skin on the abdomen, stretch marks, and a loss of volume in their breast. In many cases, Dr. Kim recommends the mommy makeover which includes both a breast augmentation as well as an abdominoplasty. Most patients will choose breast implants to help shape the breast and regain volume to the breast. Patients should not feel that having cosmetic plastic surgery after pregnancy is something they should be ashamed of. There are many factors to take into consideration when it comes to the ability of a woman to regain her pre-pregnancy shape. Some factors, like genetics; patients have no control over. The decision to have plastic surgery following pregnancy is a personal one and patients who choose to do so should make the decision based on their own personal desires.

When we look at body piercings, especially in Southern California, where its prevalent most people feel as though its pretty harmless. Everything KTLA report found that thats not necessarily the case. According to the news story almost of 20 percent of body piercings end up with bacterial infections, according to a paper published by Dr. Anne Laumann, chief of dermatology at Northwestern Universitys Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. Piercings are dangerous even though many people do not think so, said Laumann. There are piercings that can cause other complications. Complications could be temporary problems such as interference with X-rays ,MRIs, and surgery because the health care provider cannot remove the jewelry, or worse complications such as broken teeth or gum damage from tongue piercings. They can even be fatal, such as infections that reach the heart or other vital organs. Twenty-three percent of generation Y’rs had at least one body piercing other than the earlobe in 2010, said the Pew Research Center. That was 23 times more than baby boomers, 1 percent of whom have piercings. Popular piercing sites other than the earlobe include the nose, eyebrow, tongue, nipple, navel and genitalia. Patient should be aware if they are considering cosmetic surgery in most cases they will have to remove body piercings. Patients who consult with Dr. Kim for breast augmentation and have nipple piercings  often ask if they have to remove them. Once they find that it is necessary, many are anxious to know when they can have them re-pierced. Dr. Kim advises patients individually with respect to his recommendations. It is wise for patients to consider their and breast augmentation result (which they are likely to be very pleased with) before insisting upon new piercings. Patients who are considering abdominoplasty or abdominal liposuction will also be required to remove any bellybutton piercings. Although body piercings are a personal decision, some patients who have had cosmetic plastic surgery enjoy the benefits of their new shape and contour and are less likely to choose body piercing as an adornment.

The concept of having access to medical test from our home works well for most people. A recent ABC news story looked at the effectiveness of popular medical test on the market. According to the news story Consumer Reports says some medical tests could provide wrong information, like a home test designed to let women know menopause has begun. Women in their late 40s and 50s might interpret those results to mean that they no longer need birth control, and that could result in an unwanted pregnancy, said Marvin Lipman of Consumer Reports. Some of the other home tests have debatable value, this includes the ones that claim to test for high cholesterol levels, These tests measure total cholesterol, but you still need a doctor to interpret the results for you and to tell you what to do about it, Lipman said. A medical test on the market can help you discover if you have a urinary-tract infection, but you need a prescription for medication to cure the urinary tract infection from a physician if you get a positive result. You really have to know in advance whether your doctor is willing to prescribe over the phone. Many are not willing to do that, Lipman said. At-home test, whether recommended or not, all have instructions indicating that consumers should not substitute the test for medical advice or diagnoses. Dr. Kim explains to his patients the value of maintaining excellent health especially those who are approaching middle-age in their 40s and 50s. Just as self-diagnosis through at-home medical test is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment the same holds true for cosmetic laser skincare devices that are becoming more prevalent on the market today. Dr. Kim treats many patients who are concerned about the appearance of aging on their skin as well as acne scarring, brown spots, and uneven skin tone. Todays lasers are improved dramatically and with medical laser resurfacing many of these issues can be addressed and improved. It stands to reason that at-home laser products will not have the strength and effectiveness that would be available in a plastic surgeons office. Dr. Kim invites patients to consult with him concerning their skin and consider if laser resurfacing and other medical grade skin care treatments are right for them. As an a ASPS skilled plastic surgeon Dr. Kim is able to offer exceptional results with facial rejuvenation surgeries including facelift, brow lift, and blepharoplasty for appropriate candidates.

It doesnt take much convincing in Southern California with our great weather to prove the benefits of exercising with your dog. A recent KTLA news story focused on the proven benefits of exercise not just for people but also for dogs. Dogs, it seems, are following in the footsteps of their human owners. Currently, 70 percent of Americans and 53 percent of dogs are obese. The health issues and expense are similar for both. Studies prove that for both man and dog obesity increases the risk of metabolic diseases, including diabetes, degenerative joints, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, tumors, skin diseases and a life span that is shorter than necessary. Even with all of the research, advice from medical experts, diets and diet foods available for man and dog, obesity statistics continue to be on the rise.  The reason, according to the experts, is that both man as well as dogs are eating too much and exercising too little. According to the news story daily and consistent walks can improve most health issues and concerns for both the dogs as well as humans. Dr. Kim consults with many frustrated patients who have been diligent about exercise(some of which they do with their dogs) on a consistent basis, yet they still have small areas of fat that affect their contour. The areas most commonly mentioned are the outer thighs, lower abdomen, and love handles. This can be very frustrating especially for a patient who is of normal weight and exercises regularly. Dr. Kim explains that liposuction could be an excellent option. Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure it is a contouring procedure. Liposuction allows Dr. Kim to artistically sculpt and shape the legs, abdomen, and love handle area. Although liposuction can be performed on most any area these areas are the most common. As an expert, Dr. Kim is able to achieve a shape and contour that is superior to what the patient can achieve through diet and exercise alone. As patients continue their exercise routine after their procedure they will see excellent results that continue to get better over time.

When men lose their hair some say it is a devastating event for many men. This is why research to learn why men lose their hair could seem valuable to many. According to recent Fox news increasing story study authors have isolated the protein believed to be responsible for male pattern baldness, anticipation that an effective cure for the most frequent cause of hair loss in men is not too far away.

Male pattern baldness is a problem for eight out of 10 men and results in the hair follicles shrinking and producing microscopic hairs, which grow for a shorter period of time than normal hairs .We looked at bald scalps last year and saw the hair follicles were still present, according to senior author George Cotsarelis, from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania . So we inferred there was either a lack of an activator [to spur hair growth] or the presence of an inhibitor. The researchers discovered that the bald spots had abnormally high levels of a protein called Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) — nearly three times the amount present in the scalp areas with hair. This led researchers to believe they have identified the protein. In the very preliminary stages it is still unclear what this information can mean. Few  would dispute that men who were bald have a distinct look. One of the common concerns for bald or balding men is whether or not they are a candidate for facial rejuvenation procedures. Obviously, without hair, the face is even more noticeable for those men who are prone to premature aging , and can look considerably older than their real age. Dr. Kim advises male patients to first consider Botox as an option for smoothing the wrinkles on the forehead. They may also consider Botox treatments for crows feet on the outer corner of the eyes. If the patient is a candidate for a brow lift Dr. Kim is careful to utilize his artistic skill and expertise to carefully decide where the incision should be placed and the best opportunity for optimal healing so that the scars are not visible. Each patient is given a thorough an individual consultation which will allow Dr. Kim to make the best recommendation without further disturbing the patients hairline or causing the result to look unnatural and aesthetically unpleasing. Dr. Kim welcomes mail patients to meet with him and discuss the best options for anti-aging.

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. According to recent ABC news story a new 3-D medical device may help detect melanoma sooner. According to the news story every eight minutes, someone in the United States will be diagnosed with melanoma. Early detection is the single most effective action we can take since there is no cure for melanoma. Studies prove that when caught early, melanoma can be prevented from causing serious harm including death. With a recent discovery, surgery to discover melanoma is going 3D. Makers of a new device claim that by using their technology, surgeons can see the tumor as well as the surrounding blood vessels. Photoacoustic tomography uses laser light and sound waves to create a 3D image of the cancer inside the body. Tiny gold nanocages show a stark difference between malignant and normal tissue. For more aggressive melanoma, doctors are in the testing stages of using a new compound that triggers cancer cells to implode.” What we manage to do is trick them into thinking they are being attacked or infected by a virus, said Dr. Maria Soengas, a dermatologist at the Spanish National Cancer Center Research Institute in Madrid, Spain. These technological advances are promising. In Southern California where sun exposure is an issue year-round melanoma should be on the radar for most residents. Patients are advised to have regular skin care checkups to spot any suspicious changes in the skin. Dr. Kim advises his patients to avoid excessive sun exposure and to use sunscreen everyday. Medical grade skin care products are available through his practice as well as medical grade skin care treatments. Dr. Kim reminds his patients that the sun is also responsible for much of the premature aging that appears on the face. Botox injections help with the lines that are easily formed on the forehead from squinting as a result of the sun, and also treat the crows feet around the outer corners of the eyes that also develop. Patients should also not rule out the possibility of a facelift and browlift for the best long-term results. Healthy skin, regular skin care, and proper cosmetic enhancements help patients to look and feel their best at any age.

It is not uncommon for Americans to believe they are not considered overweight when in fact they are. According to a recent KTLA news story men are guiltier of this than women. According to the news story a new study found that BMI is a poor measure of fatness in men. This is not only about the way that BMI underestimates their obesity. In the study, 20% of the studys men fluctuated from normal and healthy into the obese column under the new BMI guidelines. They did this much more frequently than women. Men who were considered obese by the BMI standard were reclassified as normal and healthy when they were measured with the new measure known as DXA or dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. This is confusing because men shift back and forth from the healthy category to obese relatively frequently and easily. Dr. Kim encourages male patients to consider their health and appearance as they age. Many times men will overlook what starts as a protruding abdomen and over time becomes what some term as a large “spare tire” appearance around their abdomen. Men should consider abdominal liposuction as soon as they begin to see the signs of extra fat deposits that are not flattering to their contour. As an expert with both artistic skill as well as surgical talent, Dr. Kim is able to shape and tone a svelte appearance for many men. Typically he will sculpt the upper and lower abdomen, love handles and lower back to create a younger looking more toned waistline. Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure and patients must be at or near their ideal body weight in order to be a suitable candidate.

Many people, especially younger people have experienced a hangover from alcohol at least once in their lifetime. Las Vegas also known as” sin city” is notorious for partying, hanging out, and drinking excessively. According to recent MSNBC news story a doctor in Vegas is launching the first mobile unit designed to treat people who are suffering from an alcohol induced hangover. According to the article a mobile, hangover treatment center – a bus decorated with overstuffed couches, a well dressed doctor and specially concocted IV bags – is ready to premiere Saturday, driving up and down the Las Vegas strip from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., pledging to immediately soothe last night’s overindulgence of alcohol from your body. Hangover Heaven is the creation of Dr. Jason Burke, a anesthesiologist who trained at Duke University and who –- if his venture hits the big time, hopes soon to say audios to his day job as a hospital anesthetist. For $90 to as much as $200 (for the IV vitamin mix), Burke will pick you up, offer a plush relaxing mixture fee, insert an intravenous line into your vein and flush that after-party pain with of fluids containing electrolytes and other solutions to alleviate dehydration, the anti-nausea drug Ondansetron, and the anti-inflammatory drug Ketorolac. The treatment takes about 45 minutes. Needless to say the idea from conception to administration is highly controversial. For the record, patients considering plastic surgery should know that excessive alcohol consumption prior to surgery is never advised. Patient who consult with Dr. Kim and are considering shorter procedures including breast augmentation and liposuction could believe that going out to celebrate a couple of nights before their surgery sounds like a great idea. Some rationalize that they will be unable to”hangout”for a few weeks after surgery so partying now makes perfect sense. The reality is if patients drink too much and subsequently suffer from the ill effects (a hangover )this can interfere with the safety of their plastic surgery procedure. It is important that patients are well hydrated and in their best health in order to have the best plastic surgery experience and ensure the safest situation possible.

Few things top the list of frustrating experiences, then dieting and still not losing weight. According to a recent ABC News story there could be some hidden behaviors that are causing your weight loss to be ineffective. According to the news story there are some key reasons the weight may not be falling off. One of the culprits could be that you are cutting too many calories.Rarely will an expert advise you to eat less than 1,400 calories per day. If you consume less than that, your metabolism slows down to save the needed. Another hidden behavior may be over-compensating after exercise. Exercising heavily and then rewarding yourself with fattening drinks or snacks is counterproductive. Some are surprised to learn that consuming diet drinks doesnt really help you to lose weight .Research scientists discovered that those who drink diet sodas had a 178 percent greater increase in waist size over a 10 year. Compared to those who dont drink it.  If you are not keeping a food and fitness monitor (especially the electronic kind), you probably think youre doing more and eating less than you actually are. Sad truth is if you have overweight friends, a Harvard study found that you have a greater chance of being heavy too because of the perception of accepted weight fluctuations in the people more closely associated with. Giving up wine could affect your weight loss goals. One13-year study discovered women who drank one or two glasses a day gained less that those who dont drink wine at all. The low-carb low-fat diet still has yet to yield could scientific evidence-based results. This diet could have your body lacking nutrients if youre consuming meager meals. You should add lean proteins, whole grain with lots of fiber, heart-healthy fats and loads of produce. Dr. Kim advises his patients that if it is the contour that patients are unhappy with, in other words, the shape of certain areas on their body then the issue is not weight loss. For these patients especially if they are at, or close to their ideal body weight, liposuction is an excellent solution. Using artistic skill and surgical expertise, Dr. Kim is able to contour most any part of the body for a more aesthetically pleasing shape. This includes areas such as the upper abdomen, upper back, and hips. These areas are virtually impossible to improve with weight loss. For patients who have a significant component of loose and lax skin on their abdomen, and abdominoplasty combined with liposuction may be a better recommendation. The key is for patients to understand that body contour and weight loss are two different issues.

It seems food studies go from claiming superfood status- to absolutely no good for you- status. The latest food under attack is white rice. According to a recent Fox news story consuming white rice could  elevate the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, Harvard researchers claimed. Every large portion size of white rice was associated with an 11 percent increased risk, scientists from the Harvard School of Public Health discovered, and then concluded, from a comparative analysis of four studies performed in China, Japan, Australia and the US. The study researchers wrote in the British Medical Journal, that they found that more white rice consumption was linked with a substantially elevated risk of Type 2 diabetes. This link appeared to be stronger for Asians than for Western populations.  While the study is interesting, it hardly bears warning for people to toss out white rice altogether. A balance of a healthy diet and regular exercise is the standard recommendation for most adults. It is important that patients understand after having cosmetic surgery that this recommendation remains important. Some patients believe that they can  ”ease up” on the restrictions of a healthy diet and regular exercise after cosmetic surgery. Dr. Kim warns that patients who have had body contouring procedures like liposuction or abdominoplasty can gain weight if they are not committed to a healthy lifestyle. This will of course change the results from their cosmetic surgery procedure. While a minimal amount of weight gain will typically not affect a great result, larger more significant weight gain will change a patient contour. Patients must remember that cosmetic surgery is an investment, and like all investments it must be nurtured and cared for in order to maintain its value.