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The concept of people being more committed to getting healthy when they do it together is not new. But, according to a local article employers are now making the push for healthy lifestyle a unified preferred direction. According to the article Kaiser Permanente one of the largest employers, and a coalition of unions led by the United Healthcare Workers are trying to tackle the problem of unhealthy workers. They recently came into agreement under a contract that creates a unprecedented incentive for workers to get in better shape, testing the idea that peer pressure may be a more effective way to promote healthy lifestyles than solo rewards or penalties.The Kaiser deal is indicative of widespread effort by employers to retard the growth of healthcare cost, in part by shifting more of the fees onto their employees, in part by lessening the demand for treatment.  Plastic surgeons have known all along that peer pressure works not only as an incentive to stay healthy but also an incentive to maintain your best appearance. Many patients come to see Dr. Kim as a result of a referral from a coworker or friend who is thrilled with their plastic surgery results. This happens quite frequently for patients who have had varying procedures including breast augmentation, facelift, and liposuction. As the nation and employers struggle for creative ways to incentivize employees to maintain a healthy lifestyle they may want to consider incentives to help patients take advantage of cosmetic surgery procedures which are proven to have a positive effect on the lives of most people. While we are bias, the data supports that the reward of a healthy lifestyle is connected to a healthy, energetic, and youthful appearance

In sunny California preventing skin cancer is always an issue. According to a recent article aspirin may be one of the surprising ways people can help to prevent skin cancer. According to the article, aspirin and other nonsteroidal  anti-inflammatory painkillers could help to provide protection against skin cancer, according to a new research article. The discoveries, reported in the journal Cancer, were made after scientists analyzed 19 years of skin cancer records in northern Denmark and performed a comparison of the rates of skin cancer in participants who took one or more of these drugs with those who did not take either drug. They found that people who had ever used NSAIDS (meaning more than two prescriptions) were 15% and 13% less likely to have gotten squamous cell carcinoma or malignant melanoma, respectively. The reduced risk was stronger in those who taken he drugs for extended periods of time or more intensively. Dr. Kim stresses to patients the importance of caring for their skin on a daily basis. Sunscreen is an absolute must even on the rare day in Southern California when the sun is not shining. The sun rays are directly related to the increased risk in developing skin cancer and with common sense can be avoided. Premature aging is also inevitable with excessive sun exposure. While Botox and facelift procedures can help to reduce the signs of aging and minimize wrinkles, once skin has endured excessive Sun damage it is virtually impossible to remove 100% of the effects. When it comes to avoiding premature aging and skin cancer proactive steps toward prevention are the best options.

The cost of prescription drugs for most people is a sore subject. Insurers have become less willing to allow patients to enjoy full coverage for costly name brand drugs. According to a recent article Anthem Blue Cross, Aetna and other health insurers are dramatically shifting more prescriptions for the more difficult conditions to a new category which will require customers to bear the burden of a larger share of the medications cost. An abundance of patients in California and across the nation who are prescribed expensive prescription drugs every month for serious conditions including cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and other ailments are facing real pain at the pharmacy. Until recently, most of these patients usually paid relatively small co-pays for the advanced drugs. As a result, pharmacy bills are going up — on top of insurance premiums. Patients who are scheduled for plastic surgery are likely to be prescribed certain medications throughout the surgical process. Most patients are prescribed an antibiotic, prescription strength pain medication, and in some cases a muscle relaxant and something for nausea. Dr. Kim with his discretion will decide which prescriptions are best for each individual patient. Due to the increasing cost of prescription medications it is more important now than ever for patients to utilize generic prescriptions whenever possible or discuss with Dr. Kim if substitutions are available as an option. Breast augmentation and abdominoplasty patients who are likely to have muscle tightness due to the muscle work involved in the procedures are likely to be prescribed a combination of muscle relaxers and prescription pain medication to be taken together. If finances are an issue, it is important to know the cost of each medication prescribed, and ask Dr. Kim if substitutions that are financially more appropriate are available.

Aging Eyes

As we age, both our vision and the appearance of our eyes can change dramatically. According to recent online article some nutrients can delay the inevitable vision loss and possible eye disease that can occur as we age, more and more research suggests. Unfortunately most claims by supplement manufacturers about the magic powers of eye-friendly antioxidants are usually more hype than truth. Of course carrots have long been believed to be a magical sight enhancer, other foods, including dark, green leafy vegetables, could have an even greater impact on your eyes.

Effective Antioxidants

Studies over the last few decades suggest that people whose diets are high in proven effective antioxidants such as vitamin C, E, zinc, or carotenoid plant pigments such as beta-carotene or lutein are at less risk to develop common age-related eye diseases, said Julie Mares, a professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences at the University of Wisconsin at Madison.

 Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

Dr. Kim encourages patients that along with vision patient should also consider the appearance of their eyes as they age. Droopy eyelids are quite common as patient’s age; however, many believe they should wait until it impairs their vision before they should consider blepharoplasty. The reality is addressing droopy eyelids before they are a vision related concern is much more effective because the laxity of the skin is better for younger patients. Also, it gives Dr. Kim the opportunity to treat both droopy eyelids as well as the lower eye area which often includes bags and loose skin. Your eyes should express not only health and vitality but also youthfulness.

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim, contact us (310) 271-6996 at or click here.

Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and surrounding areas.

As women age most are under the impression that calcium supplements will improve their bone strength. A recent online article reported that a new study claims that calcium supplements are actually harmful to your health. According to the article taking calcium supplements increases the risk of having a heart attack, Swiss and German researchers reported Wednesday. The discovery adds credence to the growing amount of proof that such supplements could add much more risk than they do actual benefit. The study is considered significant because a large population of people, especially elderly women, actual proof continuously take the supplements in hopes of reducing the loss of bone density. The now seems to indicate that calcium consumed as part of a normal diet can, indeed, increase bone density and could also help lower blood pressure, but that supplements could prove to be too risky for most people to take. Participants in the study were then tracked for 11 years, during which the researchers recorded 354 reported heart attacks, 260 strokes and 267 deaths related to either heart attacks or strokes. Dr. Kim explains to older patients that if they are considering plastic surgery they must disclose all medications being taken including supplements. Some supplements interfere with surgery and cosmetic procedures. Dr. Kim explains to patients that even if they are considering smaller procedures like Botox or upper blepharoplasty there are specific medications including over-the-counter or supplements that could have a negative effect on their procedure or surgical results. This calcium study proves that just because a drug is available over-the-counter or without a prescription it does not mean it doesnt have harmful side effects.

Most of us have seen seaweed advertised as the best thing since sliced bread. According to recent online article the claims have included everything from, seaweed can reduce your waistline to grow your hair. Claims have been made that it can reduce your blood pressure as well as your blood sugar. Some say it can increase the strength of your bones and fortify your brain.  And amazingly enough it is believed by some to be able to cause your joints stop aching and get your bowels  moving.  Dr. Karthik Krishnamurthy, a dermatologist at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, cites the widespread use of alginate, a component of seaweed, in wound dressings that have been able to produce some excellent healing results. But for the most part, they and many other doctors, including those at the National Institutes of Health, are reserving judgment. Seaweed is really big right now, Krishnamurthy says. Still, a lot of claims about it are unfounded at this time. I hope something comes of it, but were not there yet.  Dr. Kim explains to patients that the use of natural herbs and supplements can be beneficial for many patients; however ,the claims made by manufacturers should always be investigated before accepting them as fact. Seaweed as a skin care products that claims to eliminate the need for plastic surgery is a questionable claim. Patients who are considering facial rejuvenation procedures because of loose skin on the face and eyelids will not see comparable results from using skin care products infused with seaweed. The result Dr. Kim is able to deliver for patients from a facelift, brow lift, or blepharoplasty  is not comparable to those that can be achieved by even the best topical products.  When patients are considering new products and supplements they should always proceed with caution.

Most people are surprised to learn that the majority of people believe that their nose is unattractive. Few people when asked would say that their nose was their favorite feature. Rhinoplasty has become more common throughout the years as plastic surgery has become more popular and affordable. Most patients who seek a consultation with Dr. Kim for rhinoplasty are unsure exactly what it is that they do not like about their nose, however, they are certain that they do not like it. Often they tell Dr. Kim that when they look at a photo of themselves their nose is the first thing that they notice. Patients who present themselves to Dr. Kim for rhinoplasty have a multitude of reasons why they do not like their nose. The most common is that the patient feels their nose is too long or has what is called a dorsal hump or a bump on the nose. Some patients also seek rhinoplasty surgery because of difficulty breathing through the nose because of scar tissue from nasal injury or cartilage within the nose that prevents a clear breathing pathway. Some patients specifically seek Dr. Kim services for rhinoplasty because of his artistic skill and talent. Patients seeking ethnic rhinoplasty are typically concerned with maintaining their perception of ethnicity as it relates to the shape, size, and structure of their nose. Dr. Kim informs patients that the rhinoplasty procedure is considered a fairly straightforward procedure in most cases. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis and most patients report that it is not painful. Although results can be seen within 3 to 5 months the final results are visible at about one year.

In this economy having a job is something most of us would consider to be a privilege. But, according to a recent ABC news story some jobs can actually cause you to gain weight. According to the news story a new survey by job website Careerbuilder.com made a list of several occupations that could contribute to weight gain. Interestingly enough judges and attorneys were at the very top of the list. Doctors also were prominent on the list, as were social workers, teachers, police officers and firefighters. Career builders reports that these jobs are either high-stress or include a lot of sitting. Approximately 44 percent of those surveyed by the website pointed to the food at the office, including birthday cake, for contributing to their weight gain. Patients should be proactive about even the smallest amount of unwelcome weight gain. Dr. Kim consults with patients who most commonly have concerns about small amounts of weight gain and additional fat on their abdomen, outer thighs, lower back, and love handles. Dr. Kim will typically recommend liposuction as an effective way to remove isolated fat pockets and improve body contour. While liposuction is not a weight loss procedure it improves body contour and allow patients to have a svelte and aesthetically pleasing figure.   Most patients are able to enjoy results better than they could through diet and exercise alone. If patients have excessive loose and lax skin on the abdomen Dr. Kim may recommend an abdominoplasty in conjunction with liposuction for the best waist enhancement results.

In a youth conscious society like ours it seemed as though the scales were tipped in favor of men. Most of the expectations for a youthful look seem to be applied only to women. According to a recent local news article this is changing. According to the article Miami entrepreneur Darnell Henderson says long gone are the days when taking care of yourself is the equivalent to being feminine. His multicultural all-men grooming line, Himistry, has enjoyed online sales at quadruple the rate nationally since 2009. Its all about getting the girl. And the job, many men would add. Many men feel that if they start looking older, people began to throw your way. They used to believe they would be taken more seriously. They feel the pinch in the job market as well. There is an ever-increasing assortment of products and procedures with choices to help men address their aging appearance. The goal is to allow them to enhance their looks but still maintain their masculinity. Dr. Kim remind his male patients that when deciding on cosmetic surgery procedures it is important that they follow the same guidelines that women should follow in terms of recommendations from qualified a ASPS plastic surgeons. An unqualified medical professional may recommend against a facelift for a man with excessive loose and lax skin on his lower face and neck convincing him that a laser or injection will give him the same appearance as a surgical facelift. Some will build fear in men based on bad male celebrity results. Botox and fillers can improve the effects of aging on the face; however, when it is time for a facelift Dr. Kim with his artistic expertise and surgical skill is able to deliver unmatched natural looking results.

It is fairly common especially in Southern California to meet women who have had their breast implants for admittedly over 20 years. Many will tell you that they know they do not look as good as they did when they first got them done but that its “good enough”. The idea of exchanging breast implants for most women seems like a luxury and many women put it off without ever investigating just how easy it is to exchange their breast implants. Dr. Kim explains to patients in their initial consultation that exchanging breast implants is a much better tolerated procedure than they had performed on the initial breast augmentation. Dr. Kim carefully examines the patient to determine if the existing breast implant has been compromised by either a rupture or leak. If they are saline implants the leak in most cases is fairly obvious. If they are silicone implants it may be a little more difficult to detect. Dr. Kim will examine the patient to determine if there is excessive breast tissue surrounding the implant which could cause the breast to feel firm and in some cases unnatural and uncomfortable. If the excessive breast tissue or capsular contracture is present it will be necessary to remove the excess scar tissue with a capsulectomy before inserting the new implants. Most of the older implants are saline implants and patients are usually given the option to upgrade to silicone implants. The breast implant manufacturers offer incentives that can range from promotional pricing to actual gift cards for patients who exchange their saline implants to silicone implants. The bottom line is: breast implants were never intended to last a lifetime. Patients who have had their breast implants more than five years and have never had them checked should seriously consider a consultation with Dr. Kim to have the implants checked.