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Migraine headaches can be debilitating for people who are unfortunate enough to suffer from them.  According to recent local news story, Thirty-six-million Americans suffer from migraines. Most are women. The majority do not seek treatment mostly because of the wrong diagnosis or lack of knowledge. A multitude of metabolic changes occur when a person experiences a migraine headache. Dr. Andrew Charles, director of the UCLA Headache Research and Treatment Program, explains thats the reason patients experience many different symptoms. People can have nausea. Typically theres sensitivity to light, sound, smell and touch, so theres sensory sensitivity of all kind, said Charles. Migraine headaches are costly to employers and migraine sufferers alike. Although the article mentioned some lifestyle changes that can help to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines patient should also be open to cosmetic surgery that has for some patients been successful in treating migraines. Dr. Kim offers the procedures that plastic surgeons have reported as successful for some patients for treating migraine headaches. The procedures include Botox injections combined with a brow lift. The brow lift restrict the muscles in the forehead from tensing and tightening. The Botox injection does the same thing however it is temporary. While there are no guarantees that this treatment will work for everyone the results have been impressive for patients who have decided to have the procedure performed. Botox has FDA approval for the treatment of migraine headaches however patient should be aware that not all insurance companies will cover the treatment. Patients who have the Botox and brow lift treatment at the very least will enjoy a the more youthful look of a smooth forehead.

Here in Southern California plastic surgery is part of the everyday landscape. Unfortunately, when many people think of a facelift they think of celebrities with extremely tight unnatural looking faces. The term facelift has become a twisted word that has been repackaged to make consumers feel better about facial rejuvenation. Marketing companies have called it everything from a “Lite lift” to a “Lifestyle lift” to encourage consumers to make the decision to do” something” about loose and lax skin on the face. Dr. Kim is careful to explain in detail to his patients not only the options for facial rejuvenation including a facelift, but also the differences between a specially marketed modified facelift, and a true classic facelift. Typically patients who are between the ages of 35 and 45 are just beginning to see the signs of aging. With a wide range of injectable fillers now available on the market including Restylane, Juvederm and others patients can delay some of the signs of aging. But, injectable fillers are temporary and will only last about 6 to 12 months. For some patients, even as early as 35 years of age, a modified or mini facelift is an excellent option for a slight tightening of the skin, provided there isnt loose and lax skin on the neck.  A modified facelift is for a younger patient who does not have extreme loose skin on the jaw line or neck. Contrary to heavy marketing that leads consumers to believe that everybody can benefit from this procedure, the truth is it is not appropriate for patients who are older and have more advanced signs of aging. Dr. Kim encourages patients to begin addressing the signs of aging early when the skin has the most laxity. Patient should understand that it is a process and that as they continue age the appropriate plastic surgery procedures will allow them to look younger than their stated age.

Just when we thought it was okay to consider spray tans as alternatives to indoor and outdoor tanning a new report says there could be harmful chemicals contained within the products. According to recent local news story the active chemical in spray tans could be instrumental in causing genetic changes and DNA damage, experts say. The chemical is the active ingredient that turns the skin brown. Potential risks were written and displayed in 10 lab studies, which were obtained by ABC News. Please note that these tests were not conducted on human subjects. The studies showed that although the FDA claims the chemical is not advised to be inhaled or ingested, these rules are not enforced in salons. The chemical, called DHA, is only approved for external use. Dr. Lynn Goldman, the dean of George Washington Universitys School of Public Health says DHA is showing up in the respiratory system, and spray tanners should be advised and alert about the potential of lung cancer. She says the whole practice further investigation. Patients considering plastic surgery are advised not to tan their skin prior to surgery. This includes not only facial procedures like facelift but also breast augmentation and liposuction. It is not in the best interest of the patient or the patient experience for patients to have surgery when the skin is damaged or possibly sunburned. Patients should avoid tanning after surgery as well. This is especially important for skin that is bruised or new scars. The risk of darkening the scar permanently is greatly increased with exposure to the sun. The skin can also darken unevenly after sun exposure on bruised skin following surgery. Dr. Kim advises patients to avoid tanning always, but definitely 4 to 6 weeks following surgery. For the first year patients should be sure to put sunscreen on all new scars.

Choosing plastic surgery is a personal decision; however, it usually involves others which include family and friends. Patients who are considering plastic surgery should think carefully about their social circle and the influence they will have in the decision. This should be considered prior to the initial consultation. Patient should consider who they want to bring with them to their consultation. They should consider the attitude of the person who will be involved most closely with their decision. Patients who are considering plastic surgery are more likely to have a positive experience if the person or people closest to them are supportive of their decision. Obviously, a person who desires to sabotage the plastic surgery experience would not be a good choice to bring to your initial consultation. Contrary to what some may believe it is not the plastic surgeons position to “convince” your significant other that plastic surgery is the right decision for you. Patients considering plastic surgery should also think about what and who they will tell about their plastic surgery decision before and after the decision is made. This includes superiors at work as well as coworkers. First and foremost patients must realize that they are free to release as little or as much information as they see fit. Dr. Kim is respectful of patient privacy as an ASPS plastic surgeon and respects the patient physician relationship. Patients who are considering the breast augmentation procedure may feel more comfortable involving friends or family in the consultation process including deciding the size of breast implants. Patients are cautioned that breast implant sizing is personal should be heavily dependent on Dr. Kims recommendation as well as the lifestyle and personality of the patient. Friends and family can be an amazing asset to the plastic surgery experience, but this is best assured when it is managed by the patient.

The buzz about gel nails appears to be more hype than fact. According to a recent local news article gel and acrylic manicures are a booming trend in nails. For the cost of about $30 each, the technique uses ultraviolet light and plastic bonding resins to create strong and super shiny nails that last for weeks and are resilient to chips, cracks or breaks. But there safety comes into question. Concerns about UV exposure or fungus have made some consumers wonder about safety. These manicures are safe, and the products are safe, says a prominent dermatologist, who has conducted clinical trials on fungal nail preparations, skin-cancer detection and cosmetic procedures. They are a great way to grow out your nails. Its like a shield on top of your nails if done properly. The right way for the procedure to be performed involves clean instruments, liberal application of sunscreen to protect fingers and hands from UV light and, most importantly, proper removal that will not strip the top layers of the nail. Dr. Kim reminds patients that while the nails may look beautiful it is also important to maintain youthful looking hands and also arms. Medical grade skin care that is applied to your face should also be applied to your hands. Sunscreen should be applied on a daily basis as well. For hands that have lost volume dermal fillers like Juvederm or fat transfer may be an option. Facelift patients should be especially conscientious about their hands. These patients should avoid a stark contrast in appearance between their new youthful looking face and their hands.

With every plastic surgery the goal is to have an excellent outcome an excellent patient experience. For some patients the results can be less than they expected and this can lead to anxiety and extreme angst. For some patients after making an effort to resolve the situation with their operating surgeon they choose to seek breast revision surgery through a different plastic surgeon. Dr. Kim consults with patients who have had breast augmentation surgery elsewhere and have been dissatisfied with their results. Usually the patients complaints are based on capsular contracture (or excessive scar tissue surrounding the implant), breast implants that appear to “sit too low” or breast implants that appear to “sit too high”. Patient should feel comfortable speaking with Dr. Kim about their concerns as they relate to their original breast augmentation. Sometimes patients feel guilty as if they made the” wrong choice” or didnt do enough research. The truth is a breast augmentation complication can happen even in the best circumstances. As an artist who combines surgical skill Dr. Kim is assess the patient situation and determine a solution that will help the patient achieve as closely as possible the results that they expect. Patient should understand that a secondary surgery even in the best circumstances has a slightly higher risk of complications. Typically, secondary breast augmentation does not have as much pain and discomfort as the initial procedure however patients should know that the final results may take longer to manifest. Patients who have concerns over their initial breast augmentation are encouraged to arrange a consultation with Dr. Kim to determine if breast augmentation revision surgery is right for them.

When you are on your way to the beach with your new swimsuit and you look in the mirror one last time it is likely that you will look at your thighs and either be thrilled or disgusted. There has been a lot in the news lately concerning cellulite but people often overlook the value of shapely and toned looking thighs. For the patient who is in shape, exercises regularly, and is good about their diet and exercise, yet still have a thickness to their outer and inner thighs this can be extremely frustrating. Many patients with this dilemma tell Dr. Kim that they exercise with weights and specific exercises that promise to make the thighs look thinner and more toned. In many cases the patient is actually causing the thighs to look larger by increasing the size of the muscle. Dr. Kim explains that for the right candidate liposuction can be an excellent option. Liposuction is a sculpting procedure which as an artist and plastic surgeon Dr. Kim is able to sculpt the thighs using different size liposuction instruments to create a natural looking and toned appearance. The outer and inner thighs are two of the most difficult areas to achieve impressive results and the skill and expertise of the plastic surgeon is heavily dependent upon the overall outcome. Specifically the inner thigh area tends to have a degree of laxity to skin and it is important for the surgeon to be skilled in handling this area very delicately. Dr. Kim explains to patients the risks and complications that are associated with liposuction, however, patients are informed that complications are rare and that most patients are thrilled with the results Dr. Kim is able to achieve

Most women would agree that motherhood is one of the best feelings in life. But, pregnancy and childbirth can leave many women with a body they are no longer proud of. For many women this would include lost volume in the breast, a sagging component to the breast, loose and lax skin on the abdomen, and in many cases stretch marks. Some would say the stretch marks are a” badge of honor”, “well-deserved”, and just part of life. For those who have that position, and are happy, thats great! For others, maintaining your most youthful appearance and having more wardroom choices is important. There is no reason to accept a post-pregnancy body if you are not happy with the way you look when you look in the mirror. Dr. Kim consults with many women who have made the decision to return to their pre-pregnancy body contour and shape. Typically, Dr. Kim will recommend what is known as a mommy makeover. The mommy makeover consists of some type of breast augmentation combined with an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck. For most patients the breast augmentation is either a breast lift combined with breast implants, or a breast augmentation using breast implants. Depending upon the degree of sagging to the breast a breast lift may or may not be needed. For the abdomen Dr. Kim will typically recommend an abdominoplasty which will include removing the loose and lax skin as well as tightening the abdominal muscle for a flat and more aesthetically pleasing stomach. The mommy makeover is a very popular procedure and the overwhelming majority of women are thrilled with the results.

The Internet has allowed patients to look at plastic surgery from a global perspective. When many think of traveling to other countries when they think of traveling for plastic surgery, the reality is many people travel within the United States to have surgery with Dr. Kim. There is no doubt that the location Beverly Hills California has some attraction and draw but the reality is patients choose Dr. Kim cause the surgical skill and artistic talent. Patients who were traveling from out of town are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim early in the process. Dr. Kim and his staff will work diligently with the patient utilizing frequent communication to determine as much information prior to the patient traveling to Beverly Hills as possible. Depending on the procedure being considered and the patients health history Dr. Kim will determine how many days the patient will need to remain in Beverly Hills before and after surgery. For procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction, or rhinoplasty Dr. Kim may not require the patient to stay in Beverly Hills for recovery for an extended period as these procedures are shorter procedures and do not have a recovery that tends to be more involved. Abdominoplasty and facelift will undoubtedly require more recovery time within a close proximity to Beverly Hills. Patients should consider detailed preparation prior to surgery. Every surgery is an involved process and patients should approach the process with seriousness. Dr. Kim and his staff are experienced in assisting patients with everything from lodging to postsurgical care once they return to their home. Dr. Kim, his staff, and Beverly Hills welcome out-of-towners for an excellent surgical result as well as patient experience.

We try to stay on the positive side when it comes to plastic surgery. There is so much negativity and prominent poor examples of plastic surgery, that exploiting them even further is not our intent. After a recent appearance at the West LA pride parade Lil Kim(a well-known Grammy award-winning rapper) sparked a host of rumors concerning her plastic surgery. We believe that few people would doubt that she had plastic surgery the better question becomes- why did she continue to have plastic surgery? According to a recent gossip article online, most of their readers are of the opinion that Lil Kim looks horrible. Unfortunately, the procedures that are suspected to have been performed become questionable when a celebrity either goes too far, or utilizes the wrong procedure and gets an undesirable result. Speculation is that Lil Kim had a brow lift and possibly cheek implants. She is suspected of having injectables either dermal fillers like Restylane, Juvederm, or perhaps even Sculptra Cosmetic.  It is suspected that she had a rhinoplasty with nostril reduction(which appears to be extreme and unnatural) and possibly a lip reduction. Dr. Kim consults with some patients who are concerned about the possibility of looking like a celebrity with undesirable results after having plastic surgery. Dr. Kim assures his patients that as an artist and an ASPS plastic surgeon part of his consultation process and recommendation incorporates the aesthetic portion of the surgery. In other words, Dr. Kims assessment is heavily reliant upon the anticipated aesthetic beauty of the plastic surgery procedure if it is performed on the patient. Dr. Kim and his staff pride themselves in candid discussions with their patients to help the patient determine which procedures will truly provide an aesthetically pleasing result long-term.