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We have all seen discount deals come across the Internet, our mailbox, or our favorite radio station for liposuction and other body contouring procedures. It is predictable that these special deals would be of interest to most people sense the diet industry continues to boom based on our nations obesity epidemic. Before a consumer can truly determine if a liposuction deal is really a deal there are a few important points patients need to know. First and foremost liposuction is not a weight loss procedure. Patients should never make the decision to have liposuction believing that they will lose weight. Liposuction is for body contouring and is designed to remove small amounts of fat. Secondly, patients should never elect for liposuction if they are considered obese or overweight. While it will not hurt them to have the procedure performed it is likely that they will be unhappy because there will not be a noticeable difference. Dr. Kim explains to his patients who are considering liposuction, that liposuction is a take away procedure. This means that it is a sculpting procedure that requires the plastic surgeon to understand artistically how to achieve the best most aesthetically pleasing and proportionate contour. Dr Kim is a true artist who has been sketching and drawing since he was a young boy. He uses this artistic skill combined with his surgical skills to achieve unmatched body contouring results. Liposuction done correctly is truly an art form. While patients can choose a discount liposuction coupon or have the procedure performed at a” liposuction clinic” the reality is- if patients are concerned with results they need to consider the skill, expertise and talent, of the plastic surgeon performing the procedure. Dr. Kim invites patients to schedule a consultation to determine if liposuction is the right procedure for them.

Social media has had a profound effect on the way we communicate and how we live our lives. According to recent CBS news story social media also has an effect on the reasons some people choose plastic surgery. According to the article many women take their appearance to the extreme, including choosing cosmetic surgery and other procedures, to get the perfect Facebook photo post. “It’s nice when you look good and when somebody tells you look good,” Marija Vrbanic said as her reason for searching out the perfect Facebook photo post appearance.  Nicole Rodrigues summed it up this way, “It’s kind of this obsession about wanting to get liked on a picture.” Sonia Bambdas is a Facebook user with a number of  “friends “from abroad and in various cities so they follow her life on Facebook, keep in touch and that’s the way they communicate. So,” it’s natural to want to look good,” said Bambdas. The psychologist in the article stressed that its important to find balance between the way you look and how you feel about yourself. Dr. Kim explains to patients in the initial consultation that their desire for cosmetic surgery whether it is a facelift or breast augmentation should always be based on a personal decision to enhance their appearance not for the approval of others. Cosmetic plastic surgery is rooted in results that can be very subjective. If patients are having surgery with the intent of gaining more “likes” on Facebook and it doesnt happen, does that mean the surgery was not a success? Suppose someone post a negative comment concerning a patient’s appearance? Does that mean the patient made a mistake having plastic surgery? Dr. Kim uses his experience with both surgical skill and artistic talent to help patients understand that achieving your most natural and youthful appearance for your own gratification is the best way to ensure a good patient experience.

Few wardrobe selections define women and their femininity then the swimsuit. It is considered so important that it is included in most legendary beauty pageant contest. A recent New York Daily News article reviewed some of the most famous celebrity swimsuit photos in history. It is interesting to note how body images have changed over the years especially when we consider the bust line and what is considered attractive. Some patients who consult with Dr. Kim when they are considering breast augmentation are concerned about looking unnatural and “fake” in a swimsuit. Often times they recant a story about someone they have seen on the beach or at the pool who had “obviously augmented” breast. For many patients the concern is that the appearance is firm and unnatural. Dr. Kim invites patients to view his before-and-after photo gallery. They will see from his before-and-after results that patients not only look proportionate to their height and weight, but also by using implants with different profiles and characteristics Dr. Kim is able to use his artistic ability to achieve a more natural looking result. Dr. Kim also helps patients choose the most appropriate sizing for their height, weight, and chest measurements. This is important when choosing implant because if the breast implant overpowers the breast pocket it will create an overly augmented appearance which could appear unnatural and extremely full in the upper portion of the breast. When choosing breast implant sizing patients should not only consider what they will look like in a swimsuit, they should also consider how they will look in the wardrobe they wear the majority of the time. Breast augmentation can help women feel more confident and secure especially in a swimsuit. Dr. Kim invites patients who are considering breast augmentation to schedule a consultation to help determine if breast augmentation is the right choice for them.

The recommendation of an aspirin a day to keep heart healthy has been debated for years. A recent online news story looked at the aspirin regimen as a recommendation for women. According to the article a recent study revealed that of more than 200,000 women who were advised to take and aspirin daily, fewer than 50 percent really took the pill. No one seems to know exactly why that is the case according to a cardiologist who was interviewed for the story. The general rule of thumb is that women who are 65 and older who have heart disease or a history of heart disease could benefit from taking a daily aspirin. It is also believed to be an effective way to reduce the risk of stroke by as much as 40%. The drug is also known to help prevent fatal blood clots, and still proves to be effective as a secondary motive prevention for people who of are ready suffered a stroke or heart attack. A Dutch study found that 50 women would need to take aspirin daily for 10 years in order for one woman to actually benefit. Another study originating from Italy concluded that low-dose aspirin as the main mode of prevention results in a 55% elevated increase in brain or stomach bleeding. It is important for patients to discuss any aspirin regimen with their primary care physician prior to beginning the treatment. Dr. Kim advises patients who are older and considering plastic surgery procedures like facelift, brow lift, and blepharoplasty that if they are on an aspirin regimen they must be off of aspirin completely prior to surgery. Aspirin causes increased bleeding and can increase plastic surgery complications substantially. Dr. Kim is committed to helping patients have the best plastic surgery experience as well as the best results.

Many women dread menopause mostly because of negative myths and fears. According to a recent ABC news article, night sweats, unexplained weight gain, and mood swings are just a few of the negative symptoms that are associated with the change of life or menopause for women. But according to the article, menopause doesnt have to feel like a death sentence. According to Staness Jonekos, who was interviewed for the article, she claims menopause was one of the best things that ever happened to her. She credits a few lifestyle changes in says she now looks and feels better than she ever did before. The doctor who was interviewed for the story says that one of the most commonly held myths about menopause is that it is the beginning of a boring sedentary lifestyle. The doctor wants women to treat menopause as a transition not as a destination. Another commonly held myth is that with menopause comes the end of a satisfying sex life. It is true that hormones shift and that general health factors and social factors could have a negative effect on a womans libido. But, experts recommend regularly exercising which not only helps women to stay  active but also to embrace their toned and attractive appearance. According to the news story engaging in sex stimulates blood flow and actually keeps women healthy. Depression is another side effect women may experience. According to the news story these are not clinical symptoms so they are temporary -if it does happen. Dr. Kim encourages women who are premenopausal and postmenopausal to use this time in life to consider cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. For many women this is a great time to choose breast augmentation or breast lift to create a more youthful shape and figure. For other women liposuction of the abdomen or abdominoplasty can make a substantial difference in their self-esteem self-confidence and appearance.

Plastic surgery has become competitive around the globe. For many it is become another commodity compared by some with the purchasing of any other service. According to recent online article British plastic surgeons are offering unprecedented incentives to lure new patients to their office. According to the article the famous marketing tactic buy one, get one free or BOGOF is being offered by some surgeons to entice women to schedule breast augmentation or rhinoplasty. The offers most closely associated with supermarket type deals are considered over-the-top, and acts of desperation. Some are even offering the opportunity to order online using a shopping cart and get an even cheaper deal with limited no refund types of offers. The trend has become so alarming that specialist from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons have aggressively pursued measures with the General  Medical Council to implement mandates and penalties for surgeons who utilize such practices. It was reported in The Times that Nigel Mercer, the incoming president of the European Association of Societies of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, said: This is unethical and is happening on a huge scale, the Daily Mail reported. Dr. Kim warns patients that when choosing a plastic surgeon, while price is part of the equation it should never be the main issue. As an ASPS plastic surgeon Dr. Kim adheres to the specialized guidelines created for the elite members(less than 3% of all surgeons) that are created to ensure patient trust, safety, and superior results. As a talented artist as well as skilled surgeon, Dr. Kim is able to deliver results that are unique to his specific talents and skill. All plastic surgeons are not created equal so it is impossible for patients to compare plastic surgeons and get exactly the same results from each one.

There has been a story in the news for the past few days about a woman who ”took to the streets” to pay for her breast augmentation. According to an online report of the incident  an Ohio woman set out to raise money for breast augmentation using breast implants, which she says will boost her self-esteem. She took to the streets with a sign asking complete strangers for the money to have the surgery performed. Thirty -seven-year-old  Chrissy Lance, wore a silver bikini and was perched perfectly upon her shiny motorcycle with a sign that alerted passerby’s that she would appreciate any donations towards the $5000 she needs for breast augmentation surgery. According to a KTLA report Lance is a barmaid and claims that she will get bigger tips with bigger breast. Needless to say this approach is controversial to say the least. Dr. Kim has consulted with many patients over the years who have decided to have breast augmentation, but for many different reasons do not have the finances to move forward as quickly as many of them would like to. It can be tempting to make light of the situation many women find themselves in when they realize the benefits of breast augmentation, yet financially it seems out of reach. Dr. Kim is sensitive to the financial limitations some patients may experience. Dr. Kim offers outside medical financing that allows patients to make payments towards their procedure. Some of the outside medical finance companies offer longer terms and also allow a cosigner. When it comes to plastic surgery, especially breast augmentation it is no surprise that women who desire the procedure will usually find a way to pay for the procedure. Some ways are more creative than others, but the reason breast augmentation continues to be the number one cosmetic plastic surgery procedure performed is because women who desire the procedure can- and will -usually find a way.

Once the decision has been made to have plastic surgery there are preparations patients can take that will allow them to have a more enjoyable plastic surgery experience. Dr. Kim encourages patients to approach the plastic surgery experience in their best physical and mental state possible. This means following all guidelines issued by Dr. Kim prior to and following surgery. Every patient is given a thorough in-depth preoperative appointment prior to surgery. In this appointment patients are given written information sheets which allow them to consent to the procedures. These are signed by the patient and the patient receives a copy for their reference. Patients are usually given any prescriptions to fill for any drugs that are to be used prior to or after surgery. Specific surgical instructions are discussed in this appointment and patients are encouraged to ask questions and share any additional information Dr. Kim should know prior to the plastic surgery procedure. Patients are also given instructions for garments that may be needed for body contouring procedures including liposuction. Also any special garments for breast augmentation or breast reduction will also be discussed in this appointment. It is also important when preparing for plastic surgery that patients maintain a healthy lifestyle abstaining from medications that could interfere with the safety of the surgical procedure. Patients should abstain from alcohol at least two weeks prior to surgery and avoid excessive sun exposure to avoid the occurrence of sunburn. Patient should arrange personal schedules and social calendars so that the patient is able to relax and concentrate solely on their recovery. Patient should arrange for not only a caregiver but also someone to handle additional household duties and other duties that may be neglected during the recovery time. Patients who take the time to prepare for surgery are much more likely to have an enjoyable plastic surgery experience.

The possibility of male contraceptives in the form of a pill has been debated for many years. According to recent news story they actually may be closer than we think. According to the news story researchers have discovered that the male form of birth control pills has been effective for some and yet others have not found them to be effective. The side effects have included weight gain, acne, depression, and the possibility of heart problems. Yet, there are other types of male contraceptives that may soon be approved. Testosterone gels which are combined with progestin gels are the most promising so far. It is reported that the gel works pretty much like female birth control but does not have the abundance of side effects associated with female birth control. The effects from the gels are reversible after about 3 to 6 months. Birth control seems to become more of an issue for men as they age. Often when men are considering birth control choices there also considering the effects aging is having on their appearance. Dr. Kim explains to male patients that addressing the signs of aging early is the best way to ensure natural looking results. As more men embrace plastic surgery as a solution to the appearance of aging they have begun to find that there are many choices available. The most popular procedures for men include injectables including Botox, brow lift, and liposuction of the abdomen. These procedures can all be done at within one surgery, and men are pleased to discover that the recovery is less than a week. Most patients can return to work and other social activities within 5 to 7 days. Dr. Kim encourages men to consider their overall health and appearance as equally important. Men are welcome to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kim to determine which plastic surgery procedures are best for them.

It has been said that the eyes are the window to the soul. It is common knowledge that as we age our vision will get worse. So, no matter what most people will end up wearing some sort of corrective device to improve their vision. Just as our vision get worse as we age it is also likely that the skin on the eyelid and beneath the eye will become more loose and lax. This can be a vision related problem if it is extreme; however, it can affect our appearance before it is an actual vision problem. For many people as they age they tend to have noticeable pockets of skin and fat beneath the eyes which have become commonly known as bags. It is easy to confuse the sagging of the brow as connected to the loose and lax skin on the eyelid. Dr. Kim explains to his patients that the brow is a separate area and concern when addressing the appearance of droopy eyelids. For the eyelids Dr. Kim will generally recommend an eyelid lift or blepharoplasty. This procedure allows Dr. Kim to remove the loose and lax skin from the eyelid using a well hidden incision in the natural crease of the eyelid. For most patients it is a good idea to also address the” bags” beneath the eyes. This procedure also allows Dr. Kim to use a well hidden incision in the outer corner the eye to remove the small pocket of fat and tighten the loose and lax skin. If there is a presence of a drooping brow Dr. Kim may also recommend a brow lift combined with the blepharoplasty. Botox injections can help with crows feet or lines on the outer corners of the eyes. Dr. Kim encourages patients to schedule a consultation to find out how improving the look of their eyes can take years off of their appearance.