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Southern California is no stranger to augmented lips.Unfortunately; most people have a negative view of lip augmentation because of the many celebrities and other women who opt for an unnatural overly done appearance. According to recent industry article aging can add wrinkles to the mouth and lip that can cause a woman to look older. Many people who opt for lip augmentation do so to correct thinning lips, wrinkles around the mouth which could include small lines on the lips, or for a more full and enticing smile.  Most doctors who perform lip augmentation are typically referring to the injection of hyaluronic acid to enlarge and plump the lips. This can also be used for other depressed areas surrounding the mouth including depressions in the nasolabial folds. While these attributes can be caused naturally due to the aging process, these effects are accelerated considerably in patients who smoke and/or expose their skin to the sun. For first-time patients most plastic surgeons will opt for lighter injections to help the patient gauge better the appearance that they like best. In some cases a second treatment may be needed. Dr. Kim urges patients to communicate openly with him to determine the best lip augmentation options for them. For some patients it is best that they use a certain type of hyaluronic acid  to achieve the best long-term results. Dr. Kim is careful to help patients manage their expectations not only of the procedure but also the results. Patients should expect the results to last about 3 to 6 months. Typically hyaluronic acid that is injected into the lips does not last long as hyaluronic acid injected into the nasolabial folds. First-time patients should expect to improve the amount of time injections last with each subsequent injection. Patients who are considering lip augmentation are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

Its anyones guess why reality TV show stars make the decision to include the general public in their lives. According to a recent online article Kris Jenner decided to share her breast implant exchange story with women to help others. According to the article Kris Jenner who stars alongside her daughters Kourtney, Khloe, and Kim in Keeping up with the Kardashians included her preparation to undergo breast implant exchange surgery throughout the show’s seventh season. On NBCs Today show Jenner said that she wanted to let women know that although the shots were filmed in a comical way, breast implant exchange is a serious health issue. She encouraged women to change them after 10 years. She hoped that her show would remind women to have their implants checked and exchanged. Dr. Kim explains to breast augmentation patients that breast implants whether silicone or saline are medical devices that can deflate(saline) or rupture(silicone). The long-awaited FDA approval which allowed silicone implants to be offered again in the United States included a warning for patients that breast implants are not intended to last a lifetime and that patients should be prepared to have them checked annually by their physician. Dr. Kim explains to patients that while there may not be a visible difference in their breast augmentation, this does not necessarily mean that the implants are stable . Patients who experience deflation from saline implants are advised to address the situation quickly. Patients should contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation when they experience a deflation immediately. Although waiting is not detrimental to the patients health (because the saline solution is safe) waiting can cause the implant to become lodged in additional scar tissue that grows and can close the breast pocket if the implant is not exchanged in a timely manner.

In recent years the advantages of red wine for health has been reported in many different studies. According to a recent online article Spanish researchers have reported that red wine polyphenols which are antioxidant compounds can lower blood pressure; but, the actual effects of the ethanol which is the alcohol in wine and polyphenols on blood pressure in human beings are still not clear. Based on a study conducted with men, the researchers surmised that wine with alcohol increased nitric oxide a chemical that relaxes blood vessels in the bloodstream. They wrote that alcohol on the other hand seem to counter act the effects of the nonalcoholic red wine. The study is not conclusive as the participants were all men. This study demonstrates the power of polyphenols, says Angela Ginn, registered dietitian and spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. However, she adds, it does bring up the questionable effect of alcohol on blood pressure — but, she says, more studies are needed to follow up on the benefits of non-alcoholic wine. Studies have proven that wine can be beneficial to our health and some studies report a marked improvement to the waistline as well. Most medical experts agree that the moderate consumption of red wine is good for the health and is good for the health and well-being of the adult population.  While many women drink a glass wine daily it is important to disclose drinking habits to Dr. Kim when considering plastic surgery or other cosmetic procedures.  This includes procedures from breast augmentation up to and including a facelift. It is not recommended that patients drink wine prior to surgery or after surgery during the recovery period.  Patients should consult directly with Dr. Kim to learn when it is okay for them to resume drinking wine.

There is no shortage of people who claim to have only small areas of fat on their body; and therefore, only need a small amount of liposuction. According to recent industry article there are new alternatives for people who believe they fit into this category. According to the article there are some alternative options for people who truly have a very small amount of fat to get rid of. According to the article one of the devices that is marketed as a noninvasive liposuction alternative is called Zerona. This device uses low-level lasers over a series of sessions and claims to create temporary holes in the fat cells so that the fat virtually leaks out. Often the only patients who see satisfying results are those who have a very little bit of fat to get rid of. Another device Liposonix uses ultrasound energy to dissolve small areas of fat. It claims to focus energy like a magnifying glass to sunlight to eliminate fat that is beneath the skin, but above the muscle tissue. It is possible to have bruising or redness that can last up to a week. Another alternative is known as CoolSculpting which claims to freeze fat cells. There is research that backs the claims that freezing can destroy fat cells; however, once again this works best for very small areas. Admittedly the article stresses the fact that any technology is only as good as the plastic surgeon performing the procedure. Dr. Kim has a marked advantage over many other plastic surgeons in that he is truly an artist with talent for both sketching on paper as well as creating better contour for patients. Traditional liposuction remains the most aggressive form of liposuction and in the delicate talented hands of Dr. Kim it can produce impressive results.

Natural food sources for your health are interesting ways to benefit not only the way that we feel but also the way that we look. According to recent online article honey is one of the food substances that has health benefits that date back centuries. According to the article Cleopatra allegedly bathed in milk and honey. The wellness experts say that honey has healing benefits-specifically the unpasteurized and darker varieties of honey. Medicinal Manuka from New Zealand is also laced with medicinal healing benefits. According to the article honey can be used as a hydrating acne fighting facial mask. As a humectant, honey is believed to draw water to the skin hydrating it and relieving dryness and irritation. Honey also has antibacterial properties which can be beneficial to acne prone skin. Experts recommend raw honey as the best concentration. Honey has been known to soothe sore throats, quiet coughs, and increase immunity. Honey naturally contains B vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, and is high in minerals like calcium and magnesium, bioflavonoids, and antioxidants. It is also known to be helpful for people suffering from allergies. Dr. Kim encourages patients to maintain the healthiest diet and active lifestyle they can. When patients feel healthy it can be discouraging when their face begins to show their age. Dr. Kim recommends patients take advantage of anti-aging procedures as soon as they begin to see the signs of aging. Most patients begin with noninvasive procedures like Botox injections or fillers. These can help patients maintain a youthful appearance for quite some time. Eventually patients will need to consider more permanent measures like a facelift, brow lift, and blepharoplasty. While these procedures may seem drastic, the reality is that patients who invest in facial rejuvenation procedures are known to look at least 10 years younger for the rest of their lives.

Brides- to- be having a desire to look their absolute best on their wedding day is not a new trend. Recently thanks to reality TV shows, theres been a focus on cosmetic surgery as a choice for brides when they prepare for their wedding day. According to a recent online article, brides today are aware that they have the opportunity look their absolute best on the day that many have dreamed of their entire lives. The reality is that the way they look on their wedding day will be part of their memory as well as their family albums forever and many want to take every measure they can to look their absolute best on that day. Unlike an inexpensive dress that can be made to look better with overstated accessories, the contour of a womans body and the texture of her skin are not easily hidden. Couples are pursuing plastic surgery prior to their wedding day, and so are their in-laws and participants in their wedding party. Nonsurgical treatments that claim no downtime have become increasingly popular for the bridal party as well. Botox is one of the most popular treatments prior to the wedding day with some opting to have their bridal party treated to be sure that everyone looks picture-perfect for that day. Dr. Kim advises patients who are preparing for their wedding day and planning cosmetic procedures to be mindful of recovery times and add extra time in case there are unforeseen complications. Injectables are no exception even for patients who normally do not bruise after their procedure. Brides who are considering breast augmentation or liposuction prior to their wedding day should allow time for swelling to subside prior to the final fitting for their wedding dress. Patients should schedule a consultation with Dr. Kim to determine the best times for surgery.

Antioxidants have been the rage in dieting and health for quite some time. According to a recent industry article these powerful health agents that are found in foods like berries, nuts, and fruit can also benefit the bodys largest organ the skin. The article cautions before you start believing that blueberries and walnuts will give you clearer skin the study showed that it will take more than that to achieve healthy skin. There are numerous products on the market for your skin and the most important point according to the article is to find out what works and stick with it. More is not better and if you use too much of some skin products it will cause your skin to be dry and dull looking. Hydrating the skin is the most significant component to healthy looking skin. Water flushes out toxins that are in your body and also keep you energized and keeps your health balanced. While antioxidants will keep your skin healthy, there are also other vitamins and minerals that you can consume through healthy eating. Consuming a well-rounded diet is what works best for maintaining healthy skin. Speaking with a nutritionist is best to be sure that your diet is balanced and not too reliant upon berries and other antioxidant rich foods. Antioxidants can help to protect skin from damage. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that actually helps tissue repair itself and regrow. Vitamin A is also vital for cell growth. The antioxidant known as Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10 helps guard cells from damage. With even the healthiest skin our skin will change as we age. Dr. Kim advises patients to consider facial rejuvenation procedures as soon as they begin to see the negative effects of aging. These include facelift, blepharoplasty, and Botox.

The old saying, you are what you eat applies to nutrition and beauty. There are foods you can eat that will help your skin look younger and will cut cravings for sugar and carbs. There also some foods which help to boost your metabolism and ultimately burn fat. According to a recent online article foods that will increase your metabolism include: eggs, chili peppers, and icewater. Eggs are an excellent way to start the day unless you have a cholesterol problem. Theyre loaded with vitamin B12 which is a natural metabolism booster and they have the ability to make you feel full so you can skip the midmorning snack. A recent study at the University of Texas medical branch discovered that eggs also help to increase muscle tone and as a morning meal consistently could help to shed up to 8 pounds of abdominal fat in just two months. Eggs help turn stored fat into fuel. Adding ice to water actually burns calories because the body has to work to warm up your system after a blast of cold. Of course water has no calories either. Dark chocolate is encouraged in your diet. Recent studies prove that when you eliminate saturated fats with monounsaturated fats like the ones found in dark chocolate it can actually help you to lose weight. Remember moderation. Cinnamon will help stabilize your blood sugar allowing you to crave less sugar. Blueberries are great when you are craving something sweet thats also healthy. Dr. Kim explains to patients who are good about diet and exercise that they may still have unwanted stubborn areas of fat that can be treated with liposuction. Dr. Kim is able to achieve results that could not be achieved through diet or exercise alone.

Full eyebrows are not a new beauty trend but according to recent online ladies magazine some women are tired of filling the brows in with pencils and powders; so ,they are laying out the money for a cosmetic eyebrow transplant. According to the New York Post, plastic surgeons claim to have seen a 30% increase in eyebrow transplant demand, and that Megan Fox and Kim Kardashian’s arches are the most requested styles. The surgery is generally performed as an in office procedure using oral sedation. Lidocaine is used to numb the area and the procedure generally takes around 2 1/2 hours. Approximately 400 hair follicles are transplanted from the scalp to the brow. It is important to note that once transplanted the hair will continue to grow unlike the original eyebrows. The procedure was originally developed for burn and dog bite victims and is a grafting procedure. Pricing for the procedure can run anywhere from $4000-$8000. Dr. Kim advises patients, as an artist and plastic surgeon, that while the shape of celebrity’s eyebrows may be attractive, patients must carefully consider whether that shape matches the shape of their face. It is also important for patients to realize that the shape of the eyebrow can also be greatly affected by a sagging brow. Before investing in an eyebrow transplant patient should consider if they are candidate for either a brow lift or Botox injections. Dr. Kim encourages patients who are considering any alteration to their brow to schedule a consultation to see which procedures would be best for them.

It is no secret that plastic surgery has become synonymous with Los Angeles and Beverly Hills in particular. The image of the big breasted Beverly Hills trophy babe as the stereotypical plastic surgery patient is dated at best, according to a recent LA online article. The demand for plastic surgery crosses every ethnic group according to the article. For example, hair extensions while not actually plastic surgery are now commonplace in LA with many opting for long faux locks over real hair. Full lips , like Angelina Jolie’s appear to be the gold standard for lips. Lip augmentation has almost doubled between 2010 and 2011 according to the article. Flawlessly smooth skin has also become an LAs staple and 92% of patients are women who make up the more than 1 million who have chemical peels nationwide. based on 2011 figures. The tanned look is definitely out. Ethnic noses are one of the top five most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States. LA surgeons contend that the trend in Hispanic, Middle Eastern, and African-American patients is to refine the nose rather than alter the overall shape. Breast augmentation sizing has become smaller with the understanding that implants are still larger than natural breast . The preference according to LA surgeons is a more natural looking, proportionate size breast that balances an hourglass shape. A shapely butt is another LA demand. Dr. Kim is fortunate enough to be located in the heart of Beverly Hills. As an artist and ASPS plastic surgeon he is able to help patients achieve some of the most sought-after looks through breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, and liposuction with fat transfer. Out-of-town patients are welcome. Patients who are considering cosmetic plastic surgery are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation to determine which procedures are best for them.