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Deciding which cleanser to use for body is no longer an easy decision. There are a multitude of soaps and body washes available. But, which one is best? According to a recent online magazine the key is to choose the products that are best for your skin. Jami Miller, MD, assistant professor of medicine in the department of dermatology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee cautions against using advertising statements as a justification for purchasing certain body washes, bar soaps, or shower gels. Dr. Miller says that most of the ads have misleading messages and that instead you should consider whether your skin is sensitive and dry, or whether it is oily. Your bathing habits are also very important when it comes to considering which products work best. It is best to use warm water instead of hot water when taking a bath and moisturizer should be applied immediately after drying off. Regardless of which product you choose the goal is to remove dirt, bacteria, and quite frankly all of your natural body oils. Dr. Miller says look for products that leave a layer moisturizer on the skin which will help to replenish the oils had been removed Bar soap can tend to be drawing so the best rule of thumb is to be sure that it is not contained lye or other agents that will strip the skin of moisturizer. A beautifully toned body is as important as soft and supple skin. Dr. Kim consults with patients who are concerned about body contouring and will typically recommend liposuction as an excellent solution. Dr. Kim is both an artist and a skilled plastic surgeon so he is able to achieve results better than diet and exercise.

Chances are youve never heard of kale until recently. Kale has now been hailed as the new go to superfood. According to a recent article there are very good reasons for the new title. According to the article kale has been increasing in popularity because there is very strong evidence that it is an excellent health food. According to the article it may help prevent cancer. According to studies there are 45 flavonoids in kale that are responsible for providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help to fight off breast cancer. Kale  can also improve digestion and that in turn could help with weight loss. One serving of kale cooked contains 10% of fiber that you need for the entire day. Fiber helps promote good digestive health and in turn helps you to feel full and therefore eat less. There is also evidence that kale helps lower cholesterol. Studies have shown that vitamin K and E are prevalent and that helps to lower cholesterol levels. Kale is also good for your skin. Vitamin E is one of the most important antioxidants for keeping your skin looking youthful.  Kale is also proven to contain the nutrient lutein which acts as an antioxidant and protects the eyes against damage that could ultimately lead to macular degeneration. Kale can be added to your diet like any other green vegetable. Dr. Kim explains to patients that a healthy diet is essential for long-term lasting results following cosmetic surgery. Body contouring procedures like liposuction and abdominoplasty will carry long-term lasting results for patients who maintain a healthy lifestyle and proper diet.

Liposuction continues to be one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the United States. There’ve been many different methods of liposuction marketed to consumers over the past decade. Laser-assisted liposuction has increased consumers interest mostly because it claims little to no downtime. Laser liposuction liquefies fat before suctioning. During the liquefaction it is claimed that the laser exposure helps the skin produce collagen and elastins which in turn allow the skin to look tighter and smoother after the procedure. The Mayo Clinic supports the fact that laser assisted liposuction is less invasive than traditional liposuction especially for patients with cellulite. Consumers must be aware that using laser to remove fat from the body is not risk free. The temperature of the laser is critical and must be monitored constantly by an expert. If the laser is too hot it can burn the skin. The condition of the patients skin is critical to the results that can be expected. Skin is that has aged and has moderate to severe laxity will not have results that stimulate elastin or collagen which is the reason laser-assisted liposuction is touted as a better option. Laser-assisted liposuction typically is a greater investment than traditional liposuction. It is critical that patients do their research prior to choosing laser-assisted liposuction as an option. Dr. Kim explains to patients in the initial consultation the differences between the different methods of liposuction. He explains that the large majority of liposuction results are heavily dependent upon the plastic surgeon performing the procedure. As a skilled and talented artist as well as a plastic surgeon, Dr. Kim is able to combine skill and talent to achieve exceptional results. The method of liposuction has little to do with the results Dr. Kim is able to achieve. Dr. Kim stresses to all patients that they must first be a good candidate for liposuction. Patients should be at or near their ideal body weight and should not have a significant amount of loose and lax skin. Patient should be realistic concerning their expectations for liposuction results. Dr. Kim reminds patients that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure. The purpose of the procedure is to improve body contour. Patient who are considering liposuction are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim to schedule a consultation.

The world of modeling can be brutal and grueling.  Carmen Dell’Orefice, who at 81 is considered the worlds oldest supermodel has proven time and time again that she still has what it, takes to strut her stuff on the catwalk. As a native New Yorker she took to the runway as part of New York fashion week for two top designers recently. Immediately after, commenting how beautifully wonderful Ms. Dell’Orefice looks, people began to speculate about which cosmetic surgery procedures she had performed. Ms. Dell’Orefice admitted at one point during an interview with the Today Show, that she has had help maintaining her youthful appearance. According to the supermodel she used facial fillers(similar to Restylane or Juvederm) to help delay the signs of aging and keep her looking more youthful. She also believes that the industry is beginning to believe that older models have a significant part to play in the fashion industry.  “I think America may be growing up and accepting the fact that the bulk of life exists beyond 50. Because demographically… the vast population is over 50,” Ms Dell’Orefice said. Dr. Kim advises his patients that taking care of themselves and their appearance in their younger years is one of the best ways to ensure that they will maintain a youthful appearance long-term. This includes not only facial procedures, but also breast augmentation, liposuction, and abdominoplasty which will help to achieve and maintain a figure that is proportionate as well as youthful looking. Dr. Kim encourages patients who are considering cosmetic surgery procedures to schedule a consultation and find out which cosmetic surgery procedures are right for them.

Over the years, time takes its toll on not only your body but also your skin. While much of the damage to our skin like dryness, lines, and wrinkles come as a result of too much sun exposure. This is obviously preventable. Even a small amount of sun exposure over time can cause age spots, spidery veins, and/or leathery feeling skin. Needless to say, none of these are very attractive. Much of the damage caused by sun exposure is difficult to reverse so the need for sunscreen early on and continuously can never be overstated. Gravity and the aging body while also increase the signs of aging. These include folds and furloughs of sagging skin. The collagen and elastin in your body begins to slow down around age 30. Collagen helps to produce of fullness in the skin and gives it elasticity and bounce. The effects of gravity pulling down will also cause loose and lax skin on the face. This can be temporarily remedied by using injectables like Botox for the forehead and fillers like Restylane ad Juvederm for the nasolabial folds which of the lines on the corners of the mouth that look like parentheses. The estrogen effect is also significant part of aging. As women age and estrogen levels fall the loss of estrogen can increase dryness shrinking and fine wrinkles. Smoking is an absolute no-no when concerned about the signs of aging and are help. Repeatedly studies have shown that smokers age prematurely both with health and their appearance. Patients are instructed to use a moisturizer daily to maintain supple skin on the surface. It is also advised that patients utilize medical grade skin care treatments such as microdot dermabrasion and other in office treatments. Dr. Kim advises patients who are concerned about the appearance of aging on their face that they should be proactive concerning treatments and begin cosmetic procedures as soon as they start to see the signs of aging. Patient should also be open to surgery if it is recommended. While it may seem like the best option to avoid surgery the reality is surgery often creates a more dramatic and long-term lasting result. Patients who are considering facial rejuvenation procedures are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation to discover which facial rejuvenation procedures are best for them.

There is no doubt that social media has changed the way we look at ourselves and others. These mediums have allows us to show ourselves more than ever, more often than we  did before. This was a status or curse, (depending on how you look at it) that previously was only imposed upon celebrities. According to a recent online industry article people can now use Facebook, Twitter, and Skype to assess their appearance in the way others see them versus what they see when they look in the mirror. In plastic surgery, it is not uncommon for patients to tell their plastic surgeon that they are considering facial rejuvenation because they do not like what they see when they look in the mirror. Now the mirror has been replaced with how they look on Skype, or Facetime. One plastic surgeon actually marketed a procedure created for the social media population called the Facetime facelift. According to the article, patients are requesting chin augmentation to have a sharper jawline and better balance facial features which in turn creates a cleaner profile for Facebook photos. Rhinoplasty is also a procedure that is enjoying increased popularity due to the appearance of the nose when holding the iPhone at arm’s length. Wrinkles are more noticeable with HD, causing more patients to request injectables including Botox and fillers. The job market has also created a spike in plastic surgery. Many job interviewers now seek online interviews using video to interview the prospect. In this case, looking youthful can make a difference in creating a positive first impression. Dr. Kim advises patients that choosing to have cosmetic plastic surgery should never be based on a desired look in a photograph or video. Plastic surgery is a serious choice and should be considered carefully. As an artist and skilled plastic surgeon Dr. Kim evaluates the patients total appearance before making a specific recommendation. Patients tend to focus on one attribute of their face instead of their appearance cumulatively. For example, patients who are considering chin augmentation should also consider in some cases, rhinoplasty and liposuction of the neck to improve their overall appearance and profile. Dr. Kim encourages patients who are considering cosmetic plastic surgery to schedule a consultation and determine which cosmetic surgery procedures are best for them.

Trying to find an antiaging remedy that is virtually free is difficult. But, it doesnt stop many people from trying. There are often tips and remedies given to consumers that claim to fight the signs of aging as effectively as cosmetic surgery. According to a recent online womens magazine skin care that is associated with antiaging should be performed at night prior to bedtime. According to the article in the morning the primary goal is to protect skin. In the evening its all about fighting the effects of aging. Neil Sadick, Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College says that many antiaging products work best at night when patients are sleeping. According to Sadick, cell turnover, when older skin cells shed off and leave skin glowing, increases at night, and certain ingredients take advantage of this biological process. According to the article consumers should use products with Retinoic Acid or Retinol to increase collagen production which is known to reduce the appearance of wrinkles fine lines and discoloration Alpha Hydroxy Acids and vitamin C are  critical ingredients for antiaging products and are recommended to be used for home treatments. Red or green tea also benefit the skin as well as peptides, growth factors, and jojoba oil. These are known to provide protection from the inevitable signs of aging. Dr. Kim reminds patients that while over-the-counter products help to maintain the skin, patients should be open to more permanent options like facelift, blepharoplasty, or Botox once the signs of aging have become noticeably apparent. Dr. Kim encourages patients who are seeking facial rejuvenation to contact the office and schedule a consultation.

A few weeks ago Londons fashion week was all abuzz about a creation that was inspired by the British Plastic Surgery Association. According to recent online article the British Plastic Surgery Association collaborated with a designer to create fashions that encompass pre-surgical markings often used prior to cosmetic plastic surgery. These fashions consist of the markings that are consistent with breast augmentation, liposuction, and even abdominoplasty. Although at first glance the creation may seem tongue-in-cheek the designers claim to have many boutiques interested in the fashion. For many consumers finding a wardrobe that fits,is aesthetically pleasing, and flattering can  be difficult enough. The task becomes even more challenging by adding pre-surgical markings; clearly pointing out areas that could be improved, it does cause one to wonder who these fashions were created for. Dr. Kim helps patients understand that while looking better in clothes is an important part of the plastic surgery decision,the majority of the satisfaction patients receive comes as a result of improved self-esteem and self-confidence. Most patients tell Dr. Kim that they are able to begin wearing certain fashions and wardrobe selections that they would have never worn prior to cosmetic surgery. Dr. Kim encourages patients who are considering cosmetic plastic surgery to schedule a consultation to determine which procedures would be best for them.

You do not have to look very far to find a new diet or plan for weight reduction that promises to change the lives of anyone willing to stick to it. According to a recent online article on womens website; the latest craze is what is known in English as the Fork diet. The basic premise is pretty simple: if you cannot eat it with a fork; it is not permitted in your diet. According to the article Le Forking as it is called by the Parisians is certainly a straightforward diet. It first debuted in France in a book called Dîne Avec Une Fourchette. It became a popular sensation in the UK and in the United States its now the latest fad to achieving this thinness of the French. Le Forking doesnt allow you to eat foods like corn on the cob or soups like clam chowder. Quickly used begin to see how challenging this diet can be. The hard-core version of the diet also restricts any foods they can be eaten after preparing with a knife or spoon. It also restricts foods that can be spread like hummus and soft cheese. Basically breakfast is usually consisting of scrambled egg whites; and salmon will be eaten at least a couple times a day. While any diet that restricts caloric intake will allow you to lose weight, the question becomes is this diet likely to allow a lifestyle change that would include restricting foods to only those that can be speared with a fork? Dr. Kim advises patients who are considering body contouring procedures like liposuction not to engage in restrictive crash diets prior to their cosmetic plastic surgery procedure. It is important that patients are at a stable weight prior to their body contouring procedure. If patients starve themselves prior to the procedure Dr. Kim is not able to see the fat cells that are normally present and therefore may not be able to perform the procedure as aggressively as he would when he is able to see the fat that is regularly present. It is more important that patients choose a healthy lifestyle, diet, and exercise program that will benefit them long-term. Patients who are considering plastic surgery procedures are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

Most people wonder what they will look like as they get older. For many it is a frightening thought. But, a new app available in the iTunes Store has taken some of the mystery out of guessing. According to an online article Old  Pic Booth is a photography app that displays time progression by layering photo clips over your own photo. When you adjust the opacity, you can actually blend the photo clips into your own photo even better. This App is designed to add years to your appearance. You can add glasses with nine different versions including is pair of zebra striped frames with pink lenses. You can even add a comb-over that is classic for the aging guy. If you realize that hairless is better you can also choose completely bald, as well as eight other different hair choices. The wrinkles are an added feature. You can add these in the most likely places which of course include around the eyes, lower face, and neck. All this for free! Old Pic Booth. Dr. Kim explains to patients that while these apps are tongue-in-cheek, the appearance of aging can be reduced dramatically. By adopting a proactive approach with cosmetic procedures encompassing everything from Botox, to cosmetic surgery procedures, including facelift and blepharoplasty, in the journey towards embracing beauty at every age is the most effective way to combat an aging appearance.