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It is often said that you can never be too thin, especially here in image-conscious Southern California. Of course, Beverly Hills is no exception. But, the reality is patients who are extremely thin should make certain considerations when considering plastic surgery. For example, patients who are extremely thin and have very little of their own breast tissue are likely to consider breast augmentation. While it may seem fairly straightforward for patients with very little breast tissue to consider mild to moderately sized breast implants that is only part of the equation. Patients who are extremely thin and who have very little breast tissue must consider the fact that they will have only moderate coverage over the breast implant. This could be more noticeable on the sides of the breast where very little muscle coverage exists. Patients who are extremely thin are typically not good candidates for breast implants that are placed above the muscle. This could allow for visible rippling especially when saline implants are being used. Dr. Kim explains to patients who are extremely thin that typically silicone implants are a better option for a more natural feeling breast. Patients who are extremely thin should also be mindful of choosing breast implant sizing that is proportionate to their overall body contour. Overall, it is most important that patients are healthy and maintain a stable weight. Patients who are considering breast augmentation are encouraged to contact Dr. Kims office and schedule a consultation.

 

Men tend to be less focused on the appearance of aging than women. However, this seems to be changing. Men are becoming more focused on everything from skin care to cosmetic surgery procedures. More men are considering injectable products including Botox to help soften what can appear on many men to be an angry scowl because very have a wrinkled forehead. Botox is one of the procedures men have begun to embrace. There are three surgical procedures that men over 40 can add to their appearance improvement list and get a big bang for their buck. The first is a brow lift. While for some men this may seem drastic since it took so long for them to embrace Botox injections. However, a brow lift is an excellent procedure for men over 40 because it not only physically lift the brow but it also preserves a youthful and natural appearance long-term. It is not unusual for men to have a drooping brow and a slight brow lift earlier rather than later can make a dramatic difference. The second cosmetic surgery improvement that makes a dramatic yet subtle difference is blepharoplasty. Correcting drooping eyelids and removing bags from beneath the eyes can help a man look considerably younger. In a competitive job market or dating environment youthful energetic eyes can make a marked difference in first impressions. And thirdly liposuction to the abdomen can help a man look much younger and svelte. A thin physique is often associated with youth. Dr. Kim encourages men to embrace these procedures as they are not only affordable but also performed on an outpatient basis. Most patients are able to return to their regular activities within 7 to 10 days. Men who are considering improving their appearance through cosmetic plastic surgery are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

As women continue to look younger, feel better, and live longer it is no mystery that younger men and older women romances are becoming more and more popular. It is no longer just a Hollywood story or a lifetime movie. While like any relationship there are pros and cons the reality is that older women are likely to have the means and the confidence to maintain their best health, appearance, and emotional state of mind. For some younger men this is very attractive and can lead to budding romances and even marriage. So, an older woman with a younger man is likely to be conscious of maintaining her most youthful appearance. It is important to note that for most women this is not “to keep her man” but more for her own self-confidence and self-esteem. Dr. Kim is found that the most popular procedures tend to be Botox injections, mini facelift, dermal fillers, and breast augmentation– breast lift. Dr. Kim stresses that these procedures should be performed when patients begin to have concerns. Having multiple procedures performed at one time may not be a safety issue, but for some patients it can create a dramatic difference and for some patients a more subtle approach to their appearance is preferred. It is important that patients note that plastic surgery is not a cure for assuring that a patient will be able to maintain a relationship or gain a new relationship. The choice to have plastic surgery should be rooted solely in a patients desire to pursue improvements for their own personal gain. The younger man an older woman romance is likely to continue as baby boomers become a more significant part of the American population. The goal is for women to feel their best and look their best at every stage of life. Patients were considering plastic surgery procedures are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

Plastic surgery brings about a dilemma for both the patient as well as those people who are in the lives of the patient. The dilemma is centered on if a person should tell if they are having surgery and if a person who notices plastic surgery should tell the person. While there is no right or wrong approach it can be a very delicate situation. First, patients who are having plastic surgery are covered under HIPPA(the Health and Information Patient Privacy Act) so their privacy is protected within the medical practice. But, what about who the patient tells? Some patients are extremely forthcoming about their breast augmentation or facelift surgery. For some patients it doesnt matter who knows and they are perfectly fine with telling anyone who asks, as well as some who dont ask. But, for other patients it is an extremely private matter and they choose to tell as few people as possible. Patients should make a choice based on their own desires. But, patient should also be prepared for other people within their daily lives to notice a difference. Patient should have an idea of whether they will give an explanation or if they will ignore any comments they may hear. It is best to be prepared and not caught off guard. This will help to reduce any anxiety the patient may be feeling. Friends and family who notice that someone has had plastic surgery such as a rhinoplasty or abdominoplasty for the most part should complement the end result not question the way they achieved the result. For example, noticing that a person looks smaller and has a flat stomach can be handled with a simple complement such as ”you look fabulous” instead of ”your stomach looks so flat did you have a tummy tuck?”. One complement gives the person the opportunity to share the information if they want to or to just say thank you if that is their choice. Dr. Kim appreciates referrals from his patients who are comfortable sharing their plastic surgery experience. If you are considering plastic surgery contact Dr. Kims office and schedule a consultation.

The holidays and drinking alcohol go together for many adults. We all know that moderation is the key but few of us know just how many of those drinks pack on the pounds. According to recent ABC news article most adults are not really clear about just how many calories they consume when they are drinking alcohol. According to a leading nutritionists with so many different concoctions being created by bartenders who strive to be the most creative with different flavors, its the sugar content and actual larger drinks that could be the culprit. Studies show that most people dont recognize liquid calories in the same manner that they recognize solid calories. For example a martini has about 338 cal which is the equivalent of a full slice of pizza. Margaritas and sweeter juice drinks are usually served in the standard 7.5 ounce glass this could be almost 300 cal per drink. While this may not sound like a lot consider that most people have more than one drink and also have appetizers with their drink. Eggnog a favor for the holidays is among the worst offender. A single serving could deliver as much is 480 cal which the equivalent of a serving of beef stroganoff. Mixed drinks are likely to pack the most calories in that they contain 42% more alcohol than a standard one-shot beverage. Two or three glasses of wine with dinner can add as much is 600 to 700 cal. Most people are not willing to give up alcohol during the holidays but being mindful of the calories could help to make better choices. Dr. Kim encourages patients as we go into the new year to address any areas of fat that are bothersome and that they have not been able to lose but diet and exercise. For these patients liposuction may be in excellent choice for starting the new year. Patients who have liposuction now are likely to be bikini worthy by the summer. Patients who are considering liposuction are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim’s office and schedule a consultation.

Exercise is one of the most common recommendations for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and svelte appearance. According to recent ABC news story exercise can get the point where is too much. Overexercising can be harmful to your physical and mental health. Our nation is battling obesity in record numbers and many of us live a life that is relatively sedentary. Yet there are others, who are on the other extreme and exercise excessively. This can have negative effects. According to psychologist Dr. Rick Shuman about 10 to 20% of the people are compulsive about exercise. A Columbia University study discovered that overdoing exercise can bring about more harm than good. Shuman defined overexercising as anything beyond seven a half hours of exercise per week and states that there are diminishing returns after that not to mention other detrimental effects. These effects include higher levels of depression, anxiety, injuries, a breakdown of the immune system, and the benefits are no longer evident even though the person may feel the drive to continue. Compulsions appear to be gender specific. Men Who Tend to Have Whats Known As the Adonis Effect want to become larger while women are in student becoming smaller versions of themselves. A growing area of over exercisers is Baby Boomers who are compelled to hold onto their youth. The CDC has given it the name of Boomer -itis. According to the article on average 2.5 million people age 50 and older require medical treatment in the emergency room due to over exercise related injuries. Exercise should be built around your life rather than your life built around exercise human advised. Dr. Kim shares with patients who are added exercisers that cosmetic plastic surgery can have measurable benefits for them. However, it is important to note that patient should follow Dr. Kims advice concerning when they are advised to resume their current exercise routine. For example, patients who are having breast augmentation or a facelift will be given specific instructions as to not only when they can exercise but which types of exercises are permitted. An abdominoplasty will have a longer recovery time and Dr. Kim is likely to be cautious as to when the patient is permitted to resume their normal exercise routine. Patients were considering cosmetic plastic surgery are encouraged to contact Dr. Kims office and schedule a consultation.

It seems as though we become a society that refers to almost everything as an addiction. Food addiction is an issue but how do you know the difference between overeating or true food addiction? According to a recent ABC news story there are certain criteria for diagnosing a food addiction. According to the news story Dr. Pamela Peeke a nutrition and fitness expert claims that science now backs up the reality of food addictions. According to Peeke, but addiction is an only about food lovers who simply enjoy food. It is more closely related to those who cannot stop themselves from eating and do not get satisfaction after eating the foods they love. One of the indicators she refers to is eating quickly to get a high or false fix. And then, if you are immediately consumed with emotions like satisfaction, guilt, shame, or blame this could be a trigger for food addiction. Immediately following these feelings food addicts have the compulsion to want more food. Researchers from the National Institutes of Health proves that an appropriate amount of dopamine which is a feel good chemical in the brain is released when good food is consumed. According to the study of food addicts brain scan compared with a cocaine abusers brain scan shows that both brains have a scant amount of dopamine because of long-term overuse. There are solutions to help food addicts. Slowly weaning off foods that are high in sugar or salt as well as fatty foods and replacing them with alternative sources can help. Eating proteins and fiber will also help to supply the brain with amnio acids that will help to curb cravings. Dr. Kim urges patients who are struggling with fluctuating weight issues to be proactive concerning the appearance of weight. Patients who address weight gain early have more options when choosing cosmetic plastic surgery. Body contouring procedures like liposuction or abdominoplasty are not recommended for patients who are obese. However, patients who address small amounts of weight gain early by changing their lifestyle and eating habits combined with choosing cosmetic plastic surgery not only look better but feel better as well. Patients who are considering cosmetic plastic surgery are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

Now that calories are listed on practically everything we purchase, one would think that it would be easy to determine which foods we should eat and which ones we should not. However, according to recent ABC news story it could be the little things that we add to our foods that are causing the last 10 to 15 pounds to not go away. According to the news story we may think a little dollop of this, a dont or drizzle of that, are nearly calorie free. Not so much. While theyre not all full of fat and calories there are many that are you nutrient dense and even a small addition can be adding substantial calories to your daily intake. A dollop for most chefs registers as 5 tablespoons, not one, and a splash is about a quarter cup. It is important to keep in mind that when following numbers they are based on one serving size. For example nondairy whipped topping is 25 cal per 2 tablespoons. If you rather have real whipped cream with heavy cream and sugar, the same 2 tablespoons is close to 50 cal on your coffee or dessert. Sour cream has were calories then whipped cream believe it or not. Choosing the lighter version will cut 20 cal. A splash of cream are in your coffee is where it will do you well to measure the pour. Half-and-half measures at about 20 cal a tablespoon. Nondairy creamers come in at about 15 cal. But, if youre guessing its likely your pouring about 40 to 50 cal in each cup. If you add that to more than one cup a day its easy to see how the calories add up. While olive oil has become a favorite because of its heart healthy benefits remember that it has more calories than butter. The International Journal of Obesity discovered that people who choose olive oil eat 23% less bread and eat 16% less calories. Dr. Kim encourages patients who have chosen cosmetic surgery procedures including breast augmentation and liposuction to maintain a healthy diet and a stable weight. Significant weight fluctuation through either weight loss or weight gain can have a negative effect on the longevity of cosmetic surgery results. Patient should be proactive concerning any major fluctuations in their weight in order to maintain their cosmetic surgery results for lifetime. Patients who are considering cosmetic plastic surgery are encouraged to contact Dr. Kims office and schedule a consultation.

Dry eye has become a condition many know about these days because of the power of advertising and treatments that are available by prescription and advertised on television. According to recent ABC news story dry eye is most commonly a result of the lack of adequate two years. Tears are natures complex mixture of water, fatty oils, and mucus. The purpose of this mixture is to make the surface of rise smoother and clear and to protect the eyes from infection. The traditional treatment for dry eye disease requires prescription medications, daily eye drops, and ointments. A new option could help dry eyes in just minutes. According to the doctor in the news story patients who have been coming for dry eye treatments are now being offered a new solution called LipiFlow. The procedure takes about 12 min. and patients can go to work immediately following the procedure. The way it works is the cups are placed on the eyelids. These heat up and pulsate to melt blockages that are present in the tear glands. It does not hurt however patient reported it feels strange. In FDA trial 79% of patients using this treatment showed improvement. The Dr. says the improvements can last up to 15 months. Although the treatment is FDA approved it is not covered by insurance. The procedure cost around $700 per eye. Dr. Kim informs patients who suffer from dry eye that treating the symptoms could be extremely beneficial in maintaining the overall appearance of youthful eyes. Patients who are concerned about the aging appearance of their eyes are typically worried about loose and lax skin on the eyelid or what is more commonly known as drooping eyelids. Blepharoplasty addresses this concern by removing a small sliver of skin and tightening the skin on the eyelid. This will produce a much more aesthetically pleasing and youthful looking eyes. Patients who are concerned about the appearance of loose and lax skin on their eyelids or beneath the eyes are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim to see if blepharoplasty is the right procedure for them.

Counterfeit goods are not uncommon especially in Southern California. A trip to any local flea market will yield many counterfeit designer purses, shoes, and clothes. According to recent ABC news story it appears as though counterfeit Botox may have been shipped to doctors in Southern California. The US FDA has warned doctors that they may have received unapproved versions of Botox. Federal regulators reported that a Canadian supplier shipped out versions of what they labeled as Botox ever unapproved by the FDA and could possibly be counterfeit. The agency made it clear that they cannot sure that the product is effective or safe. The FDA stated that the supplier Canada Drugs, has shipped fake cancer drugs in the past. The company has operated under a multitude of other names while performing virtually the same business. According to federal officials host of the products that were sold and distributed under the other names were also not approved by the FDA. The agency also went as far as to warn doctors about purchasing drugs from outside sources as an alternative to licensed US pharmacies. This warning makes the fifth warning issued by the FDA this year concerning foreign of suppliers selling unapproved drugs. While it is difficult to determine where a doctor purchases the drugs or supplies used within the practice it is up to the patient to determine whether it is reasonable to assume that the doctor they choose will make the best choices concerning their safety. Since Botox is largely used as a cosmetic drug many patients tend to discount any dangers associated with the drug. Dr. Kim consults with each patient who chooses Botox treatment and provide a complete written information sheet which highlights the complications and risk associated with the drug and the procedure. Stories like this ABC news story reiterate the importance of choosing a trusted Botox provider and using the same provider on a consistent basis. While the urge to jump to another provider may be magnified by an attractive price point, the reality is consistency is what breeds excellent results. Patients were considering Botox or other injectable procedures are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim’s office and schedule a consultation.