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Nip Tuck has come to mean more than a quick plastic surgery procedure. More and more patients have begun to accept a nip tuck procedure as a great idea. An investigative medical report proved that more extensive facial surgery predicted a younger age estimate for patients who chose to have one, two, or three surgical procedures performed. The investigators determined that overall; most patients looked on average 8.9 years younger than their chronological age following surgery based on the opinions of those rating their before-and-after pictures. This report was published online in the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery. Our study is novel in that it quantifies the degree of perceived age change after aging face surgical procedures and demonstrates a significant and consistent reduction in perceived age after aesthetic facial surgery, Nitin Chauhan, MD, of the University of Toronto, and co-authors wrote in conclusion. Of note the researchers found that the more procedures that were performed, the more substantial the effect in terms of reducing the appearance of age. Facial plastic surgeons face a daunting challenge with the delicate task of helping patients understand what they can expect following surgery. Most studies previously focused on the outcomes patients reported. Interestingly this study focused on what others thought and concluded that the average patient looked 8.9 years younger than their chronological age. Dr. Kim explains to patients who are considering facial rejuvenation that it is best to begin early when patients start to first see the first signs of aging. For most patients beginning with procedures including Botox injections help the patient to adjust to changes in their appearance. A facelift can follow when appropriate, and is often accompanied with a blepharoplasty, and brow lift. Most patients are fearful of a drastic change in their facial appearance. For this reason, it is best to begin early making subtle changes along the way. Many Hollywood celebrities have embraced this concept and it has served them well. Unfortunately the celebrities that have the most publicity concerning their plastic surgery tend to be the ones who have gone overboard looking dramatically different and usually not dramatically better. Dr. Kim encourages patients were considering facial rejuvenation to schedule a consultation.

Many people who smoke especially women are fearful of gaining weight should they quit. According to recent local news story quitting smoking is more important. Researchers set out to find out if weight gain would be more detrimental for smokers who had diabetes. They used data from the ongoing Framingham Health Study project, and measured weight and heart health for those who never smoked, those who had quit smoking within the last four years, and those who quit over four years ago. They then compare that data with people who continue to smoke. Researchers found that among those who had quit smoking, regardless of the weight gain were about half as likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or die from heart attack over the six years of observation. In this report that was provided by the Journal of American Medical Association, participants who stop smoking gained about 6 to 10 pounds on average. The conclusion was that the benefit by quitting smoking even if they are overweight, even if they have diabetes, and even if they gain some weight. Patients who have gained weight in moderate amounts as a result of quitting smoking could be suitable candidates for liposuction. Dr. Kim explains that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure; however, for small amount of fat in unsightly places like the abdomen liposuction can be a viable option. Patients were considering body contouring procedures are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

There is no doubt that Americans are living longer than ever before. A recent local news story provided tips on the top seven things people can begin to do now to be sure that increase the chances of living longer. The first was to stop smoking. Smoking kills just under half 1 million people in the United States alone. That’s more than auto accidents, more than HIV, and more than all murders combined according to Dr. Jan Garavaglia, a medical examiner. Quitting does make a difference. According to new research women who stop smoking before 40 years of age live a decade longer than those who continue to smoke. Another tip encourages people to drink wine. Moderate wine drinkers reduce their risk of heart disease by up to 40%. People are also encouraged to do their own housework. A recent study discovered that 150 calories worth of chores a day to reduce high blood pressure by 13 points for eight hours. A 30 minute nap has been proven to reduce heart mortality by 37%. Purdue University scientists discovered constant worrying reduces lifespan by more than 16 years. Cardiologist reinforce the importance of maintaining a healthy waistline. They advised that the number should be less than half your height. By example if you’re 5’2 tall, your waistline should be less than 31 inches. Laughter truly is the best medicine. Research shows the comedy helps to lengthen your life. University of Maryland scientists discovered that viewing 15 min. of funny videos can increase blood flow to your heart by 50%. Lastly experts added that standing up as often as possible to reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 10%, lung cancer by 20% and colon cancer by 30%. Dr. Kim helps patients understand that as they are living longer it becomes even more important to maintain their best appearance at every age. Beginning cosmetic plastic surgery procedures early insures the most pleasing aesthetic appearance. Anti-aging procedures for the face including facelift, blepharoplasty, and injectables should be considered as soon as the signs of aging are evident. Patients who are considering antiaging cosmetic plastic surgery procedures are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

One of the latest health trends includes vitamin infused therapies. According to recent local news story Patients who have the procedure performed claim that it dramatically increases their energy level. One patient claimed I was always tired, always exhausted. Mentally I knew I could do a lot of stuff, but my body would not respond, she said. Patients go to medical center’s to get IV infusions for many different health complaints. One of the doctors interviewed fit the most popular IV treatment is a vitamin C mega dose. The claim is that vitamin C intravenous is a powerful flash oxidizer. The claim is that it crunches all the free radicals in the body. These IV therapies are becoming popular across the country in medical spas. Clients say they’re looking for an instant fix. Patient claimed they feel fantastic right away. Many different medical spas claim the IV vitamin infusions help patients with many different ailments. People who are suffering from dehydration, sunburn, poor nutrition, overactivity, or even hangovers are all said to benefit from IV vitamin therapy. Critics are quick to point out there is no scientific research that proves any of these IV drips will help with any of the ailments. Patient should not believe that there are no risks involved. IV therapy is fraught with ma.ny complications that range from as simple as inflammation to the vein, to more complex complications such as an infection that can occur, and then very rarely an air embolus can occur with air going into the needle, said Gail D’Onofrio, Chair of Yale’s Department of Emergency Medicine. But Mathur emphasizes air embolisms are very rare. Dr. Kim explains to patients that if they are utilizing IV vitamin treatments while under his care it is imperative that patient share that information prior to considering plastic surgery procedures. Patient should not consider popular plastic surgery procedures such as breast augmentation or liposuction as routine, and omit information vitamin therapies as unimportant. It is also critical that patients do not engage in IV vitamin therapies immediately following surgery without first discussing the option with Dr. Kim. Patients were considering cosmetic plastic surgery procedures are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

The popularity of the veggie Chip comes as a result of people desperately searching for snacks that are healthy yet still satisfy. According to recent online news story according to Consumer Reports veggie chips aren’t as healthy as we once thought. Five of the snacks which were labeled as veggie chips were actually made from potato flour and surprisingly enough they’re not nutritionally superior to plain potato chips. They did contain a small amount of vegetable powder, which accounts mostly for color. They had as much fat as a potato chip and a lot more sodium according to Consumer Reports. Financially there are no benefits either. On average they cost 30% more than potato chips. Consumer Reports says that healthier alternative would be chips made from sliced vegetables like the top-rated Terra Exotic Vegetable Chips. They are much lower in sodium, and are made from authentic slices of root vegetables such as sweet potatoes and Parson. But, consumers must understand that these are still fried. They are loaded with fat and calories. Chips that are made from beans are considered a viable alternative as well. According to Consumer Reports because they’re made from chickpea flour, you get some protein and fiber benefit as well. These can be paired with salsa and a serving of vegetables and then you can literally cut fat and calories. Some days only a chip will do. According to the news story Lays Classic potato chips and moderation were the favorite. Diet and exercise appear to go hand-in-hand with cosmetic plastic surgery. Most patients tell Dr. Kim that they struggle to maintain a healthy weight. Dr. Kim shares with patients in the consultation that maintaining a healthy weight following procedures like liposuction or breast augmentation has a profound effect on their overall long-term results. It is important to follow a healthy diet and exercise program after making the investment in cosmetic plastic surgery. Patient should expect to benefit from their cosmetic surgery procedures as long as possible. Patients who are good about diet and exercise following cosmetic plastic surgery are more likely to enjoy life long results. Patients were considering cosmetic plastic surgery are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

Being online these days is about more than just getting information. It is become the preferred method for show and tell. According to a recent local news story plastic surgeons are finding more people complaining about what they look like when they are online. According to the news story the motivation for plastic surgery is partly fueled by Facetime, Skype, and other popular video chatting avenues. The most common area of complaint is the chin. For patients who have lost weight the chin and neck can look even worse than it would due to aging alone. That is natural filler and when patients lose weight the skin is likely to become loose and lax. Dr. Kim points out to patients that the reality of their appearance on an ongoing basis is more important than their appearance for one video conversation or wedding day. Patients who are considering a facelift should consider all of the benefits and limitations of the procedure. Patients are cautioned about considering only the lower portion of their face solely because of the fact that they do not like how they look on Skype. The reality is that a plastic surgeons recommendation should encompass all aspects of the face including the view from the front, the side or profile as well as the symmetry from the fore head to the neck. This is a critical part of the recommendation as patients may need to make an informed decision concerning which areas are most troublesome for them. For example it doesn’t make much sense for patient to concentrate on the lower portion of their face if they have significant loose and lax skin on their eyelids, and bags beneath the eyes. In this case, Dr. Kim may recommend a blepharoplasty to address the upper eyelids and the area beneath the eyes. In conjunction with the blepharoplasty may recommend a brow lift and this may add a significant and dramatic improvement to the patient’s overall facial appearance. Patients were considering antiaging facial procedures are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

For those people that are uninformed about what plastic surgery is or what it is used for, this resource section is going to be a great way for them to find out all of their answers and get quality information on all different subjects pertaining to plastic surgery. Starting off from the basics we will begin to talk about plastic surgery in general and then delve farther in to more specific topics as the blog grows. This will be the best way for everyone to learn as much as they can from an informative source that actually help them along in their search for the answers to their questions.

This blog is being written in the hopes that visitors to the blog and site will be able to learn a bit about plastic surgery and get all of the uncertainties and questions out of their minds. There is always going to be more information and news coming out on the subject of plastic surgery and this blog will be catching as much information as it can and presenting it to the readers. That means that this blog and resource section is going to be the best place to go in order to find out the most recent news about plastic surgery and related fields.

Hopefully readers will continue to find this blog informative and be able to look to it for future reference about anything related to plastic surgery and the subcategories that it entails. Things like breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, liposuction, tummy tucks, breast lifts, eyelid surgery, breast reduction, facelifts, browlifts, gynecomastia, breast reductions, collagen injections, facial implants, and laser surgery and some of the topics that will be covered.

Thank you for reading and, as always, enjoy!

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim, contact us (310) 271-6996 at or click here.

Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and surrounding areas.

Mothers-to-be or women who have not left out the possibility of becoming pregnant at a later time are almost always concerned about going under the knife for breast augmentation. They realize there are certain discomforts in the beginning, but what about the effects of their breasts during and after pregnancy? There are numerous misconceptions floating online about how women should avoid breast augmentation until after having children, but in reality there is nothing harmful that affects the body or the child during or after pregnancy. More importantly we feel the need to put women at ease by debunking the common myths associated with mothers and breast augmentation.

Breast Implants Do Not Prevent Breastfeeding

This is an effect that very rarely occurs and never stops production of milk in mothers who nurse their children. Should a potential candidate consider breast augmentation they will generally be asked if they are likely to become pregnant after the surgery. This gives the plastic surgeon a better idea about how to plan his surgical approach and implant location.

Implant Material Will Not Leak While Nursing

Many women are concerned with their breast implants tearing and possibly leaking saline or silicone in their breast milk, but it is purely unfounded. Breast implant shells are very durable and can withstand up to one hundred pounds of pressure. Even if the implants were to rupture, no research has shown silicone found in breast milk from a woman’s augmented breasts. In fact one study found that commercial formula contains more silicone than breast milk from a woman’s silicone gel implants.

Breastfeeding Does Not Cause Sagging Breasts with Implants

Every woman is concerned about her looks after pregnancy and many fall to the misconception that breastfeeding causes sagging in augmented breasts. Dr. Kim wants to remind his patients that women with breast implants will be able to breastfeed their young if they choose to, and feeding their infant will not lead to sagging.

A study presented to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that breast sagging experienced after childbirth results from changes to the body following pregnancy, not breastfeeding. Researchers evaluated changes in breast measurements of breast augmented mothers (57 participants) who breastfed and did not breastfeed (62 participants), taking measurements before and one year after pregnancy. Results showed that sagging was not significantly different in breast augmented patients who breastfed than those who did not breastfeed.

All in all, these myths can be put to rest and allow potential breast augmentation candidates to make a better decision before going under the knife. Whether they plan to conceive in the future or currently expecting, women can breastfeed their young without prevention, without worry of implant material mixing in with breastmilk or without worry of sagging after breastfeeding. Dr, Kim is a plastic surgeon who can address a mother’s concern in breast appearance as well as breast function during and after pregnancy. Schedule a consultation with him and his staff today to learn more about breast augmentation.

Natural food products are exciting because they help us believe that we’re taking better care of ourselves by what we eat. The word natural itself is a big business. So what’s new on the horizon? According to recent local news story every natural food product has a complete public relations team so that not only are they giving you the information concerning the ingredients are there products, they are also trying to make sure they stand out from the crowd. Convention halls were packed with all types of products at the Natural Products Expo West recently held in Southern California. Experts admit that it’s challenging to know what is truly healthy versus what is sales type. One big push this year is for coconut. Chocolate is also a big push however much of what is done to make chocolate or coconut healthy are not things that will make coconut and chocolate taste good experts say. Having a gimmick makes a huge difference. Some other big buzzwords include organic, fair trade, and gluten-free. This year’s hottest word is the non-GMO foods which are” genetically modified organisms”. Now the consumers are aware that their foods can be modified genetically they want to know through the label if this is happening. Non-GMO verification is not a government certification. Whole Foods jumped ahead and made the announcement that the company would only carry non-GMO products by 2018. The hits also include chips made with beans, eggs, kale, and basically anything except corn. Of course eating right has a major impact on maintaining a healthy weight. The reality is that as adults age, even with proper diet and exercise their can be small areas of fat that the more and more difficult to get rid of. Dr. Kim explains to his patients that body contouring procedures can be extremely helpful in maintaining proportionate body contour. The most popular procedures including liposuction, and patients who have excessive loose and lax skin and abdomen and abdominoplasty can make a dramatic aesthetic difference. Dr. Kim cautions that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure and that is only indicated for patients who have small amounts of fat in targeted areas that they need to control. As an artist, Dr. Kim has the advantage in contouring and sculpting results that appear natural and are long-lasting. Patients who are considering body contouring procedures are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

The Virgin diet is getting a great deal of publicity lately. According to a recent article nutritionist JJ Virgin was not intending to write a diet book. She found that while assisting physicians with an elimination diet created to help patients overcome chronic pain she found that losing weight was a much appreciated side effect. This was the beginning of the Virgin diet. There’s a great deal of research that supports elimination diet which is what the Virgin diet is. According to Virgin elimination diets have been used in medicine for decades. The first part of the diet is eliminating foods that cause problems. By pulling his foods from the diet weight loss was inevitable. In general the foods included gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, corn, peanuts, sugar, and artificial sweeteners. It is well-known that many people have sensitivities to these ingredients. For some people these foods can cause headaches, bloating, gas, fatigue, joint pain and more complications. Many people think these are normal or just part of aging. The overall goal is to eliminate one food probe week and see how the body reacts. Swapping out foods is not as difficult as it may sound. For example, instead of peanut butter many people use almond butter. Instead of soy milk, coconut, almond, or hemp milk are great substitute. Rice pasta is an option as a replacement for wheat and coconut yogurt can replace Greek yogurt rather easily. Admittedly no diet is one-size-fits-all so it should be customized to each patient however the types of food chosen will have a huge impact on weight loss as well as the way a patient feels. Dr. Kim urges patients to consider the ramifications of losing massive amounts of weight following plastic surgery procedures such as breast augmentation. Patients often don’t consider the fact that losing weight rapidly can increase the loose and lax skin and can have a negative effect on the appearance following cosmetic surgical procedures. For example, patients who have had breast augmentation may find that although they may lose a cup size and volume it may also contribute to sagging of the breast. Patients are encouraged to maintain their yearly follow-up visits with Dr. Kim said he is able to assess the progress following cosmetic surgery. This helps patients to enjoy life long results. Patients who are considering cosmetic plastic surgery are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.