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It appears as though spring has sprung. This is the time of year when many of us begin to think about summer vacations and what we would like to add to our spring and summer wardrobe. What many women fail to realize is that the quest to achieve the best body contour prior to summer should begin now. This includes a consistent and regimented workout plan as well as proper diet. However we must be realistic and admit that even when we are great about exercise and diet department there certain things that a woman has little to no control over. One of these is her bust line. It is no mystery that breast augmentation is the number one considered cosmetic plastic surgery in the United States. As spring and summer approach, it becomes more obvious than ever before, that women who have difficulty finding an acceptable wardrobe, are going to dread yet another season. Critics may say that women should embrace the fact that they are aging, or that they have had children.  This is why  their breasts are not as perky as they once were. However, the countless women who have chosen breast augmentation, (and/or breast lift), having children or aging does not have to be marked by sagging and droopy breast. Most women tell Dr. Kim that they want to look more proportionate in their clothes, and that they would like a fuller and firmer look. Contrary to what many people believe most patients choose a breast augmentation size that is  less than 2 cup sizes larger than what they already have. Dr. Kim advises patients to choose a plastic surgeon with a broad base of experience to help ensure that they will get the best results. Dr. Kim and his staff empathize with their patients and help them to understand the benefits and risks of the breast augmentation procedure. Patients who have had breast augmentation surgery look eagerly to the new season and the opportunity to choose from a wardrobe that is at least three times larger than selection that she had previously.

According to a recent celebrity online blog  actress Susan Sarandon recently fessed up to having cosmetic plastic surgery, and made it known that she plans to have even more. “I’ve had some lipo under my chin and under my eyes,”  Sarandon, 65 admitted. She added that she would possibly have more work done in the future to keep a natural look. She made a point to let her fans know that she would not overdo it. I have these two huge frown lines here (on my forehead),” Sarandon explained. “But if you cant move your face or youre unrecognizable, I dont see how thats a productive enhancement. You dont want to look like a female impersonation of yourself. In her guest appearance on The Wendy Williams Show, Sarandon spoke about her older woman, younger man romance with businessman Jonathan Brinklin, 34. That seemed more interesting than the cosmetic plastic surgery to the audience. Dating is such a stupid word,” the actress said. “You can say…We are collaborating in a lot of different areas.  The aging of Hollywood actresses is inevitable, but it is refreshing when one admits to doing a little bit of cosmetic surgery and getting great value from it. Dr. Kim is careful to help his patients understand that antiaging is a process. It involves addressing the aging process as soon as women began to see signs that they are not happy with. This is why most patients begin Botox and medical grade skin care in their early 30’s. Many patients will have a modified facelift as early as mid-40’s along with a blepharoplasty and brow lift. At this age, the change is subtle yet dramatic enough to yield as much as a ten year difference in their appearance. Celebrities that have used this approach successfully are the ones that the public usually finds to be ”aging gracefully”.

In this day and age, as technology continues to progress, the line between reality and real has become ever so faint. The latest celebrity to be outed for over-the-top Photoshop is the pitchwoman for the AbGlider, The View co-host  Elizabeth Hasselbeck.  In the popular infomercial, viewers see Elizabeth touting the wonderful attributes of the at-home exercise machine. As she approaches the camera, there is a shot in plain view, where Elizabeth appears to have no bellybutton at all.  All you can see is a smooth stomach. Obviously, it is a case of excessive photo retouching. As a matter of fact, minutes later in the same infomercial her bellybutton mysteriously reappeared. This incident was the subject of a recent Orange County Register blog. Elizabeth, as the mother of three children, proves to be quite an impressive pitchwoman for an exercise machine that claims to give anybody a flat abdomen, even after having multiple children. The fact that her photograph had to be retouched in order to be believable, takes the amusement out of the situation. Women should understand that loose and lax skin usually comes after bearing children and cannot be exercised away. Dr. Kim explains carefully to patients who have had children that an abdominoplasty actually removes the loose and lax skin. The procedure allows him to not only remove the skin but stretch, pull down and tuck the skin into an incision low in the bikini line. This creates a flat tight abdomen. The muscles that were stretched and pregnancy are also tightened. Typically Dr. Kim will perform liposuction to enhance the entire waistline. The results Dr. Kim is able to achieve could never be achieved through exercise alone. Dr. Kim strives to provide patients real-life results, resulting in real life satisfaction.

The recent horror story concerning the PIP implants continues to make the plastic surgery news. According to recent industry article The Guardian(a UK newspaper) reports that a woman in the United Kingdom  received 3,700 pounds back from Lloyds TSB, a UK credit card company. She had used her credit card as payment for her breastaugmentation surgery. Unfortunately, the breast implants that she received were the problematic PIP implants, which the news sources have reported, “…were filled with non-medical grade silicone.” National Health Service removed her breast implants and she contacted a law  firm to see if she could get a refund for the initial surgery. She found that the surgical group that had implanted the defective breast implants had gone into “administration,” (an alternative to liquidation). Since she had paid with her credit card, Lloyds TSB issued a full refund within three months after she had completed the required form. The British Association of Plastic Surgery (BAAPS) has taken a firm position that PIP implants should be explanted, preferably prior to rupture taking place, and believes it’s unethical that many clinics that implanted these devices will not replace them without cost to the patient. PIP breast implants that were said to be filled with non-medical grade silicone were not sold in the United States. Patients who had surgery outside of the United States should check their implants to be sure they are not PIP implants, especially if they paid a very low price for the surgery. Dr. Kim explains to patients that having breast augmentation outside of the United States means that the guidelines being used to determine medical safety of the process as well as the products used, is unlikely to be the same as the guidelines used in the United States. Every breast surgery including breast lift and breast reduction should be considered a serious operation and patient should always take into consideration the steps that should be taken to ensure their best breast health. This includes monthly breast self-exam as well as annual mammograms after 40 years of age. Dr. Kim encourages patients to follow the advice of their primary care physician concerning their breast health.

Just when we thought it was safe to look adoringly at women having multiple pregnancies, Nayda Suleman is back in the news. The Orange County Register blog reported on it once again. This time, Octomom, Nadya Suleman is in the news for posing in semi-nude for a British magazine. Just as before, questions- or rather accusations, about whether she’s had plastic surgery, most notably a tummy tuck — are once again talk around the water cooler. Suleman, the mother of 14 was compensated to appear in the photos for Closer magazine, where the cover marked in bold letters, “Octomum bares all! ‘My body’s never looked this good!’. After the magazine came out, Suleman gave a video interview on Celebuzz denying that she’s had any plastic surgery but a breast reduction.  “I’ve never had a tummy tuck,” says Suleman, 36, in the video. She says she had skin removed from around her navel area because of an issue with a belly button ring. This admission alone is subject to interpretation. When the video interviewer asked if she would consider getting plastic surgery in the future, she said :“I think God gives us what we were born with. I’m different, my ethnicity is mixed. Middle Eastern, and European and Lithuanian and German. And so, I don’t believe in it.”  Honestly, the most disturbing part about her statements are that she has not had a tummy tuck or any other large removal of skin. They are an insult to the overwhelming majority of women who have loose and lax skin after pregnancy that is virtually impossible to get rid of. Most of these women have not had 14 children; all of which were multiple birth pregnancies. Dr. Kim explains to his patients who have had children that pregnancy can take a cruel toll on the body of most women. Many women even after one pregnancy are left with loose and lax skin on the abdomen, stretch marks, and a loss of volume in their breast. In many cases, Dr. Kim recommends the mommy makeover which includes both a breast augmentation as well as an abdominoplasty. Most patients will choose breast implants to help shape the breast and regain volume to the breast. Patients should not feel that having cosmetic plastic surgery after pregnancy is something they should be ashamed of. There are many factors to take into consideration when it comes to the ability of a woman to regain her pre-pregnancy shape. Some factors, like genetics; patients have no control over. The decision to have plastic surgery following pregnancy is a personal one and patients who choose to do so should make the decision based on their own personal desires.

When we look at body piercings, especially in Southern California, where its prevalent most people feel as though its pretty harmless. Everything KTLA report found that thats not necessarily the case. According to the news story almost of 20 percent of body piercings end up with bacterial infections, according to a paper published by Dr. Anne Laumann, chief of dermatology at Northwestern Universitys Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. Piercings are dangerous even though many people do not think so, said Laumann. There are piercings that can cause other complications. Complications could be temporary problems such as interference with X-rays ,MRIs, and surgery because the health care provider cannot remove the jewelry, or worse complications such as broken teeth or gum damage from tongue piercings. They can even be fatal, such as infections that reach the heart or other vital organs. Twenty-three percent of generation Y’rs had at least one body piercing other than the earlobe in 2010, said the Pew Research Center. That was 23 times more than baby boomers, 1 percent of whom have piercings. Popular piercing sites other than the earlobe include the nose, eyebrow, tongue, nipple, navel and genitalia. Patient should be aware if they are considering cosmetic surgery in most cases they will have to remove body piercings. Patients who consult with Dr. Kim for breast augmentation and have nipple piercings  often ask if they have to remove them. Once they find that it is necessary, many are anxious to know when they can have them re-pierced. Dr. Kim advises patients individually with respect to his recommendations. It is wise for patients to consider their and breast augmentation result (which they are likely to be very pleased with) before insisting upon new piercings. Patients who are considering abdominoplasty or abdominal liposuction will also be required to remove any bellybutton piercings. Although body piercings are a personal decision, some patients who have had cosmetic plastic surgery enjoy the benefits of their new shape and contour and are less likely to choose body piercing as an adornment.

The concept of having access to medical test from our home works well for most people. A recent ABC news story looked at the effectiveness of popular medical test on the market. According to the news story Consumer Reports says some medical tests could provide wrong information, like a home test designed to let women know menopause has begun. Women in their late 40s and 50s might interpret those results to mean that they no longer need birth control, and that could result in an unwanted pregnancy, said Marvin Lipman of Consumer Reports. Some of the other home tests have debatable value, this includes the ones that claim to test for high cholesterol levels, These tests measure total cholesterol, but you still need a doctor to interpret the results for you and to tell you what to do about it, Lipman said. A medical test on the market can help you discover if you have a urinary-tract infection, but you need a prescription for medication to cure the urinary tract infection from a physician if you get a positive result. You really have to know in advance whether your doctor is willing to prescribe over the phone. Many are not willing to do that, Lipman said. At-home test, whether recommended or not, all have instructions indicating that consumers should not substitute the test for medical advice or diagnoses. Dr. Kim explains to his patients the value of maintaining excellent health especially those who are approaching middle-age in their 40s and 50s. Just as self-diagnosis through at-home medical test is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment the same holds true for cosmetic laser skincare devices that are becoming more prevalent on the market today. Dr. Kim treats many patients who are concerned about the appearance of aging on their skin as well as acne scarring, brown spots, and uneven skin tone. Todays lasers are improved dramatically and with medical laser resurfacing many of these issues can be addressed and improved. It stands to reason that at-home laser products will not have the strength and effectiveness that would be available in a plastic surgeons office. Dr. Kim invites patients to consult with him concerning their skin and consider if laser resurfacing and other medical grade skin care treatments are right for them. As an a ASPS skilled plastic surgeon Dr. Kim is able to offer exceptional results with facial rejuvenation surgeries including facelift, brow lift, and blepharoplasty for appropriate candidates.

It doesnt take much convincing in Southern California with our great weather to prove the benefits of exercising with your dog. A recent KTLA news story focused on the proven benefits of exercise not just for people but also for dogs. Dogs, it seems, are following in the footsteps of their human owners. Currently, 70 percent of Americans and 53 percent of dogs are obese. The health issues and expense are similar for both. Studies prove that for both man and dog obesity increases the risk of metabolic diseases, including diabetes, degenerative joints, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, tumors, skin diseases and a life span that is shorter than necessary. Even with all of the research, advice from medical experts, diets and diet foods available for man and dog, obesity statistics continue to be on the rise.  The reason, according to the experts, is that both man as well as dogs are eating too much and exercising too little. According to the news story daily and consistent walks can improve most health issues and concerns for both the dogs as well as humans. Dr. Kim consults with many frustrated patients who have been diligent about exercise(some of which they do with their dogs) on a consistent basis, yet they still have small areas of fat that affect their contour. The areas most commonly mentioned are the outer thighs, lower abdomen, and love handles. This can be very frustrating especially for a patient who is of normal weight and exercises regularly. Dr. Kim explains that liposuction could be an excellent option. Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure it is a contouring procedure. Liposuction allows Dr. Kim to artistically sculpt and shape the legs, abdomen, and love handle area. Although liposuction can be performed on most any area these areas are the most common. As an expert, Dr. Kim is able to achieve a shape and contour that is superior to what the patient can achieve through diet and exercise alone. As patients continue their exercise routine after their procedure they will see excellent results that continue to get better over time.

When men lose their hair some say it is a devastating event for many men. This is why research to learn why men lose their hair could seem valuable to many. According to recent Fox news increasing story study authors have isolated the protein believed to be responsible for male pattern baldness, anticipation that an effective cure for the most frequent cause of hair loss in men is not too far away.

Male pattern baldness is a problem for eight out of 10 men and results in the hair follicles shrinking and producing microscopic hairs, which grow for a shorter period of time than normal hairs .We looked at bald scalps last year and saw the hair follicles were still present, according to senior author George Cotsarelis, from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania . So we inferred there was either a lack of an activator [to spur hair growth] or the presence of an inhibitor. The researchers discovered that the bald spots had abnormally high levels of a protein called Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) — nearly three times the amount present in the scalp areas with hair. This led researchers to believe they have identified the protein. In the very preliminary stages it is still unclear what this information can mean. Few  would dispute that men who were bald have a distinct look. One of the common concerns for bald or balding men is whether or not they are a candidate for facial rejuvenation procedures. Obviously, without hair, the face is even more noticeable for those men who are prone to premature aging , and can look considerably older than their real age. Dr. Kim advises male patients to first consider Botox as an option for smoothing the wrinkles on the forehead. They may also consider Botox treatments for crows feet on the outer corner of the eyes. If the patient is a candidate for a brow lift Dr. Kim is careful to utilize his artistic skill and expertise to carefully decide where the incision should be placed and the best opportunity for optimal healing so that the scars are not visible. Each patient is given a thorough an individual consultation which will allow Dr. Kim to make the best recommendation without further disturbing the patients hairline or causing the result to look unnatural and aesthetically unpleasing. Dr. Kim welcomes mail patients to meet with him and discuss the best options for anti-aging.

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. According to recent ABC news story a new 3-D medical device may help detect melanoma sooner. According to the news story every eight minutes, someone in the United States will be diagnosed with melanoma. Early detection is the single most effective action we can take since there is no cure for melanoma. Studies prove that when caught early, melanoma can be prevented from causing serious harm including death. With a recent discovery, surgery to discover melanoma is going 3D. Makers of a new device claim that by using their technology, surgeons can see the tumor as well as the surrounding blood vessels. Photoacoustic tomography uses laser light and sound waves to create a 3D image of the cancer inside the body. Tiny gold nanocages show a stark difference between malignant and normal tissue. For more aggressive melanoma, doctors are in the testing stages of using a new compound that triggers cancer cells to implode.” What we manage to do is trick them into thinking they are being attacked or infected by a virus, said Dr. Maria Soengas, a dermatologist at the Spanish National Cancer Center Research Institute in Madrid, Spain. These technological advances are promising. In Southern California where sun exposure is an issue year-round melanoma should be on the radar for most residents. Patients are advised to have regular skin care checkups to spot any suspicious changes in the skin. Dr. Kim advises his patients to avoid excessive sun exposure and to use sunscreen everyday. Medical grade skin care products are available through his practice as well as medical grade skin care treatments. Dr. Kim reminds his patients that the sun is also responsible for much of the premature aging that appears on the face. Botox injections help with the lines that are easily formed on the forehead from squinting as a result of the sun, and also treat the crows feet around the outer corners of the eyes that also develop. Patients should also not rule out the possibility of a facelift and browlift for the best long-term results. Healthy skin, regular skin care, and proper cosmetic enhancements help patients to look and feel their best at any age.