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As summer draws to a close many people begin to wear more clothing as we approach cooler months. For some people the fall and winter shopping experience is not based on what they would like to buy, but rather on what they can buy to camouflage certain areas they do not like on their body. For many women and men, one of these areas is the neck. Dr Kim explains to patients that while fashion may make us feel better when we select clothing, it can be very stressful if a patient is unhappy about their appearance. For example patients who are unhappy with loose and lax skin on their neck may choose to wear a turtleneck or avoid shirts and blouses with low necklines. While this may postpone the choice of a facelift most patients who choose cosmetic surgery are happy to get rid of turtlenecks and begin wearing blouses and shirts that show their beautiful new neck line. Another clothing choice for some includes padded push-up bras. The goal is to create the appearance of cleavage and a fuller bust line. The truth is in most cases the bra is visible and it seen easily when a woman is wearing a padded push-up bra. Contrastingly, patients who choose breast augmentation using breast implants and or a breast lift often tell Dr. Kim that they will never wear an uncomfortable padded bra ever again after surgery. Cosmetic surgery is a solution for most patients that will allow them to no longer choose clothing that is designed to camouflage what they would rather show off!

Breast augmentation is a top procedure performed across the country. Many women had their first breast augmentation over 10 years ago and wonder if it makes sense to consider a reoperation. Dr. Kim consults with patients who are curious as to whether or not a new surgery will be needed. While the decision to have breast augmentation surgery and exchange the original breast implants should not be taken lightly patient should also understand that there are many reasons to consider a breast augmentation reoperation. Many women who had breast augmentation over 10 years ago were not given the choice of silicone breast implants. Many patients were given saline breast implants because the newer cohesive gel silicone breast implants were not FDA approved for implantation in the United States. Saline implants provided a nice result for most patients; however, over time there is a likelihood that due to aging not only has the skin become more loose and lax, but the saline implant may have become compromised and therefore the breast implant result is not as aesthetically pleasing as it may have been originally. Dr. Kim recommends patients consider breast implant exchange if the size or shape of their implants has changed. Also, if the feel of the implant has become firm to the touch or if there are ripples in either the cleavage line or the sides of the implant patients may want to consider exchange in the implants for the new cohesive gel implants. Breast implant exchange surgery is well tolerated by most patients. Because the breast pocket has already been created and most of the stretching has taken place in the first operation, most patients have very little downtime when having breast implant exchange surgery. Dr. Kim recommends that patients contact the office and schedule a breast implant exchange consultation if they have had their implants longer than 10 years.

Male breast reduction is a plastic surgery procedure that is rarely discussed. Most men who have the procedure performed are embarrassed even though they are thrilled with the results after surgery. Gynecomastia or excessive male breast tissue can begin to form for men during the pubescent stage. Although it can be magnified by obesity, it can occur in men of normal weight. Often men will try to compensate by lifting weights. Unfortunately, building the muscle behind the breast tissue usually makes the breast tissue even more pronounced. Dr. Kim explains to his male patients that gynecomastia surgery is a rather straightforward procedure that removes breast tissue as well as excess fat from the chest area. It is important that patients are educated concerning the difference between liposuction of the chest and true gynecomastia surgery. Liposuction of the chest will only remove fat. It is not a procedure that will remove breast tissue. Men who choose only liposuction of the chest if breast tissue is present are often dissatisfied with the results. The result is usually a lumpy and uneven appearance that can be just as embarrassing as the chest was with excessive breast tissue. Patients who have excessive breast tissue may need additional incisions strategically placed to take care of loose and lax skin that is excessive. As an artist, as well as a skilled plastic surgeon, Dr. Kim is not only able to anticipate when  additional incisions will be needed, but is also experienced in assuring that the incisions will be well hidden. Gynecomastia surgery is a procedure that enjoys an extremely high satisfaction rate. Most men tell Dr. Kim that after surgery they are able to go shirtless or wear fitted shirts that they would never have considered previously. Male patients or their significant others are encouraged to contact Dr. Kims office and schedule a consultation to consider gynecomastia surgery.

Technology for the removal of fat continues to evolve. There is a new meathod that is considered to be one of the newest available for patients. According to a recent online article there is a new alternative to liposuction that claims to be as effective as the traditional liposuction without the invasive method and extended downtime following surgery. The new method is marketed as AquaShape. According to the article the device is precisely controlled with an FDA cleared and patented process that makes it possible to remove fat cells permanently. The theory behind this new technology is that it uses the power of the flow of water to dislodge and then remove fat. With the pulsating action of a controlled spray of water the fat cells are separated from the surrounding normal tissues and then removed from the body permanently. The jet wand filled with water is placed under the surface through a small incision in the skin. The movement of the wand is intended to be gentle and delicate. Since the water has already freed the stubborn fat no energy is needed to remove the fat from the body. In theory less trauma to the body means less swelling, bruising, and a quicker recovery. This is not the first method to promise minimal downtime and less bruising and swelling. The concern with many of the other methods is that the results are not dramatic enough to justify the investment that will still be required for any surgical procedure performed by a medical doctor. Patients should do their research before investing in new liposuction methods, even if they are FDA cleared. Dr. Kim encourages patients to consult with him concerning liposuction to determine which methods will actually help them achieve the results that they desire.

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.