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Antioxidants have been the rage in dieting and health for quite some time. According to a recent industry article these powerful health agents that are found in foods like berries, nuts, and fruit can also benefit the bodys largest organ the skin. The article cautions before you start believing that blueberries and walnuts will give you clearer skin the study showed that it will take more than that to achieve healthy skin. There are numerous products on the market for your skin and the most important point according to the article is to find out what works and stick with it. More is not better and if you use too much of some skin products it will cause your skin to be dry and dull looking. Hydrating the skin is the most significant component to healthy looking skin. Water flushes out toxins that are in your body and also keep you energized and keeps your health balanced. While antioxidants will keep your skin healthy, there are also other vitamins and minerals that you can consume through healthy eating. Consuming a well-rounded diet is what works best for maintaining healthy skin. Speaking with a nutritionist is best to be sure that your diet is balanced and not too reliant upon berries and other antioxidant rich foods. Antioxidants can help to protect skin from damage. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that actually helps tissue repair itself and regrow. Vitamin A is also vital for cell growth. The antioxidant known as Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10 helps guard cells from damage. With even the healthiest skin our skin will change as we age. Dr. Kim advises patients to consider facial rejuvenation procedures as soon as they begin to see the negative effects of aging. These include facelift, blepharoplasty, and Botox.

The old saying, you are what you eat applies to nutrition and beauty. There are foods you can eat that will help your skin look younger and will cut cravings for sugar and carbs. There also some foods which help to boost your metabolism and ultimately burn fat. According to a recent online article foods that will increase your metabolism include: eggs, chili peppers, and icewater. Eggs are an excellent way to start the day unless you have a cholesterol problem. Theyre loaded with vitamin B12 which is a natural metabolism booster and they have the ability to make you feel full so you can skip the midmorning snack. A recent study at the University of Texas medical branch discovered that eggs also help to increase muscle tone and as a morning meal consistently could help to shed up to 8 pounds of abdominal fat in just two months. Eggs help turn stored fat into fuel. Adding ice to water actually burns calories because the body has to work to warm up your system after a blast of cold. Of course water has no calories either. Dark chocolate is encouraged in your diet. Recent studies prove that when you eliminate saturated fats with monounsaturated fats like the ones found in dark chocolate it can actually help you to lose weight. Remember moderation. Cinnamon will help stabilize your blood sugar allowing you to crave less sugar. Blueberries are great when you are craving something sweet thats also healthy. Dr. Kim explains to patients who are good about diet and exercise that they may still have unwanted stubborn areas of fat that can be treated with liposuction. Dr. Kim is able to achieve results that could not be achieved through diet or exercise alone.

Full eyebrows are not a new beauty trend but according to recent online ladies magazine some women are tired of filling the brows in with pencils and powders; so ,they are laying out the money for a cosmetic eyebrow transplant. According to the New York Post, plastic surgeons claim to have seen a 30% increase in eyebrow transplant demand, and that Megan Fox and Kim Kardashian’s arches are the most requested styles. The surgery is generally performed as an in office procedure using oral sedation. Lidocaine is used to numb the area and the procedure generally takes around 2 1/2 hours. Approximately 400 hair follicles are transplanted from the scalp to the brow. It is important to note that once transplanted the hair will continue to grow unlike the original eyebrows. The procedure was originally developed for burn and dog bite victims and is a grafting procedure. Pricing for the procedure can run anywhere from $4000-$8000. Dr. Kim advises patients, as an artist and plastic surgeon, that while the shape of celebrity’s eyebrows may be attractive, patients must carefully consider whether that shape matches the shape of their face. It is also important for patients to realize that the shape of the eyebrow can also be greatly affected by a sagging brow. Before investing in an eyebrow transplant patient should consider if they are candidate for either a brow lift or Botox injections. Dr. Kim encourages patients who are considering any alteration to their brow to schedule a consultation to see which procedures would be best for them.

It is no secret that plastic surgery has become synonymous with Los Angeles and Beverly Hills in particular. The image of the big breasted Beverly Hills trophy babe as the stereotypical plastic surgery patient is dated at best, according to a recent LA online article. The demand for plastic surgery crosses every ethnic group according to the article. For example, hair extensions while not actually plastic surgery are now commonplace in LA with many opting for long faux locks over real hair. Full lips , like Angelina Jolie’s appear to be the gold standard for lips. Lip augmentation has almost doubled between 2010 and 2011 according to the article. Flawlessly smooth skin has also become an LAs staple and 92% of patients are women who make up the more than 1 million who have chemical peels nationwide. based on 2011 figures. The tanned look is definitely out. Ethnic noses are one of the top five most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States. LA surgeons contend that the trend in Hispanic, Middle Eastern, and African-American patients is to refine the nose rather than alter the overall shape. Breast augmentation sizing has become smaller with the understanding that implants are still larger than natural breast . The preference according to LA surgeons is a more natural looking, proportionate size breast that balances an hourglass shape. A shapely butt is another LA demand. Dr. Kim is fortunate enough to be located in the heart of Beverly Hills. As an artist and ASPS plastic surgeon he is able to help patients achieve some of the most sought-after looks through breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, and liposuction with fat transfer. Out-of-town patients are welcome. Patients who are considering cosmetic plastic surgery are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation to determine which procedures are best for them.

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.