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The automobile for most people especially living in LA is critical for commuting to work. According to a recent article there may be more to worry about the on the increasing price of gas. Commuting by car, rather than bike or by foot could increase the risk of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity according to the International Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. After polling nearly 10,000 adults concerning their transportation habits, three other four respondents reported that they spend less than 10 min. a week biking or walking for transportation. In contrast people who reported biking or walking had a 24% lower risk of hypertension , a 31% lower risk of diabetes, and on average a lower BMI then those who commuted via car. The article attempted to make a case for biking to work. The reality is becoming a bike commuter is not as simple as popping on a bike. First you have to have a reliable transportation bike. It doesnt have to be the most expensive however a cheap bike for fun will not do the trick. A helmet is a must not only legally, but just for common sense. It wont prevent you from crashing but if you do; it will protect you. Bike enthusiast swear that you can wear your work clothes when cycling to work without smelling “like a dead animal” when you arrive. They advised not to peddle too fast so you do not sweat. They recommend leaving a weeks’ worth of clothes at the office and keeping deodorant, wet wipes, a hairbrush and make up in your desk to freshen up if necessary. Most locations in the Beverly Hills, LA area would not be conducive to commuting by bicycle. However, the advantages of bicycling can be experienced as an exercise option. Dr. Kim advises patients who have had breast surgery including breast augmentation, breast lift, and breast reduction to wait at least two weeks before resuming exercises like bicycling. It is important that patients begin slowly and do not assume rigorous exercise and tell Dr. Kim has released him to do so.

Keeping plastic surgery all in the family is becoming quite the media trend these days. First we heard about couples choosing to have plastic surgery together. Now according to a recent online article ABC news is reporting about mothers and daughters who are choosing to have plastic surgery together. According to the article the mother and daughter featured   in the story underwent plastic surgery together right here in Los Angeles. The 68-year-old mother flew from her home in Montréal into Los Angeles to have surgery. The daughter told the news media that she thought since she and her mother were close, having plastic surgery together seem like a great idea. She counted on 3 to 4 days of spending time together relaxing and as she put it; vegetating. The daughter had a breast lift and tummy tuck. It appears that the mother had fillers to help enhance her face. According to the article, a supportive relationship can really help and in many cases is welcomed. Dr. Kim encourages supportive relationships for patients who are considering cosmetic surgery as well. It is important to recognize that friends and relatives each have a different experience even if they have the same procedures performed at the same time. It is tempting to compare results and healing times with friends and family who may have had the same procedure performed at the same time. However, it is in the patients best interest to remember that every patient is different, every surgery is different, and each person will recover differently with slightly different results. Patients who are surrounded by love their supportive loved ones will usually have a better plastic surgery experience than those who attempt to go it alone or have negative support systems. Patients  who are considering plastic surgery are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

Here we are again, with the holiday season 2012. Maybe you have been thinking about plastic surgery procedures like breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, or a facelift for many years. Youve told yourself that it would be selfish to have plastic surgery over the holiday season. Or, maybe you have convinced yourself that the” thing” that bothers you is not that big of a deal. No more excuses! This holiday season is the perfect time to get serious and not let another year go by with the same concerns and issues you had from the previous years. Dr. Kim and his staff make an effort to help prospective patients understand that plastic surgery procedures are one of the best investments a person can make over their lifetime. In most cases patients have considered cosmetic plastic surgery for many years yet for whatever reason have decided not to make the decision to actively pursue surgery. It is important for patients to understand that with most surgeries, especially facial rejuvenation procedures the best results are seen in patients who have the most elasticity in their skin. This characteristic is most closely associated with patients who are younger. Patients who are considering plastic surgery procedures over the holiday season will find that by including holiday time and possibly combining recovery days with paid vacation days they may find that they do not lose any pay from work. Dr. Kim’s staff is excellent at helping patients look at their schedule and realistically determine the best time for surgery, including recovery time and when they can return to work. Plastic surgery over the holidays is often a gift patients give themselves. Many women tell Dr. Kim that they have spent a lifetime taking care of everyone else and finally at this point they want to finally do something for themselves. Patient should consider surgical procedures over the holiday season soon; as surgical openings are limited to Dr. Kim’s very busy schedule. Patients  who are considering cosmetic plastic surgery should contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

Have you made your mind up that you have no control over the quality of your skin? According to a recent article nothing could be further from the truth. According to the article a new study has found the must have accessory for women as they sleep: an enchanted copper pillowcase. The study, published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology discovered that people who slept on copper fiber pillowcases awoke with fresher skin. The copper is a durable metal which can be absorbed through the skin, regulates the secretion of skin proteins and then stabilize them the study reports.  Although copper pillows were once considered a fad, they are now looked much more seriously because of this study. According to the study participants who slept on copper filled pillows, after eight weeks had noticeably reduced signs of aging including lines and wrinkles. Hydrating your body constantly is another secret of plump and beautiful skin cells. Drinking lots of water, eating plenty of raw fruits, and veggies is also necessary. Moderate to aggressive exercise on a regular basis will make a tremendous difference in aging of your skin. Increased collagen in the skin, due to consistent exercise, helps patients to enjoy healthier more supple skin. Reducing the levels of sugar in our food tops the list of lifestyle changes recommended by experts in nutrition. Begin to use super foods like kale and goji berries to help reduce stress, hydrate the skin and reduce dangerous visceral belly fat. Dr. Kim explains to patients who are stable at their weight and are no longer losing weight that this is a good time to consider plastic surgery to remove the loose and lax skin that is inevitably left behind. Dr. Kim may recommend abdominoplasty combined with some liposuction, breast lift, arm lift, and a facelift. These procedures are usually not performed at the same time and Dr. Kim will consult with the patient to determine which treatment plan will be the most effective for them. Patients who are considering facial rejuvenation are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

According to a recent online article, a new study highlighted the effects of yo-yo dieting. Yo-yo dieting is repeated loss and regain of body weight. The cycle could be a small range of anything from 5 to 15 pounds of weight loss, up to 50 pounds or more of weight loss. Researchers of the study, from Baylor College of Medicine performed an evaluation on the effectiveness of non-dieting when compared to dieting treatments in 219 overweight women who were binge eaters. Researchers discovered that after a yo-yo weight cycle people had the same amount of fat and lean tissue as they did prior to the weight cycling. So, while there were no definitive determinations that yo-yo dieting is harmful to your health, there were still concerns. The main concern is that weight cycling can cause fat to collect in the stomach area rather than the hips or butt. Dr. Kim warns patients who have participated in yo-yo dieting that the effects on the results of their plastic surgery can be extremely negative. For breast augmentation patients, weight fluctuation can cause a sagging component to a breast augmentation result that was previously an acceptable result. Body contouring patients who have lost and gained weight can also see negative effects of sagging skin. Patients are advised to maintain a consistent stable weight for the best overall appearance following plastic surgery.

When it comes to our skin, as well as our health, hydration is an absolute must. As the days get colder, even in Southern California, the changes in our skin and body become evident. According to a recent online article the winter is a likely time for people to overlook the need to drink plenty of water. Although the sun may not be beating down on your face is still very important to stay hydrated. The article gave some ideas to help increase the amount of hydration you are getting on a daily basis. Fruit is an excellent way to increase your intake of fluids. Fruits and vegetables are packed with water, according to Angela Ginn, RD, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the high water content in fruits and veggies helps to make you feel more full thus satisfying youth less calories. In the colder months its good idea to fill a tumbler with warm tea to sip on throughout the day. This not only keeps the body warm but certainties like black tea and green tea have been reported to have many health benefits. When the time comes around it is suggested that decaf should be consumed in the afternoon rather than caffeinated beverages. Caffeine is a diuretic which simply put means that it is dehydrating. Try fresh air or brisk walk to substitute for caffeinated drinks. Train yourself to drink full glass of water before each meal. Not only is this an excellent habit but it also may help you eat less during your meal. Dr. Kim advises patients as we enter the winter months to consider liposuction if they are still battling small areas of fat especially in abdomen and lower back areas. Liposuction with Dr. Kims artistic talent and surgical skill provides a true waist enhancement for patients who have problems with this area. Dr. Kim advises patients that it becomes much more comfortable in the winter to wear the compression garment that is recommended following liposuction in order to help re-drape the skin for a smooth and aesthetically pleasing result. Patients  who are considering liposuction are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

The holidays are about family friends and looking your best. Most people have had a photo snapped of themselves during holiday celebration that they hope no one ever post on Facebook. Maybe it was just taken from a bad angle or the lighting was not the best but the image is forever cemented into our memories. Planning ahead can allow us to look the best and are holiday photos according to recent article. First the article recommends that you consult with a trusted accredited professional when deciding which treatments will help you to feel most confident in front of the camera. Patients are reminded to allow enough time for recovery before any coveted holiday events. Botox injections are holiday favorite because they help to smooth out facial wrinkles and wrinkles around the eyes and the results are fairly immediate. Post treatment options for redness and bruising include supplements like Arnica and Bromlelin. Dermal fillers are another option to increase lips, smooth wrinkles or add volume to areas like cheeks. While dermal fillers as a whole do not require extensive recovery time there can be bruising that could last a few days. First time patients should always expect the longest recovery when making plans. Patients who have had injections before should also consider that each procedure is different as their body changes that can affect the manner in which injectables are tolerated. Laser skin rejuvenation can also help to make the skin “picture worthy”. It is important to remember that different lasers require different amounts of recovery time. Dr. Kim reminds patients that while making a concerted effort to be picture worthy for the holidays is admirable if the long-term effects that matter. Making an intelligent decision by choosing a plastic surgeon like Dr. Kim and allowing the experience and expertise to help you make the best decisions outweighs the value of one holiday photo. Patients were considering facial rejuvenation procedures are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

Weight gain after making an investment in liposuction can become the white elephant in the room that no one wants to talk about. According to a recent online article the debate about gaining weight after liposuction and where the pounds pile on continues to rage. According to the article doctors have reported that patients who have not modified their diets to include the proper diet and amount of exercise are unlikely to pile the pounds on after abdominal liposuction; however, they tend to store the fat in another area the body usually the arms, back or breast. These observations were confirmed in a study that was published in Obesity last year, in which researchers may the conclusion that fat can return to areas that were untreated as soon as one year later. A study of 301 liposuction patient seems to challenge that. A researcher Eric Swanson a plastic surgeon discovered that subjects observed throughout the course of the year To their pulsed light bulb body proportions which indicated that there was no redistribution of fat following the operation except for patients who gained massive amount of weight.Our study included a sufficient number of patients and used precise measurements, making the conclusions highly reliable. Patients can be reassured that their improvements will last, and they need not worry about putting weight back on disproportionately,” said Swanson. The results were published in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Although there are contrasting views the debate continues. Dr. Kim advises patients that the best way to preserve the results they have achieved through liposuction is to create and maintain a regular diet and exercise program. This includes not align weight fluctuations that can lead to sagging skin. As an artist and skilled plastic surgeon Dr. Kim is careful to sculpt the body and aesthetically pleasing manner. This means that for patients who are not diligent about maintaining their results the disappointment with gaining weight could include losing a very attractive and shapely figure. Patients were considering liposuction are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

 When it comes to working towards a better body, it is understandable that the hard work necessary to get there is easy to put off. According to recent article it starts with making the commitment. According to the article a few simple steps will help motivate you to maintain the steps necessary to complete your fitness goals. First and foremost according to the article building slowly is very important. This is especially important for people who were active at one time but have not been for quite some time.. Formerly fit people are surprised and frustrated when they find themselves winded after a walk around the park, says Madelyn Fernstrom, PhD, director of the Weight Management Center. If you have not worked out in years its best to start with a manageable goal then when youre ready to progress bump it up by increasing number of days and length of time. Muscles adapt to resistance exercises in as little as two weeks. It helps to keep in activity log writing down all of your exercising habits and what you are struggling with. Be prepared to be hungry after work out. Scheduling workouts within our before a meal can help to allow for healthy eating by eating a healthy meal when it is meal time. Be aware of the prime time for dropping out and quitting. Get support to keep your momentum going. Taking breaks is fine as long as you pick up as soon as you can. In the long run it is the habit that matters not the individual days. If you splurge the best thing to do is get up and exercise afterwards although binging is not recommended, it can happen and if it does get back to your workout. If your workout is not exciting dont do it. Research shows if you enjoy your exercise you’re more likely to stick to it. Dr. Kim encourages patients to remember that with their commitment to diet and exercise but is still possible to have areas of fat that they are not able to get rid of. In this case liposuction is an excellent alternative and a strongly recommended. As a talented artist as well as an experienced plastic surgeon Dr. Kim is able to help patients improve their overall body shape by systematically removing stubborn fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise. For most patients the results Dr. Kim is able to achieve are better than they couldve achieved on their own. Dr. Kim encourages patients who are considering body contouring procedures to contact the office and schedule a consultation.

Treating wrinkles around the eyes has been a concern for both men and women for ages. According to a recent online article the treatments that are available for use at home are marginal at best. The results of professional treatments are markedly better and therefore most people find them well worth the investment. Some of the most popular treatments include Botox injections. Botox injections consist of a protein called botulinum toxin and is injected through a needle directly into the muscles of the face. When Botox is injected eventually the muscles relax and are unable to contract. This is how it is able to soften the wrinkles around the eyes. Botox injection on the outer corner of the eye is a relatively straightforward procedure with mild temporary pain or discomfort. Patient can resume normal activity right away. For most patients the results last approximately 4 months. It is important to choose an experienced injector as Botox is a chemical and patients can have negative reactions especially if injected improperly. Chemical peels are also an option for treating wrinkles around the eyes. It is important to understand the difference between different types of lasers and peels especially as they relate to their safety when used around the eye area. In general, the deeper the peel penetrates to be effective, the longer the recovery. It is important to be clear on what can be expected with respect to overall recovery time as well as results. A blepharoplasty is also an excellent solution for patients who have wrinkles on the eyelids that cause drooping. A blepharoplasty also addresses bags and loose and lax skin underneath the eye area. Dr. Kim encourages patients to consider blepharoplasty as soon as they begin to see the signs of aging around their eyes. Patients were considering eyelid rejuvenation are encouraged to contact Dr. Kims office and schedule a consultation.