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 When you are choosing a meal plan or diet that works, it can be like finding a needle in a haystack. According to a recent online article scheduling meals and counting calories can be counterproductive. In some cases listening to your body may be just the right method for losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight. According to the article a new study in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, being conscious of what you eat and how hungry you feel during the day can be just as effective as following a strict diet plan. In the study bids were divided into two separate treatment groups. The first group stuck to a nutrition program that informs participants about healthy food options, how to read and understand food labels, and the guidelines and parameters for dining out. The second treatment group did not learn about specific nutrition objectives and were trained solely on a mindful approach to the foods they select any. Participants in each group lost an average of 3 1/2 to 6 pounds and both in reduction in blood sugar levels that were significant over three months. Lisa Young, PhD, RD and author of The Portion Teller, says a better understanding of your body can have a huge impact. “When you are more aware of your eating habits, you pay better attention to what, when, and why you are eating,” she says. According to the article the “why” behind the reason people eat or in many cases overeat tends to be emotional. The emotions range from being bored, sad, happy, or social eating but according to the study recognizing this allows participants to change their choices. Dr. Kim encourages patients to maintain a healthy and stable weight following plastic surgery. This includes not only body contouring procedures like liposuction or abdominoplasty; but, also breast augmentation procedures. Fluctuation in weight can have a negative impact on the appearance of plastic surgery. Weight fluctuation can cause loose and lax skin and sagging almost any part of the body. So, maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise is critical for great lifelong plastic surgery results. Patients were considering plastic surgery procedures are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

A brow lift is a procedure with overwhelmingly high patient satisfaction rates. According to a recent online article studies revealed that most patients would recommend the procedure to others. The survey goes as far as to state that patients would have the procedure done all over again. Research that was conducted in Germany and subsequently published in the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery Journal, reviewed patients who had undergone cosmetic surgery brow lift procedures at University Hospital Rechts der Isar of the Munich Technical University. The procedures were carried out between 1994 and 2007 and were followed up to three years after the procedure. Researchers reviewed cases of primarily women and slightly less than 63% of those surveyed stated they would definitely or more likely to have the brow lift performed again. Close to the same number but also recommended to a family member or friend. According to the article medical experts state that patient to choose a for head lift over more noninvasive wrinkle procedures like Botox make this decision primarily for a longer and more dramatic effect. They do point out that injectables have virtually no recovery time whereas a brow lift will entail a couple of weeks of recovery time. Dr. Kim cautions patients that choosing between Botox and a brow lift is not in the patients best interest. They are two different procedures with two different expected outcomes. Injectables like Botox or Dysport are temporary and will weaken the muscle thus softening forehead lines and wrinkles. A brow lift or forehead lift removes excess skin therefore it actually tightens the skin lifting the brow for more dramatic and long-lasting result. It is important for patients to understand that a brow lift will not correct droopy eyelids. The brow lift is often combined with upper eyelid blepharoplasty which will improve drooping eyelids and create a more youthful appearance. Patients who are considering a brow lift or blepharoplasty are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

 When it comes to any cosmetic surgery procedure there will always be those who want to know why a person would consider such procedures. According to recent online article procedures like Botox and Dysport have become more accepted however people still remain skeptical as to why patients specifically women would choose these procedures. According to the article some people emphatically believe that women are trying desperately to hold on to use and are desperately grabbing any new idea that make that promise. However, according to the article most women who have chosen Botox injections have carefully examined the reason for choosing the procedure. Women who choose Botox have overwhelmingly said that it is not about reversing the signs of aging, or returning to their youthful look. It is more about trying to maintain their best appearance at their current age. Most agree that the changes become in your 40s 50s and 60s are likely to cause the most anxiety. Women who start using Botox in their 40s are less likely to want to necessarily look younger. Most women just want to look like they did for decades. Not like they did when they were 20. The article explains that wrinkles on the face can convey a level of experience or wisdom but they can also cause face to look unfamiliar and markedly different than it did without wrinkles. Horizontal lines on the forehead of a woman can look like a scowl and totally change the impression people have upon first glance. For obvious reasons, this can be disheartening. Women are quick to point out in the article that Botox injections are not a remedy for those who dont like their face. Women overwhelmingly have responded to numerous studies with a common theme as to the reason that they choose Botox injections. Overwhelmingly women have said that it is primarily to produce a more recognizable face when they look in the mirror. Dr. Kim helps patients understand that Botox injections are an excellent way to temporarily paralyze the muscle and minimize the lines and wrinkles on both the forehead and around the eyes. It is important for patients to prepare for their Botox injections by not taking aspirin prior to the injection. This can increase the likelihood of bruising and swelling and bleeding at the time of injection. It is important for patients to recognize that while it is critical for patients to treat each injection as a separate procedure and realize that the results and recovery time can vary, for the most part patients are able to return to work or their regular activities the same day following Botox treatments. Patients are not advised to exercise the same day following Botox or filler injections. Patients are considering Botox or other cosmetic procedure injections are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

 You are what you eat is more than a cliché as studies have proven time and time again. Your skin can also be a direct reflection of what you are eating. According to recent article there are foods that you can add to your diet that will help to improve the health, texture, and appearance of your skin. The digestive system natural flora gets out of balance usually due to stress or infection or if you are taking antibiotics. This could lead to digestive concerns and skin problems including acne, psoriasis, and eczema. Dullness and wrinkles can also be expected if the balance in your gut is not favorable. This can be balanced by simply taking a probiotic supplement. These are found easily in most health-food stores. Prebiotics are another excellent way to be sure that the good bacteria are part of your digestive system. Good sources for these would be whole grains, bananas, onions and garlic. Super seeds are also high on the list for improving the quality of our skin. Healthy fats also known as omega-3s our favorite for dry skin. They are not just anti-inflammatory they also moisturize the skin to keep it soft and supple and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Consuming omega-3 rich foods is also credited with protecting against sun damage and even skin cancer. Salmon, sardines, and mackerel are packed with omega-3. For those who do not eat fish, flaxseed and chia seeds are also a great alternative. Just one ground tablespoon of these seeds has six times the recommended amount of omega-3. Try them on salads blended in smoothies or crunchy oatmeal topping. Some other advice offered by the article include skipping the sugar, picking the color purple when choosing veggies and fruit, adding curry, and limiting dairy as some of the helpful skin health improvement tips. Dr. Kim explains to patients that maintaining a healthy diet in order to improve the quality and health of their skin is important even for those patients who are choosing facial rejuvenation procedures like a facelift, brow lift, or blepharoplasty. Patients who have healthy and smooth skin are much more likely to get impressive results than those who have sun damaged and less healthy skin. While it is never too late to start taking care of your skin and improvement will be realized the most dramatic improvements what happened when the skin has the most elasticity and is able to bounce back and create a soft and supple result. Dr. Kim encourages patients who are considering cosmetic plastic surgery procedures including facial rejuvenation procedures like facelift, brow lift, or blepharoplasty to schedule a consultation.

Cosmetic surgery is often a topic of discussion during any gathering of women. Especially ,here in Los Angeles. A new procedure according to an online blog is getting quite the attention. According to the article topic of discussion is how to enhance the pleasure of women sexually. According to the article is centered around the G-spot. It is controversial as to whether or not even exist. Now articles are claiming that there is a Los Angeles-based trained to inject the female genitalia within injectable that claims to make the G spot much easier to find. According to the article there are doctors now injecting women with hyaluronic acid filler with the intention of increasing the G spot area by increasing the size. This procedure claims to increase the number and intensity of orgasms. This was require an investment of about $1500 according to the article. Local anesthesia is applied so the procedure claims to be painless. Supposedly it will last for four months and only takes about 30 min. to perform. Which in theory means it can be performed during the lunch hour. According to the article there are high satisfaction rates for women (about 2,000 )who have happened procedure performed. Dr. Kim informs patients that anytime injectables like Restylane and Juvederm are used for purposes other than what they have been FDA approved for patients should be fully informed. Injectables are considered safe; however how theyre used and the skill and expertise of the injector are critical to the success. Patients who are considering cosmetic procedures including Botox and fillers are encouraged to contact Dr. Kims office and schedule a consultation.

 Over the years there had been growing concerns over more and more medical doctors branching out and performing cosmetic surgery procedures. According to a recent online article patients are often trusting blindly that there gynecologist should be good at performing popular cosmetic surgery procedures. Numerous patients have discovered the hard way that any medical doctor with a license is permitted to perform cosmetic surgery procedures. This does not mean that they are experienced or skilled specifically and cosmetic surgery procedures. Unfortunately for some patients the results from untrained physicians have been disastrous. According to the article a is just a matter of time before more and more physicians choose to perform cosmetic surgery procedures. This practice has increased 747% said 1997. They have created a society called the International Society of Cosmetogynecology. Cosmetic procedures are lucrative for medical doctors because they are cash pay as compared to insurance payment. The concern becomes the results for patients. Hybrid practices have increased along with the problems according to alarming new research. An August 2007 a study by the Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safety discovered that 38% of its plastic surgeon members have treated complications due to injectables administered by inadequately trained injectors. Dermatologist have been alarmed at the number of misdiagnosis for skin cancer by untrained medical personnel practicing aesthetic medicine. Often they mistake skin cancer for age spots using laser treatment which is not appropriate. This can be deadly since the skin cancer often returns at a more advanced stage. Safety issues are high for the patients. Dr. Kim acknowledges that it can be tempting to have cosmetic procedures at the same place where you are having a gynecological exam. The reality is when it comes to your health, one-stop shopping should not be the goal. Liposuction and breast augmentation are popular procedures; however, patients should never forget that the procedures are surgery. This means there are risks for complications. It is imperative that the surgeon have skill, talent, and aesthetic plastic surgery experience. Above all safety is most important. Patients who are considering cosmetic surgery procedures are encouraged to contact ASPS plastic surgeon Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

Plastic surgery in most circles is considered a luxury purchase. If you were to ask patients who have had cosmetic plastic surgery procedures performed , if they believe it was worth it; overwhelmingly patients would say that they are satisfied with their decision. The affordability of cosmetic plastic surgery is an extremely personal decision. For many, it is not a question of whether they can afford plastic surgery, the real determining factor is based on their desires to have certain procedures performed. For some patients, a face that looks markedly older then their counterparts in the workplace, can be not only emotionally devastating ,but could also have a financial impact on their future earnings. For other patients who may have recently been divorced, a sagging midsection and sagging breasts could be of the deterrent that will prevent them from beginning a new life and possibly finding a new relationship. Dr. Kim shares during the initial consultation with the patient that plastic surgery will not solve personal problems or emotional problems. However, procedures like breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, and facelift can increase a patients self-esteem and self-confidence. This could help them to make better, more beneficial lifestyle choices. The affordability of cosmetic plastic surgery is better now than ever before. For some patients financing through Dr. Kims office using an outside agency can be very beneficial. For other patients, using a combination of savings and credit cards is better solution for their budget. As the holidays approach some patients find it beneficial to ask for gift cards for donations toward the cosmetic procedures that they desire. It is also feasible for some patients to set up a fund specifically for the cosmetic surgery procedure they are considering. While it may not be the first choice for most patients since the money has to be saved completely in order to have the surgery, it is better than not having the surgery at all. Dr. Kim’s staff is very helpful in assisting patients with creative and traditional approaches for ways to afford the investment necessary for plastic surgery. Patients who are considering plastic surgery should contact Dr. Kims office and schedule a consultation to see which procedures are best for them.

Breast augmentation is the #1 sought-after procedure in cosmetic plastic surgery. This is not only domestically but also globally. For many people, when they think of breast augmentation they think of cosmetically enhanced large breasted women. This is especially true when they think of Beverly Hills and reputation of movie stars with glamorous shapely figures. However, there is a segment of the population who considers breast augmentation to achieve more normalcies with the size and shape of their breast. For example, there are some women with a congenital deformity where their chest wall or rib cage is either indented in the center or protruding in a barrel like fashion. For these patients, their breasts are likely to grow uneven and have severe asymmetries. While most insurance companies will not cover breast augmentation for these patients because it is deemed cosmetic, having drastic inequities between the sizes of each breast can be devastating. Dr. Kim explains to patients who are faced with this type of deformity that his artistic ability and surgical talent combined will help the patient to achieve a more symmetrical appearance. Patients who have drastic differences in the amount of breast tissue from one side of the breast to the other are often good candidates for breast augmentation. These patients can have differences as much as 3 cup sizes from one breast to the other. Dr. Kim may propose several different options including fat transfer, silicone breast implants, or saline breast implants. Whichever recommendation the patient chooses the goal is to create better symmetry and better overall appearance for the patient. Dr. Kim helps patients understand that the decision to pursue breast augmentation is personal in every case. Each patient choosing breast augmentation should have their own reasons for doing so. Dr. Kim is committed to providing the best plastic surgery experience as well as the best long-term results. Patients who are considering cosmetic plastic surgery are encouraged to contact Dr. Kims office and schedule a consultation.

Getting to a healthy and stable goal weight after massive obesity can be an exhilarating feeling. With obesity as the number one challenge facing the health of Americans there is no shortage of accolades for people who are able to lose large amounts of weight and keep it off. There are television shows, magazine articles, and contest that reward these people for their efforts. But, few media outlets highlighted the emotional side of losing large amounts of weight and looking in the mirror and seeing large amounts of skin hanging from the body. For many patients this can be devastating. At first they are excited to see the scale showing increased weight loss. But, as time goes on and weight loss stabilizes the skin becomes the focal point. It is obvious to the patient when they attempt to purchase a new wardrobe or when they catch a glimpse in the mirror of the skin that diet and exercise will not tighten the excess skin. Dr. Kim consults with patients who have experienced massive weight loss and are struggling with their options to remove loose and lax skin. For most patients the most troublesome areas include the breast, the face, and the abdomen. For these areas, Dr. Kim may recommend a facelift, a breast lift, and abdominoplasty. These procedures are rather involved especially for a patient who has lost a massive amount of weight. In most cases Dr. Kim will recommend that the procedures are performed separately to achieve the best results and best patient experience. Patients who have lost a significant amount of weight are encouraged to consider post massive weight loss plastic surgery after being at stable weight for 3 to 6 months. It is not advised the patient undergo cosmetic plastic surgery while they are continuing to lose weight. It is advised that patients pursue post massive weight loss plastic surgery once they have achieved their goal weight and have maintained it. For many patients waiting to remove the excess skin allow them to react and go back to their old habits because they were so dissatisfied with their appearance. Dr. Kim encourages patients who are considering post massive weight loss plastic surgery to contact his office and schedule a consultation.

There are a plethora of articles on the Internet or in magazines with lists and tips for choosing a plastic surgeon. Many articles will recommend that patients do their research prior to choosing a plastic surgeon. In most cases what they are referring to would be Internet-based searches and research. Plastic surgery is one of the medical services that is the most misunderstood when it comes to choosing the right provider. Most plastic surgery information that is readily available on the Internet is for cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. There are multiple websites, untold galleries of before-and-after photos, and methods for checking to be sure that the plastic surgeon is by the American Society for Plastic Surgeons. Unlike other products and services available on the Internet, plastic surgery cannot be performed without the patient coming into the office and/or surgery center. This is the main reason that patients should never discount the value of an initial consultation. The initial consultation is critical to determining if there is a good fit between the patient and the plastic surgeon. It is not just about checking to see if the plastic surgeon has  an upscale office with fancy decor. The reality is the service of plastic surgery comes down to the skill and talent of the plastic surgeon. It is important to know the philosophy of your plastic surgeon. Is he /she a doctor who just loves to operate? Does the doctor have a safety first mentality? Is the doctor willing to challenge thoughts and ideas the patient may have that are contrary to the result  he/she can deliver within his/her hands? Choosing a plastic surgeon should be based in the concept that the results and experience are heavily dependent upon the specific plastic surgeon. Every plastic surgeon is not created equal. This includes comparison of talent, skill, and expertise. Dr. Kim invests time in the initial consultation to be sure that there is a good fit between him, the practice, and the patient. This ensures the best overall results as well as a good patient plastic surgery experience. Patients who are considering cosmetic plastic surgery are encouraged to contact Dr. Kims office and schedule a consultation.