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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.

Happiness can be induced to the destination for some people. Scientists have discovered they could be the secret to making more money. According to recent online article being happy could be the source of a woman the demographic according to new research. The study found that people who had more positive emotions as teenagers and greater life satisfaction were likely to have higher incomes by the time they were 29 according to a study published online by the proceedings of The National Academy of Sciences. The information primarily came from a group of surveyed teenagers. Researchers analyzed proposals from over 10,000 Americans between the ages of 16 and 22 and contrasted it with their annual incomes at 29. There were controls for number of factors that would be likely to contribute to financial success specifically education level, IQ, height and self-esteem. Overwhelmingly, the study found that happier people earn bigger paychecks than their peers. Teenagers who were deeply unhappy were likely to have incomes that were 30% lower than the average teen. Extremely happy teens were about 10% above average. The findings lead to a hypothesis that concluded that encouraging positive thinking among young adults and teenagers could greatly improve their chances of future success. Happiness and self-esteem are largely attributed to the results garnered from plastic surgery. Dr. Kim explains to patients that plastic surgery choices are likely to improve their self-confidence and self-esteem; however, they should never be the sole reason for choosing plastic surgery. Patients who are considering procedures like breast augmentation or liposuction should be fully aware of the benefits and limitations of the procedure. Managing expectations is critical to patients achieving a level of satisfaction following their plastic surgery procedure. Dr. Kim encourages patients to carefully review before-and-after patient surgery results both on the website as well as an office. Patients should take into consideration that each patient is different, each surgery is different, and results will vary. Dr. Kim uses his artistic talent and surgical skill to help patients achieve improved aesthetic results. Most patients who choose plastic surgery are greatly satisfied with the results. Patients who are considering cosmetic plastic surgery are encouraged to contact Dr. Kims office and schedule a consultation.

As the obesity epidemic continues to overwhelm the United States, Americans are desperate to find ways to prevent obesity from happening in the first place. According to a recent online article you may be able to tell if your newborn baby is going to be obese. International researchers have created a checklist of factors which they say is 71% to 85% accurate for determining if a newborn will ultimately be obese. The checklist is comprised of six inputs that they say determines a newborns probability of remaining obese. This assumes that there is no early intervention throughout the childhood years or beyond. According to the study the inputs include the parents BMI, the baby’s weight at birth, the mother’s weight gain throughout pregnancy, the number of people in the baby’s household, the professional category of the babys mother, and whether or not the mother smoked during pregnancy. Researchers set out to prove any consideration genetic variations  would have that would  point to a baby’s prospects of accumulating a large amount of fat. Ultimately, what they discovered was that the genetic variations linked with obesity were not as powerful as the six inputs previously stated. Obesity for many women can become a problem after childbirth. Having multiple children can increase the likelihood that each time it becomes more difficult to lose weight following pregnancy. Dr. Kim explains to mothers postpartum that much of the redundant skin left after childbirth can be not only unattractive but also lead to disappointment with the inability to lose weight. For patients who are not extremely overweight, an abdominoplasty combined with breast augmentation is common following pregnancy. These procedures combined have come to be known as the mommy makeover. Patients who are good candidates can have the procedures performed at the same time and therefore minimize the time necessary for recovery. Both procedures remove loose and lax skin creating a much more aesthetically pleasing shape and figure. Patients who are considering the mommy makeover procedure are encouraged to contact Dr. Kims office and schedule a consultation.

California is famous globally for one of the most popular locations for plastic surgery, but that also lends itself to a higher proportion of fake doctors trying to scam patients into paying less for what they believe to be the same procedures. The California Medical Board is looking closely into whether scams are more prevalent here. According to a recent article they will be stepping up their investigations into questionable surgeons. This year, the boards branch which is responsible for investigating medical professionals called Operation Safe Medicine found that 61 cases required attention from prosecutors calling into question patient’s safety.  One case in San Francisco had reported that liposuction was performed by a phony medical person while smoking a cigar. The phony doctor, Carlos Guzmangarza, and no assistant during the procedure and reportedly had the patient hold her own IV bag. It is also alleged that the identity of a medical doctor was stolen in order for this phony doctor to perform procedures. “The Board believes that the OSM Unit is imperative in order to protect the public from the actions of unlicensed practitioners, reads a statement from Jennifer Simoes, the medical boards chief of legislation, according to the news source. While it may seem difficult for patients to know if a doctor is legitimate, Dr. Kim reminds patients that it is easy to investigate whether a medical doctor is in good standing with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. A simple look, on the website www.plasticsurgery.org  will let the patient know the status of their prospective plastic surgeon. Procedures like breast augmentation or liposuction are easily mistaken as popular procedures that are easy to perform. The reality is the safety and results of the procedure are highly dependent upon the expertise and skill of the plastic surgeon. Dr. Kim cautions patients about financial incentives advertised publicly or underground that seem too good to be true. More often than not these procedures are likely to be performed by an inexperienced unlicensed operator. Patients who are considering plastic surgery are encouraged to contact Dr. Kims office and schedule a consultation.

We have all heard the saying that money is no object. But, is that really the case when it comes to looking younger? According to recent article the aging population has remedies for everything from unsightly wrinkles to sexual dysfunction. There are array of medical treatments that can now treat these symptoms so baby boomers are feeling better and looking better than they ever have before. These treatments vary but the one thing they have in common is that they are not free and require in some cases deep pockets. The study that was conducted by Express Scripts compared the cost of antiaging treatments to treatments for chronic health issues. They found that only two illnesses, diabetes and high cholesterol, were responsible for more spending on medications than antiaging treatments. By analyzing a sample of a commercially insured population they were able to determine that in 2011 treatments for age-related conditions cost approximately $73.33 per member. This was only 16% higher than the amount spent on high blood pressure or heart disease. Furthermore, the amount that was spent on antiaging treatment has increased substantially. From 2006 to 2011 the amount spent per member increased by approximately 46%. A portion of the shift could be directly related to an aging population. This large demographic is likely to seek treatment for age-related issues aesthetically and medically. Patients should be aware of compromised quality for the treatment in effort to curb costs. It is equally as important for medical procedures as well as cosmetic surgery procedures. Dr. Kim stresses to his patients as they age that making the decision to be proactive concerning the first signs of aging is the first step to realizing a more youthful appearance. Whether patients decide to start with injectables like Botox or to have surgical facial rejuvenation like a facelift or blepharoplasty; patients should be aware that the best results are for patients who begin early before the effects of aging have become significantly noticeable. Patients who are considering facial rejuvenation procedures are encouraged to contact Dr. Kims office and schedule a consultation.

It is often said that you can never be too thin, especially here in image-conscious Southern California. Of course, Beverly Hills is no exception. But, the reality is patients who are extremely thin should make certain considerations when considering plastic surgery. For example, patients who are extremely thin and have very little of their own breast tissue are likely to consider breast augmentation. While it may seem fairly straightforward for patients with very little breast tissue to consider mild to moderately sized breast implants that is only part of the equation. Patients who are extremely thin and who have very little breast tissue must consider the fact that they will have only moderate coverage over the breast implant. This could be more noticeable on the sides of the breast where very little muscle coverage exists. Patients who are extremely thin are typically not good candidates for breast implants that are placed above the muscle. This could allow for visible rippling especially when saline implants are being used. Dr. Kim explains to patients who are extremely thin that typically silicone implants are a better option for a more natural feeling breast. Patients who are extremely thin should also be mindful of choosing breast implant sizing that is proportionate to their overall body contour. Overall, it is most important that patients are healthy and maintain a stable weight. Patients who are considering breast augmentation are encouraged to contact Dr. Kims office and schedule a consultation.

 

Men tend to be less focused on the appearance of aging than women. However, this seems to be changing. Men are becoming more focused on everything from skin care to cosmetic surgery procedures. More men are considering injectable products including Botox to help soften what can appear on many men to be an angry scowl because very have a wrinkled forehead. Botox is one of the procedures men have begun to embrace. There are three surgical procedures that men over 40 can add to their appearance improvement list and get a big bang for their buck. The first is a brow lift. While for some men this may seem drastic since it took so long for them to embrace Botox injections. However, a brow lift is an excellent procedure for men over 40 because it not only physically lift the brow but it also preserves a youthful and natural appearance long-term. It is not unusual for men to have a drooping brow and a slight brow lift earlier rather than later can make a dramatic difference. The second cosmetic surgery improvement that makes a dramatic yet subtle difference is blepharoplasty. Correcting drooping eyelids and removing bags from beneath the eyes can help a man look considerably younger. In a competitive job market or dating environment youthful energetic eyes can make a marked difference in first impressions. And thirdly liposuction to the abdomen can help a man look much younger and svelte. A thin physique is often associated with youth. Dr. Kim encourages men to embrace these procedures as they are not only affordable but also performed on an outpatient basis. Most patients are able to return to their regular activities within 7 to 10 days. Men who are considering improving their appearance through cosmetic plastic surgery are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

As women continue to look younger, feel better, and live longer it is no mystery that younger men and older women romances are becoming more and more popular. It is no longer just a Hollywood story or a lifetime movie. While like any relationship there are pros and cons the reality is that older women are likely to have the means and the confidence to maintain their best health, appearance, and emotional state of mind. For some younger men this is very attractive and can lead to budding romances and even marriage. So, an older woman with a younger man is likely to be conscious of maintaining her most youthful appearance. It is important to note that for most women this is not “to keep her man” but more for her own self-confidence and self-esteem. Dr. Kim is found that the most popular procedures tend to be Botox injections, mini facelift, dermal fillers, and breast augmentation– breast lift. Dr. Kim stresses that these procedures should be performed when patients begin to have concerns. Having multiple procedures performed at one time may not be a safety issue, but for some patients it can create a dramatic difference and for some patients a more subtle approach to their appearance is preferred. It is important that patients note that plastic surgery is not a cure for assuring that a patient will be able to maintain a relationship or gain a new relationship. The choice to have plastic surgery should be rooted solely in a patients desire to pursue improvements for their own personal gain. The younger man an older woman romance is likely to continue as baby boomers become a more significant part of the American population. The goal is for women to feel their best and look their best at every stage of life. Patients were considering plastic surgery procedures are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

Plastic surgery brings about a dilemma for both the patient as well as those people who are in the lives of the patient. The dilemma is centered on if a person should tell if they are having surgery and if a person who notices plastic surgery should tell the person. While there is no right or wrong approach it can be a very delicate situation. First, patients who are having plastic surgery are covered under HIPPA(the Health and Information Patient Privacy Act) so their privacy is protected within the medical practice. But, what about who the patient tells? Some patients are extremely forthcoming about their breast augmentation or facelift surgery. For some patients it doesnt matter who knows and they are perfectly fine with telling anyone who asks, as well as some who dont ask. But, for other patients it is an extremely private matter and they choose to tell as few people as possible. Patients should make a choice based on their own desires. But, patient should also be prepared for other people within their daily lives to notice a difference. Patient should have an idea of whether they will give an explanation or if they will ignore any comments they may hear. It is best to be prepared and not caught off guard. This will help to reduce any anxiety the patient may be feeling. Friends and family who notice that someone has had plastic surgery such as a rhinoplasty or abdominoplasty for the most part should complement the end result not question the way they achieved the result. For example, noticing that a person looks smaller and has a flat stomach can be handled with a simple complement such as ”you look fabulous” instead of ”your stomach looks so flat did you have a tummy tuck?”. One complement gives the person the opportunity to share the information if they want to or to just say thank you if that is their choice. Dr. Kim appreciates referrals from his patients who are comfortable sharing their plastic surgery experience. If you are considering plastic surgery contact Dr. Kims office and schedule a consultation.