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It seems as though we become a society that refers to almost everything as an addiction. Food addiction is an issue but how do you know the difference between overeating or true food addiction? According to a recent ABC news story there are certain criteria for diagnosing a food addiction. According to the news story Dr. Pamela Peeke a nutrition and fitness expert claims that science now backs up the reality of food addictions. According to Peeke, but addiction is an only about food lovers who simply enjoy food. It is more closely related to those who cannot stop themselves from eating and do not get satisfaction after eating the foods they love. One of the indicators she refers to is eating quickly to get a high or false fix. And then, if you are immediately consumed with emotions like satisfaction, guilt, shame, or blame this could be a trigger for food addiction. Immediately following these feelings food addicts have the compulsion to want more food. Researchers from the National Institutes of Health proves that an appropriate amount of dopamine which is a feel good chemical in the brain is released when good food is consumed. According to the study of food addicts brain scan compared with a cocaine abusers brain scan shows that both brains have a scant amount of dopamine because of long-term overuse. There are solutions to help food addicts. Slowly weaning off foods that are high in sugar or salt as well as fatty foods and replacing them with alternative sources can help. Eating proteins and fiber will also help to supply the brain with amnio acids that will help to curb cravings. Dr. Kim urges patients who are struggling with fluctuating weight issues to be proactive concerning the appearance of weight. Patients who address weight gain early have more options when choosing cosmetic plastic surgery. Body contouring procedures like liposuction or abdominoplasty are not recommended for patients who are obese. However, patients who address small amounts of weight gain early by changing their lifestyle and eating habits combined with choosing cosmetic plastic surgery not only look better but feel better as well. Patients who are considering cosmetic plastic surgery are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

Now that calories are listed on practically everything we purchase, one would think that it would be easy to determine which foods we should eat and which ones we should not. However, according to recent ABC news story it could be the little things that we add to our foods that are causing the last 10 to 15 pounds to not go away. According to the news story we may think a little dollop of this, a dont or drizzle of that, are nearly calorie free. Not so much. While theyre not all full of fat and calories there are many that are you nutrient dense and even a small addition can be adding substantial calories to your daily intake. A dollop for most chefs registers as 5 tablespoons, not one, and a splash is about a quarter cup. It is important to keep in mind that when following numbers they are based on one serving size. For example nondairy whipped topping is 25 cal per 2 tablespoons. If you rather have real whipped cream with heavy cream and sugar, the same 2 tablespoons is close to 50 cal on your coffee or dessert. Sour cream has were calories then whipped cream believe it or not. Choosing the lighter version will cut 20 cal. A splash of cream are in your coffee is where it will do you well to measure the pour. Half-and-half measures at about 20 cal a tablespoon. Nondairy creamers come in at about 15 cal. But, if youre guessing its likely your pouring about 40 to 50 cal in each cup. If you add that to more than one cup a day its easy to see how the calories add up. While olive oil has become a favorite because of its heart healthy benefits remember that it has more calories than butter. The International Journal of Obesity discovered that people who choose olive oil eat 23% less bread and eat 16% less calories. Dr. Kim encourages patients who have chosen cosmetic surgery procedures including breast augmentation and liposuction to maintain a healthy diet and a stable weight. Significant weight fluctuation through either weight loss or weight gain can have a negative effect on the longevity of cosmetic surgery results. Patient should be proactive concerning any major fluctuations in their weight in order to maintain their cosmetic surgery results for lifetime. Patients who are considering cosmetic plastic surgery are encouraged to contact Dr. Kims office and schedule a consultation.

Dry eye has become a condition many know about these days because of the power of advertising and treatments that are available by prescription and advertised on television. According to recent ABC news story dry eye is most commonly a result of the lack of adequate two years. Tears are natures complex mixture of water, fatty oils, and mucus. The purpose of this mixture is to make the surface of rise smoother and clear and to protect the eyes from infection. The traditional treatment for dry eye disease requires prescription medications, daily eye drops, and ointments. A new option could help dry eyes in just minutes. According to the doctor in the news story patients who have been coming for dry eye treatments are now being offered a new solution called LipiFlow. The procedure takes about 12 min. and patients can go to work immediately following the procedure. The way it works is the cups are placed on the eyelids. These heat up and pulsate to melt blockages that are present in the tear glands. It does not hurt however patient reported it feels strange. In FDA trial 79% of patients using this treatment showed improvement. The Dr. says the improvements can last up to 15 months. Although the treatment is FDA approved it is not covered by insurance. The procedure cost around $700 per eye. Dr. Kim informs patients who suffer from dry eye that treating the symptoms could be extremely beneficial in maintaining the overall appearance of youthful eyes. Patients who are concerned about the aging appearance of their eyes are typically worried about loose and lax skin on the eyelid or what is more commonly known as drooping eyelids. Blepharoplasty addresses this concern by removing a small sliver of skin and tightening the skin on the eyelid. This will produce a much more aesthetically pleasing and youthful looking eyes. Patients who are concerned about the appearance of loose and lax skin on their eyelids or beneath the eyes are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim to see if blepharoplasty is the right procedure for them.

Counterfeit goods are not uncommon especially in Southern California. A trip to any local flea market will yield many counterfeit designer purses, shoes, and clothes. According to recent ABC news story it appears as though counterfeit Botox may have been shipped to doctors in Southern California. The US FDA has warned doctors that they may have received unapproved versions of Botox. Federal regulators reported that a Canadian supplier shipped out versions of what they labeled as Botox ever unapproved by the FDA and could possibly be counterfeit. The agency made it clear that they cannot sure that the product is effective or safe. The FDA stated that the supplier Canada Drugs, has shipped fake cancer drugs in the past. The company has operated under a multitude of other names while performing virtually the same business. According to federal officials host of the products that were sold and distributed under the other names were also not approved by the FDA. The agency also went as far as to warn doctors about purchasing drugs from outside sources as an alternative to licensed US pharmacies. This warning makes the fifth warning issued by the FDA this year concerning foreign of suppliers selling unapproved drugs. While it is difficult to determine where a doctor purchases the drugs or supplies used within the practice it is up to the patient to determine whether it is reasonable to assume that the doctor they choose will make the best choices concerning their safety. Since Botox is largely used as a cosmetic drug many patients tend to discount any dangers associated with the drug. Dr. Kim consults with each patient who chooses Botox treatment and provide a complete written information sheet which highlights the complications and risk associated with the drug and the procedure. Stories like this ABC news story reiterate the importance of choosing a trusted Botox provider and using the same provider on a consistent basis. While the urge to jump to another provider may be magnified by an attractive price point, the reality is consistency is what breeds excellent results. Patients were considering Botox or other injectable procedures are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim’s office and schedule a consultation.

Finding the right breakfast foods can be extremely challenging. According to a recent online ABC news story as Americans become more health-conscious oatmeal is taken front and center as one of the breakfast foods choice. But, the reality is oatmeal every morning can become boring rather quickly. The recent ABC news story gave some new ideas to old-fashioned oatmeal. Most of us already know about berries and almonds but the news story challenges us to get more creative with fruit and nut choices. One of the suggestions pomegranate arils and pistachios found quite interesting. It claims to be a nice combo slightly sweet and made nutty when adding almond milk. Try substituting nuts with nut butter. Any kind of nut butter with crisp sweet fruit for instance a pair can be tasty with a splash of any milk alternative including soy or almond milk. Banana and walnuts are also an excellent addition for hot oatmeal. Think banana bread in a bowl. For an added sweet flavor try vanilla extract. One added suggestion as a standby was to take two parts oatmeal, one part low-fat yogurt, and one part juice stirring until creamy. Placing it in the refrigerator overnight, gives you a thick, cool, creamy and tangy oat treat that you can either eat cool from the refrigerator or warm up to fit your taste. One suggestion from a health Magazine included crumbled piece of turkey bacon, low-fat cheddar cheese, and scallions sprinkled on top. The bottom line is that you will get plenty of protein, fiber, healthy fat, and just the right amount of carbohydrates. Dr. Kim encourages patients to eat healthy and maintain a stable weight following cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. Body contouring procedures like liposuction or abdominoplasty can lead patients to believe that they do not need to worry about added weight. The truth is that even after having fat removed, fat cells remain they can in fact accommodate weight gain. Patients who are considering body contouring procedures are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

After the holidays it is common knowledge that the gym is likely to be packed with people who have promised to work out. The running joke is that they should be all gone by February. According to recent ABC news story you can lose weight, get healthy, and skip the expensive the gym altogether. According to Consumer Reports you can get in shape and keep your wallet fat. All you need are a few inexpensive props and a good fitness routine to get started, said Gayle Williams with Consumer Reports. A stability ball is one of the suggestions for building core strength and improving balance. It can also be used to tone your glutes as well as your legs. A stability ball cost about $30. Jumping rope about 15 min. a day is an instant cardio workout. Using the jump rope with nonslip foam handles works best. This will cost about six dollars. Hula hooping is a great cardio exercise and also great for your core. A hula hoop will cost not more than six dollars. Elastic bands or tubes are also great for inexpensive exercise at home. They were great for resistance training and help to strengthen and tone muscles. Their estimated cost is a little over eight dollars. The news story also suggest and exercise mat with extra cushioning which helps to make push-ups and other floor exercises more comfortable. Mats should go for about $20. Free weights are also useful and could cost between $10 and $60. Ultimately it is suggested that you work up to having two pair a lighter pair to work your arms and shoulders, and have your one for your back and chest. The suggested exercise routine should consist of 30 min. of aerobic exercise five times a week and strength training 2 to 3 days a week. Patients who are considering breast augmentation should share their exercise habits with Dr. Kim prior to surgery. Dr. Kim will make specific recommendations for patients concerning their post surgical exercise activities. It is important to use common sense when resuming exercise activities following breast augmentation. Patients who have had breast augmentation combined with breast lift need not only to be concerned with the possibility of dislodging the implant but also with protecting the incisions during early healing period. Dr. Kim will advise patients when it is safe to return to their normal exercise routine. Patients who are considering breast augmentation are encouraged to contact Dr. Kims office and schedule a consultation.

Menopause brings about many physical changes. According to recent ABC news story the well-known affects and a womans mood, sleep, and heart health are well documented. According to new research there are specific changes that go on in the brain during the first year of menopause. The University of Rochester Medical Center had researchers take a closer look at what some of referred to as menopause brain fog. Most people are familiar with hot flashes, and trouble sleeping but people tend to talk less about memory loss. Researchers sought out the reasons as to why this happens. The theory is that areas of the brain that are used to process the learning of new information are packed with estrogen receptors. So, when estrogen levels are reduced the function of these critical areas sufferers. The good news, according to the researchers, is that once women get through the first year following menopause, their memory and concentration along with fine motor skills are likely to return in time. This is expected whether they use hormones to treat the symptoms of menopause or not. For women who do not want to wait the year out, hormone replacement therapy appeared to be beneficial. Dr. Kim consults with women who are noticing body contour changes as a result of menopause. The hormonal shift can cause some women to have bulges of fat that appear on the upper abdomen, upper back, and outer thighs. For many women, their weight has not changed; just the contour of their body. In these cases Dr. Kim may recommend liposuction as a way to sculpt the body. Liposuction removes small areas of fat in targeted areas creating a much more aesthetically pleasing shape and contour. As an artist as well as a surgeon Dr. Kim is uniquely qualified to produce exceptional results that exceed those that are capable through diet and exercise alone. Patients who considering body contouring procedures including abdominoplasty are encouraged to contact Dr. Kims office and schedule a consultation.

There are no shortages of celebrity fads especially here in Beverly Hills. One of the latest especially in new year is the infusion of vitamins through IV . According to a recent ABC news story the main purpose of the vitamin infusion is to boost energy and build up the immune system. Many celebrities are jumping on the bandwagon and towering the attributes of the vitamin boost. According to a chiropractor Dr. Craig John, only 15 to 20% of oral vitamins are actually absorbed. He claims that going straight IV or intravenously you will get 100% absorption. He claims that the infusions boost energy, strengthen the immune system, protect against diseases and increase the speed of muscle repair. Vitamin cocktails are personalized for each patient and cost an estimated $150 each. The majority consist of vitamin C, calcium, potassium, magnesium and other smaller amounts of minerals. Some medical doctors dispute the claims and called the vitamin cocktails unnecessary. It is widely believed that patients who have a healthy diet on a regular basis are likely to be getting most of the vitamins that they need. The overall consensus of medical doctors is that intravenous vitamins for healthy person are for the most part a waste of money. Like any intravenous treatment there are risk including bruising, infection, and vein inflammation at the injection site. There is also a possibility that the wrong dose of any specific nutrient could be infused. Still, those who applaud the effects of IV vitamins stand by their belief that they look better and feel better after the vitamin treatments. Dr. Kim explains to patients were considering cosmetic surgery procedures including rhinoplasty, or facelift that there are certain medications that must be avoided prior to surgery. These medications include specific vitamins and patients are given a detailed list of which vitamins to avoid. Some vitamins can increase bruising and swelling for the patient during and following surgery. Patients are advised to refrain from any unapproved medications a minimum of three weeks prior to surgery. Patients who are considering cosmetic plastic surgery are encouraged to contact Dr. Kims office and schedule a consultation.

Skinny jeans continue to be a style seen on men and women both young as well as older. In 2013 they continue to be fashionable and are now shown in many different colors as well. According to a recent KTLA news story some medical doctors are warning against what can be harmful side effects of skinny jeans. According to the news story medical doctors say that an overly tight fit can actually cause nerve damage which could in the long run become permanent if it were not corrected. This occurs when one of the nerves which is on the outer part of the thigh is compressed. The pressure on the nerve will cause symptoms of tingling and numbness. Wearing the jeans with ultrahigh heels(which is the preferred look) can make the effects even worse. The high heels tend to tilt the pelvis which can increase the pressure on the nerve. Experts suggest that an option for those who love the look of skinny jeans is to choose genes that have Lycra or some amount of stretch built into them. Some patients consult with Dr. Kim because they are unhappy with the shape and contour of their thighs and skinny jeans would never be an option for them. For these patients Dr. Kim is likely to recommend liposuction of the outer thighs. This procedure allows Dr. Kim to remove what is often referred to with saddlebags on the outer thigh which can be like stuck on balls of fat. The outer thighs can be delicate areas to sculpt and the inner thighs can be even greater challenge Dr. Kim have the skill and expertise necessary to achieve a svelte and aesthetically pleasing contour to the outer and inner thighs. For some patients a circumferential liposuction procedure which would encompass the majority of the thigh is a better option to achieve the most aesthetically pleasing appearance. Patients who are considering liposuction of the thighs are encouraged to contact Dr. Kims office and schedule a consultation.

The winter months even here in Southern California can tempt many to take a trip to the tanning salon to maintain tanned skin. According to recent Fox news story both the FDA as well as the World Health Organization considers tanning beds to be a carcinogen. California has banned the use of tanning beds for people under the age of 18. This has been the combination of a long and powerful push by medical doctors and other health officials who cited numerous studies that proved the increased incidence of skin cancer for people who regularly used tanning beds. With the ban in full effect the tanning salon industry has begun to fight back. The group is lobbying for the tan van for minors to be repealed in California. Recently a group of about 1400 salon owners across the nation band together creating a group they called the American Suntanning Association. Its goal is to convince the public that the risk associated with indoor tanning have been largely exaggerated. It Blames the American Academy of Dermatology for raising what they call hysteria. According to the ASA they are pushing for what they call a higher level of discussion surrounded around the risks versus the benefits of indoor tanning. Dr. Kim shares with his patients that tanning whether indoor outdoor is harmful to the skin. It clearly contributes to premature aging and for many patients the damage can be irreversible. Patients who tan excessively can expect to see premature lines and wrinkles on the face including around the eyes. The texture of their skin is likely to be hard and rough. Patients who are considering procedures like a facelift or blepharoplasty have to consider skin damage from tanning when assessing the expected results following their cosmetic surgery procedure. It is advised that patients where the appropriate level of sunscreen daily to prevent sun damage. There is no amount of suntanning that is recommended or considered safe for patients. Patients who are considering facial rejuvenation procedures are encouraged to contact Dr. Kims office and schedule a consultation to see which procedures are best for them.