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Most people underestimate their real weight according to recent article. Men and women specifically those that are obese have become more likely than ever before to underestimate their true weight according to recent study. In a paper published in the Journal PLos ONE, researchers at the University college of Cork analyzed height and weight data for Irish adults over a nine year span of time. They found in three separate health surveys in which many women were asked to guess their height and weight, and those figures were in turn used to calculate BMI, over time the participants underestimated their weight increasingly over time. The height measurements that were estimated were surprisingly much more consistent. BMI is used as an indicator body fat content. Based on a person’s BMI they are categorized as either underweight, normal, overweight, or obese. People in the obese category will face greater risks to their health. The researchers surmised that the reporting of BMI and its inaccuracies have increased over time due to the normalization of obesity. In other words, obesity has become commonplace and it has altered the view of what people consider normal or obese. Dr. Kim explains to patients who contact him desiring body contouring procedures including liposuction or abdominoplasty that it is imperative that they are not obese. While it makes sense to many patients to consider liposuction as a removal of fat and therefore allowing them to lose weight the reality is that liposuction is a contouring procedure that removes only small amounts of fat for the purpose of achieving better contour. And abdominoplasty will remove loose and lax skin or what is also known as an abdominal flap; however, on a person who is obese the true aesthetic value is lost. Dr. Kim also shares with patients who have invested in abdominoplasty and or liposuction that is in their best interest to maintain a healthy weight and a consistent exercise program to maintain the best long-term life long results. Patients who are considering liposuction or abdominoplasty are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

Most reports in the media are highlighting the increase in men choosing cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. The uptick in men has patients has been fairly steady over the past decade. As the marketplace becomes more competitive, men can no longer ignore the value placed on a youthful appearance. The competition can be not only in the workplace but also from a personal perspective as well. The Internet has had a profound effect on how people are viewed and in which format. For many men this could include photos on Facebook, Skype, or Facetime. Without the clear advantage of a confident and youthful appearance some men could lose out. Dr. Kim explains to men that while there are differences from then who are having plastic surgery compared to women having plastic surgery, overall the most important aspect is that the plastic surgeon understands the differences in not only the structure of the male body but also the differences in the expectations of men compared with women. Most men do not want a dramatic difference that would be noticeable to everyone. Most preferred gradual improvement. The most popular procedures for men include gynecomastia surgery which removes male breast tissue, liposuction, and brow lift. For most men downtime is a serious issue. Combining procedures will slightly increase the recovery time; however, most patients prefer to combine procedures so that they are experiencing only one recovery. Dr. Kim also explains to his male patients that the popular procedures usually have only mild to moderate pain for most men. Since men tend to be less than later than women with surgical procedures, doctors and pain, men are likely to be overly concerned about the possible pain they will experience. Dr. Kim assures them that they will be given proper medication to help manage the pain. Men who are considering plastic surgery are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim’s office and schedule a consultation.

Although it may seem rather obvious, a recent article highlighted the fact that people who take smaller bites are less likely to gain weight. Researchers from the Netherlands published a study in the Journal Plos One that examined what happened when 53 participants consumed soup while taking various size sips when focusing and when they were distracted. Participants who took small steps consumed approximately 30% less than those who took big sips and those who decided the size of their sips. And those who took larger sips underestimated how much they consumed. “Consuming small bites rather than large bites involves more bites for consumption of the same amount of food. Due to a relatively higher number of bites … small bites may lead to lower food intake,” the researchers wrote. It’s also possible, they said, that lower intake results from diners’

beliefs about how much they are eating. “These findings stress the importance of cognitive factors on satiation,” they said. So if you think you are full, that makes a difference. Diners who do not pay attention to what they are eating are more likely to overeat. Several studies have supported this as it relates to television viewing while eating. The researchers wrote that in conclusion the food industry could design food products that encourage consumers to take smaller bites as one way to attack the obesity epidemic. As the new year is in full swing there are likely to be no shortages of New Year’s resolutions that include eating less. One way to focus on something different than eating is the focus on ways to modify and improve one’s appearance significantly yet not dramatically. Dr. Kim shares with patients that injectables including Botox and fillers like Restylane have a dramatic effect on the overall appearance. Most patients like the fact that with injectables the results can be seen virtually right away. Although for Botox patient the first time it takes a few days to see the final results, once a patient continually receives the injections the results can be seen much sooner. Watching your weight including how much food you consume is a lifelong choice that yields big dividends. However, just as important as it is to maintain a healthy weight and consistent exercise it is just as important to maintain your most youthful appearance. Patients who are considering injectable services are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

There are many misconceptions concerning obesity and weight loss according to a recent article. An international group of dietitians, doctors as well as other experts reviewed more than a dozen conceptions concerning obesity that are commonly believed to be true but are not supported by actual reliable medical evidence. If not just the consumers to believe these misconceptions according to the study authors much of the incorrect information is espoused by physicians, academic scientist, government agencies and public media. Some of the myths that they expose included: is a little less or exercising a little more ultimately lead to large weight loss over time provided the behavior remains. This myth is based on the concept that 3500 cal people 1 pound of weight loss. This equation was predicated upon short-term experiments. In the long term, the body compensates and various ways to slow down weight loss. Slow, gradual weight loss is easier to sustain their large, rapid weight loss – this is another commonly held myth. The reality is that clinical trials have proven that people who jumpstart their diets by losing a lot of weight in the beginning (consuming only 100 to 1200 cal per day for example) had the best long-term results in studies. Another commonly held myth is that babies who are breast-fed are less likely become obese. The World Health Organization presented this as a fact in one of its report but a randomized, controlled clinical trial that followed 13,000 children for more than six years discovered that there was no compelling evidence that breast-feeding prevents obesity according to the New England Journal of Medicine report.(The authors did note that breast-feeding has other benefits and should be encouraged). A myth many believe mostly because they want to believe it is that having sex burns 100 to 300 cal. The fact is having sex burns calories at the same rate as walking at a pace of 2.5 mi./h.  The article goes on to explain that the true benefit of having sex from calories perspective is only going to allow 14 additional calories to be burned. Dr. Kim consults with women who are dissatisfied with the appearance, shape, and or size of their breast. For many of them, the changes in their breast have come as a result of breast-feeding and pregnancy. While most do not choose breast feeding solely for the benefit of preventing obesity in their child, some were unaware of the aesthetic changes that would happen in their breast as a result of pregnancy and breast-feeding. Dr. Kim puts his patients at ease by helping them understand that breast augmentation combined with a breast lift is necessary is an excellent option for creating better contour, more fullness, and improving the firmness of the breast. Breast augmentation also allows women to increase the size of their breast for more proportionate figure overall. Patients who are considering breast augmentation are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

Thanks to the obesity epidemic portion control has become the buzzword for the decade. According to a recent article the portion control plan is a five-step approach that uses a measured system designed to take the guesswork out of dieting.  The co-creator of the program Myles Berkowitz, claims that the regimen allows for larger portions that are likely to help people feel more full and discourage them from snacking.We want you just to focus on one thing: And that’s how much you’re eating, Berkowitz said. What happens is you leave the table fully satisfied, so for the rest of the day, in between your meals, you’re not grazing on food. The program is called Life-Size and allows for dishes like two scoops of macaroni and cheese with salad. The program is worked for many participants and according to Berkowitz there’s more than just patient testimonials to back that up. The Life-Size program and Life-Size tools were tested at Colorado State University and they discovered that people are eating an average of 500 cal less than they were eating before starting the program. 500 less calories equals about 1 pound of fat lost each week. Experts noted that you do not need a structured plan to keep track of your portions. Household items can help to guide you as well. For example a golf ball is a great way to visualize a portion size of peanut butter. A deck of cards is a great way to think about a portion of proteins like beef or chicken. The average sized breast is representative of about half a cup which is sufficient for proportioning pasta. Many portions of premium ice cream and tiny containers for nuts are also helpful in measuring high calorie food. Using smaller plates works well in controlling the amount of food that you eat. The bottom line is that it’s not always what you eat that matters but rather how much you eat. Denying life pleasures is not necessary. Having smaller quantities, and getting the correct amount of nutrition and each meal will ensure that cravings don’t add two extra snacking later in the day. Dr. Kim consults with patients who are considering alternative ways to improve their appearance after weight loss. For many patients there could be significant sagging of the breast or loose and lax skin on the abdomen. For these patients Dr. Kim may recommend an abdominoplasty to improve the look and contour of the abdomen or a breast lift to improve the overall appearance and contour of the breast. Patients who are considering these procedures following weight loss are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

Living the good life especially in Southern California usually includes not only feeling good but looking good as well. According to a recent online news report living the good life is as much about attitude as it is about eating better and exercising more. Most doctors recommend a healthy lifestyle to their patients as the best form of antiaging. According to the article there are some tips that will help people reach and maintain their health goals. Your first focus is to be proactive about what you drink. Replace coffee think about what you put on your plate. About 50% should be veggies, one quarter should be protein, and the remaining should be whole grains. Maintain an accurate food diary. Thirdly, 30 min. of exercise per day, is a minimum requirement. The best advice is to break up your exercise time is necessary. 7 to 8 hours of sleep is also very helpful in maintaining a healthy body. Relieve stress and if you smoke quit smoking. A healthy life is a pro active life. Nothing just happens. This is the same successful approach to maintaining your most youthful appearance. Dr. Kim encourages patients to start cosmetic plastic surgery procedures including injectables such as Botox as well as surgical procedures like blepharoplasty or brow lift as soon as they begin to see the signs of aging. Addressing the effects of aging early allows patients to have the best and longest lasting benefits from the improvements cosmetic surgery can make. Patients who are considering cosmetic plastic surgery are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

Most people have use the Internet at least once to look up a medical symptom. According to recent online news story using the Internet for medical diagnosis can backfire. According to medical experts there is danger in self-diagnosis especially fueled by additional information from the Internet. Patients are likely to read through blogs and identify with for stories that are at the very least not applicable to their situation. Medical experts advised that patients take what they read with a grain of salt. Although it does help when patients are educated according to experts most advised that patients take with websites that have reliable sources. Usually the big university clinics have good web sites. Those are the ones you kind of want to stay with, he said. While this season most of the medical inquiries are related to the flu, medical inquiries are ongoing staple on the Internet. Plastic surgery is no exception. Dr. Kim often speaks with patients who have scoured dozens of websites in search of information. Some of the information can be useful and the certifying board for Dr. Kim, The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, has a reliable website chocked full of specific information as it relates to procedures, regulations, and a directory of members in good standing. Patient should maintain an open mind regarding Dr. Kim’s recommendations for surgery. It is not advisable to provide a final diagnosis to a patient over the phone or through the Internet. Patients were considering procedures like breast augmentation should insist upon an in person consultation to determine if in fact they are a good candidate for the procedure. Dr. Kim encourages patients were considering breast augmentation to contact him and schedule a consultation.

After having children most women make the decision to try to regain their original shape and weight. According to recent online blog for moms a new nine-month plan seems to be working for new moms. According to the blog nine-month is like a school year so works perfectly. The plan is not about being perfect according to the creators, it is about being better. The creators claim the most important aspect of the plan is to understand that your health is constant. Koff , one of the creators , says you’ve got to be working on this always. Health is dynamic, it’s not static. You don’t get to do it check it off the list and put it aside, said Koff. According to the plan it’s important to watch what you eat and trade-off those things that you love to eat for other things that are good for you but only based on the intake of one day. They claim this is not a diet. Improving the quality of the food is important as well. The moms encourage strength training and working out with weights as it has improve the contour of their body tremendously. Dr. Kim consults with women who have had children and desire what is commonly known as the mommy makeover. The mommy makeover consists of usually breast augmentation, breast lift, abdominoplasty, and possibly liposuction. These procedures are performed in combination with each other and allow patients to have a dramatic result without a largely extended recovery time. Most patients are able to return to a desk type position within 10 to 14 days following surgery. It is important for patients to be at or near their ideal body weight in order to achieve the best and longest lasting results. Most patients are thrilled with the results as well as the ability to achieve better contour and in many had prior to pregnancy. Most patients who have had the mommy makeover have results that continue to improve over a lifetime through diet and exercise. Patients are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim if they are considering the mommy makeover.

It is no secret that plastic surgery can be a substantial investment. The reality is plastic surgery remains one of the best values available in aesthetic healthcare today. Consider some important points: first, patients who choose to invest in plastic surgery are overwhelmingly pleased with their decision as well as their result. Most would agree that you cannot buy happiness, self-esteem, or self-confidence. Many patients attributed their success in business and in their careers to their positive outlook on not only their life but also concerning their appearance. Patients who invest in a facelift, brow lift, and/or blepharoplasty repeatedly acknowledged that they are told they look anywhere from 7 to 10 years younger than their stated age. This reality would be considered by most to be priceless if they were able to attain the same results. Patients who have invested in breast augmentation often tell Dr. Kim that their new figure gave them the self-confidence that in turn improved their marriage,or improved their dating life, or helped them land the acting role they’ve always wanted. Once again, to them plastic surgery is a worthwhile investment. Patients who are considering plastic surgery are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

Patients are learning that just because a doctor performs cosmetic surgery it does not mean that he is in plastic surgery. According to a recent online industry article many doctors who specialize in other areas including gynecology,dermatology,family medicine, and even dentistry perform cosmetic surgery procedures on an ongoing basis. There have been campaigns by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons designed to help educate patients so that they understand the difference between a well-trained plastic surgeon and a medical doctor who performs cosmetic plastic surgery. First, it is a mistake to believe that cosmetic plastic surgery can be performed by any medical doctor successfully. There is a great deal of training and experience required in order for a medical doctor to become proficient in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. The ASPS is the only certifying plastic surgery specialty recognized by the American Medical Association. A weekend course in cosmetic surgery does not make a doctor from another specialty an expert. Dr. Malcolm Z. Roth, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, said in September 2011 that one of the major problems in cosmetic surgery is the lack of proper training and practical skills which causes rookie surgeons to leave patients with some serious problems, including excessive scarring, the removal of too much fat, infections, and even gangrene. the safest places for surgical procedures are accredited hospitals andcertified outpatient facilities. Often,surgeons who were not in plastic surgery are not permitted to perform lasted surgery procedures and accredited facilities or hospitals. So therefore, they perform the procedures within their office which in many cases puts the patient at risk.Training for both general surgery and plastic and reconstructive surgery needs to be completed in order for plastic surgeons to be . Additionally, when a cosmetic surgeon is it means they he/she has spent 3 to 5 years of residency or fellowship training centered primarily on plastic surgery. Dr. Kim is not only an experienced   in plastic surgeon, he also combines his surgical talent with the natural talent of a true artist.This distinction serves him well but procedures including breast augmentation and liposuction. Credentials and experience a major differentiator when patients are making a decision between cosmetic plastic surgeons. Dr. Kim encourages patients who are considering plastic surgery to contact his office and schedule a consultation.