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According to a recent online article research shows that married couples enjoy better mental and physical health than their unmarried counterparts and are at less risk of developing chronic conditions than their widowed or divorced counterparts. A University of Missouri expert reported that people who have happy marriages are more likely to consider their health as getting better with age. Aging adults with physical health that is declining could benefit greatly from improving their marriages. Researchers analyzed the long-term relationship between self-rated quality of marriage and helps. They discovered that in every stage of marriage, positive or negative relationships have an effect on a person’s health. Researchers encourage medical professionals to think about the aging process as being affected by marital relationships. Having a positive marriage is not a cure for chronic diseases such as cancer or diabetes; however, building stronger relationships will improve the spirits of both people and lower their stress. Medical professionals are urged by researchers to consider patient’s personal relationships when recommending treatment plans. Dr. Kim encourages patients who are considering plastic surgery to enlist the support of their significant other as well as close friends and family. Support is extremely beneficial not only in the research phase when considering plastic surgery but also throughout the plastic surgery experience and recovery. Patients considering procedures including breast augmentation and liposuction will have a better experience overall if their significant other is supportive. Both breast augmentation and liposuction are procedures that are popular and public opinion tends to be either in favor of the procedures or against them. While most patients are overwhelmingly satisfied with their results, with a supportive network the entire experience is much more enjoyable. Patients who are considering cosmetic plastic surgery are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

Maternity and obesity have become closely linked. According to recent online article this epidemic has been largely neglected until now. Obese and overweight women before and during pregnancy have become a threat to the obesity rate among infants. These women tend to have babies with higher birth weights and more body fat and carry an increased risk of chronic diseases and obesity later in their lives. A recent publication by ILS Europe analyze the contributing factors that lead up to obesity. An article that was recently published in the Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, highlighted the major contributors to obesity which included nutrition both during and after pregnancy. Prenatal factors included maternal diet, gestational weight gain, and metabolic perturbations during pregnancy. Diet after birth and feeding routines combined with activity patterns and family lifestyle were also analyzed to determine the long-term health risk. The overwhelming majority of clinical studies showed that not only the amount of weight gained by the mother, but also other factors including body composition and metabolic endocrine responses should be considered when counseling women regarding nutrition during pregnancy. An increased knowledge of these contributors and the mechanisms included could help to target better nutritional advice for women. This is especially important for women who are obese to improve nutrition health before becoming pregnant. Dr. Kim consults with patients who have given birth to children and are unhappy with the appearance of their body postpartum. For many women they have lost the weight and are near their ideal body weight; yet they have loose and lax skin on their abdomen and a sagging component to their breast. For these women Dr. Kim is likely to recommend the mommy makeover. The mommy makeover allows Dr. Kim to perform both a breast augmentation and an abdominoplasty to improve the patient’s overall figure. Patients were considering a mommy makeover are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

From little babies to adults, a cute nose is considered a plus. It is human nature to check out a newborn baby’s nose and facial features and check to be sure that everything is proportionate. The most common concern is usually that the nose could be too large for the little face. As children grow into adulthood the aesthetic expectation of the nose can become even more of an issue. People, who have a bump on the bridge of their nose, or a large tip on their nose, are largely considered to; at the very least, have an unattractive nose. In some cases they may be considered unattractive overall. To some it may appear that the nose should not have such critical importance when it comes to a person’s physical attractiveness. The truth is the nose establishes symmetry on the face. Dr. Kim explains to patients that while it is impossible to create for one patient someone else’s nose on their face, plastic surgery of the nose or rhinoplasty can make a dramatic difference in a person’s facial attractiveness. Rhinoplasty is typically performed on an outpatient basis. Dr. Kim utilizes his artistic skill to create the most aesthetically pleasing nose while maintaining the most natural appearance. Patient should be aware that in some cases rhinoplasty may be combined with septoplasty, tip revision, and surgery of the dorsal hump. These are additional procedures added to the classic rhinoplasty in order to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing result. Patients who are considering rhinoplasty are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

There have been major strides made in increasing the awareness of heart disease in women. Over the past 15 years the amount of women who are aware that heart disease is the number one killer has nearly doubled. However, this awareness continues to be lacking among young women and minorities according to a recent study published in the Journal of Circulation. Heart disease is considered a spectrum of many different disorders all based on the heart. In the United States is responsible for over a quarter of all deaths. In the recent study researchers compared the awareness of women about heart disease in 1997 to the awareness of women of heart disease and 2012. The difference was shocking. In 1997 only 30% of women were aware of the heart disease was the leading killer as compared to 56% in 2012. 15 years ago women were much more likely to believe that cancer was the leading killer as opposed to heart disease. In 2012 the percentage of women who indicated cancer as the number one killer was reduced to 24% proving that awareness among the general population is better. The lowest awareness rate among all age groups was found in women 25 to 34 years of age. Most young women shared that their doctors were not likely to inform them about heart disease or any associated risks. While most young women are likely to be in good health, Dr. Kim informs patients of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and being in good overall health. Patients who are considering popular procedures like breast augmentation or liposuction are good candidates for the procedures when they are in good overall health. Maintaining favorable results long-term is best achieved when patients maintain a healthy lifestyle. Patients who are considering cosmetic plastic surgery are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

Tanning bed users are concerned about the risk of aging their skin. This is according to an online article out of the United Kingdom. The charity Cancer Research UK study showed that more than two thirds of the people admitted to being concerned. The results also showed that over 2/5 of UK’s tanning bed users were users of anti-aging products as compared with only 1/5 of nonusers. Surprisingly nearly a fifth of people who used tanning beds were already using anti-aging products by their 25th birthday while compared with nonusers the figure is only 5%. Study authors said that many people continue to use tanning beds because they believe they look better with a tan. Others said they found it relaxing. The authors of the study shared that the tanning beds actually make the skin look worse. Tanning beds are responsible for premature aging, wrinkles, and increased pigmentation on the skin. Of course skin cancer which can be deadly is the most prominent reason given to avoid tanning beds. Here in Southern California tanning beds have lost much of their allure, at least for young people. People under the age of 18 are prohibited from using tanning beds in California. Dr. Kim shares with his patients that sunscreen should be worn on daily basis. Tanning beds are not advised at any age. Patients who have had surgery are also advised not to tan any bruised areas or incisions. This includes popular surgeries like breast augmentation, liposuction, or facelift. Tanning these areas can cause hyperpigmentation making the skin darker in certain spots. This damage is irreversible. Patients who are considering plastic surgery are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

Lately there’s not been much debate concerning the safety of breast augmentation and breast lift combination. However, although this method is preferred by many women a  recent medical report verified the safety of combining both procedures. In general according to the report the overall reoperation rate was 23.2%, this included 13.3% for tissue related complications and 9.9% for implant related complications according to plastic surgeons interviewed for the article. The tissue related reoperation rate was close to the 10.2% identified in a group of patients who had only a breast lift. The combination procedure is preferred by most women because of financial reasons, logistical recovery plan reasons, and is known to have less risk according to the researchers. However, they added that the combination procedure is technically more challenging and has some critics suggesting that it increases the risks and greatly affects the certainty of the final result. According to the report the most common complications included capsular contracture, less than desirable scarring, and recurring ptosis. These were also the reasons for reoperation most commonly seen. There were not any deaths, pulmonary embolisms, deep venouus thrombosis, or major tissue losses reported. The researchers noted the discrepancies between reoperation rates reported by implant manufacturers. The two major implant manufacturers reported reoperation rates between 19% and 24%. This figure was substantially higher than the actual cases in the report. The conclusion of the report was that with appropriate patient selection, and a thoroughly researched and experienced operative approach breast augmentation combined with breast lift is safe. Dr. Kim routinely performs these procedures together. Typically the majority of candidates have had children, gained and lost a significant amount of weight, or genetically have a low lying breast tissue. Patients who choose both silicone as well as saline implants can be candidates for a breast augmentation /breast lift. Patient should be prepared for the possibility of a breast lift when considering breast augmentation. Dr. Kim will advise patients if a breast lift is needed based on achieving the most desirable long-term result. Patients who are considering breast augmentation/breast lift are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

Nip Tuck has come to mean more than a quick plastic surgery procedure. More and more patients have begun to accept a nip tuck procedure as a great idea. An investigative medical report proved that more extensive facial surgery predicted a younger age estimate for patients who chose to have one, two, or three surgical procedures performed. The investigators determined that overall; most patients looked on average 8.9 years younger than their chronological age following surgery based on the opinions of those rating their before-and-after pictures. This report was published online in the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery. Our study is novel in that it quantifies the degree of perceived age change after aging face surgical procedures and demonstrates a significant and consistent reduction in perceived age after aesthetic facial surgery, Nitin Chauhan, MD, of the University of Toronto, and co-authors wrote in conclusion. Of note the researchers found that the more procedures that were performed, the more substantial the effect in terms of reducing the appearance of age. Facial plastic surgeons face a daunting challenge with the delicate task of helping patients understand what they can expect following surgery. Most studies previously focused on the outcomes patients reported. Interestingly this study focused on what others thought and concluded that the average patient looked 8.9 years younger than their chronological age. Dr. Kim explains to patients who are considering facial rejuvenation that it is best to begin early when patients start to first see the first signs of aging. For most patients beginning with procedures including Botox injections help the patient to adjust to changes in their appearance. A facelift can follow when appropriate, and is often accompanied with a blepharoplasty, and brow lift. Most patients are fearful of a drastic change in their facial appearance. For this reason, it is best to begin early making subtle changes along the way. Many Hollywood celebrities have embraced this concept and it has served them well. Unfortunately the celebrities that have the most publicity concerning their plastic surgery tend to be the ones who have gone overboard looking dramatically different and usually not dramatically better. Dr. Kim encourages patients were considering facial rejuvenation to schedule a consultation.

Many people who smoke especially women are fearful of gaining weight should they quit. According to recent local news story quitting smoking is more important. Researchers set out to find out if weight gain would be more detrimental for smokers who had diabetes. They used data from the ongoing Framingham Health Study project, and measured weight and heart health for those who never smoked, those who had quit smoking within the last four years, and those who quit over four years ago. They then compare that data with people who continue to smoke. Researchers found that among those who had quit smoking, regardless of the weight gain were about half as likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or die from heart attack over the six years of observation. In this report that was provided by the Journal of American Medical Association, participants who stop smoking gained about 6 to 10 pounds on average. The conclusion was that the benefit by quitting smoking even if they are overweight, even if they have diabetes, and even if they gain some weight. Patients who have gained weight in moderate amounts as a result of quitting smoking could be suitable candidates for liposuction. Dr. Kim explains that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure; however, for small amount of fat in unsightly places like the abdomen liposuction can be a viable option. Patients were considering body contouring procedures are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

There is no doubt that Americans are living longer than ever before. A recent local news story provided tips on the top seven things people can begin to do now to be sure that increase the chances of living longer. The first was to stop smoking. Smoking kills just under half 1 million people in the United States alone. That’s more than auto accidents, more than HIV, and more than all murders combined according to Dr. Jan Garavaglia, a medical examiner. Quitting does make a difference. According to new research women who stop smoking before 40 years of age live a decade longer than those who continue to smoke. Another tip encourages people to drink wine. Moderate wine drinkers reduce their risk of heart disease by up to 40%. People are also encouraged to do their own housework. A recent study discovered that 150 calories worth of chores a day to reduce high blood pressure by 13 points for eight hours. A 30 minute nap has been proven to reduce heart mortality by 37%. Purdue University scientists discovered constant worrying reduces lifespan by more than 16 years. Cardiologist reinforce the importance of maintaining a healthy waistline. They advised that the number should be less than half your height. By example if you’re 5’2 tall, your waistline should be less than 31 inches. Laughter truly is the best medicine. Research shows the comedy helps to lengthen your life. University of Maryland scientists discovered that viewing 15 min. of funny videos can increase blood flow to your heart by 50%. Lastly experts added that standing up as often as possible to reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 10%, lung cancer by 20% and colon cancer by 30%. Dr. Kim helps patients understand that as they are living longer it becomes even more important to maintain their best appearance at every age. Beginning cosmetic plastic surgery procedures early insures the most pleasing aesthetic appearance. Anti-aging procedures for the face including facelift, blepharoplasty, and injectables should be considered as soon as the signs of aging are evident. Patients who are considering antiaging cosmetic plastic surgery procedures are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

One of the latest health trends includes vitamin infused therapies. According to recent local news story Patients who have the procedure performed claim that it dramatically increases their energy level. One patient claimed I was always tired, always exhausted. Mentally I knew I could do a lot of stuff, but my body would not respond, she said. Patients go to medical center’s to get IV infusions for many different health complaints. One of the doctors interviewed fit the most popular IV treatment is a vitamin C mega dose. The claim is that vitamin C intravenous is a powerful flash oxidizer. The claim is that it crunches all the free radicals in the body. These IV therapies are becoming popular across the country in medical spas. Clients say they’re looking for an instant fix. Patient claimed they feel fantastic right away. Many different medical spas claim the IV vitamin infusions help patients with many different ailments. People who are suffering from dehydration, sunburn, poor nutrition, overactivity, or even hangovers are all said to benefit from IV vitamin therapy. Critics are quick to point out there is no scientific research that proves any of these IV drips will help with any of the ailments. Patient should not believe that there are no risks involved. IV therapy is fraught with ma.ny complications that range from as simple as inflammation to the vein, to more complex complications such as an infection that can occur, and then very rarely an air embolus can occur with air going into the needle, said Gail D’Onofrio, Chair of Yale’s Department of Emergency Medicine. But Mathur emphasizes air embolisms are very rare. Dr. Kim explains to patients that if they are utilizing IV vitamin treatments while under his care it is imperative that patient share that information prior to considering plastic surgery procedures. Patient should not consider popular plastic surgery procedures such as breast augmentation or liposuction as routine, and omit information vitamin therapies as unimportant. It is also critical that patients do not engage in IV vitamin therapies immediately following surgery without first discussing the option with Dr. Kim. Patients were considering cosmetic plastic surgery procedures are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.