After more than a decade of using Botox for cosmetic purposes we continue to find effective uses for the drug. According to a recent industry article Botox is no longer just a product for treating crows feet and the furrow between the brow. According to the ASAPS, Botox injections have been the most common non-surgical procedure performed by plastic surgeons since the year 2000. In 2010, more than 2.4 million individuals in the U.S. received Botox injections. Botox has other lesser-known benefits that are not purely cosmetic. These include the treatment of migraine headaches, as well as excessive sweating also known as hyperhidrosis. According to the article Botox is in the testing phase to see if it will be an effective treatment for asthma patients. Patients who suffer from migraine headaches may also benefit from a combination brow lift and Botox treatments. Dr. Kim explains to patients that there has been research that has shown the treatment effective for some patients. By tightening the muscle in the brow and using Botox to paralyze the muscles in the brow in some patients the migraines are less frequent and in other patients they disappear altogether. Dr. Kim cautions patients from expecting complete elimination of migraine headaches; although, in many patients this has been the case. Most patients do see an improvement however the amount of improvement can vary. Dr. Kim explains to patients that they should not have the expectation for the procedure to be covered under insurance. Patients must also remember that they will enjoy a cosmetic benefit even though the major reason may be to treat migraine headaches. As an ASPS plastic surgeon, Dr. Kim is well-qualified to not only help patients achieve the maximum medical benefit but also the best cosmetic results.

In the anti-aging industry new fads come and go all of the time. One of the latest to hit the market was recently covered in the Orange County Register. The treatment is known as a bee venom facial. That’s right, bee venom is supposed to have ingredients that actually plump the skin. The bee venom is inside of a facial mask that fits on the face, and once removed claims to leave skin that is wrinkle free and plump. As you might imagine, most medical experts point to the fact that there is no scientific evidence to back up the claims that the skin is actually being plumped. At best there may be some irritation which would cause the skin to swell temporarily, thus technically… being plumper. It is a stretch (no pun intended)to believe that mask could remove wrinkles. Dr. Kim is not opposed to skincare that hydrates the skin for a more youthful appearance. The bigger issue comes into play when products or services are marketed as wrinkle reducers or wrinkle eliminators. Dr. Kim explains that short of surgically removing facial skin that is loose ( a facelift) there are no creams or topical treatments that will tighten skin. As an artist Dr. Kim reminds patients that the entire face including the brow and eyes are also part of a youthful appearance. Therefore, a brow lift and blepharoplasty may also be a suitable recommendation for patients looking to achieve a more youthful and natural looking appearance. Patients should be careful to have realistic expectations when choosing non-invasive procedures for facial rejuvenation.

A new twist on indoor cycling or spinning is making its way across the East Coast to the West Coast. It’s called Soul Cycling. A recent article in the Los Angeles Times slammed the safety and effectiveness of Soul Cycle. The classes claim to work both the upper body and lower body simultaneously. The upper body is intended to be worked out by using 1 pound weights and doing upper body weight bearing exercises while pedaling fiercely on the indoor cycle. All of this activity is performed to loud pulsating music with high energy and beautiful instructors. So, what is the criticism? Medical and fitness experts interviewed for the article claimed that not only is the exercise teen ineffective but it also could injure the lower back for participants over time. The classes are wildly popular and only time will tell whether they take off in LA. Dr. Kim advises patients who participate in rigorous exercise routines such as Soul Cycling, that should they decide to have plastic surgery they will need to plan for time away from strenuous exercise. Patients considering procedures including breast augmentation, breast lift, or small areas of liposuction commonly are involved in consistent exercise routines. Some patients worry that if they miss their workout for a few weeks that they will lose the benefits of their hard work. The truth is, most patients resume their workout and are as strong as they were prior to surgery. For the best results it is important that patients follow Dr. Kim’s recommendations following surgery.

The perception many of us have of the person who indulges in unhealthy fast food is an uneducated, person of a low socioeconomic status. A recent online news article showed this perception to be inaccurate. According to the article it’s not just the cash strapped family who is frequenting the fast food drive through. As a matter of fact, according to the study a household earning $60,000 a year eats the most fast food, and one bringing in $80,000 is actually more likely to eat fast food than one with $30,000. Suddenly, last year’s findings by the CDC actually makes sense when they found that nearly half of the obese adults in this country are not poor but rather middle-class. The article states that unhealthy fast food has less to do with price than anything else. The facts show that mostly it is convenient and whether people admitted or not, they like the way fast food taste. So, fast food reform on behalf of the poor doesn’t fair well against the facts. As the middle-class who engages in these unhealthy diets realize that the weight is unhealthy as well as unattractive but hope is they will kick into gear and actually lose the weight. When this happens, Dr. Kim helps patients who have lost large amounts of weight to achieve a better contour. Typically, an abdominoplasty is needed to remove the excess skin in the abdominal area. For many patients who have lost weight the excess skin can prove to be unsightly and depressing. Dr. Kim removes the excess skin as well as tightens the abdominal muscle to achieve the best contour available for the patient. When patients invest in plastic surgery procedures after weight loss not only are they more likely to keep the weight off, but overwhelmingly as a group they are more confident and have higher self-esteem than they did prior to surgery.

Stress does not have to be a part of everyday life. According to a recent Huffington Post article there are some very good ways to reduce stress in your life. According to the article one way is meditation. The recommendation is that you do this daily in a safe quiet place. One other recommended stress reliever is to listen to music. Many say that music stirs the soul and can change a mood to positive very quickly. Another to suggestions are exercising and journaling. These procedures performed together can be very effective. Reducing alcohol intake is another suggestion for reducing stress. Some studies suggest that too much alcohol actually increases stress rather than relieving it. Getting a massage can produce positive stress relieving effects. The proper amount of sleep is essential for life free from stress. Interestingly enough the article did not recommend cosmetic surgery procedures as an option for relieving stress. Dr. Kim finds that his patients tell him that after choosing to have cosmetic surgery they tend to relieve situations that were once stressful in their life. For example, many women become stressed when their clothes no longer fit especially as they age. Often these patients tell Dr. Kim that they are concerned because they have not changed their diet or exercise habits yet they have unsightly bulges in places that were not there before. Dr. Kim will typically recommend liposuction and if there is loose and lax skin and abdominoplasty may be necessary to remove the skin. Dr. Kim uses his artistic skill to create a natural and more aesthetically pleasing contour. Dr. Kim’s patients are thrilled with the results and tell him that they no longer stress over wardrobe selections.

CNN recently aired an Oprah.com interview with a successful CEO woman who claims to have had 12 cosmetic procedures while becoming a successful investment banker on Wall Street. The Orange County Register highlighted the news story focusing on the specific procedures which ranged from rhinoplasty, abdominoplasty, blepharoplasty, brow lift among other procedures. While this story makes great water cooler talk the reality is this woman’s story is not that unusual. The fact that she had two rhinoplasty surgeries is not that unusual when nationally rhinoplasty has the highest reoperation rate of all cosmetic surgeries. The facial rejuvenation procedures that she had performed are typically performed within one operation. She enjoyed a successful career with her most youthful appearance going for her. So, it’s difficult to see why this story is considered news. Dr. Kim treats many patients who over the years have had multiple procedures. They are not freaks, or outcast, only patients who as they age desire to maintain their best appearance. Most patients do not regret their decision to invest in cosmetic plastic surgery. It is doubtful that this particular woman deep down inside would trade the much improved appearance for her natural aging appearance. Dr. Kim performs his procedures with patient safety, health, and results as the main goals.

After watching a couple years of television doctors recommendations, many Americans are now taking fish oil supplements on a daily basis. According to a recent Los Angeles Times article consumer should be aware that all fish oil supplements are not pure as they may claim. According to the article in a Consumer Reports test of fish oil supplements, most passed muster but some didn’t measure up on quality. Lab test results on 15 top brands analyzed for amounts of omega fatty acids, disintegration, spoilage and contaminants. Researchers found that at least one sample from six brands didn’t meet all the standards set. The results were released Tuesday and are available on newsstands. fish oil supplements are believed to help with heart disease, high blood pressure, and psoriasis. Consumer Reports warns that consumers should stick to brands that traditionally are reputable for the best chance of purchasing supplements that are as advertised. Patients who are considering cosmetic surgery procedures, even shorter procedures such as breast augmentation, or liposuction are advised to inform their doctor if they are taking any supplements including fish oil supplements. Fish oil supplements are not recommended for patients who are scheduled for any surgical procedures. It is usually recommended that patients stop taking the supplements a minimum of two weeks prior to surgery. Dr. Kim explains to his patients that just because supplements are considered natural it does not mean that they are safe for patients scheduled for surgery. Patients should disclose every supplement being taken so that there is no confusion as to whether or not the supplements are safe for surgical patients. Patients should also confirm with Dr. Kim when they are permitted to begin taking supplements after surgery.

Jane Fonda is the latest celebrity to admit to making a U-turn on her stance against plastic surgery. According to The Orange County Register her recent appearance on the Today Show included in admission to having facial rejuvenation procedures which probably included a facelift, brow lift, and eye lift. No one would deny that she looked fabulous although she made an apology that she succumbed to the pressures of looking better than her real age. Her quote speaks volumes: “I was walking down the street one day and got a glimpse in the window and was like who’s that? And I thought, ‘Oh, my God, it’s me.’ I feel so great and rested and looked so different and I just decided — I’m not proud of it. I decided I wanted to look more about how I feel… I just decided that I wanted to buy myself some time . ” Honestly, what makes these celebrities believe that they are any different than anybody else? Dr. Kim here’s a variation of the same statement from virtually every patient who decides to have facial rejuvenation. The only difference is with his patients there is no apology or justification needed. Dr. Kim’s patients are proud of their facial rejuvenation choices some of which include Botox as well as other non-invasive facial rejuvenation procedures. Dr. Kim explains to his patients that as an artist and plastic surgeon his goal is to help them achieve their best appearance for their age. Dr. Kim’s patients do not look pulled, tight and unnatural. It is important for patients to realize that the right procedures must be applied to the right candidates. Dr. Kim’s expertise as a plastic surgeon allows him many options to create the best aesthetic appearance for his patients. For this reason, Dr. Kim enjoys a very robust referral practice in which many patients refer friends and family on a regular basis.

In this economy having a job is more important than choosing the perfect job. However, it is a good idea to know the health dangers that are associated with the type of work that we do. According to the Los Angeles Times two recent studies showed that shiftwork can be dangerous to your health. The first study showed that women who worked shiftwork were more likely to suffer from obesity related conditions including type II diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and an increased risk for breast cancer. The study showed that the contributing factors were the body’s internal clock and how it digests and processed food as well as lack of sufficient sleep. The second study which was funded by the Susan G Koman foundation focused on environmental risk and how they contribute to breast cancer. The article suggests that people should be proactive about maintaining a healthy diet and stable weight even if they work odd hours Dr. Kim urges his patients to consider their schedule when pursuing the possibility of plastic surgery. Often patients who are considering procedures such as abdominoplasty and liposuction are surprised to learn that the procedures can be performed, and fit perfectly into a working woman schedule with the right amount of planning before surgery. Even patients who work odd hours including weekends or nights are we able to sit down with Dr. Kim and his staff and determine the best options for their plastic surgery procedure. For patients who are in good health, and work in a desk type position, they are often able to return to work in 10 to 12 days after abdominoplasty combined with liposuction. While this is an aggressive plan, it can be done, and Dr. Kim and his staff are committed to helping patients schedule their procedures in a manner that works for both their safety and their schedule without compromising results.

In Southern California especially Beverly Hills we love our celebrities! At least we love to engage in our love-hate relationship with them. A recent CNN article attempted to answer the question why celebrity moms seem to be in skinny jeans four weeks after they have a baby. The article referred to a number of truths that many women should accept. These include the fact that most celebrities have a personal trainer, a chef, and a nanny to help them achieve the goals of losing baby weight immediately after having a baby. It also referred to the fact that many celebrities, become celebrities with a certain look because they have good genes. In other words they were already naturally thin, and most likely worked out throughout the pregnancy. The article warned against women trying to achieve this standard without the same resources. It reminded women to take care of their body while they’re pregnant so as not to injure the baby. Dr. Kim reminds his patients that our view of a celebrity is extremely limited. It is much more realistic to expect to achieve your best possible appearance based on your new body after having a baby. Dr. Kim explains to his patients that they can have an amazing body after pregnancy and consider what many call the mommy makeover. This is a surgery with combined procedures that could include breast augmentation, breast lift, and abdominoplasty. Dr. Kim is able to achieve better contour in the abdomen by tightening the muscle and removing the excess skin. For the breast, he may lift the breast and then use an implant to gain more fullness and better cleavage. The bottom line is most women feel they look better than they did before they had children after having this procedure. Celebrities have to look good as part of their job. The average woman gets to look good by choice.