Tom Cruise famously quoted in an interview for Playboy magazine concerning plastic surgery I haven’t, and I never would. This statement was published the May issue of Playboy magazine and as we know a lot has changed since then. Tom Cruise is now on the way to becoming a bachelor again at 50. Will this change his mind about the possibility of plastic surgery? It’s anybody’s guess and since he is not likely to admit, it the public can only speculate. It is important to note that Tom Cruise looks great for a 50-year-old man and if he has done so without any plastic surgery that is his choice. However, the average male approaching 50 years old is not likely to have skin that looks like Tom Cruise or abs that look like his either. Dr. Kim consults with male patients who are concerned with the effects of aging and often look to celebrities like Cruise and wonder why they don’t have the same results. Dr. Kim explains that genetics play a large part in how a person ages. Also, it is likely that as a celebrity Cruise has had the advantage of the best foods, skin care, and lifestyle amenities money can buy. For most men all it takes is a decision to invest in products and services that will help them to maintain their most youthful appearance. Dr. Kim explains the some of the most popular procedures for men include Botox injectables which will help with wrinkles on the forehead. Also, gynecomastia( surgery that removes excessive male breast tissue) is also very popular. Many men over 50, also take advantage of abdominal liposuction which will help them to create and maintain a svelte and attractive waistline. Dr. Kim encourages men to schedule a consultation and determine if plastic surgery can help them to achieve the appearance they desire.

An artist can be defined in many different ways. Artistic skill and talent can manifest itself on canvas, a sketchpad, with clay or a number of other ways. Dr. Kim has possessed artistic talent since he was a young boy and has an innate talent for sketching lifelike depictions of the human face and body. So, it is not a surprise that combining talent with the skills of a plastic surgeon that the results he is able to yield are nothing short of phenomenal. It is not an overstatement when it is said by many of Dr. Kim’s patients that he is a true artist. This talent can best be appreciated with surgeries such as complex rhinoplasty or breast augmentation for women with severe asymmetries. An artistic eye combined with skilled surgical hands allow Dr. Kim to help patients who require complex rhinoplasty because they may have severe asymmetries, or require additional molding and sculpting to achieve stellar results that may seem unlikely in the hands of an average plastic surgeon. For patients who are considering breast augmentation and have severe breast asymmetries, which could include a deep indentation in the chest wall, or significant differences in breast tissue from one side compared to the other, Dr. Kim’s artistic skill and talent prove valuable in helping him to achieve the best symmetric results possible. While artistic skill from a plastic surgeon cannot be quantified in dollars and cents patients should never take for granted the value of and aesthetic artistic I when considering plastic surgery. The recommendation, the results, and the overall consistency of a plastic surgeons work heavily rely on the plastic surgeons artistic skill and talent. Dr. Kim encourages patients to schedule a consultation to see how his artistic skills and surgical talent can help them to achieve the look that they desire.

One of the first telltale signs of aging can be seen on the eyes. In the bright California sunshine the eyes take a beating every day. According to a recent article one way to defend against the negative effects of the sun on your eyes is to invest in a good pair of sunglasses. According to the article for most people fashion is the number one concern when choosing a new pair of sunglasses; however, eye doctors are adamant about teaching consumers that the number one concern should be making sure that the sunglasses are effective in protecting the eyes from sun damage -even if it means spending more money. Dr. Dana Tannenbaum, a ophthalmologist in North Hollywood, related to CBS2 that a good quality, effective pair of sunglasses should cost at a minimum $100 and increase from there. They should have 100 percent UVA and UVB protection and they should have polarized lenses. It is important for consumers not to pick a designer pair of glasses that cost well over $100, yet have no UVA or UVB protection. Protecting the eyes from some damage also protects the eyelids and the area beneath the eyes which can become sun damaged and wrinkled. Dr. Kim consults with patients who complain of wrinkled and loose skin on the eyelids as well as loose skin beneath the eyes. Some patients tell Dr. Kim that friends and family members think they’re tired when they look at their eyes. They also tell him that when they look at themselves in the mirror they look much older than they really are. For some women it is virtually impossible to wear eyeshadow throughout the day without creating creases due to excessive loose skin. Dr. Kim will typically recommend a blepharoplasty or eyelid lift. This will correct both the upper eyelids as well as the area beneath the eyes.

With the popularity of breast augmentation there are many questions patients have when considering the procedure. Some of the questions many patients ask Dr. Kim concern the breast implants and sizing. For some patients it can be a question filled with anxiety. Dr. Kim makes a point to help alleviate any fears or concerns that patients may have concerning breast implants and sizing. First, patients should understand that both saline and silicone implants are FDA approved as safe medical devices. Breast implants remain one of the most studied medical devices used today. Dr. Kim offers both types of implants and helps patients to understand if he has a preference of one over the other the detailed reasons as to why he is making the recommendation. When considering sizing for breast implants patients must first understand that the final decision lies solely with the patient. This means that it is not a good idea to allow a boyfriend or a significant other to choose the size of the patient’s implants if the patient is not in total agreement. It is also important for patients to understand the type of look they would like to achieve and take into consideration their lifestyle and personality when making the decision. As a general rule most patients will increase their bust size with breast augmentation by two cup sizes. This means that if the patient wears an A cup most patients will increase to a C cup. This accounts for approximately 80% of the patient population. 10% would choose smaller implants and 10% will choose larger implants. Patients must fully understand that bra sizes are not universal and that bra cup size cannot be guaranteed. Overall, patient should trust that as an artist and skilled plastic surgeon Dr. Kim is committed to helping patients make the right decision.

Plastic surgery is a personal decision, yet it involves many different emotions not only for the patient but for those involved in the patient’s life as well. Choosing to proceed with plastic surgery can conjure up many different emotions. The emotions can range from self-doubt to anxiety, and most patients will look to friends and family members to help ease the tension. It is important to have the right support when choosing to have plastic surgery. Friends and family can be helpful; however, it is important to remember that they approach the situation with their own set of emotions and preconceived ideas. For some patients, after having procedures like breast augmentation they find that some of their friendships become strained through what they describe as jealousy. It can be difficult for a friendship when one of the friends has had plastic surgery procedures like breast augmentation or liposuction which dramatically changed their outer appearance. In many cases the patient is more comfortable, has higher self-esteem and self-confidence. This can cause some patients to be more outgoing and for some friends this could breed jealousy. It is important for patients to understand that friends and family members in some cases need to be given the time to get used to “the new you”. With a little time and understanding most relationships can return to what they were prior to surgery. Also, remember that you can refer friends and family to Dr. Kim and they too can experience the same satisfactory results. Dr. Kim encourages patients who are considering plastic surgery procedures to schedule a consultation to see which procedures are best for them. Dr. Kim enjoys a robust practice with plenty of referrals and appreciates patients who share their experience.

Remember when the term cougar (which referred to older women dating younger men) was hot and happening? It seems as though the term is not used as much anymore. Did it go away with Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher? Make no mistake about it women over 40 are looking amazing and choosing younger men to complement their lives. Celebrities are no exception. Just look at Jennifer Lopez and Casper or Gabrielle Union and Dwayne Wade just to name a couple. Dr. Kim consults with many women who are committed to maintaining their most youthful appearance and fighting the aging process every step of the way. This does not necessarily mean that they do not embrace their age and the wisdom that comes with it- it only means that having your most youthful and beautiful appearance matters. For many of these women plastic surgery procedures like breast augmentation and liposuction are the perfect complement to maintaining a shapely figure. Breast augmentation expands a woman’s wardrobe by as much as three times. Older women enjoy the ability to wear fashions that are considered”younger” as well as conservative fashions if they so choose. There are many women who are not comfortable with buying jeans that have special tummy panels or built-in but lifts. These women are proud to choose plastic surgery as an option, and understand that just as the aging process is not stagnant; neither should their choice be to maintain their most youthful appearance. It is not uncommon for women in this stage of life to use injectables including Botox to smooth the wrinkles on the forehead as well as crows feet on the outer corner of the eyes. Dermal fillers including Restylane and Juvederm help to add volume to the face in areas where patients have lost volume. Dr. Kim invites patients to schedule a consultation to determine which plastic surgery procedures will help them maintain their most youthful appearance.

We have all seen discount deals come across the Internet, our mailbox, or our favorite radio station for liposuction and other body contouring procedures. It is predictable that these special deals would be of interest to most people sense the diet industry continues to boom based on our nations obesity epidemic. Before a consumer can truly determine if a liposuction deal is really a deal there are a few important points patients need to know. First and foremost liposuction is not a weight loss procedure. Patients should never make the decision to have liposuction believing that they will lose weight. Liposuction is for body contouring and is designed to remove small amounts of fat. Secondly, patients should never elect for liposuction if they are considered obese or overweight. While it will not hurt them to have the procedure performed it is likely that they will be unhappy because there will not be a noticeable difference. Dr. Kim explains to his patients who are considering liposuction, that liposuction is a take away procedure. This means that it is a sculpting procedure that requires the plastic surgeon to understand artistically how to achieve the best most aesthetically pleasing and proportionate contour. Dr Kim is a true artist who has been sketching and drawing since he was a young boy. He uses this artistic skill combined with his surgical skills to achieve unmatched body contouring results. Liposuction done correctly is truly an art form. While patients can choose a discount liposuction coupon or have the procedure performed at a” liposuction clinic” the reality is- if patients are concerned with results they need to consider the skill, expertise and talent, of the plastic surgeon performing the procedure. Dr. Kim invites patients to schedule a consultation to determine if liposuction is the right procedure for them.

Social media has had a profound effect on the way we communicate and how we live our lives. According to recent CBS news story social media also has an effect on the reasons some people choose plastic surgery. According to the article many women take their appearance to the extreme, including choosing cosmetic surgery and other procedures, to get the perfect Facebook photo post. “It’s nice when you look good and when somebody tells you look good,” Marija Vrbanic said as her reason for searching out the perfect Facebook photo post appearance. Nicole Rodrigues summed it up this way, “It’s kind of this obsession about wanting to get liked on a picture.” Sonia Bambdas is a Facebook user with a number of “friends “from abroad and in various cities so they follow her life on Facebook, keep in touch and that’s the way they communicate. So,” it’s natural to want to look good,” said Bambdas. The psychologist in the article stressed that it’s important to find balance between the way you look and how you feel about yourself. Dr. Kim explains to patients in the initial consultation that their desire for cosmetic surgery whether it is a facelift or breast augmentation should always be based on a personal decision to enhance their appearance not for the approval of others. Cosmetic plastic surgery is rooted in results that can be very subjective. If patients are having surgery with the intent of gaining more “likes” on Facebook and it doesn’t happen, does that mean the surgery was not a success? Suppose someone post a negative comment concerning a patient’s appearance? Does that mean the patient made a mistake having plastic surgery? Dr. Kim uses his experience with both surgical skill and artistic talent to help patients understand that achieving your most natural and youthful appearance for your own gratification is the best way to ensure a good patient experience.

Few wardrobe selections define women and their femininity then the swimsuit. It is considered so important that it is included in most legendary beauty pageant contest. A recent New York Daily News article reviewed some of the most famous celebrity swimsuit photos in history. It is interesting to note how body images have changed over the years especially when we consider the bust line and what is considered attractive. Some patients who consult with Dr. Kim when they are considering breast augmentation are concerned about looking unnatural and “fake” in a swimsuit. Often times they recant a story about someone they have seen on the beach or at the pool who had “obviously augmented” breast. For many patients the concern is that the appearance is firm and unnatural. Dr. Kim invites patients to view his before-and-after photo gallery. They will see from his before-and-after results that patients not only look proportionate to their height and weight, but also by using implants with different profiles and characteristics Dr. Kim is able to use his artistic ability to achieve a more natural looking result. Dr. Kim also helps patients choose the most appropriate sizing for their height, weight, and chest measurements. This is important when choosing implant because if the breast implant overpowers the breast pocket it will create an overly augmented appearance which could appear unnatural and extremely full in the upper portion of the breast. When choosing breast implant sizing patients should not only consider what they will look like in a swimsuit, they should also consider how they will look in the wardrobe they wear the majority of the time. Breast augmentation can help women feel more confident and secure especially in a swimsuit. Dr. Kim invites patients who are considering breast augmentation to schedule a consultation to help determine if breast augmentation is the right choice for them.

The recommendation of an aspirin a day to keep heart healthy has been debated for years. A recent online news story looked at the aspirin regimen as a recommendation for women. According to the article a recent study revealed that of more than 200,000 women who were advised to take and aspirin daily, fewer than 50 percent really took the pill. No one seems to know exactly why that is the case according to a cardiologist who was interviewed for the story. The general rule of thumb is that women who are 65 and older who have heart disease or a history of heart disease could benefit from taking a daily aspirin. It is also believed to be an effective way to reduce the risk of stroke by as much as 40%. The drug is also known to help prevent fatal blood clots, and still proves to be effective as a secondary motive prevention for people who of are ready suffered a stroke or heart attack. A Dutch study found that 50 women would need to take aspirin daily for 10 years in order for one woman to actually benefit. Another study originating from Italy concluded that low-dose aspirin as the main mode of prevention results in a 55% elevated increase in brain or stomach bleeding. It is important for patients to discuss any aspirin regimen with their primary care physician prior to beginning the treatment. Dr. Kim advises patients who are older and considering plastic surgery procedures like facelift, brow lift, and blepharoplasty that if they are on an aspirin regimen they must be off of aspirin completely prior to surgery. Aspirin causes increased bleeding and can increase plastic surgery complications substantially. Dr. Kim is committed to helping patients have the best plastic surgery experience as well as the best results.