Many women dread menopause mostly because of negative myths and fears. According to a recent ABC news article, night sweats, unexplained weight gain, and mood swings are just a few of the negative symptoms that are associated with the change of life or menopause for women. But according to the article, menopause doesn’t have to feel like a death sentence. According to Staness Jonekos, who was interviewed for the article, she claims menopause was one of the best things that ever happened to her. She credits a few lifestyle changes in says she now looks and feels better than she ever did before. The doctor who was interviewed for the story says that one of the most commonly held myths about menopause is that it is the beginning of a boring sedentary lifestyle. The doctor wants women to treat menopause as a transition not as a destination. Another commonly held myth is that with menopause comes the end of a satisfying sex life. It is true that hormones shift and that general health factors and social factors could have a negative effect on a woman’s libido. But, experts recommend regularly exercising which not only helps women to stay active but also to embrace their toned and attractive appearance. According to the news story engaging in sex stimulates blood flow and actually keeps women healthy. Depression is another side effect women may experience. According to the news story these are not clinical symptoms so they are temporary -if it does happen. Dr. Kim encourages women who are premenopausal and postmenopausal to use this time in life to consider cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. For many women this is a great time to choose breast augmentation or breast lift to create a more youthful shape and figure. For other women liposuction of the abdomen or abdominoplasty can make a substantial difference in their self-esteem self-confidence and appearance.

Plastic surgery has become competitive around the globe. For many it is become another commodity compared by some with the purchasing of any other service. According to recent online article British plastic surgeons are offering unprecedented incentives to lure new patients to their office. According to the article the famous marketing tactic ‘buy one, get one free’ or ‘BOGOF’ is being offered by some surgeons to entice women to schedule breast augmentation or rhinoplasty. The offers most closely associated with supermarket type deals are considered over-the-top, and acts of desperation. Some are even offering the opportunity to order online using a shopping cart and get an even cheaper deal with limited no refund types of offers. The trend has become so alarming that specialist from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons have aggressively pursued measures with the General Medical Council to implement mandates and penalties for surgeons who utilize such practices. It was reported in The Times that Nigel Mercer, the incoming president of the European Association of Societies of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, said: This is unethical and is happening on a huge scale, the Daily Mail reported. Dr. Kim warns patients that when choosing a plastic surgeon, while price is part of the equation it should never be the main issue. As an ASPS plastic surgeon Dr. Kim adheres to the specialized guidelines created for the elite members(less than 3% of all surgeons) that are created to ensure patient trust, safety, and superior results. As a talented artist as well as skilled surgeon, Dr. Kim is able to deliver results that are unique to his specific talents and skill. All plastic surgeons are not created equal so it is impossible for patients to compare plastic surgeons and get exactly the same results from each one.

There has been a story in the news for the past few days about a woman who ”took to the streets” to pay for her breast augmentation. According to an online report of the incident an Ohio woman set out to raise money for breast augmentation using breast implants, which she says will boost her self-esteem.

She took to the streets with a sign asking complete strangers for the money to have the surgery performed. Thirty -seven-year-old Chrissy Lance, wore a silver bikini and was perched perfectly upon her shiny motorcycle with a sign that alerted passerby’s that she would appreciate any donations towards the $5000 she needs for breast augmentation surgery. According to a KTLA report Lance is a barmaid and claims that she will get bigger tips with bigger breast.

Needless to say this approach is controversial to say the least. Dr. Kim has consulted with many patients over the years who have decided to have breast augmentation, but for many different reasons do not have the finances to move forward as quickly as many of them would like to. It can be tempting to make light of the situation many women find themselves in when they realize the benefits of breast augmentation, yet financially it seems out of reach.

Dr. Kim is sensitive to the financial limitations some patients may experience. Dr. Kim offers outside medical financing that allows patients to make payments towards their procedure. Some of the outside medical finance companies offer longer terms and also allow a cosigner. When it comes to plastic surgery, especially breast augmentation it is no surprise that women who desire the procedure will usually find a way to pay for the procedure. Some ways are more creative than others, but the reason breast augmentation continues to be the number one cosmetic plastic surgery procedure performed is because women who desire the procedure can- and will -usually find a way.

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Once the decision has been made to have plastic surgery there are preparations patients can take that will allow them to have a more enjoyable plastic surgery experience. Dr. Kim encourages patients to approach the plastic surgery experience in their best physical and mental state possible. This means following all guidelines issued by Dr. Kim prior to and following surgery. Every patient is given a thorough in-depth preoperative appointment prior to surgery. In this appointment patients are given written information sheets which allow them to consent to the procedures. These are signed by the patient and the patient receives a copy for their reference. Patients are usually given any prescriptions to fill for any drugs that are to be used prior to or after surgery. Specific surgical instructions are discussed in this appointment and patients are encouraged to ask questions and share any additional information Dr. Kim should know prior to the plastic surgery procedure. Patients are also given instructions for garments that may be needed for body contouring procedures including liposuction. Also any special garments for breast augmentation or breast reduction will also be discussed in this appointment. It is also important when preparing for plastic surgery that patient’s maintain a healthy lifestyle abstaining from medications that could interfere with the safety of the surgical procedure. Patients should abstain from alcohol at least two weeks prior to surgery and avoid excessive sun exposure to avoid the occurrence of sunburn. Patient should arrange personal schedules and social calendars so that the patient is able to relax and concentrate solely on their recovery. Patient should arrange for not only a caregiver but also someone to handle additional household duties and other duties that may be neglected during the recovery time. Patients who take the time to prepare for surgery are much more likely to have an enjoyable plastic surgery experience.

The possibility of male contraceptives in the form of a pill has been debated for many years. According to recent news story they actually may be closer than we think. According to the news story researchers have discovered that the male form of birth control pills has been effective for some and yet others have not found them to be effective. The side effects have included weight gain, acne, depression, and the possibility of heart problems. Yet, there are other types of male contraceptives that may soon be approved. Testosterone gels which are combined with progestin gels are the most promising so far. It is reported that the gel works pretty much like female birth control but does not have the abundance of side effects associated with female birth control. The effects from the gels are reversible after about 3 to 6 months. Birth control seems to become more of an issue for men as they age. Often when men are considering birth control choices there also considering the effects aging is having on their appearance. Dr. Kim explains to male patients that addressing the signs of aging early is the best way to ensure natural looking results. As more men embrace plastic surgery as a solution to the appearance of aging they have begun to find that there are many choices available. The most popular procedures for men include injectables including Botox, brow lift, and liposuction of the abdomen. These procedures can all be done at within one surgery, and men are pleased to discover that the recovery is less than a week. Most patients can return to work and other social activities within 5 to 7 days. Dr. Kim encourages men to consider their overall health and appearance as equally important. Men are welcome to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kim to determine which plastic surgery procedures are best for them.

It has been said that the eyes are the window to the soul. It is common knowledge that as we age our vision will get worse. So, no matter what most people will end up wearing some sort of corrective device to improve their vision. Just as our vision get worse as we age it is also likely that the skin on the eyelid and beneath the eye will become more loose and lax. This can be a vision related problem if it is extreme; however, it can affect our appearance before it is an actual vision problem. For many people as they age they tend to have noticeable pockets of skin and fat beneath the eyes which have become commonly known as bags. It is easy to confuse the sagging of the brow as connected to the loose and lax skin on the eyelid. Dr. Kim explains to his patients that the brow is a separate area and concern when addressing the appearance of droopy eyelids. For the eyelids Dr. Kim will generally recommend an eyelid lift or blepharoplasty. This procedure allows Dr. Kim to remove the loose and lax skin from the eyelid using a well hidden incision in the natural crease of the eyelid. For most patients it is a good idea to also address the” bags” beneath the eyes. This procedure also allows Dr. Kim to use a well hidden incision in the outer corner the eye to remove the small pocket of fat and tighten the loose and lax skin. If there is a presence of a drooping brow Dr. Kim may also recommend a brow lift combined with the blepharoplasty. Botox injections can help with crows feet or lines on the outer corners of the eyes. Dr. Kim encourages patients to schedule a consultation to find out how improving the look of their eyes can take years off of their appearance.

Once a woman makes the decision to have breast augmentation, there can be a great deal of anxiety concerning the right size breast implants to choose. While it is true that the choice of size is ultimately up to the patient there are guidelines for choosing the right size breast implants. Choosing the size of breast implants is not related to silicone or saline implants. Patient should have a general idea of the type of look or appearance they would like to achieve after breast augmentation. As an artist as well as a highly skilled plastic surgeon Dr. Kim is able to create exceptional results for patients by taking into consideration not only their desires, but also what is most aesthetically pleasing. While very few patients approached the breast augmentation process with the idea that they would like to be as big as possible; there are some women who feel this way. It is important for patients to realize that the bigger the implant, the more the risk for capsular contracture (excessive hardening of scar tissue around the implant) becomes a reality. Breast implants are sized with specific measurements based on the patient’s measurements. The breast implant manufacturers have measurement guidelines that help to determine which implant would be most likely to help the patient achieve the look that they desire. Of course, because breast augmentation is not an exact science, the skill and expertise of the plastic surgeon is a large part of the equation for achieving exceptional results. Dr. Kim advises patients when choosing their breast implants and will make recommendations based on his experience as well as the patient’s breast measurements and body type. Patients should consider wardrobe selection following plastic surgery. If patients choose extremely large breast implants that are not proportionate with the rest of their body there is a likelihood that they may no longer be able to wear clothes that they have in their wardrobe or buy clothes easily.

Losing weight is one of the hardest tasks any of us willingly undertake. As evidenced by the nation’s obesity rate most of us are unsuccessful. A recent local online article gave tips that they claim would lead to permanent weight loss. According to the article you should start your weight loss plan with set goals that are measured daily, weekly, and monthly. According to the article this alerts your brain that it will take willpower and a good memory to be successful. Although it sounds a bit strange, the article claims that if you concentrate as you chew, when you slowdown and chew the food thoroughly, it helps to eat less and thus lose weight. According to the article those who chewed their food each bite 40 times actually ate 12% less than those who chewed only 15 times. This also produces less ghrelin, which is the hunger hormone. Psychologically putting your fork down between bites also helps. Green tea is also very helpful. It has been called diet drug in a mug because it EGCG compounds help to reduce the absorption of fat and increase the amount of fat in the body eliminates. You should try to drink 3 to 5 cups daily. Have a “safe to eat list” to go to in social situations where there may be drinking or fatty foods to tempt you. Keep your goals in mind but don’t obsess if you slip. One nutritionist advised to eat three bites of what you’re craving and then throw it away. Dr. Kim advises patients who are concerned with weight loss to also consider their appearance as they lose weight. While body contouring procedures like abdominoplasty or liposuction and are not weight loss procedures they can help to improve a patient’s self-confidence thus allowing for more success in meeting their weight loss goals.

What if food cravings really were not your fault? According to recent Los Angeles Times article food cravings may be traced back to our genes. According to the article Our attraction to sweets — and salt, carbohydrates and fat — is hard-wired from the Stone Age, says Dr. David Katz, director of Yale University’s Prevention Research Center. Historically food cravings were triggers for our ancestors to search for foods that would provide energy(sugar and fat) and essential minerals like salt. Although food today is plentiful and the search for food rarely involves physical activity besides driving to the grocery store ,we have still preserved craving tendencies because of the slow process of evolution Katz, theorizes. So if we’re hardwired it probably smarter to work with cravings instead of try to fight them. According to the article thinking of these fatty foods as foods that we can’t eat rather than ones that we don’t eat contributes to failure in avoiding them. The theory is that avoiding words that imply deprivation can help people succeed in eliminating fatty foods that they crave from their diet. Dr. Kim explains to patients that maintaining a healthy diet and stable weight is important; however, the genes we are born with have a lot to do with the contour of our body. When Dr. Kim performs liposuction as a naturally talented artist and experienced plastic surgeon he is able to create extraordinary results for patients. He works with the patient’s body structure and contour helping to create a more aesthetically pleasing and proportionate appearance. Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure and patient should understand that the goal is to create better contour not necessarily make the patient look smaller. Liposuction can be performed on almost every area of the body and because of Dr. Kim’s expertise and artistic talent patients are pleased to learn that many areas can be addressed that they had not considered.

Recent reports including statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons have found that more men are embracing plastic surgery procedures. The most popular procedure reported was Botox injections. Most men who choose to have Botox injections report that they do so to have a more relaxed look on their face and to eliminate strong lines and wrinkles on their forehead. Since singles makeup over 50% of the American population ,single men may wonder how plastic surgery would affect their dating life. Dr.Dating in today’s society is much more visual before ever meeting prospective partners than ever before. Online dating which is extremely popular among all age groups and has allowed single men to be viewed much more quickly than they would be in an in person chance encounter. When men tell Dr. Kim that they have concerns over there appearance and would like to look younger and more refreshed to increase their dating options, Dr. Kim will typically recommend noninvasive fillers(Restylane or Juvederm) to fill in any deep lines that are of concern. He may also discussed a brow lift and blepharoplasty is which often helps men to see an immediate improvement that could take as much is 7 to 8 years off of his appearance. Dr. Kim also reminds men that a svelte and toned body also helps to look younger and more energetic. Often he will recommend liposuction of the abdomen for men who have thickness in the upper abdomen or love handles on the sides. For men who have excessive breast tissue he may recommend gynecomastia surgery to remove the excess breast tissue and create a flatter more aesthetically pleasing chest. This will allow men to take advantage of many of the newer fashions and create a more youthful and energetic appearance. Undoubtedly, the more self- confidence a single man has the more likely he is to attract women.