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Abdominoplasty | Tummy Tuck | Plastic Surgeon | Beverly Hills CAA breast augmentation surgery can bring in a positive change in your life. The surgery will certainly make you feel good about your body and boost your confidence. However, to get the best out of the surgery, you need to ensure that you follow the advice given by your cosmetic surgeon. Your body will need some time to heal after the surgery. Dr. Eugene Kim, who has been helping women in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica and West Hollywood, CA get the perfect set of breasts, advices on the following:

During the first week of recovery

  • There are chances of a feeling of  fatigue after the surgery, for a couple of days. So it is important to give your body all the rest that it needs.
  • You may notice some firmness in the operated area, which is absolutely normal. The tightness is the effect of your body trying to adjust to the implants and the difference brought in by them in your breast size.
  • Your breasts and nipples may also feel a little numb post the surgery. You may be advised to massage your breasts or try some simple exercises (suggested by your plastic surgeon) to reduce the numbness. The sensitivity may last for a month. You may also notice the operated part getting swollen.
  • You may be asked to wear a compression bandage, a jog bra or a special post-operative bra, to provide the required extra support to your breasts. Ironically, some surgeons advice patients to not wear a bra at all, during the recovery period.
  • In case of external sutures, your plastic surgeon will take them off in a week.
  • You will be able to return to work in a couple of days after the procedure.

Follow the advice given by your cosmetic surgeon

You will need to make sure that you do not build up any pressure on your arms and chest. This will require you to stay away from strenuous exercises or similar physical activities. You will have to be extremely gentle with your breasts for at least a month. In any case, you need to stick to your surgeon’s advice as he/she will draft out some specific guidelines for you

In the long term, routine mammograms are recommended, whose frequency rate will depend on your age. You should continue self-examining your breasts and should notify your cosmetic surgeon in case of pain or any discomfort in the area

Lasting results of the surgery

Breast augmentation is also preferred by women due to its long-lasting results. However, the results may vary based on factors like aging, childbirth, gravity, weight gain or loss and so on. You will have to get your breast implants replaced, if they burst or leak. After  a few years, if you feel that your breasts do not look as attractive as before, you can opt for a breast revision surgery to change the existing breast implants. You can also go for a breast lift surgery, which will satisfy you with firm and perky breasts.

Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

Immediately following a breast augmentation procedure, some patients may notice that their breasts appear much larger and higher than their intended results. This is the result of post-operative swelling, which usually takes 2-3 months to completely subside – however, it can last longer in some patients. When swelling is at its peak, patients can expect their breasts to be around ¼ of a cup size larger than their final results.

As swelling goes down, your breast implants will also undergo a change in shape, becoming rounder and sagging slightly to achieve a more natural look. This will eliminate the “high” appearance that worries many patients.

While you are healing, steps can be taken to help your breasts settle into their final position, such as massaging and displacement exercises. Dr. Kim may also recommend that you wear a strap that helps your implants drop into place more effectively, minimizing the time that it takes for you to notice your final results. Patients should closely follow-up with Dr. Kim throughout the recovery period to ensure their breasts are healing normally and that they are on the right path to their desired results.

Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

The placement of your breast implants will affect both the final appearance of your breasts and the potential for complications such as bottoming out and the double-bubble effect.

Although the risks for bottoming out and the double-bubble effect are rare, they require revision surgery to correct. Los Angeles plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim will discuss bottoming out and double-bubble as well as other potential complications of breast augmentation with you during your consultation.

Bottoming Out

Bottoming out is when the final placement of your breast implants is well below their initial placement. If your skin and underlying breast tissue at the breast crease separate, this can cause the breast implants to descend below the fold.

If your breast implants cross the inframammary crease, it causes your breasts to appear larger below the nipple and creates the appearance of bottoming out.

Bottoming out typically requires a revision procedure. The correction treatment varies based on the cause and extent of the condition.

Double-Bubble Effect

The double-bubble effect is the opposite of bottoming out. A double-bubble occurs when your breast tissue falls below your Inframammary fold and pushes your implant into the upper portion of your breast. This gives the appearance of two breasts.

Double-bubble occurs more often if subpectoral or full submuscular breast augmentation was performed without a breast lift. In double-bubble cases, the breast implants remain under the muscle and high on the chest wall with the naturally occurring breast tissue and breast envelope sagging lower than the breast implants.

As with bottoming out, the double-bubble effect requires revision surgery.

Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

All surgeries will leave some scarring. With breast augmentation, the location of your incision will be a determining factor in the final visibility of your scars.

Your breast augmentation procedure options include the size and type of breast implants, placement of your breast implants, and the location of the breast implant incision. In most cases, the scars are concealed and faint; however, the scars will not vanish completely.

Incision options include:

  • Periariolar: Around the edge of the areola
  • Inframammary: In the crease under the breast
  • Transaxillary: In the armpit

When you visit Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim for your breast implant consultation, he will discuss your incision options with you. The best incision option for you will depend on a number of factors, including your skin elasticity and the size of your breasts.

Each incision site will conceal your scars to some degree, although there are varying levels of control of breast implant placement depending on the incision type.

Inframammary incisions are the most popular choice because the site is largely hidden but also provides good visibility for the breast implant procedure. Periareolar incisions tend to work better for women with naturally small breasts. The transaxillary incision requires the use of endoscopic tools for placement of the breast implants; transaxillary incisions are used only with small silicone implants or saline breast implants, which are not filled prior to insertion.

If you live in the Los Angeles, Beverly Hills or Newport Beach, California, areas and are interested in learning more about breast augmentation, please contact Dr. Eugene Kim at E. Kim Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation.

Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

Breast sagging is normal, and most women experience some degree of sagging (or “ptosis”) as they age. A breast lift is an effective procedure for correcting breast sagging, but the question of whether a breast lift is right for you is one that Dr. Eugene Kim can help you answer. Here are some questions that can help you make the decision whether to talk to Dr. Eugene Kim about a breast lift:

  • Are you happy with the size, but not the shape of your breasts?
  • Are your concerns primarily aesthetic, not associated with pain in the shoulders or back?
  • Does breast sagging bother you on a daily basis?
  • Does the appearance of your breasts make you feel prematurely old or especially unattractive?
  • Do you have trouble finding clothes that make you feel confident due to the appearance of your breasts?
  • Do you no longer feel comfortable getting undressed in front of your partner?

If you answer “yes” to all of these questions, then a breast lift may be the right procedure for you. If you answer “yes” to all but the first two questions, then you might consider a procedure that can also alter the size of your breasts, such as breast augmentation or breast reduction.

Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

The success in any plastic surgery procedure such as tummy tuck will be ensured only when everything goes right with the procedure, starting from the preliminary consultation and preparation stage. A stunning cosmetic surgeon will understand the important of pre-op preparation and how it plays a role in helping to achieve the patient’s final aesthetic goals. See tummy tuck before and after photos.

Dr. Eugene Kim is an experienced plastic surgeon providing abdominoplasty and other surgical procedures to his patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding communities. Dr. Kim pays special attention to the initial consultation process and preparation before going ahead with the actual surgical procedure.

Pre-op Consultation Process

dr kim plastic surgeon beverly hills tummy tuck before after photosThe initial consultation prior to the tummy tuck surgery should be a two-way process. The cosmetic surgeon will discuss all aspects related to the surgery during this phase. The surgeon’s first goal is to ensure that the patient makes an informed choice about the procedure. The patient will usually have access to tummy tuck before and after photos during the consultation, so that they have a fairly clear idea of what the procedure can or cannot do for them. The surgeon will also discuss the estimated recovery period and the potential risks and complications that are integral to any major surgical procedure.

The patient should also feel free to discuss all their innate aesthetic desires, aspirations and expectations during the initial consultation. This will help the surgeon customize the treatment plan to meet the patient’s aesthetic goals as closely as possible. The patient should also be forthcoming about any past or existing medical conditions, drug allergies and current medications and herbal supplements. Clear and forthright information about tobacco, alcohol, and drug use is also crucial. History of previous surgeries should also be shared with the plastic surgeon.

The surgeon will also take some photographs prior to surgery so that the patient can compare the results properly once the surgery is over. The patient should preferably prepare a checklist of questions, doubts and concerns that arise in their mind. Such proactive pre-op engagement will prove to be a significant help in ensuring the success of the procedure. Patients who are more forthcoming and clear-minded during the pre-op preparation and consultation will usually achieve higher satisfaction levels from the results in the end.

Preparation

The surgeon will require the patient to stop smoking several weeks prior to the tummy tuck procedure. If the patient is taking certain medications, their schedule may have to be adjusted in consultation with the physician who prescribed them.

Certain lab tests or a general medical evaluation may be necessary to determine if the patient is a fit candidate for the procedure. The use of aspirin, herbal supplements and anti-inflammatory drugs will have to be stopped for a few days to mitigate the risk of bleeding during the surgery.

The surgeon will also provide a list of post-op care instructions beforehand so that the patient can make advance preparations for the recovery period. Dr. Kim follows a detailed preparation process to ensure best results for his patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and other areas.

Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

Plastic Surgery Procedures | Mommy Makeover | Body Sculpting According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 30 percent of people seek plastic surgery combined procedures to improve several aspects of their appearance. Combining procedures can have several benefits including:

  • Reducing surgery and recovery time
  • Addressing more than one problem area
  • Saving money on fees from surgical facilities and anesthesia

When you visit Los Angeles plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim for your initial consultation, he will listen closely to all of your areas of concern and customize a combination of procedures that can help you look and feel your absolute best.

Commonly Combined Procedures

Your personalized treatment plan may include a combination of surgical and nonsurgical procedures to assist you in achieving the look of your dreams. Commonly combined procedures include:

There are a number of other combinations possible. Some of these combinations have names all their own, such as the mommy makeover. With a mommy makeover, body sculpting and breast procedures can be combined to target the areas of your body most affected by pregnancy and childbirth. When you come to our office for your initial consultation, Dr. Kim will give you the personalized care you deserve and help you achieve the look of your dreams.

Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a major procedure performed by a cosmetic surgeon that will involve a significant amount of surgery and downtime in many cases. Patients should be fully aware of all aspects of the procedure, including its potential risks and complications, and should be in a position to make an informed decision. Dr. Eugene Kim is an experienced plastic surgeon providing this procedure to his patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and other areas.

Tummy Tuck Abdominoplasty Plastic Surgeon Los Angeles | Beverly Hills CADr. Kim ensures that his patients receive maximum information about the tummy tuck surgery before they take a final decision about going ahead with the procedure. However, he also encourages his patients to share all their queries, doubts, and concerns about the procedure, and ask as many questions as they wish to before the surgery. This will only help the surgeon to prepare a more effective customized treatment plan that addresses all the unique aesthetic needs and goals of the patient.

Checklist of Potential Questions to Ask

A new patient may not remember to ask all their queries and concerns during the initial consultation process. Some questions may arise in their mind at home or while at work. The patient should note down those questions promptly and prepare a personal checklist of questions that can be addressed at the time of a detailed consultation with the cosmetic surgeon. Here is a model checklist of questions that can serve as a guide for a patient during the tummy tuck surgery consultation.

  • Does the plastic surgeon have board certification in plastic surgery from the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
  • Did the surgeon receive specialized training in the field of cosmetic and plastic surgery?
  • What is the total number of years of training that the surgeon received?
  • Does the surgeon have the experience in performing tummy tuck surgeries before?
  • How many years of experience does the surgeon have in the field of plastic surgery?
  • Will the tummy tuck procedure be performed at a surgical facility or a hospital?
  • Is the surgical facility accredited or recognized by an appropriate authority?
  • How suitable is the patient for a tummy tuck surgery?
  • What kind of surgical techniques and procedure will be employed to perform the tummy tuck?
  • Will the procedure be performed using general anesthesia or IV sedation?
  • Will the procedure involve an overnight stay or will the surgeon perform it on an outpatient basis?
  • How long will be the estimated recovery period?
  • What kind of help should be arranged during the initial recovery period?
  • What are the potential risks and complications that a tummy tuck procedure usually involves?
  • How will the surgeon handle the complications, in any, and what is the revision surgery policy of the practice?
  • Will the surgeon provide tummy tuck before and after pictures prior to the procedure?

As an experienced and board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Kim will address all the queries in detail for his patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas.

Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

Saline Breast Implants | Silicone Breast Implants | Los Angeles | Beverly Hills CAIf you are considering breast augmentation, you may wonder which type of breast implant is best for you, saline breast implants or silicone breast implants. Both breast implant types are safe and can give you good results from your breast augmentation, but they are not identical.

Silicone breast implants

Silicone breast implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel. They have the advantage of being more similar in look and feel to natural breast tissue. This is especially important if you have little natural breast tissue and are considering having the implant placed over the pectoral muscle. Silicone breast implants also have a lower rupture rate, making them a better option for longer-lasting results. The silicone gel does not migrate through the breast implant shell, and even if the shell ruptures will remain in the implant.

Saline breast implants

Saline breast implants are filled with a salt water solution, the same kind used in surgical IVs. This allows them to be filled after they are inserted into the breast pocket, so a smaller incision can be used. This also makes them more flexible for insertion through the transaxillary incision and in some cases may make them better for correcting uneven breasts. Saline breast implants have the advantage of being less expensive than silicone gel breast implants.

The best way to make this complicated decision is to schedule a consultation with Los Angeles plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim, who can explain the differences in detail. He will make personalized recommendations based on your goals and anatomy.

Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is a procedure performed by a cosmetic surgeon to achieve a flatter, firmer abdomen by removing excess fat and skin and tightening the underlying muscles. An experienced plastic surgeon will evaluate several factors to determine whether a patient is a suitable candidate for tummy tuck.

Dr. Eugene Kim provides state of the art tummy tuck surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and other areas. During the initial consultation, Dr. Kim will examine the patient’s health condition, personal aesthetic goals and other factors before recommending a tummy tuck procedure.

Who is a Suitable Candidate?

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Candidates Los Angeles | Beverly Hills CAThe first concern of the cosmetic surgeon, while considering a patient’s request for a tummy tuck surgery is to know whether the patient is in marvelous physical health to sustain the procedure. The surgeon will assess the patient’s medical history and the history of previous surgeries. The patient should not be suffering from any such condition that may impede healing during recovery or cause excessive blood loss during the surgery.

Secondly, the patient should have excess loose skin in the abdominal area, or weakness in the underlying abdominal muscles, that are causing a sagging or disproportionately fat tummy. Overall body weight should be moderate and stable as far as possible. If the condition of loose skin, weakened, or separated muscles, and stubborn fat deposits in the abdominal region is such that it will not improve significantly with diet and exercise, the plastic surgeon may recommend a tummy tuck surgery.

Specific Candidates

Women who have been through one or more pregnancies are usually suitable candidates for a tummy tuck surgery. In some women, pregnancy may lead to loose and stretched skin over the abdomen, and in some other women, it may cause muscle weakness alone. These conditions of muscle and skin laxity may not be reversed on their own after childbirth. Therefore, surgeons typically include a tummy tuck as a part of a mommy makeover surgery.

Some people put on excess fat deposits around the tummy due to hereditary reasons. Even if they eat moderately and lead a fairly active lifestyle, but fats may accumulate over time around the tummy. Normal aging process can also sometimes cause the skin in the abdominal area to sag faster than it does in other parts of the body. Dr. Kim is a dedicated plastic surgeon providing abdominoplasty to suitable candidates in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding areas.

Patients of Bariatric Surgery

In recent years, bariatric surgery has emerged as a popular procedure designed to reduce weight for overweight or obese individuals. However, one of the limitations with bariatric surgery is that it results in large amounts of hanging fat or flab that makes an unsightly appearance and extends to the sides or back. This is particularly common among male patients. Tummy tuck can be an ideal follow-up plastic surgery procedure for such patients who have undergone a substantial amount of weight loss with bariatric surgery.

Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.