Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is a procedure designed to reduce the aging signs around the lower and upper eyelids. During the initial consultation, the surgeon will evaluate whether the patient needs lower or upper eyelid cosmetic surgery or both. The surgeon will also educate the patient about various aspects of the procedure.

At the initial stage, many surgeons prefer to show blepharoplasty before and after photographs to the patient. This helps to explain the potential effectiveness of the procedure in a better way, and allows the patient to make an informed choice. Dr. Eugene Kim is a double board certified plastic surgeon providing blepharoplasty to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding communities.

What are Blepharoplasty Before and After Images?

Before and after images in case of blepharoplasty refer to a pair or group of pictures pertaining to an earlier patient who has gone through the same procedure with successful results. The pictures include images taken before the surgery and after the surgery at a stage when the temporary swelling and bruising has been eliminated and full results of blepharoplasty are visible.

The cosmetic surgeon will obtain these photographs with the patient’s consent and present them before new patients in an appropriate manner. The surgeon’s goal in this case is to use the photographs as a visual tool to describe different aspects of the eyelid cosmetic surgery to new patients.

Benefits

When a woman or man is considering lower or upper eyelid surgery, they may only have a vague idea of how the procedure will enhance the appearance of their eyes and face, and how it may help to meet their overall aesthetic goals. Some patients may need a more comprehensive procedure, while others may only need a maintenance surgery to address minor signs of aging.

In some cases, the plastic surgeon may recommend eyelid surgery in conjunction with brow lift or another facial procedure. In all such situations, it can be difficult for a patient to make the right choces. With the help of blepharoplasty before and after photos, the surgeon will be able to address these issues effectively. Dr. Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas.

Realistic Expectations

An experienced surgeon will like to use blepharoplasty before and after photos at the very outset in order to remove any misplaced notions from the mind of the patient, and enable them to have realistic expectations.

Once the patient knows exactly what the procedure can or cannot do for them, they will typically achieve better satisfaction levels from the results. It will also mitigate the risk of any disappointment or misunderstanding that the patient may face.

Photos Online

Blepharoplasty before and after photos can be provided on the surgeon’s practice website for free access to all. New patients can easily review the photos online in the comfort of their home or office, and then make a final decision about visiting the surgeon’s office for a blepharoplasty consultation. Using digital technology a potential patient will have a better grasp on what to expect. This will minimize any surprises from occurring and help the doctor and the patient be on the same page before the procedure begin

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, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

The choice of breast implants is one of the most important decisions in breast augmentation cosmetic surgery procedure. The final results will be determined to a significant extent by the type and size of implants that the patient selected. Therefore, it is essential to engage closely with the surgeon and make the right choice of implant type and size.

Dr. Eugene Kim is a double board certified plastic surgeon providing breast augmentation and various other procedures of the breast, body and face. Dr. Kim will discuss all about implant sizes and qualities during the pre-op consultations and help his patients make the appropriate choices. He provides breast implant surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding communities.

Size Range

Over the years, breast augmentation cosmetic surgery has evolved and the quality and range of implants have also improved dramatically. Patients have a much wider choice today to suit their individual aesthetic goals and unique anatomical needs. Not only the implant qualities in terms of saline, silicone and ultra-cohesive silicone implants, but also implant sizes, shapes, textures, and profiles range has expanded.

Breast implants are usually not measured in terms of the bra cup size, but in terms of cubic centimeters. A wide variety of sizes ranging from 120cc to 960cc are usually available. The surgeon will assist the patient to determine the most appropriate size in her case. Dr. Kim is a leading plastic surgeon providing breast implants to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas.

Determining the Right Size

Based on the guidance of the surgeon, the patient would choose one implant size to begin with. Therefore, she would compare it with slightly bigger and slightly smaller sizes to identify the most appropriate size. In most cases, the patient will be able to narrow the size options to one or two sizes fairly quickly.

In some cases, the woman may not have sufficient breast tissue, and the surgeon may advise her that she may experience about 10 percent loss of breast volume within a year. The difference of 10 percent of an implant in the size range 250 to 450cc would be about the same as the difference between two sizes. Therefore, the patient may go for one size more than what she actually wants.

Women who are very concerned about too small or too large implants can find it difficult to select the right size for them. In general, smaller implants are preferred by women who have a slim body or an athletic appearance. They prefer to be discreet about their breast enhancement. Such women may usually do best to choose the implant size ranging between 180cc and 250cc.

Similarly, women who seek larger sizes are generally more comfortable with sizes between 400cc and 500cc. While choosing larger sizes, it is important to recognize that the implant size should be compatible to the internal breast base width. This will avoid unnecessary stretching of the skin and prevent implant rippling.

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, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

Breast Implant Surgery after a Mastectomy

Breast implants procedure may not only be performed as a cosmetic surgery, but also as a part of breast reconstruction following a mastectomy. Saline or silicone gel based implants are used for breast implant surgery to recreate a natural shape of one or both breasts after a mastectomy.

In some cases, breast implant procedure may be performed along with the mastectomy, while in other cases it will be performed later as a separate procedure. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim provides breast implant surgery and various other procedures to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding areas.

Surgical Procedure

If the breast implant insertion is to be performed at the same time as mastectomy, the plastic surgeon will place the implant beneath the chest muscle after the breast surgeon has removed the breast tissue. To perform such immediate reconstruction, sufficient tissue should be available to cover the implant.

In case, the mastectomy involves a substantial amount of skin removal or the patient undergoes a staged approach to breast reconstruction, the plastic surgeon will place a tissue expander between chest muscle and the skin after the breast tissue has been removed. A tissue expander is a balloon-like implant, which stretches the skin to create space for the final implant.

The expander includes a port, which will enable the surgeon to add increasing amounts of a saline solution over the next few months until the skin is adequately stretched to accommodate the implant. Dr. Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby locations for breast implant and other procedures.

Delayed Reconstruction

Mastectomy surgery will usually take about two to three hours, but if an implant or tissue expander is inserted at the same time, it will take an additional one hour to complete the procedure. For patients who are going to have a delayed reconstruction, the surgery to insert the tissue expander may be performed in about four to six months after the mastectomy.

If several months or years have passed since the mastectomy, it may still be possible to go for tissue expansion and breast reconstruction procedures. It will depend on how much skin is left in the surgery site and what is the condition of scarring. During the tissue expansion procedure over several months, the patient is likely to feel minor pain or pressure for a few hours after each infusion of saline solution to expand the skin.

Recovery

Breast implant procedure, whether it is performed as a cosmetic surgery or as a part of breast reconstruction, will usually be done using general anesthesia. The treated area will be covered in bandages following the surgery. Drainage tubes may be inserted to collect excess fluid from under the skin. The patient may be required to wear a special surgical bra for several weeks.

If the mastectomy and implant reconstruction are performed together, the patient may have to stay overnight at the hospital. If the implant is placed later, the patient may go home the same day. The patient may take about two weeks to return to their normal routine or go back to work.

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, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) Cost | Beverly Hills 

Eyes are the most prominent part of the face from an aesthetic perspective. Once the signs of aging start showing around the eyes, it can make the face appear older or tired looking. Blepharoplasty or eyelid cosmetic surgery is an effective solution to reverse this condition.

During the initial consultation, a surgeon will discuss all aspects of blepharoplasty, including its estimated costs. The goal is to help the patient make an informed decision. Dr. Eugene Kim is a board certified plastic surgeon providing eyelid surgery and various other procedures to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding communities.

Type of Surgery

The monetary amount of eyelid surgery will be determined according to the type of surgery to be performed on a particular patient. If the patient requires lower or upper eyelid cosmetic surgery, the cost will slightly vary in each case. Some patients may need only transconjuctival blepharoplasty, which may cost a little lower than other procedures. Ethnic eyelid surgery costs can also differ, depending on the patient’s needs.

In some cases, eyelid surgery may be combined with non-surgical procedures such as dermal fillers or fat transfer injectable treatment. Some patients may require both lower and upper eyelid surgery, which will also increase the cost. When a customized treatment plan is finalized for a patient, the surgeon will be in a better position to provide a more precise cost estimate.

Cost Factors

Blepharoplasty costs may vary from one practice to another even when an identical surgery is performed at both places. Several factors may influence the price of surgery.

Location

Financial factors in prime urban centers and coastal regions will usually be higher in the US as compared to interior or smaller areas. Median household income, real estate costs, taxation policies, and other elements will impact the average cost of goods and services at each location. For instance, the cost of eyelid surgery in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas may not be the same as the cost in, say, Alabama.

Surgeon Fees

The fee of the plastic surgeon can vary depending on their skills, certifications, experience, and reputation in the area of eye surgery. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, patients should select the appropriate surgeon for their needs, and consider the surgeon’s fee only as a secondary factor in such a decision.

Operating Facility and Anesthesia Costs

Eyelid surgery may be performed at a hospital, ambulatory surgical center, or a private surgical suite. The monetary amount will vary in each case. If the anesthesia is administered by an anesthetist nurse, the fee may be a little lower as compared to that of an anesthesiologist.

Insurance and Financing

If eyelid surgery is performed as a medical necessity to correct vision obstruction or to eliminate ptosis, full or partial cost of the procedure may be covered under the patient’s health plan. Patients should also explore various financing options to make payments in convenient monthly installments.

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, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

Excess fat deposits and sagging skin in the neck area can appear unsightly, or give the appearance of a double chin. This condition can be equally bothersome for a man or woman from an aesthetic perspective. Neck lift is a popular cosmetic surgery treatment to address the aging signs in the neck area. Kybella injections is another, non-surgical solution to treat neck fat.

Patients seeking fat reduction and skin tightening in the neck area may consider both options of neck lift surgery as well as Kybella injectable treatment. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim provides both treatment alternatives to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding communities.  

Candidates

Neck lift cosmetic surgery may be more suitable in cases where the patient is primarily bothered by the appearance of loose or hanging skin in the neck area. This condition can be corrected only surgically, but minor improvements in skin tightening may be achieved through non-surgical alternatives. The appearance of a turkey wattle neck, or skin damage due to sun and wind exposure are also conditions that can be corrected with a neck lift.

Kybella injectable treatment is more appropriate for candidates who suffer from excess fat tissue accumulation in the neck and below the chin. This double chin appearance can be reduced through liposuction or non-surgically with Kybella fat reduction treatment. In some cases, neck lift and liposuction or neck lift and Kybella injections may be combined to achieve more effective outcomes.

Procedure

Neck lift procedure should be performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon only. Advanced surgical techniques can be used to ensure less invasive surgery and more targeted results. The surgeon will place small incisions below the chin and behind the ears. This will keep the scars fairly hidden. Excess fat may be reduced through surgical excision or liposuction, while the underlying sagging muscles may be tightened through the incision.

Loose skin will be excised towards the end of the surgery, and the skin will be replaced smoothly and pulled taut over the neck to reduce the appearance of neck creases and wrinkles. Incisions will be closed with sutures. Neck lift is usually performed with the patient under IV sedation and local anesthesia. Dr. Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas for neck lift.

Kybella, on the other hand, is an FDA approved non-surgical treatment involving injections that are administered directly into the targeted fatty tissue below the chin. While the surgery is completed in a single day, Kybella injectable treatment will require two to four treatment sessions in most cases. Each session will last for about 20 minutes, and a maximum of six sessions may be required.

Other Differences

Kybella treatment will avoid the pain, the risk of complications, the prolonged downtime, and other issues typically associated with a neck lift surgery procedure. However, neck lift can be used to achieve more comprehensive aesthetic results, particularly for patients who need skin tightening in the neck.

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, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon before Facelift Surgery

Face is the most prominent part of an individual’s aesthetic appearance. Therefore, while considering facelift cosmetic surgery, it is important to lay special emphasis on choosing the right facelift surgeon and asking the right questions during the initial consultation process. If the candidate is fully aware and has realistic expectations from the procedure, the results are likely to provide a higher level of satisfaction.

Dr. Eugene Kim is a double board certified plastic surgeon providing facelift and various other procedures. Dr. Kim encourages his patients to ask questions and make a well informed decision about the procedure. He receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding communities.

Right Questions to Ask

Some of the key questions that a patient should ask the surgeon during a facelift cosmetic surgery consultation include the following:

• Have you received a board certification in cosmetic or plastic surgery, and if yes, from which board?
• Did you receive specialized training in the area of plastic surgery, and for how many years?
• Where would the facelift procedure be performed, and do you have hospital privileges?
• Do you have previous experience in performing facelift surgery, and what has been your success rate?
• Is your attending staff properly trained and qualified?
• From which areas do you receive most of your patients?
• Will I be a suitable candidate for a facelift?
• Is it possible to achieve similar results as facelift with any non-surgical aesthetic procedures?
• What would be an outstanding, average, and poor outcome from a facelift surgery?
• Would you be able to show be facelift before and after images of previous patients?
• Is it possible for me to speak to any of your staff members or earlier patients to learn more about this procedure?
• Would you use an accredited surgical facility?
• Will you perform the facelift surgery using general or local anesthesia?
• Do you have adequate procedures in place to handle an emergency?
• Would you be available during all my visits to your office for this procedure?
• What is the estimated duration of facelift surgery?
• Will I need to get any lab test and health clearances prior to the procedure?
• What could be the potential risks and complications during or after a facelift?
• What should I expect during the post-op recovery process?

Other Suggestions

The patient should request the plastic surgeon for as many facelift before and after photos as possible in order to get a clear idea of what to expect from the surgery. They should also inquire about the surgeon’s team members. Remarkable surgeons almost always have a dazzling and results oriented team. In case the patient feels the need for more information, they should ask for testimonials of previous patients to learn about their experience.

Nowadays it is easy to look for more information, reviews, and feedback about the surgeon online. Verification may also be done from the state medical board office. Dr. Kim provides facelift surgery and other procedures to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby locations.

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, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

How to Minimize Bruising from Rhinoplasty Surgery?

In any cosmetic surgery procedure, some degree of temporary bruising and swelling is a natural occurrence. It is important for a candidate seeking a procedure such as rhinoplasty to be aware about the extent of bruising that may occur, so that they may plan for the recovery period accordingly. In any case, a surgeon with advanced skills and experience in rhinoplasty can minimize the possibility of bruising.

Patients should try to choose a plastic surgeon with a successful track record of rhinoplasty with minimal bruising. In the case of an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon, most patients would go through only minimal bruising, and even others may only undergo downtime for about one week until the nasal cast is removed. Dr. Eugene Kim is a double board certified plastic surgeon providing rhinoplasty to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding communities.

Surgical Skills

The skills and experience of the surgeon who performs rhinoplasty cosmetic surgery will be a crucial determinant in the kind of bruising that may occur following nose reshaping surgery. To enhance the size or shape of the nose, the surgeon may have to make minor cuts in the nasal bones. When these cuts are being made, in some cases, the periosteum which covers the upper and lower surface of the nasal bones may be cut or shredded.

The periosteum is the vital source of blood supply to the nasal bone, and if cuts occur in the area, bleeding can occur in the skin below the eyes and cheek. This will result in extra bruising and swelling. A skilled plastic surgeon will invest more time and care to cut the nasal bones skillfully in order to minimize the trauma to the periosteum. This will effectively ensure minimal bruising. Dr. Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby locations for rhinoplasty.

Patient’s Attributes

A number of patient attributes will have an impact on the extent of bruising that may occur in a nose reshaping surgery.

How Old is the Patient

Older patients will tend to bruise more because as a person ages, the blood vessels are likely to become more fragile.

Bleeding Tendency

Patients with a family or personal history of excessive bruising or bleeding during a surgery must inform the surgeon about the condition at the time of initial rhinoplasty consultation. This will help the surgeon to modify the surgical approach appropriately.

Use of Certain Medications

Some patients may have been taking blood thinning drugs, which can be a key factor as far as bruising and bleeding risk is concerned. The surgeon should coordinate with the primary care doctor in advance in such cases.

Recovery Do’s and Don’ts

Aspirin, ibuprofen and several types of anti-inflammatory medications must be avoided for a few weeks before and after the rhinoplasty surgery. Consumption of herbal teas, multi vitamins, fish oils and products enriched with Vitamin E should be minimized. Ice packs should be used in the cheek area for about two days following the 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, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty Using Fillers

Rhinoplasty ranks among the top five most popular cosmetic surgery procedures performed in the US today. The procedure is designed to enhance the shape and size of the nose to make it more harmonious with the rest of the facial features. However, some patients may be desirous of improving the appearance of their nose, but may not wish to undergo a surgical procedure. In such cases, it is possible to meet the patient’s needs with non-surgical FDA approved dermal filler injectables.

When a nose reshaping procedure is performed using filler injections, all the typical risks and complications associated with a surgery are automatically avoided. The procedure can be performed with the patient experiencing minimal pain, and having to bear very little or no downtime. Double board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim provides nose reshaping and various other procedures to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding communities.

Who is a Suitable Candidate?

Any adult who is bothered by the appearance of a smaller or undermined nose, presence of a nose bump or poorly defined nasal tip, or such other physical aberrations, but does not wish to undergo a cosmetic surgery, may make a good candidate for non-surgical dermal filler rhinoplasty.

However, patients who may require major changes to the nose shape or size, or suffer from severe aesthetic anomalies may only achieve significant improvements with a surgery. Dermal filler based rhinoplasty is ideally suited for working people and busy mothers who usually look for procedures that involve minimal downtime and entail very low risk.

Filler Treatment

At the time of initial consultation, the plastic surgeon will assess the condition of the nose and the patient’s individual aesthetic needs and goals. Accordingly, a customized treatment plan using facial fillers will be prepared. The injectable procedure can typically be completed in about 20 to 30 minutes. The surgeon will numb the affected area with a local anesthetic injection or topical cream to ensure complete patient comfort.

The treatment provider may choose Juvederm or Restylane, which are hyaluronic acid based fillers, to perform the non-surgical rhinoplasty. No prior allergy tests are necessary with these FDA approved cosmetic fillers. The chosen filler will be injected into the marked areas of the nose in correct quantities. Soft tissue augmentation will be able to enhance the nose shape, profile, symmetry, and projection as per the pre-determined treatment plan.

In certain cases, more advanced dermal fillers such as Radiesse or Sculptra may also be applied to achieve the desired outcomes. The treatment expert may sometimes use a combination of two or more dermal fillers, depending on the aesthetic needs of the case. Filler rhinoplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure. The patient will be able to return home the same day. Dr. Kim provides filler nose reshaping to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas.

Recovery

Temporary swelling and redness will resolve on its own in a few days. Most patients can resume their normal activities almost immediately after the filler treatment. Results can sustain for six to 12 months, depending on the type of fillers used.

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, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.