Esther Kim, MD

Dr Kim is amazing! She’s a phenomenal surgeon, she has an excellent bedside manner, extremely thorough and detail oriented and zero ego. Highly recommend her for facial plastic surgery. You won’t be disappointed

I had a breast reduction in February, 2021 and absolutely love my results! Dr. Kim is super meticulous. She set realistic expectations, and explained what to expect thoroughly. I healed beautifully, wish I would have done this 10 years sooner.

Hi all! My pre op was today and now the nerves have finally hit. I'm a 34 B (according to vs) and just decided on 615 cc! I'm 5'11 so everything looks a little bit smaller on me. My surgeon and the girls in my office encouraged me to go bigger rather than smaller. I can't believe this is finally happening. No more looking like a 12 yr old boy! Updated on 4 Oct 2019: Here are some of the sizers I tried on yesterday. I think they are 550 cc. The medical assistant in the office told me that you want to get 50 cc bigger from what you like as they shrink a little. Updated on 7 Oct 2019: Everything is starting to feel real the nerves are definitely hitting. I am absolutely terrified of IV’s so that’s all that is scaring me. I’m a baby, I know. It’s kind of bitter sweet to think that these are my last few days with my little boobs. I figured I would update some before pictures to follow my progress! If anyone has any recommendations on what to get before this surgery let me know! Updated on 7 Oct 2019: Updated on 11 Oct 2019: On my way to the hospital right now and I am surprisingly calm! I can’t believe this is finally happening. Here are some more pics Updated on 12 Oct 2019: Definitely feeling sore. I have a high pain tolerance and I’m not going to lie, the pain sucked. I didn’t start feeling good till about 8 hours after. My nurse was amazing and taught me a trick to help with nausea, smell alcohol wipes when you feel like throwing up. It really helps! I’ve been keeping up with my pain medication all day. You do not want to miss it. I took a little peak at my boobs and love them! I cannot wait till my post-op apt to see them. But seriously, the soreness is real for me. Maybe it’s worse because I have two rods and 16 screws in my back and I just added some pressure to them. If you’re located in Southern California, go see Dr. Kim at Advanced Institute plastic surgery. She is so sweet. She called me a few times after surgery to check on me. The hospital the procedure was performed at was amazing as well! I have no complaints about anyone or anything there. I already feel like a new person! Updated on 12 Oct 2019: I look so out of it but just wanted to show some pics from the hospital. Updated on 15 Oct 2019: They are so perfect for me! I could not have asked for better results. They're pretty swollen right now but that's as expected. I've been trying to ice them as much as possible now. I can't wait to start showing these girls off! Btw, dr Kim and all her staff is amazing! I would never go anywhere else. Updated on 15 Oct 2019: Today I woke up and they’re a little more sore than I have been used to. I think it’s because of the way I slept last night. I also have to keep them bandaged for 3 more days and it’s definitely been uncomfortable. I can’t wait to shower and get back to wearing normal clothes.

My TT & flank lipo is scheduled for 01.26.2018! New year, new me! My youngest little is 15, so I’ve been waiting 15 years for this! Part of me feels selfish, because I could be putting this money toward something else for my family, but I keep reminding myself it’s okay to invest in myself. I feel a sense of ‘nesting’ as I already have my surgery bag almost ready with all of my supplies I want handy. I’m super excited, and love reading all of your posts!Updated on 25 Jan 2018: I had my pre-op on Monday, 01.22.2018. This was the first time I was able to meet the staff in person, as I chose to handle everything over the phone from NorCal. I cannot day enough how impressed my Sister-in-Law and I were. Everyone is very professional, yet personable and honest. Dr. Kim did not sugar-coat anything, which I appreciate. Now it is less than 24-hours until my surgery, and I am feeling every emotion in the books! The surgery center Dr. Kim utilizes is also very professional and thorough, as they called to ask me their set of medical questions as well.Updated on 26 Jan 2018: I am home recovering! My surgery was at 7:30am, and it went great! Prior to surgery, they took one last urine test to confirm i was not pregnant; btw, started my cycle early, so Thats a joy (not)! I met with my nurse, anesthesiologist and PS. Dr. Kim outlined me, and within minutes was on my way to the OR, which i was knocked out before arrival, haha! I woke up from anesthesia very well, and managed to get down a couple of crackers to take medication. The first attempt of getting up was unsuccessful, and I asked to lay back down for a few minutes. When I was ready, it was a successful second attempt. The ride home (about 40 minutes, sometimes a bit curvy), was fine. I couldn’t believe how well and alert I felt! The first walk around the pool seemed great, until I then went to the restroom to pee and to change my pad with the assistance of my sister-in-law of course. I suddenly got the sweats and stared shaking while trying to walk with the walker back to my recliner. The pain and light-headedness subsided as soon as I was positioned in my chair, thank goodness. A wet washcloth on my forehead helped so much! As the evening has progressed, I’m in a bit more pain, feeling as if I’ve done 50,000 crunches at one time, as well as feeling like my midsection had taken a beating (it did, perhaps). My PS called to check-in, and she said it went beautifully, and I will be very pleased. Her only concern is that I only quit smoking a little over 2 months ago, so I am still susceptible to complications. I am going to try to get some sleep before my next dose of pain pills. I will post an update soon!Updated on 28 Jan 2018: Slept pretty good last night in between my alarm reminders for my pain pills. I definitely am trying to stay ahead of the pain. I am a bit more sore and uncomfortable today. The binder feels very heavy when I get up, and my back....Oy! My PS has text/called me everyday to check in, which is very comforting. My first post-op appointment is tomorrow!Updated on 30 Jan 2018: Well, the PS had warned me due to me stopping smoking only 2 months prior to surgery, there is a chance of necrosis. During my exam, she marked a possible spot and we will measure it at appointments. Although I just want to throw my hands in the air, I have to focus on the positive of feeling good, and otherwise healing very good. Thankfully I had my first bowel movement today!! Hooray!! OMG, I was so scared! After taking Colace, Dulcolax, warm prune juice and an herbal tea, today was the day, without any pain (except the uncomfortable drains).Updated on 30 Jan 2018: Updated on 9 Mar 2018: I am not jumping up as fast as others recovering from TT/MR/Lipo. I haven’t posted in a while! This week at my appointment I had my last drain removed. It’s a quick burn, but so thankful to have them out. I am pretty much on bed rest this week now that both drains are out to lessen the chances of a seroma. On top of that, I now am wearing Spanx, a foam core as well as my binder. My necrosis eschar has to be debrided, unveiling a lovely hole the size of the top part of an index finger. I had a meltdown during the appointment! My PS suggested I ask for my Primary to perhaps prescribe something for my anxiety. Being that I am staying with family for recovery (6 hours from home), I am so homesick and ready to be home. My PS said that I can return home within the next few weeks, but will have to continue care with a wound care clinic once returned. She made it sound as if I’m going to be receiving care for a few months. It’s been a few days since the wound ‘reveal’, and I am slowly accepting it and realizing that it’s not the end of the world.

When I was born, I was assigned male and had a heart defect that required surgery. What I didn't know what that they have inadvertently destroyed one of my inframammary creases, which made me have only one breast for my entire life until now. I still have had two nipples, of course, but they destroyed the ligament that was supposed to support my right breast, making that breast flat and unable to develop fully. I say I was "assigned male" loosely. Technically, yes, and I had (and am still pre-op with vaginoplasty) a penis, but developed an androgynous body through what I can only assume were hormone imbalances cause from developmental differences from all of the heart stuff, which made me have my one breast, curvy hips, and soft skin as a teen. I also suffered from depression, had a low sex drive, and would have gone bald had I not gotten on hormone replacement therapy soon enough. All of those are valid signs of testosterone deficiencies and hormone imbalances, but I was still expected to act male while feeling like a girl inside. I wondered for many years over why my chest looked the way it did, and why I was essentially missing a breast, until I met my doctor. What they did was plication to make a new crease, and silicone implants to supplement the stunted development while making it all look as natural as possible. The left breast also got some treatment. I'm thankful this was as easy as it was to get insured.

Doctor Kim did an amazing job on my tummy tuck! She's very knowledgeable and professional. She's upfront and will thoroughly explain the procedure and risks. I heeled quickly. My results were amazing!

41 year old mom of two. Both C sections. Been on this site for a long time researching and following others. Thought I would share my tips and tricks now that I am 5 weeks post op. Even though you can not tell from my before picture, I have been working with a personal trainer at the gym three times per week. I wanted to be strong for a better recovery. I am so thankful for all the squats and push-ups because I sure needed it. You need leg strength to squat onto the toilet and arm strength to sit and lay down. I thought I would be back to work in two weeks... no way. Not even to my desk job. I'm on week five and still not back. Next time I'll post more about what I bought, what I used, and what I didn't need.

I have hated my photos because my eyes always look tired and saggy. Even my husband has made comments on my eyes. I don't look 49 but my eyes...my eye look so much older. I went to an event at my plastic surgeon'a office, learned about Voluma and saw the before and after photos. I was sold! I just had it done a few hours ago so I''m a little puffy plus lack of sleep but what a difference already. I love it! The procedure wasn't so bad. The worst part was when it felt like the cannula was close to my eyeball. Other than that it was a walk in the park. Thank you Dr. Kim. She talked to me the whole time which was also distracting and very helpful because I hate needles/canulas.

In school the boys teased me because I was so flat chested (AA). After my first child I had boobs (full C)! Of course it didn't last. My second child left me with deflated B's. I could literally hold pocket change under my "boobs". I was always invested in the latest push up or water or air bra. Anything to make me look like I had a chest. But naked? I didn't want to even look at them. I finally decided to get breast augmentation And happened upon Dr. Kim. A female Aisan Doctor that had excellent reviews and just down the street from me. It was a sign. I stressed Asian because I am also Asian and I deal with keloid scars and I my biggest fear was going through all of this just to get ugly scars or capsular contracture. Dr. Kim educated me so I could make an informed decision and my husband and I settled on going under the muscle with a Naturalle implant of 500cc silicone. OMG the results were beyond both my husband and my expectations. I look fabulous! I am now a DD which actually doesn't look that big on my frame. It actually turned out to be the best size for my body. They look natural and feel real and I can't stop staring at them. I love going sans a bra which is amazingly bold for me especially now that I'm turning 49. My husband was never disappointed in my breasts but he really likes them now and a lot has to do with the confidence that I exude now in and out of bed. Thank you so much Dr. Kim. What you did for me changed my life and I couldn't be happier. Updated on 29 Sep 2016: I just wanted to post some before and after photos so you can truly see how much I hated my breasts before implants and how much better they look now. I LOVE MY BOOBS!

Hi! This site has really helped me so decided I better write my own. My whole life I have been a small b. My weight fluctuated lots through college, and I weigh about 20 lbs less now than I did in my twenties. I have 2 beautiful babies who I breastfed, both are toddlers now. My poor girls are left deflated & empty. When I lift up my arms there is loose skin rippling. I do not feel comfortable and have been planning to do this for myself when the time was right. Well, I found a great ps I love, and she had an opening within 2 weeks. So here I am today, its THE DAY. I go in later today. So excited but nervous. Marisa Miller is my boobie idol and my goal is for a full C small D. I ended up choosing the 445cc inspira implant for fullness, and under muscle placement bc Im thin and dont have much left there. I will post more updates later! My stats are 5'7, 120 lbs, curvy shape but athletic. Updated on 2 Feb 2016: Here are my goal pics....love the full but natural looking shape. Want to be a smal d. My ribcage measures 32/34. My ps suggested the inspira for the fullness and 445cc. I intially was leaning towarss 400cc but bc we chosw under muscle she suggested 445 for the look I want. So excited!! Updated on 2 Feb 2016: Updated on 2 Feb 2016: Surgery went great. I was so nervous and excited. It took about an hour to get me all prepped, IV, etc. My wonderful ps came in and drew on me. She was so calm, fun, and excited for me, I just love her. Felt very confident in her hands. The Anesthesiologist was super nice and explained everything to me. I gave my hubby a kiss and they said, ok were giving you the medicine to relax and thats the last I remember! Woke up in what seemes like 5 mins in recovery. The nurses were very nice and monitored me for about an hour. I did feel a lot of pain pressure but nothing too bad, she gave me some morphine to help. Hubby helped me get dressed and we were on our way. Took meds, muscle relaxer and vicodin once home. Have been drinking gatorade with ice chips and had a few saltines. I tend to get nauseous(I remember from my c section) so the anasthesiologist gave me exta meds for that. Ive held everything down so far. Walking around every hour or so. My girls are all bandaged up so hard to tell but think I will be happy with size for sure. They are swollen and high for sure. Ive heard since I breastfed and my boobs were so deflated/loose that I should drop fairly quickly. We shall see. Another note, my ps said the inspira is a great choice for women like me who are thin, barely have any breast tissue to get that full soft Marisa miller look. She said that also I had a bit of sag but not too much, not enough to need a lift, and this particular implant can give a slight lift because of the shape. So excited to see how they turned out!!!! Cant believe it! Updated on 3 Feb 2016: Hi! Well my surgery was early yesterday so Ive had all day yesterday and an overnight. I was very nauseous yesterday and stuck to ginger ale, water, and a few saltines. I tried to eat a few berries in the afternoon and threw up. Pain was not bad at all, taking pain pills every 5 hours. I forgot to take one when I went to bed and woke up in lots of pain. Took it and felt better within a half hour. I slept on a reclining couch with foot rest we have, and pretty much sat there most of the day besides walking around for 10 mins here and there. I feel swollen and huge, so have been icing with pea packs 10 mins at a time. Today is my post op so will post some pics of the new girls!!! Cant wait to see, its hard to tell through this bandage. My ps called twice yesterday to check on me. She said the 445cc was a great choice & looked really good. Anyhow I see another day of bad reality tv, and rest in my future today! :) Ive also been loving the cute gym sweats and zip up hoodies I ordered from VS pink, will be wearing those lots the next few weeks I can tell, especially once I need to head out with my kiddos next week. Updated on 3 Feb 2016: Just went in for first post op. Took off the bandage wraps and got to see.. Love my new boobs!!! Now they seem hard and high though. The left seems to sit higher than the right/look square. This is normal right??? Im assuming its going to to drop and settle and soften over the next few weeks, but they look awesome even now! So happy with the size, not to big, not to small. Also, my ps said to wear the wraps for the next week still. I was hoping to get to change into a soft sports bra :(. Oh well following orders! I will post some pics in a bit. Updated on 4 Feb 2016: Hi! Feeling a little better today, but still sore so kept up pain meds and valium. Rested lots but made sure to walk around and started eating a bit more...smoothies, protein, rice, veggies. My ps wants me to wear the ace bandages and white compression one till my visit next week, an no shower just bird bath :/ Really wishing I could put on a soft sports bra and take a shower :(. Ive let the girls out for a bit here and there just to breath & admire them!!!! OMG I am so happy so far! For day 3 I think they look awesome! They are definitely swollen and hard, and a bit high, but I know it will take weeks for them to settle. I dont have much bruising and my incisions look tiny(under crease) So happy with my ps so far. Final choice was the 445cc inspira srx full profile under the muscle. I was a deflated post partum a cup prior. I am so happy I did this and very happy with the results so far. Will post more pics as the weeks go on :) Updated on 5 Feb 2016: Owwwwie!!! Woke up this morn without having taken any pain meds all night and they are super sore. Just took a vicodin. I was hoping to get off the pain meds and switch to tylenol....when did ya'll normally do that? Ive been sleeping in our lazy boy recliner couch super comfy to be upright. My doc has me wearing the tight ace bandages and the compression strap till tuesday, I just took off the bandages for a bit and put on the soft walmart sports bras I got....the girls need a breather feel so much better in this bra! I will put on the aces later again I guess. My ps also said no shower yet and I really want too. Bummer. I will wash hair in sink I guess with hubbys help that should be interesting haha. Is pain worse in the morning?? Also, did anyone else wear the ace bandages for week??