Required
Redefining Modern <br>Plastic Surgery
Dr. Kenneth Kim
Meet

Dr. Kenneth Kim

Board-certified plastic surgeon and Associate Clinical Professor at UCLA, Dr. Kenneth Kim is internationally recognized for his expertise in awake plastic surgery with local anesthesia, advanced Asian surgical techniques, and minimal-bleeding methods that support faster recovery and exceptionally refined results. He also teaches at Seoul National University and leads Dream Medical Group in Los Angeles and Seoul.

Dr. Kim is known for his surgical precision, cutting-edge techniques, and commitment to safety—expertise he applies in his practice and teaches globally to advance the field of plastic surgery.

1. Awake Surgery

Dr. Kenneth Kim specializes in awake surgery using local anesthesia (awake anesthesia), allowing patients to remain awake and comfortable during surgery. This technique minimizes the risks associated with general anesthesia and promotes smoother, faster recovery and greater safety.

Minimal Bleeding Technique

2. Minimal Bleeding Technique

Dr. Kim’s minimal-bleeding technique minimizes disruption to blood vessels and maximally preserves healthy circulation to the tissues, supporting healthier skin and enhanced results. His approach helps reduce swelling, bruising, and postoperative discomfort. His clean, controlled technique allows for greater surgical precision and safety and promotes accelerated healing.

Globally-Advanced-Techniques

3. Globally Advanced Techniques

Through his partnership with Dream Medical Group in Korea and his international training, Dr. Kim has developed comprehensive expertise in advanced surgical techniques from around the world. He remains at the forefront of global innovation—integrating leading-edge methods into his practice and advancing the field internationally as a recognized expert. His experience allows him to tailor each procedure with greater precision and customization, offering patients world-class, cutting-edge care.

Statistics and insights

18
Years of experience
10
k+
Surgical procedures
Patients from over
100
Countries
29
Surgical & Scientific Publications
Cutting Edge, Safe Surgery

Cutting Edge, Safe Surgery

Expert in healthcare quality and safety

Dr. Kim’s approach to surgery is grounded in science, innovation, and patient safety. He holds a Master of Science in Healthcare Quality and Safety from Harvard Medical School, giving him a formal foundation in clinical quality improvement, risk reduction, and patient safety.

Dr. Kim pursues a higher standard of plastic surgery—one that prioritizes safety, surgical precision, and natural, long-lasting results. His awake plastic surgery maintains your natural physiology, protects cognitive function, and minimizes the risks of general anesthesia and IV sedation. Guided by this philosophy, he continually advances surgical safety and technical innovation, redefining modern surgical care.

The partnership between Dr. Kim and the Dream surgeons has led to increased expertise and innovation in Asian aesthetic surgery, which has benefited patients around the globe. Techniques have focused on blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, facial rejuvenation, and facial bone contouring and have been implemented in procedures for A-list South Korean celebrities.

Cutting Edge - Safe Surgery

Published Articles

Dr. Kim has authored numerous articles in leading peer-reviewed journals, including Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (PRS), Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open (PRS Global Open), Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. His publications span a broad range of topics such as upper blepharoplasty, double eyelid surgery, ptosis surgery, rhinoplasty, breast surgery, facial bone contouring, and facelift techniques, reflecting both the depth and breadth of his expertise in plastic surgery.

awake Surgery
Reconstructive Surgery
Aesthetic Surgery
Craniofacial Surgery

Videos and Stories

Before and Afters

Podcast

Dr. Kim has been featured on podcasts to share his expertise in awake plastic surgery, anesthesia safety, and advances in surgical techniques. Listen to Dr. Kim’s explanation on how he is redefining plastic surgery to improve patient safety.

What Are Patients Saying?

Best choice I ever made having my double eye lid surgery done with Dr. Kim. The results are exactly what I wanted and the whole process itself was smooth and painless. Thank you Dr. Kim and your wonderful staff for taking such great care of me!!

Emily Y.

I was super nervous as this was my first time getting surgery of any sorts. Dr. Kim was really patient and attentive during my consultation and just seemed to know exactly what kind of look I wanted. Afterwards, I was so excited to get this procedure done!

Jenny C.

It’s been a few months after my surgery and my eyes are looking fabulous! My eyes look a lot more awake and bright eyed yet still very natural. I like the fact that I don’t need much make up at all to make my eyes look bigger. I can’t thank Dr. Kim enough for my beautiful new eyes!

Lindsey L.

I had the most wonderful experience with Dr. Kim and his staff for my double eyelid surgery. Every member of the office staff I encountered was extremely organized and professional. I am so happy about my experience and strongly recommend Dr. Kim with no reservations.

Sarah H.

International Surgeon

Dr. Kim received his formal medical training in the United States, after which he pursued further training and conducted clinical research in Korea, Japan, Canada, Switzerland, Germany, Brazil, and the USA, to name a few. Always active in the international community, Dr. Kim collaborates with medical professionals worldwide in his search for the latest surgical innovations and advancements. His international, widely educated background enables him to deliver his patients results that are refined, cutting-edge, and natural-looking.

Locations