Meet Dr. Kenneth Kim
Dr. Kenneth Kim is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon based in Los Angeles. A graduate of Yale University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School, he is internationally recognized for his expertise in awake plastic surgery and advanced Asian aesthetic surgery. Dr. Kim performs face and body procedures using local anesthesia (awake anesthesia) and is a pioneer of minimal bleeding techniques, resulting in safer surgeries, enhanced surgical precision, and more optimal results.
- Assistant Clinical Professor – UCLA School of Medicine
- Clinical Instructor – Seoul National University
- Partner – Dream Medical Group
- Specialty – Board-Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Diplomate – American Board of Plastic Surgery
- Fellow – American College of Surgeons
- Peer Reviewer – Medical Journal Archives of Plastic Surgery
- Medical Staff – Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Academic Distinctions and Fellowships
Dr. Kenneth Kim earned his undergraduate degree in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of California, Berkeley. In his junior year, he was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society, ranking in the top twenty students of his class and having the highest cumulative GPA at UC Berkeley upon induction. He was nominated for a Rhodes Scholarship and was a University Medal Finalist.
Dr. Kim then earned his medical degree from Yale University School of Medicine, where he received the Dean’s Award and Department of Surgery Research Award. He was also inducted into the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Research Fellowship, where he studied tissue regeneration at the molecular and cellular levels. The Howard Hughes Medical Institute supports cutting-edge research and has sponsored more than 30 Nobel Prize recipients.
After Yale, Dr. Kim completed a seven-year plastic and reconstructive surgery residency at Northwestern University. He received the AO Craniomaxillofacial Research and Development Fellowship, the first U.S. plastic surgery resident to be inducted as a fellow into the Institute’s headquarters in Switzerland. AO is the leading institute in the biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system. In Switzerland, he researched bioengineering and methods to improve minimally invasive surgery.
Both fellowships allowed him to understand surgery from the microscopic to macroscopic levels, from the cellular mechanisms of tissue repair to larger-scale bioengineering technology, providing him with a uniquely comprehensive command of surgery.
Global Training and Experience
Born in South Korea and raised in both Seoul and Southern California, Dr. Kim brings an international perspective to plastic surgery. Following his residency and fellowships, Dr. Kim continued to pursue surgical training and work across the globe—including in South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Brazil, Dubai, Canada, and Switzerland. Dr. Kim’s global training allows him to deliver highly customized results for patients of all ethnic backgrounds.
South Korea is often regarded as the plastic surgery capital of the world, performing more procedures per capita than any other country, and it has played a particularly influential role in Dr. Kim’s surgery. There, he has worked and collaborated with the most renowned surgeons to master the most advanced techniques in Asian aesthetic surgery, including incisional and non-incisional Asian blepharoplasty (double eyelid surgery), blepharoptosis (eyelid ptosis) surgery, Asian rhinoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, and facial bone surgery.
In addition, Dr. Kim is a partner of Dream Medical Group, the leading plastic surgery group in Seoul, South Korea, trusted by high-profile Korean celebrities. In recognition of his advanced training and surgical expertise, Dr. Kim was also selected as the sole Clinical Instructor at Seoul National University College of Medicine, where he teaches plastic surgery residents.
Safety: Awake Surgery and Minimal Bleeding Techniques
As a leading expert in awake plastic surgery, Dr. Kim performs face and body procedures using local anesthesia, avoiding the risks associated with general anesthesia and intravenous (IV) sedation (e.g., blood clots, memory loss). This allows patients to remain awake during surgery, maintaining normal breathing, blood pressure, and brain function.
In addition, Dr. Kim has pioneered minimal bleeding techniques that create a clear surgical field with minimal visual obstruction. This enhanced visibility allows for greater precision and more comprehensive surgical outcomes, so patients can experience faster recovery and better, long-term results.
Commitment to Advancement
Dr. Kim’s drive to constantly elevate the current state of surgery has led to transformative innovations. Being a former U.S. Junior National water polo athlete instilled in him a deep work ethic, discipline, and determination that continue to fuel him.
His commitment to patient safety and surgical improvement led him to pursue a Master of Science from Harvard Medical School, where he studied factors and systematic approaches to improve safety and quality in healthcare across medical and surgical specialties. His thesis focused on reducing the risk of cognitive decline caused by general anesthesia.
Mission
Dr. Kim became a surgeon to best help patients. That calling has taken him across the world in pursuit of surgical knowledge and technical mastery. Along the way, he came to understand that skill alone is not enough—that advancing surgery requires innovation, deeper scientific understanding, and utmost dedication. He holds the responsibility of being a surgeon with deep respect and has devoted his life to that purpose.
Academic Roles and Teaching
In addition to his practice, Dr. Kim is an educator who is devoted to teaching. He serves as:
- Associate Clinical Professor – UCLA School of Medicine
- Clinical Instructor – Seoul National University College of Medicine, South Korea
- He serves as a reviewer for the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal (PRS) and PRS Global Open. He has published in numerous peer-reviewed journals. He was also a video editor for a cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery textbook.
- Dr. Kim is an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), where he serves on multiple committees.
He has lectured at academic institutions, including:
- Harvard Plastic Surgery (Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center)
“Advances in Asian Eyelid Surgery and Ptosis Correction: Improving Function and Aesthetics”
“The Optimal Facelift: Awake and Bloodless Technique for Safety and Longevity” - The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Plastic Surgery
“Asian Eyelid Surgery and Ptosis Surgery: Redefining Relevance Across All Ethnicities”
“Rationale for Awake Bloodless Deep Plane Facelift”
Furthermore, he presents at national and international conferences, such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, covering topics such as awake plastic surgery, facelift, facial contouring, rhinoplasty, and advanced blepharoplasty and eyelid ptosis correction.
Academic Appointment
- Associate Clinical Professor – University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine
- Clinical Instructor – Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
Hospital Affiliation
- UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles
Residency
Dr. Kim completed a 7-year residency program in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
- Northwestern University, Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Education
HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL
Dr. Kim received a Master of Science in Healthcare Quality and Safety from Harvard Medical School.
YALE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Dr. Kim received his medical degree from Yale University School of Medicine with a 4-year scholarship.
- Yale University School of Medicine, Dean’s Award
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Surgery Research Award
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY
Dr. Kim earned his undergraduate degree in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of California, Berkeley. He received a four-year merit scholarship and was on the Dean’s List for four years. As a junior, he was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society for ranking in the top twenty of his class and held the highest cumulative GPA at UC Berkeley upon induction. He was a Rhodes Scholarship nominee and a University Medal Finalist, a nomination for valedictorian of his graduating class (5800 students).
- Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society
- Rhodes Scholarship Nominee
- University Medal Finalist
- Dean’s List (4 years)
Research Fellowship
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute Research Fellowship
Dr. Kim received the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Research Fellowship, a non-profit medical research organization recognized as one of the nation’s largest philanthropies. He studied tissue regeneration at the molecular and cellular levels. The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) boasts over 300 investigators who play a significant role in advancing biomedical research and science education by pushing the boundaries of knowledge as research pioneers. HHMI has supported more than 30 Nobel Prize recipients.
- AO Craniomaxillofacial Research and Development Fellowship, Switzerland
Dr. Kim received the AO Craniomaxillofacial Research and Development Fellowship. AO is the leading institute in the field of biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system. He was the first U.S. plastic surgery resident to be inducted as a fellow into the AO Institute’s headquarters in Switzerland, where he researched bioengineering and surgical methods to improve minimally invasive surgery.
Clinical Fellowship
- University of California, Davis Medical Center
Dr. Kim was a facial trauma and reconstruction fellow at UC Davis Medical Center, where he received advanced training on complex facial bone reconstruction. He worked with real-time 3D CT image-guided surgery to facilitate surgical precision. He used ultra-high resolution 3D renderings to build customized implants for patients requiring specialized reconstruction.
- Seoul, South Korea
Dr. Kim trained with the top plastic surgeons specializing in eyelid, nose, and bone contouring surgery in South Korea. He worked with surgeons at the forefront of advances in modern Asian plastic surgery and operating on Korean celebrities. Dr. Kim has continued to work and collaborate with colleagues in Korea to publish and present the latest advancements in plastic surgery.
Publications
- Discussion: Use of Auricular Composite Graft in Rib Cartilage-Based Rhinoplasty for Contracted Nose Correction
Kim KK
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2025 Mar; 155(3):502e-503e.
- A Comprehensive Assessment of Soft-tissue Sagging after Zygoma Reduction Surgery through Artificial Intelligence Analysis
Park YY, Kim KK, Park B.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Glob Open, 2024 Aug; 12(8):e6055.
- Optimizing Esthetic Outcomes and Bone Stability: Chin Advancement Through Inverted V Osteotomy
Kang JK, Kim KK, Han J, Park B.
Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, 2024 Jun; 35(4):1225-1230.
- Cutaneous Layer and SMAS Suspension (CaSS) Lift as a Minimally Invasive Lateral Midface Lift
Byun JS, Kim KK.
Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, 2023 Nov; 35(2):378–83.
- The Rationale of Coronal Approach to Malar/Zygoma Reduction
Seol JY, Kim KK.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Glob Open, 2023 Oct; 11(10):e5304.
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline: Eyelid Surgery for Upper Visual Field Improvement
Kim KK, Granick MS, Baum GA, Beninger F, Cahill KV, Donnelly KC, Kaidi AA, Kang AS,
Loeding L, Loyo M, Patel PA, Roostaeian J, Taghva GH, Varkarakis GM.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2022 Aug; 150(2):419e-434e.
- Subbrow Lift Using Frontalis Sling to Correct Lateral Orbital Laxity
Kim HS, Kim KK.
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2020 Dec; 44(6):2119-2126.
- The Use of a Retromammary Adipofascial Flap in Breast Augmentation for Patients with Thin Soft Tissue
Han HH, Kim KK, Lee KH, Kim IB, Lee PK.
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2018 Dec; 42(6):1447-1456.
- Levator Aponeurosis and Muller Muscle Plication Reinforced With Levator Sheath Advancement for Blepharoptosis Correction
Byun JS, Hwang K, Lee SY, Kim HT, Kim KK.
Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, 2017 Oct; 28(7):1849-1851
- High Double Eyelid Fold Correction Using Wide Dual-Plane Dissection
Kim KK, Kim WS, Oh SK, Kim HS.
Annals of Plastic Surgery, 2017 Apr; 78(4):365-370.
- Correction of Severely Contracted Nose
Oh YH, Seo JW, Oh SJ, Oum IT, Kim G, Kim J, Kim SY, Shin SW, Park DE, Kim KK.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2016 Sept;138(3):571-82
- Transareolar-Perinipple (Areolar Omega) Zigzag Incision for Augmentation Mammaplasty
Han HH, Kim KK, Lee KH, Park D, Rhie JW, Ahn ST, Lee PK.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2015 Mar; 135(3):517e-525e.
- Effective Use of a Silicone-induced Capsular Flap in Secondary Asian Rhinoplasty
Jeong JY, Oh SH, Suh MK, Kim CK, Kim KK.
PRS Global Open, 2014 Jul; 2(6):e172.
- Adjunctive Techniques to Traditional Advancement Procedures for Treating Severe Blepharoptosis
Baik BS, Ha W, Lee JW, Ji SY, Yang WS, Kim KK.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2014 Apr; 133(4):887-896.
- Correction of Asian Short Nose with Lower Lateral Cartilage Repositioning and Ear Cartilage Grafting
Byun JS, Kim KK.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, 2013 Oct; 1(6):e45.
- Double-Eyelid Surgery Using Septoaponeurosis Junctional Thickening Results in Dynamic Fold in Asians
Kim HS, Hwang K, Kim CK, Kim KK.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Glob Open, 2013 Jun; 1(2):1-9.
- Correcting upper eyelid retraction by means of pretarsal levator lengthening for complications following ptosis surgery
Cho IC, Kang JH, Kim KK.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2012 Jul; 130(1): 73-81.
- Cases of Mild Ptosis Correction with Suture-Method
Ahn TJ, Kim KK.
Archives of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2012; 18(1):15-20.
- Superior Pedicle Autoaugmentation Mastopexy: A Review of 34 Consecutive Patients
Kim P, Kim KK, Casas LA.
Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 2010 Mar; 30(2):201-10.
- Technical note: “Look-ahead” navigation method for K-wire fixation in rhinoplasty
Kim KK, Zhao L, Belafsky P, Patel PK, Strong EB.
Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod, 2008 Feb;105(2):168-72.
- Endoscopic repair of anterior table: frontal sinus fractures with a Medpor implant
Kim KK, Mueller R, Huang F, Strong EB.
Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, 2007 Apr; 136(4):568-72.
- Repetitive exposure to TGF-beta suppresses TGF-beta type I receptor expression by differentiated osteoblasts
Kim KK, Ji C, Chang W, Wells RG, Gundberg CM, McCarthy TL, Centrella M.
Gene, 2006 Sep; 379:175-84.
- Endoscopic approach to orbital blowout fracture repair
Strong EB, Kim KK, Diaz RC.
Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, 2004 Nov; 131(5):683-95.
- Time- and Dose-Related Interactions between Glucocorticoid and Cyclic Adenosine 3′,5’–Monophosphate on CCAAT/Enhancer-Binding Protein-Dependent Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Expression by Osteoblasts
McCarthy TL, Ji C, Chen Y, Kim KK, Centrella M.
- Runt Domain Factor (Runx)-dependent Effects on CCAAT/ Enhancer-binding Protein d Expression and Activity in Osteoblasts
McCarthy TL, Ji C, Chen Y, Kim KK, Imagawa M, Ito Y, Centrella M.
- Reduction in Transforming Growth Factor b Receptor I Expression and Transcription Factor CBFa1 on Bone Cells by Glucocorticoid
Chang DJ, Ji C, Kim KK, Casinghino S, McCarthy TL, Centrella M.
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins Localize to Discrete Cell Culture Compartments in Periosteal and Osteoblast Cultures From Fetal Rat Bone
Chen Y, Shu H, Ji C, Casinghino S, Kim KK, Gundberg C, Centrella M, McCarthy T.
Recent Presentation
- Harvard Plastic Surgery (Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center), Boston 2025 Dr. Kim presented at the Harvard Plastic Surgery Residency Teaching Didactics. His presentation was entitled “The Optimal Facelift: Awake and Bloodless Technique for Safety and Longevity.” He also presented at the Harvard Plastic Surgery Grand Rounds. His presentation was entitled “Advances in Asian Eyelid Surgery and Ptosis Correction: Improving Function and Aesthetics.”
- The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore 2025 Dr. Kim presented at The Johns Hopkins Hospital Plastic Surgery Residency Teaching Didactics. His presentation was entitled “Rationale for Awake Bloodless Deep Plane Facelift.” He also presented at The Johns Hopkins Hospital Plastic Surgery Grand Rounds. His presentation was entitled “Asian Eyelid Surgery and Ptosis Surgery: Redefining Relevance Across All Ethnicities.”
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons, San Diego 2024 Dr. Kim gave a presentation on Asian Aesthetic Surgery.
- University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2024 Dr. Kim presented on Decreasing the Risk of Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction.
- The Aesthetic Society, Vancouver 2024 Dr. Kim presented on the Uniqueness of Asian Facelift
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 2024 Dr. Kim gave a presentation on the Anterior vs Posterior Approach to Blepharoptosis (Eyelid Ptosis) Correction for Mild, Moderate, and Severe cases.
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 2023 Dr. Kim presented on Awake Bloodless Deep Plane Facelift.
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Atlanta 2021 Dr. Kim presented on Unrecognized Upper Eyelid Ptosis as well as Facial Contouring.
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 2021 Dr. Kim gave a presentation on the wider use of Local Anesthesia in Cosmetic Surgery and the Unspoken Complications of General Anesthesia.
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2020 Dr. Kim presented on the Ethnic Considerations in Facial Cosmetic Surgery specifically Face and Neck Lift.
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons, San Diego 2019 Dr. Kim gave a presentation on Facelifts for Asians and Heavy Faces and a presentation on Wide Awake Anesthesia in Facial Surgery.
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Professional Liability Insurance and Patient Safety Committee Meeting 2018, The Doctors Company, Napa, California Dr. Kim gave a presentation on Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction and a presentation on Limiting Operative Time.
- Plastic Reconstructive Surgery Korea 2018 Dr. Kim gave a presentation on Correction of Severe Ptosis with CFS.
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Chicago 2018 Dr. Kim presented on Eyelid Ptosis Correction as well as Deep Wide Plane Facelift.
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, Plastic Surgery Grand Rounds, Continuing Medical Education (CME) Lecture 2015 Dr. Kim gave a presentation on Eyelid Ptosis Repair and Deep Plane Facelift Surgery: Functional and physiologic restoration of the eyes, face, and neck.
- Aesthetic Plastic Surgery 2013 Dr. Kim gave a presentation at the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery conference that was taken place in Coex Convention Center, Seoul, Korea.
- Seoul Rhinoplasty Forum 2012 Dr. Kim was given the honor to lecture as a guest speaker at the first ever Seoul Rhinoplasty Forum.
- The Rhinoplasty Society In 2005, Dr. Kim was invited by The Rhinoplasty Society to present on innovative surgical technique in rhinoplasty using one’s own cartilage to augment the tip and bridge of the nose.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons Committees
- Quality and Evidence-based Initiatives Committee, 2024-Present
- Patient Safety Subcommittee, 2017-Present
- Annual Meeting Educational Program Committee, 2017-Present
- Quality and Performance Measurement Committee, 2017-2022
- Healthcare Delivery Subcommittee, 2017-2018
Advanced Teaching to Specialized Surgeons
- AO North America – Table Instructor
Advances In Minimally Invasive Techniques, 2004
- AO Research and Development Institute, Switzerland – Instructor
Innovations in Minimally Invasive Techniques in Craniomaxillofacial Reconstruction, 2004
Milestones
Diplomate
Fellow
Member
Industry Collaboration
- Medtronic
USA; 2003 – 2005
- Porex Surgical
USA; 2003
- Synthes Maxillofacial
USA; 2002 – 2003
- Baxter, International
Surgical Consultant; 2023 – Present
USA; 2009 – Present
Video Editor
“Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery of the Breast”
Elsevier Medical Publishing; Amsterdam, Netherlands
Dr. Kim’s understanding and knowledge of the intricate aspect of breast augmentation and reconstructive surgery led to his role as video editor for Elsevier, the world’s leading publisher of science and health information. His collaborative work with plastic surgeons worldwide led to an in-depth video production of cutting-edge cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery in 2010.
Reviewer
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (PRS) is the peer-reviewed medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. It publishes articles on all aspects of plastic and reconstructive surgery including operative techniques, clinical and laboratory research, and case reports. The journal highlights the latest advancements and innovative methods in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.
Archives of Plastic Surgery
Archives of Plastic Surgery (Arch Plast Surg, APS) is the official journal of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons and is published six times per year on the 15th of January, March, May, July, September, and November. It is a peer reviewed, open access journal that publishes articles in all fields of plastic and reconstructive surgery including aesthetic surgery, microsurgery, craniofacial surgery, hand surgery, burns, wound healing, and basic research related to all areas of plastic surgery. Dr. Kim is one of the reviewers of this peer-reviewed journal.
Certificates & Awards
2019 Certificate of Appreciation, presented to Dr. Kim, Kenneth by the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons.
2019 Certificate of Appreciation, presented to Dr. Kim, Kenneth by the Asian Blepharoplasty Forum.
2019 Certificate of Recognition, presented to Dr. Kim, Kenneth by the City of Los Angeles.
2018 Certificate of Appreciation, presented to Kenneth Kim, M.D. by the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
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