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.
About Dr. Kenneth Kim
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 pursued advanced graduate education at Harvard Medical School, earning a Master of Science degree focused on healthcare quality and patient safety. He studied systematic approaches to improving care across medical and surgical specialties, with research focused on reducing the risk of cognitive decline associated with general anesthesia.
Dr. Kim 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.
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.
These academic experiences and fellowships allowed Dr. Kim 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.
An Elite Mindset
Dr. Kim maintains a constant pursuit of higher standards in surgery and safety. As a former elite U.S. Junior National water polo athlete—a distinction earned through years of rigorous training, discipline, and focus—he brings that same intensity and dedication to medicine. This mindset guides his unwavering commitment to delivering the highest level of care.
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
- Adjunct Professor – Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, South Korea
- 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 SurgeryMassachusetts 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 UniversitySchool of Medicine, Department of Plastic Surgery
“Asian Eyelid Surgery and Ptosis Surgery: Redefining Relevance Across All Ethnicities”
“Rationale for Awake Bloodless Deep Plane Facelift” - Seoul National University College of Medicine, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
“Minimal Bleeding Extended Deep Plane Facelift: Rationale and Clinical Implications”
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.
Recognition
Newsweek 2025
America's Best Plastic Surgeons 2025
Facelift, Eyelid Surgery, Rhinoplasty
America's Best Plastic Surgeons 2024
Facelift, Eyelid Surgery, Rhinoplasty
America's Best Plastic Surgeons 2023
Facelift, Eyelid Surgery, Rhinoplasty
America's Best Plastic Surgeons 2022
Eyelid Surgery, Rhinoplasty
America's Best Plastic Surgeons 2021
Rhinoplasty
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 at Northwestern University, one of the nation’s top plastic surgery programs and recognized for pioneering advancements in deep plane facelift 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 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.
Dr. Kim’s fellowship was supported by the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons and Synthes, a leading global medical device company that develops instrumentation for skeletal 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.
Dr. Kim collaborated in the development of innovative surgical techniques, including the Dynamic Double Eyelid Fold, advanced eyelid ptosis techniques, rib cartilage rhinoplasty for Korean nasal aesthetics, internal autologous bra for breast augmentation, safer osteotomy for facial skeletal contouring, and medial and lateral lifting for midface rejuvenation.
Publications
Recent Presentations
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 – Instructor
Principles and Application of Internal Fixation for Facial Bone Reconstruction, 2003
- AO Research and Development Institute, Switzerland – Instructor
Innovations in Minimally Invasive Techniques in Craniomaxillofacial Reconstruction, 2003
Professional Credentials
American College of Surgeons
Fellow
American Board of Plastic Surgery
Diplomate
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Member
Industry Collaboration
Medtronic
USA
2003 – 2005
Porex Surgica
USA
2003
Synthes Maxillofacial
USA
2002 – 2003
Baxter, International
Surgical Consultant
2023 – Present
Implantech
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.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open (PRS Global Open) is the official open-access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. It publishes original research, clinical studies, and innovative surgical techniques across the full spectrum of aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, making the latest advances in the field freely accessible to physicians worldwide.
Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (OPRS) is the official peer-reviewed journal of the Oculofacial Society. It publishes original research, clinical studies, and surgical techniques focused on oculofacial plastic surgery, including the eyelids, orbit, lacrimal system, and facial reconstructive procedures.
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 Dr. Kim, Kenneth by the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons.
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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.
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What Are Patients Saying?
Dr. Kenneth Kim
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.
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Dr. Kenneth Kim
5757 Wilshire Blvd Suite 349
Los Angeles, CA
90036
(213) 700-4297
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