Roy Kim, MD

02/12/2026

I can’t tell if that before-and-after is real anymore. And neither can you.

Research shows humans detect AI images at 53% accuracy—coin-flip territory. A plastic surgeon with mediocre results can now populate their gallery with perfect AI-generated befores and afters.

Low-resolution scrolling on your phone? Impossible to tell what’s real.

Video is still harder to fake convincingly. Movement, lighting changes, real-time explanation of anatomy—that’s harder to simulate.

For now.

Which is why I’ve shifted toward more video content. Because you deserve to see evidence that results actually exist.

Before you choose a plastic surgeon: verify they exist through official channels. Prioritize video. Trust your consultation more than any gallery.

The full breakdown is on my Substack- link in bio.

02/10/2026

A patient asked me something today that stopped me mid-consultation.

“Do you repair the ligaments during a deep plane facelift?”

I don’t. I release them- and this is why a deep plane facelift works.

Think of it this way — as your face ages, those ligaments aren’t helping you anymore. They’re anchoring everything in the wrong place. Release them, and I can put your facial structures back where they were 15 years ago. That’s not tightening- it’s a restoration, and why the deep plane facelift technique is so powerful.

Four major ligaments are released, and the entire SMAS is repositioned and supported. That’s the deep plane difference.

What’s something about facelifts you’ve always wondered but never asked? 👇

02/09/2026

Big thanks to

Kanokwan Wansiri, KF Ng, Nuch Nampanya, Farjana Sunny

for all your support! Congrats for being top fans on a streak 🔥!

02/04/2026

"Why would I pay more when the surgery is the same?"

I hear this twice a week in consultations. And honestly? The patient isn't wrong.The basic surgery IS the same.

But here's what nobody tells you: There are three versions of breast augmentation. Most surgeons only offer one.

Here's the uncomfortable truth: most surgeons recommend what's easy, not what's optimal.

Fat grafting takes more time. Internal support requires expertise. Scar optimization is obsessive work.

So the consensus stays: "Implants alone work great."They do work. But "works" and "optimal" are different things.

Is the Gold version three times better than Bronze? No. Think of it like wine—a $100 bottle is good, a $1,000 bottle is better, but not ten times better. You're paying for refinement, not exponential improvement.

But if longevity matters—how you look at year 15, not just year 1—that refinement is everything.

Full breakdown on my Substack.
Link in bio. 📍

What would you choose—immediate satisfaction or long-term results?

02/03/2026

You don’t have to be “old” to need a Blepharoplasty. 👁️

This patient is young, but early upper lid laxity was hiding her natural crease. Her biggest request? “I want to look like myself — just better.”

We conservatively:
↳ removed excess skin
↳ reinforced her natural fold
↳ kept her brow completely untouched

She looks the same… just more open, rested, and defined.

The best blepharoplasty is the one nobody can spot.

Thinking about eyelid surgery but worried about looking overdone? Contact my office and let’s set up a consultation.

01/29/2026

“I want the deep plane facelift. That’s the best one, right?”

She learned this from her Pilates instructor!

Deep plane has become a status symbol. Like getting the premium version of anything. Better must mean deeper, right? Wrong.

The best facelift isn’t the most advanced one. It’s the one that matches your anatomy.
The real question isn’t your age. It’s whether your midface needs significant work.

Deep nasolabial folds and midcheek descent? Deep plane makes sense. The ligaments released lets your malar fat pad reset back onto the cheekbone.

Shallow nasolabial folds, not much jowling? A full SMAS facelift works beautifully and lasts 8-10+ years.

After 25 years of practice, I’ve learned that matching the procedure to your specific aging pattern matters more than choosing whatever technique is trending.

Full breakdown on my Substack: deep plane vs. SMAS trade-offs, cost analysis, longevity expectations, and what I actually tell each patient type. Link in bio.

01/27/2026

Scar Management Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

Most patients heal beautifully with the foundation-
Tension-free closure techniques
Antibiotic ointment during re-epithelialization
Sun protection
Silicone gel

But for longer incisions or scar-prone patients? We’re throwing the entire kitchen and the kitchen sink for optimal healing.

This patient has a history of excess scar tissue formation. Swipe through to see what we’re doing now and what we have planned as her scar matures.

Treatments include

$$$
PRP $$
Microneeding with Exosomes $$$
Botox Injection $$
Laser $
Cortisone Injections $

How far would you go for the least noticeable, best-looking scar? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

01/27/2026

What's the difference between Botox, a neurotoxin, and a neuromodulator?

Botox is a brand name made by Allergan. It's a type of neurotoxin or neuromodulator—and those two terms mean the same thing. "Toxin" sounds worse, but "modulator" is less familiar.

These injectables weaken muscles slightly. Less muscle activity means fewer wrinkles, especially on the forehead and between the eyes.

Other brands include Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau, and Daxxify.

01/24/2026

This is why I do what I do.

When patients come in nervous about breast augmentation, I make sure every question gets answered, no matter how many. This recent patient had reservations, and we took the time to discuss everything she could expect. No rushing, no hesitation.

The result? She's thrilled with her augmentation, and that's what matters most.

If you're considering breast augmentation, you deserve a surgeon who listens and keeps you informed every step of the way.

📍 San Francisco & Beverly Hills
Let's talk about your goals.

01/23/2026

01/22/2026

Would you inject something labeled "not for human consumption" into your body?

Thousands of people do it every day with peptides.The promise: muscle growth, fat loss, anti-aging, faster recovery.

The reality: contaminated with arsenic & lead, zero human safety data, and your doctor's malpractice insurance won't cover it.

I broke down everything you need to know about the peptide craze on my Substack!

🔗 https://drroykim.substack.com/p/the-peptide-craze-why-im-not-recommending-them-to-my-patients

01/21/2026

Beautiful results with 400cc breast augmentation, creating natural-looking volume and enhanced confidence.

My beautiful patient wanted a balanced, proportionate look that complemented her frame perfectly.

I specialize in customized breast augmentation techniques that prioritize natural aesthetics and long-term satisfaction. Every consultation includes detailed measurements and 3D imaging to help you visualize your results before surgery.

Swipe to see the stunning transformation ➡️

📍 San Francisco | Beverly Hills
📞 Book your consultation today - link in bio