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Esther A. Kim

MD FACS

Plastic surgeon
Chief, Gender Affirming Surgery
Enjoys cooking, art, hiking and listening to podcasts

Dr. Esther A. Kim is a plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic and complex reconstructive surgery. She performs surgical and nonsurgical injectable cosmetic procedures, microvascular breast reconstruction (advanced reconstruction techniques that have several advantages for patients) and gender affirmation surgery. Her goal is to achieve natural-looking results and optimal outcomes through attention to detail. Combining technical excellence, an artistic eye and compassionate care, she takes each patient's needs and anatomic differences into account to achieve the best outcome.

Kim's research focuses on health care disparities and ways to improve quality of life and surgical outcomes for patients who undergo reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.

Kim earned her medical degree from the University of California, Davis. She completed a residency in general surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, followed by a residency in plastic surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona. At UCSF, she completed a fellowship in microsurgery (especially delicate procedures performed under a microscope), and she now serves as co-director of this fellowship program. She strives to balance a professional career, service to her community and serving as a role model to her three daughters.

  • Education

    UC Davis School of Medicine, 2004

  • Residencies

    University of Nebraska Medical Center, Surgery, 2009

    Mayo Clinic, Plastic Surgery, 2012

  • Fellowships

    UCSF, Microsurgery, 2013

As an academic plastic surgeon, I see my role as educating, inspiring and empowering patients and young minds.

Where I see patients (2)

    My reviews

    4.7

    Overall Experience
    96 Ratings
    About our process
    Jun 14, 2024
    I absolutely adore my whole team :)
    May 15, 2024
    Dr. Kim definitely needs to work on her bedside manner and communication skills when it comes to listening to the patient and informing them of all of their options. I felt like I had to advocate for myself through the whole process.
    May 15, 2024
    There was some disagreement but her concerns were clear
    Apr 17, 2024
    I felt like we both understood each other and she addressed every concern I had in a comforting but not sugarcoated way
    Mar 27, 2024
    I don't know much but I do know that Dr Kim and her team are amazing
    Dec 13, 2023
    I had a very positive experience.Dr. Kim was very kind and caring. Thank you
    Nov 01, 2023
    Great!
    Oct 25, 2023
    Dr Kim was informative and answered all questions I had.
    Oct 13, 2023
    I've been transitioning with one of my friends and he was able to come in with me so that when it's his time he could also go to Dr. Kim
    Sep 29, 2023
    Thank you
    Aug 17, 2023
    Dr. Kim inspired confidence and was polite and concerned for my welfare. I can ask no more.
    Aug 16, 2023
    I was thrilled with the attention to detail everyone provided me. They were patient and took the time to talk things through.
    Apr 05, 2023
    I personally felt after my provider learned about my mental disability, the air of the room shifted. She also kept calling it a long outdated and unused term that I stated I didn't like.

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