Esther A. Kim

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.