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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.

  • Board Certifications

    American Board of Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, 2014

  • Residencies

    Mayo Clinic Hospital GME (Phoenix, AZ), Plastic Surgery, 2012

    University of Nebraska Medical Center, 2009

  • Internship

    University of Nebraska Medical Center, 2005

  • Education

    University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, 2004

  • Languages

    Korean

    English

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
    120 Ratings
    About our process
    Mar 19, 2025
    Very professional
    Feb 18, 2025
    I found Dr. Kim to have very poor bedside manner. She told me multiple times that she didn't think I would be satisfied with having a gender affirming reduction. I asked multiple times what might be a good outcome, but she just kept repeating the same negative statement. I might still refer her to someone wanting top surgery, because it seems like she is more confident in that area, but I would definitely tell someone to expect poor bedside manner and not to see her if they want a reduction. I found her to be quite negative and cold.
    Feb 05, 2025
    Dr. Kim was great! Very professional and straight forward
    Nov 06, 2024
    I left my appointment with the feeling that I could easily call dr. Kim or her staff to discuss any further questions I might think of.
    Oct 23, 2024
    Super good very professional
    Oct 16, 2024
    All good just maybe be a little more friendly
    Oct 09, 2024
    I Love and trust Dr. Kim, she is a great surgeon.
    Aug 16, 2024
    I am very happy that Dr. Kim will perform my surgery. I have had a very bad experience in the past from a different facility.
    Jul 21, 2024
    Dr Kim is absolutely wonderful. She literally saved my life with this surgery
    Jul 17, 2024
    Everything I needed to know was told to me and further contact information was given in case I had more questions.
    Jul 17, 2024
    Ester Kim and her team were just fabulous and I couldn't have asked for a better surgery and after care team.
    Jul 17, 2024
    Dr. Kim is very caring and, while she can seem rushed at times, always treats me with respect and clearly cares deeply about her craft. She is direct, explaining the pros and cons of various approaches, and includes me in the decisions around my treatment. I have felt like I am in excellent hands in her and her clinic's care.
    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.

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