At Asia Pacific Aesthetics in Honolulu, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Shim Ching leads a globally recognized practice grounded in precision, artistry, and patient safety. Having trained in Canada, Brazil, Switzerland, South Korea, Columbia and the U.S., Dr. Ching blends international innovation with the warmth of Hawaiian hospitality. Named among Hawaii’s Best and Castle Connolly Top Doctors year after year, he and his team are dedicated to education and transparency—empowering patients across the islands and abroad to make informed, responsible decisions about aesthetic care. This article reflects that mission: evidence over opinion, and confidence through knowledge.
Why This Matters in Hawaiʻi Specifically
In the islands, health decisions often reflect kuleana (responsibility) and mālama ʻāina (care for the land), which are values that emphasize balance, respect, and collective well-being. This cultural perspective encourages choices that nurture both body and spirit, aligning personal transformation with harmony in one’s community and environment.
Myth #1: “Cosmetic Surgery Is Just Vanity.”
- The reality is that research shows properly selected patients often experience higher self-esteem and body satisfaction after surgery
- Motivation isn’t vanity—it’s alignment between inner confidence and outer appearance
- Island culture values harmony and authenticity, so choosing change to feel at home in your body, at work, or in the water reflects self-respect, not superficiality
Myth #2: “It Isn’t Safe.”
- When performed by board-certified plastic surgeons in accredited facilities, cosmetic surgery follows strict safety standards
- Many patients travel inter-island or internationally
- Choosing an AAAASF-accredited center with coordinated recovery planning ensures safety, wherever you’re from
Myth #3: “Results Will Look Fake.”
- Today’s techniques emphasize proportion and subtlety
- Millions of patients seek natural-looking improvements, not extremes
- Our multicultural community celebrates diverse beauty ideals
- Skilled planning respects ethnic features, lifestyle, and your own vision, so your result feels unmistakably you
Myth #4: “Any ‘Cosmetic Surgeon’ Is Qualified.”
- ABPS/ABMS certification validates residency training and passage of examinations, proving a surgeon's competence and commitment to ongoing education
- Qualified surgeons lead Asia Pacific Aesthetics
- Dr. Shim Ching is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada
- Dr. Zachary Long, also board-certified, trained at SBH Health System in New York, and is a Fellow of the
- American College of Osteopathic Surgeons
- With transient providers common in the islands, it's vital to verify a surgeon's credentials rather than relying on marketing
- We’re proud to say you can trust our team—scrutiny is welcome, and we meet it, allowing you to choose with confidence
Myth #5: “Recovery Means Hiding For Weeks.”
- Recovery timelines vary, and many people return to daily life within days to weeks, depending on the procedure
- Following your surgeon’s detailed aftercare plan—covering movement, sun protection, and follow-ups—is what matters most
- Once cleared, ease back into the ocean or outdoor activities mindfully, and always use reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your skin and Hawaii’s marine life
The True Standard of Cosmetic Surgery in Hawaiʻi
In Hawaiʻi, informed choices are a form of respect for yourself, your health, and the place you call home. When knowledge guides your decisions, cosmetic surgery becomes a thoughtful expression of care rather than a reaction to myth or misconception.
At Asia Pacific Aesthetics, board-certified surgeons Dr. Shim Ching and Dr. Zachary Long approach every procedure with the same dedication to precision, artistry, and integrity that has earned the practice recognition among the nation’s top 100.
Take the next step with a team that sets the standard for excellence in Hawaiʻi. Contact us today to book your consultation and learn more.
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