Driving southbound on the I-5, near the El Toro exit, we’ve often passed a commercial building emblazoned with the bold sign “Axe Throwing.” After countless drive-bys and curious comments, we finally decided to satisfy our curiosity and visited the Whoop Axe facility.

Walking in, we were greeted by the lively hum of axes hitting wooden targets. Much like a bowling alley, we rented a lane for an hour—but here, it came with an instructor. Our guide introduced us to the art of axe throwing, starting with small tomahawks, progressing to standard hatchets, and finally, larger throwing axes. His expert instruction was essential, and with practice, we began landing satisfying, thudding throws on the target.

Axe throwing has a fascinating history. Long before it became a trendy sport, axes were indispensable tools for survival, used in hunting, woodcutting, and even as weapons in battle. Ancient warriors, like the Franks of early Europe, wielded throwing axes such as the franciscas with deadly precision. Today, axe throwing has been transformed into a recreational sport that emphasizes skill, focus, and a touch of adrenaline.

Now a global phenomenon, modern axe-throwing leagues bring enthusiasts together for friendly competition and camaraderie. Facilities like Whoop Axe make the sport accessible to anyone eager to try their hand at this ancient skill.

What we found most rewarding was the mental focus required—it’s almost meditative to hone in on your target and deliver a clean throw. Axe throwing offers a fun, active way to challenge yourself, whether you’re aiming for stress relief or sharpening a new skill.

Our verdict? If you’re looking for a unique experience, give it a try! Whether you land a bullseye or just enjoy the journey, it’s a satisfying way to connect with history while engaging in something refreshingly different.

Dr. Ekstrom in action with a midsize hatchet.

Pretty good for a rookie.

As we age, the natural processes of time and gravity can take a toll on our appearance. Sagging skin, wrinkles, and a tired look often leave us longing for a refreshed, youthful appearance. For those who wish to look their best, aesthetic facial rejuvenation offers a variety of options, from surgical interventions like facelifts and brow lifts to minimally invasive treatments like microneedling and fillers.

While the prospect of surgery can seem daunting to many, it is important to know that there are plenty of minor measures to enhance your appearance while you consider whether and when facial rejuvenation surgery is right for you. Here, we discuss several popular options, along with their benefits and limitations.

1. Microneedling
Microneedling stimulates collagen production by creating tiny micro-injuries in the skin. This treatment improves skin texture and minimizes fine lines and scars. While subtle compared to surgery, it is an excellent choice for maintaining youthful skin or as a precursor to more advanced procedures.

2. Fillers and Neurotoxins
Fillers restore lost volume in areas like the cheeks and lips, while neurotoxins, such as Botox® and Dysport®, smooth wrinkles by relaxing facial muscles. These are quick, effective, and require no downtime but need regular maintenance.

3. Microfat Grafting
This procedure uses your body’s fat to restore facial volume and improve skin quality. Unlike fillers, it offers a more natural, permanent result, but it requires a minor surgical process for fat harvesting and grafting. This procedure is one of Dr. Ekstrom’s specialties.

4. Chemical Peels and Laser Resurfacing
Both options enhance skin tone, texture, and brightness by removing damaged outer layers. Chemical peels and lasers are tailored to specific skin concerns, targeting wrinkles, scars, or pigmentation. These treatments involve varying degrees of downtime but deliver noticeable improvements.

5. Skincare Regimens
Professional-grade skincare products, like retinoids and growth-factor serums, can enhance skin health and prolong the results of other treatments.

Each patient’s needs and goals are unique. During a consultation, we will guide you through these options, helping you decide what combination of treatments best suits your lifestyle and aspirations. Your journey to a refreshed appearance can start with small, impactful steps—leading to the transformative results you desire.

Female in her late 40’s, a good candidate physically for a face and brow lift, but not mentally ready. She is shown here before and a month after 50 u of Botox® into her forehead, glabella and crows feet, and 2 vials of Sculptra Aesthetic® into her cheeks and temples by Dr. Juris Bunkis to give her this rejuvenated appearance – and buy her some time before she is ready for surgery.

We want you to feel as good as you look. We are currently offering free bioidentical hormone pelleting at the time of each facial rejuvenation patient – to allow patients to feel as good as they look after surgery!