An Evening with the Latvian President

Drs Bunkis and Ekstrom with Latvian President Rinkēvičs and US Ambassador to Latvia, Christopher Robinson

This past week, Dr. Ekstrom and I participated in the Spotlight Latvia 2023 meetings in Boston. In my role as the Consul for the Republic of Latvia in Southern California, I had the pleasure and burden of being one of the lead organizers of this meeting in Los Angeles in April of 2022. (It was exciting and much less stressful to be a participant with no production responsibilities at this Boston meeting). The lead organizer for these events is the Latvian American Chamber of Commerce. The meeting consisted of various presentations from both the Latvian and US side with respect to doing business in each other’s countries. (If any of you know of anyone interested in expanding their operations into Latvia, which is an EU country, a member of NATO and the WTO, please direct them my way and I will do whatever I can do to help them.)

Dr. Ekstrom pointed out that Salisbury Plastic Surgery and Orange County Plastic Surgery were sponsors of Spotlight Latvia 2023

As with any large meeting, part of the benefit is reconnecting with so many friends and making the acquaintance of new interesting, influential and productive individuals. We met with the newly elected President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs – who interestingly enough, I had met previously in his role as my “boss” as Foreign Minister of Latvia for the last twelve years. We also met with the current Foreign Minister (and former Prime Minister), Krišjānis Kariņš. Both are very dynamic individuals. We also had the pleasure of meeting the relatively new US Ambassador to Latvia, Christopher Robinson – who gave the most compelling speech as regards the advantages for US Companies to open operations in Latvia. These were truly a few very exciting and fulfilling days for Dr. Ekstrom and I.

Dr. Bunkis with Foreign Minister, Krišjānis Kariņš, and Dr. Ekstrom with Latvia’s Ambassador to the United States, Māris Selga

Last week, Dr. Deborah Ekstrom spoke to us about the new MÖLLER power assisted liposuction and microfat injection machine which she is shipping to California from her Massachusetts office and showed us some pleasing BBL (microfat grafting to the buttocks) results. This is a great technique and can produce fabulous results, but large quantities of fat are required for the transfer to the buttocks and not all patients wishing a fuller derrière have adequate donor sites to perform a BBL. Fortunately, we have alternatives for those patients who do not have sufficient donor sites for a fat transfer.

Buttocks implants, also called gluteal implants, are a surgical option for individuals without adequate donor sites for a BBL, but who still wish to enhance the size and shape of their buttocks. While this procedure can provide effective results, it is first essential to evaluate whether a patient is a good candidate for buttocks implants.

Female in his 40s, before and long term after a BBL procedure (actual patient of Dr. Deborah Ekstrom)

Here are some factors to consider about buttock augmentation in general:

Insufficient Natural Volume: Firstly, there has to be a personal desire by the patient for a fuller buttocks, (the motivation should not be just to please someone else). People with naturally small or flat buttocks may consider a fat transfer or implants to achieve a fuller and more rounded appearance. Candidates should have realistic expectations regarding the degree of enhancement they can achieve through surgery.

Overall Health: Good candidates for buttocks enhancement should be in good overall health. This includes being at a stable weight and free from any serious medical conditions that could increase the risks associated with surgery.
Body Mass Index (BMI): Your BMI can play a role in determining if you are a suitable candidate. Ideally, candidates should have a BMI within a healthy range. Extremely low or high BMIs can increase the risk of complications.

Psychological Well-being: Candidates should have realistic expectations and a positive body image. Surgery is not a “fix” for poor self-esteem. Potential candidates for this surgery should undergo the procedure because they genuinely desire it and not due to external pressures or unrealistic beauty ideals.

Smoking and Medications: Smoking can impair the body’s ability to heal after any surgical procedure, so candidates must be non-smokers or willing to quit for at least a month before and after the procedure. Additionally, some medications and supplements will need to be discontinued before surgery to reduce the risk of complications such as excessive bleeding or fluid collections.

Commitment to Recovery: Buttocks implant surgery requires a significant recovery period. It is imperative that patients not sit directly on their buttocks (without use of a specially designed donut pillow) for at least a month after surgery. Fat augmentation achieve comfort sooner and need to be less strict. Candidates should be willing and able to follow post-operative instructions, including avoiding strenuous activities that put any strain on the incisions.

Consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon: A minority of plastic surgeons do buttock, pectoral or calf implants. The most critical step in determining candidacy is to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who experienced with buttocks implant procedures and does this surgery regularly. The surgeon will evaluate your individual anatomy, discuss your goals, and assess whether you are a good candidate for the procedure.

Age Considerations: While there is no strict age limit for buttocks implants, candidates should be at least 18 years old. Additionally, older individuals should be in good health and able to tolerate surgery.

Alternative Options: Candidates should explore options for buttocks enhancement, such as fat grafting (Brazilian Butt Lift) before deciding on implants. Fat grafting uses your body’s own fat to augment the buttocks, and it may be a preferred option for some individuals, but as discussed above, will not be an option for patients without adequate donor sites for fat grafting.

Female in her 50’s, before and after buttocks implant insertion (Actual patient of Drs. Bunkis and Compoginis)

In conclusion, good candidates for buttocks enhancement are individuals who have realistic expectations, are in good overall health, and have a stable BMI. The decision to undergo this procedure should be well informed, and it is crucial to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon who can provide personalized guidance based on your unique circumstances and goals. Remember that safety and your well-being should always be the top priorities when considering any cosmetic surgery.

Female in her 50’s, before and after buttocks implant insertion (Actual patient of Drs. Bunkis and Ekstrom)

For CA, please call 949-888-9700 or visit www.orangecountyplasticsurgery.com
Or for MA location, call 508-755-4825 or visit www.salisburyps.com

You can write to
Dr. John Compoginis at Contact Us Form
Dr. Staci Compoginis at Contact Us Form
Dr. Deborah Ekstrom at Contact Us Form
or Dr. Juris Bunkis at Contact Us Form