As a plastic surgeon, I have spent decades perfecting the art of rejuvenation and transformation. But nothing in my career has compared to the beauty of watching my own daughter grow and evolve. When my son and daughter were young, I made conscious decisions to balance my demanding career with being present for their milestones, to coach their sports teams, to attend their school events, and so forth. I never wanted to miss the moments that truly mattered.

Yesterday, I had lunch with my daughter, Jessica, at Splashes Restaurant at the Surf & Sand Hotel in Laguna Beach to celebrate her 36th birthday. How time has flown! Her birth is still so vivid in my mind, yet here she was in front of me—a 36-year-old married woman, full of wisdom, strength, and grace.

No matter how much time passes, the bond between a father and his daughter remains unbreakable. I still see the little girl who sat on my lap as I read her bedtime stories, the determined student walking into school, the athlete who won ribbons in swim meets and battled fiercely in water polo. I remember the first time she nervously introduced me to a boyfriend, the ups and downs of her young adult years, her professional achievements, and her wedding day—a day filled with joy, pride, and bittersweet emotions.

Through every stage of life, she has remained just as dear to me as she was the first time I held her. There is something incredibly special about the relationship between a father and his daughter. No matter how grown up she becomes, she will always have a place in her daddy’s heart.

With daughter, Jessica, celebrating her 36th birthday.

The perception of the ideal body shape has evolved significantly over the past few decades, and nowhere is this more evident than in the approach to buttocks contouring. When I first began performing body contouring procedures in the early 1980s, liposuction was a revolutionary concept, and the trend was all about slimming down. Patients overwhelmingly sought to reduce the size of their hips, thighs, and buttocks to achieve a leaner, more sculpted silhouette. The goal was a smaller derriere, in keeping with the aesthetic ideals of that era.

Fast forward to today, and the trend has dramatically shifted. The majority of inquiries I now receive regarding the buttocks region focus on enhancing volume and creating a fuller, shapelier contour. This shift has been largely driven by cultural influences and changing beauty standards, leading to the rise in popularity of the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL).

The BBL involves liposuction to harvest excess fat from areas such as the arms, abdomen, flanks, or thighs, which is then meticulously processed and reinjected into the buttocks to achieve a more youthful and balanced shape. Unlike synthetic implants, BBL offers a natural look and feel, utilizing the patient’s own fat to sculpt and contour the body.

While the BBL has become one of the most sought-after procedures in body contouring, it is not without risks. The key to a safe and successful outcome lies in meticulous technique, proper patient selection, and adherence to the latest safety protocols. Advances in surgical techniques, including ultrasound guidance and refined fat injection methods, have significantly improved patient safety and outcomes.

I am passionate about this procedure because it allows me to artistically shape and balance the body, enhancing confidence and self-image. If you’re considering buttocks augmentation, it’s essential to consult with an experienced surgeon who prioritizes safety while achieving beautiful, natural-looking results.

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Ekstrom today!

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