One of the true cultural treasures of Southern California is the Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach. For more than 90 years, this world-renowned production has brought art to life in a way unlike anything else. Each summer, local volunteers recreate famous works of art on stage, using real people in elaborate sets, makeup, and costumes to create living pictures, or tableaux vivants. It is a unique combination of artistry, performance, and community spirit that has become a beloved tradition for residents and visitors alike.

I try to attend the Pageant every year, and one of the most exciting aspects is that each season has a different theme. This year’s theme was “Art in California.” Having collected California art for the past 40 years, I was eager to see the show, hoping to recognize works by some of the artists I have collected. To my surprise, this year’s program wasn’t about old California art but rather about art in California, including many European Masters—a broader look at the rich artistic venues across our state.

The program was mesmerizing. It featured pieces representing many museums and cultural institutions, including venues in San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, San Simeon, San Francisco, and Sacramento. I’ve had the privilege of visiting many of these museums, but the Pageant highlighted a few I have yet to explore. The evening rekindled my desire to revisit some of my old favorites and inspired me to finally see others I have missed.

One omission, in my opinion, was the Oakland Museum of California, which holds one of the finest collections of early California art from the 1800s. That said, the Pageant did include a number of works from the Crocker Museum in Sacramento, featuring beautiful paintings from the Gold Rush era. Still, the emphasis this year leaned toward the incredible diversity of art housed in California’s museums, not specifically on California art or artists.

Overall, it was truly a memorable evening and a reminder of the depth of artistic culture we are fortunate to have here in California. For those who have never attended the Pageant of the Masters, I cannot recommend it enough. And if you’re quick—there are still a few days left to catch this year’s performance. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.

A Thomas Hill painting that I acquired years ago, depicting Nevada Falls in Yosemite in the 1800’s.

One of my favorites is this painting of the Carmel Mission by William Keith, again from the 1800’s. Those of you who have visited this mission in Carmel will recognize the structure of the church, which is still standing, but all of the grass in front of the building has been replaced by concrete and an adjoining building has been erected to the left of the original mission.

Let’s continue this week’s article with a quiz:

Quiz Question:
Which of the following statements about chin implants and neck liposuction is true?

A) Chin implants need to be replaced every 10 years, just like breast implants.
B) Neck liposuction works best for patients with significant loose skin.
C) Chin implants are made of solid silicone and do not wear out.
D) Most patients require two weeks off work after chin augmentation and neck liposuction.
E) Chin augmentation must always be performed through an incision inside the mouth.

Correct Answer: C) Chin implants are made of solid silicone and do not wear out.

Facial surgery remains the most popular type of aesthetic procedure in my practice here at Orange County Plastic Surgery. Last week, I discussed the most complex operation we perform for facial rejuvenation—the facelift. Today, I’d like to shift gears and highlight a procedure at the opposite end of the spectrum: chin augmentation combined with neck liposuction. This one-hour procedure can create an equally dramatic and life-changing improvement for the right patient.

Who is a Candidate?

A weak chin or poorly defined jawline can make the face look unbalanced and the neck appear heavier than it is. A chin implant is an excellent option for men and women who desire better facial harmony and profile balance.
Neck liposuction is ideally suited for younger patients who have good skin elasticity but excess fat beneath the chin and along the jawline. For these individuals, a simple liposuction can refine the neck and create a cleaner contour. Once the skin begins to sag with age, however, liposuction alone will not produce a pleasing result—those patients are better served with a facelift or neck lift.

How Are These Procedures Performed?

For chin augmentation, a small incision is made in a hidden crease under the chin (submental incision). While an incision inside the mouth is possible, it carries a much higher risk of infection. The submental incision heals quickly and is nearly invisible once healed. A solid silicone (medical-grade rubber) implant is then placed over the bone to add projection and strength to the chin. Unlike breast implants, chin implants never wear out, never leak, and never need to be replaced.

Neck liposuction is performed through one or two tiny incisions beneath the chin. A small cannula is used to gently suction out excess fat, instantly improving the contour of the neck and jawline. The procedure is quick, safe, and requires only minimal downtime.

Recovery and Results

One of the most appealing aspects of chin augmentation and neck liposuction is the short recovery. Most of my patients who have surgery on a Friday are able to return to work by Monday. Swelling is mild, bruising is minimal, and the results are long-lasting.

For the right candidate, these simple procedures can provide dramatic, confidence-boosting improvements that look completely natural.

This 39-year-old female sought consultation with Dr. Bunkis to discuss her profile. She had a weak chin and a minor fatty excess in her neck (which was exacerbated by the retruded chin). Dr. Bunkis went over the options and the patient decided to proceed with a neck liposuction and insertion of an Implantech extended anatomic style, size XL implant, to give her this pleasing result. (Actual patient of Dr. Bunkis.)

This female in her mid-30s also sought consultation with Dr. Bunkis with regards to her profile. She underwent a liposuction of her neck and chin augmentation using a Hanson Medical Style – size #3 chin implant to give her this significant improvement with a relatively minor, quick recovery procedure. (Actual patient of Dr. Juris Bunkis.)

This male in his mid-40’s sought consultation to improve his profile, thinking that a facelift would be necessary. He was very please to hear that a simple neck liposuction and insertion of a chin implant might do the trick. She is shown here before and after a neck liposuction and insertion of a Hanson Medical Style #1 Size #2 chin implant to give him this pleasing improvement. (Actual patient of Dr. Bunkis.)

Take the elevator to the second floor (Suite 200) and check in with the front desk for your consultation or follow-up.
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