Enjoying Moms

As Thanksgiving enveloped us in its warmth, we embarked on a journey to celebrate and give thanks, visiting both of our moms who have gracefully embraced 97 years of life. Dr. Ekstrom’s mom resides in the farmlands of southwestern Minnesota (where Dr. Ekstrom grew up on a dairy farm), a land painted with the colors of changing seasons. The crisp autumn air echoed with stories that spanned generations, creating a tapestry of memories that have woven our lives together.
On the other side of the border, Dr. Bunkis’ mom welcomed us into her home in Ontario, where the landscape echoed with the tranquility of a Canadian fall. Needless to say, mom invited Dr. Bunkis’ sister and cousins for a family reunion. As we sat around the table laden with Latvian delights, we delved into the treasure trove of experiences, each story a testament to the strength, resilience, and love that have sustained our mothers through the years.
The echoes of bygone times resonated in the air as we reminisced about family traditions, laughter-filled gatherings, and the simple joys that define a lifetime. In the shared moments of gratitude, we found ourselves immersed in a deep appreciation for the foundation laid by these remarkable women.
With hearts full of love and gratitude, we left our mothers’ homes, carrying with us the warmth of shared stories and the enduring legacy of two incredible women who have shaped our lives with their wisdom and love.

Lower eyelids aging frequently precedes aging of the remainder of the face. Lower eyelid rejuvenation encompasses various options to address concerns such as wrinkles, fat deposits, and skin laxity. Here’s an overview of some common procedures we use to make lower eyelids look more youthful:

Neurotoxins (e.g. Beauty Injections) for Wrinkle Reduction:

Beauty Injections around the eyes, reducing the appearance of dynamic wrinkles. This is a non-invasive option suitable for treating crow’s feet and fine lines but will have no affect on skin laxity or fat pads (bags).

Male in his 70’s, smiling, before and after Beauty Injections by Dr. Ekstrom

Laser, Chemical Peel or Plasma Pen Resurfacing:

Laser therapy, chemical peels and the plasma pen can be used to improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and address pigmentation concerns. These procedures promote skin renewal by removing damaged outer layers, resulting in a smoother, more youthful appearance.

This female in her late 50’s had significant lower lid wrinkling but no skin excess or fatty bags, shown here before and after a periorbital chemical peel

by Dr. Bunkis

Transconjunctival Lower Lid Blepharoplasty:

This procedure is appropriate for patients who have a lower lid fatty pad but do not have significant skin excess. A transconjunctival incision is made inside the lower eyelid, (i.e. no external incisions) allowing access to the fat pads. Excess fat can be removed or repositioned to eliminate under-eye bags. This approach avoids external scarring and is particularly effective for addressing fat-related concerns.

74-year-old male with lower lid bags but not much skin excess, shown before and after a transconjunctival lower lid blepharoplasty (no external incisions)
by Drs. Ekstrom and Bunkis

Standard Lower Lid Blepharoplasty:

Involves an external incision below the lower lash line, through which excess fat and skin can be removed. The remaining tissues may be repositioned to achieve a more youthful contour. Effective for treating both fatty deposits (palpebral bags) and addressing skin laxity. If applicable, excess upper eyelid skin can be addressed at the same sitting.

Female in her 50’s with large lower lid bags as well as excess upper and lower eyelid skin, shown before and after an upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty with external incisions by Dr. Bunkis

Skin Tightening (External Incision):

Some patients present with lower lid skin excess and laxity but without a visible fat pad. In these patients, a lower lid blepharoplasty technique involves elevating the skin above the orbicularis muscle, and excising and redraping the excess skin, frequently with a canthopexy to support the lash line against the glove. This procedure helps eliminate sagging or loose skin, contributing to a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance, but by itself, does not eliminate skin wrinkling. If wrinkles are an issue, these will have to be dealt with Beauty Injections or a resurfacing procedure.

This healthy and thin Hispanic female in her early 40’s was dissatisfied with the laxity of her lower eyelids. Dr. Juris. Bunkis corrected her lower lid laxity with a skin only lower lid excision with a canthopexy to bring up the lash line and to give the lower lid better tone and support.

The choice of procedure or combination of procedures depends on individual factors such as the extent of aging, skin condition, and personal goals. Consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon is essential to determine the most suitable approach and ensure a safe and effective outcome. They can assess your specific needs and recommend a tailored plan for lower eyelid rejuvenation.

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