Father’s Day

Father’s Day is a special occasion dedicated to honoring fathers and celebrating their influence in our lives. The history of Father’s Day dates back to the early 20th century in the United States. The idea for a day to honor fathers is often credited to Sonora Smart Dodd, who was inspired by the newly established Mother’s Day to create a similar holiday for fathers.

Sonora, the daughter of a Civil War veteran and single father, William Jackson Smart, wanted to recognize the efforts and sacrifices her father made in raising her and her siblings. In 1909, she proposed the idea to the Spokane Ministerial Alliance, and they supported her initiative. The first official Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington, with the support of local religious organizations.

The holiday slowly gained popularity across the United States. President Calvin Coolidge recommended it as a national celebration in 1924, but it wasn’t until 1966 that President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation designating the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day. Finally, in 1972, President Richard Nixon signed it into law, making Father’s Day a permanent national holiday.

Father’s Day provides an opportunity to reflect on and appreciate the role fathers and father figures play in our lives. It is a time for families to come together, share memories, and celebrate the bonds that fathers create and nurture. For those who have lost their fathers, like myself, it can be a poignant time to remember and cherish the good times shared, while also embracing and enjoying the company of my own children and grandchildren. Father’s Day serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of fatherhood and the profound impact fathers have on their families.

Earliest photo I have of just my Dad and I, in 1950, in Lubeck, Germany

My dad and I, in 1981 in Northern California, discussing strategy before a run.

Absorbing wisdom, 2016
Miss you every day, Dad!

When it comes to surgical procedures, patients often express concerns about anesthesia. For many extensive operations, intravenous sedatives administered by an anesthesiologist and a light general anesthetic are preferable to ensure the patient’s safety and comfort. However, for certain procedures, such as labiaplasties and upper lid blepharoplasties, local anesthesia is not only appropriate but also offers several benefits, including cost savings by avoiding surgery center and anesthesia fees.

Upper lid blepharoplasty, a procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids, can be effectively performed under local anesthesia. This approach has several advantages. First, local anesthesia reduces the risks associated with general anesthesia, such as adverse reactions and longer recovery times. Patients remain awake and responsive, which can facilitate communication between the surgeon and patient during the procedure. Additionally, local anesthesia avoids postoperative nausea and results in a quicker recovery, allowing patients to return to their normal activities sooner.

During an upper lid blepharoplasty, the surgeon begins by marking the natural crease of the upper eyelid to guide the incision. After administering a local anesthetic, the surgeon makes an incision along the marked crease, ensuring that any resultant scar will be well-hidden within the natural folds of the eyelid. Through this incision, the surgeon removes excess skin, muscle, and sometimes fat to create a more youthful and rested appearance. The incisions are then meticulously closed with fine sutures, which help to minimize scarring.

The procedure is relatively quick, typically lasting about half an hour. Patients can expect minimal discomfort due to the effectiveness of the local anesthesia, which numbs the area while allowing them to remain conscious. Postoperative care involves applying cold compresses to reduce swelling, cleaning the incisions afterwards with Q-tips and peroxide, and following specific instructions to ensure proper healing.
In conclusion, performing an upper lid blepharoplasty under local anesthesia not only enhances patient safety and comfort but also offers financial benefits by eliminating the need for a surgery center and additional anesthesia fees. The procedure itself is straightforward, involving precise incisions, removal of excess tissues, and careful suturing, all contributing to a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance.

53 year old female before and after an upper lid blepharoplasty by Dr. Bunkis

50 year old African American female before and after an upper lid blepharoplasty by Dr. Bunkis, in the office, under local anesthesia.

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