Happy 95th Birthday to Dr. Martin Luther King

Most Americans alive today have not had the personal experience of racism that existed in America between the Civil War and the 1950’s – any student of American history who would like a better picture of what it was like to be African American in America during that time period should read James Mitchner’s 
“Chesapeake”. This all began to change in the 1950’s thanks to the civil rights movement. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated annually to honor the civil rights leader’s contributions to the American civil rights movement. King played a pivotal role in advocating for racial equality and justice, particularly through nonviolent civil disobedience. Here are some key aspects of the significance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day:

Historical Context:
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a prominent figure during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s.
He advocated for equal rights for African Americans and led many peaceful protests and movements to challenge racial segregation and discrimination.

Legal Achievements:
King’s efforts contributed significantly to the passage of landmark legislation, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
These laws aimed to dismantle segregation, prohibit discrimination and ensure voting rights for all citizens.

Social Change:
King’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance inspired many activists and communities to peacefully demand their rights.
His leadership played a crucial role in bringing attention to the injustice faced by African Americans, fostering a sense of unity and collective action.

Legacy:
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy extends beyond the Civil Rights Movement, impacting discussions on human rights and equality globally.
His work laid the foundation for ongoing efforts to address systemic racism and promote inclusivity.

Continued Challenges:
While progress has been made, challenges related to racism and inequality persist in various forms.
King’s dream of a society where individuals are judged by their character rather than the color of their skin remains an aspiration, and efforts toward achieving this continue.

Cultural Impact:
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches, including the iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, continue to resonate and inspire generations.
His words and actions have become an integral part of American history and are studied as symbols of courage and determination.

Ongoing Advocacy:
In 2024, activists and advocates continue to draw inspiration from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s teachings as they work towards addressing contemporary issues related to racial justice, inequality, and discrimination.

It’s important to recognize that while progress has been made, there is still work to be done to fully realize the vision of equality that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. advocated for. His contributions serve as a reminder of the ongoing need for activism and social change.

America today is better because of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s many contributions to our society

Dr. Ekstrom paying homage to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Washington DC

Plastic surgery has come a long way since the stigma of “vanity”. Once reserved for the rich and famous, it is now recognized as a viable option for individuals seeking not just to enhance their appearance, but also to boost their self-esteem. But is there really a connection between plastic surgery and body confidence, self-confidence, overall happiness, and performance in life? According to scientific inquiry….a whopping YES!…..undergoing a cosmetic procedure can positively impact all aspects of your life.
Let us begin with body confidence. It is no secret that many people struggle with body image issues. From insecurities about our noses, breasts, arms, aging faces that don’t reflect our vitality, to the general desire for a more youthful appearance, these concerns can affect our self-esteem and how we present ourselves to the world.

According to a study published in the journal JAMA Surgery in 2017, researchers found that individuals who had undergone plastic surgery reported significant improvements in their body image and self-esteem. This research suggests that plastic surgery can help people feel more comfortable in their own skin and boost their body confidence.
Body confidence, then, goes hand in hand with self-confidence. When you feel better about your appearance, you are more likely to carry yourself with greater self-assurance. In that way, cosmetic surgery can help bring into harmony features you may be sensitive about, leading to increased self-confidence.
An article in Psychology Today by Dr. Pamela Peeke, a renowned physician and author, discusses how plastic surgery can empower individuals to take control of their self-image. Dr. Peeke highlights that many patients experience a significant boost in self-confidence after undergoing procedures like breast augmentation, liposuction, or facelifts.
Now, let’s delve into the correlation between plastic surgery and overall happiness. While it’s essential to remember that happiness is multifaceted and influenced by various factors, including relationships, career, and personal goals, cosmetic surgical correction or feature enhancement can play a supportive role.
A 2013 study published in the journal Clinical Psychological Science found that individuals who had undergone cosmetic procedures reported an increase in overall life satisfaction and happiness. This improvement in happiness can be attributed to the positive impact on body and self-confidence, with ripple effects into every corner of a person’s life
Beyond personal happiness, plastic surgery can also have a positive effect on professional performance and success. When you feel more confident and comfortable in your own skin, you are likely to perform better in all aspects of your life, supercharging your career and work performance. Putting yourself confidently forward at work, you may even dare to pursue a position or calling that you previously had not considered.
Scientific study and personal observation confirms there is a clear correlation between plastic surgery and body confidence, self-confidence, overall happiness, which extends even to professional performance. While it is essential to approach plastic surgery with realistic expectations and consult with experienced surgeons, the potential for positive life-changing effects is undeniable.
The transformation that can occur, ultimately, is the reason that we, as plastic surgeons, get professional satisfaction from the work we have the honor to do. As a result we continue to love what we do and always strive to get even more and better results.
If you are considering plastic surgery, it is not just about transforming your appearance; it is about transforming your life. By boosting your body confidence and self-esteem, you can increase your overall happiness and potentially improve your performance in all aspects of life. Hearty wishes for a great outcome. We delight in being witnesses to your transformational journey!

Here are some photos of patients that I personally have had the joy of working with:

A 15-year-old male who seeks a change in his “too generous” breast area. His result motivated a lifestyle change. He now plans, preps and cooks his own meals and works out faithfully to tone and develop his chest and body contours.

Mother of 4 children (including a set of twins), 6 months after her breast restoration surgery and tummy tuck – a Mommy Makeover Procedure. (She has an Instagram account devoted to discussing, among other things, the stigma of tummy tuck).

Older man who was too self-conscious to take off his shirt at the beach, before and after gynecomastia surgery. He had skin and breast tissue removed with his nipple/areola complexes repositioned and replaced as skin grafts, and, despite chest scars, the contour improvement has made him fully confident without his shirt at the beach.

Works Cited:
Swami, Viren, et al. “Cosmetic surgery and its psychosocial implications: a review.” Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery 61.10 (2008): 1175-1180.

Sarwer, David B., et al. “Cosmetic surgery and changes in body image: a randomized controlled trial.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 138.3 (2016): 537-544.

JAMA Surgery. “Association of cosmetic surgery with health, psychological well-being, and social well-being: A matched cohort study.” JAMA Surgery 152.9 (2017): 1-8.

Peeke, Pamela, Dr. “The Psychology of Cosmetic Surgery: The Many Faces of Self-Empowerment.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, 15 June 2020, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-peeke-performance-center/202006/the-psychology-cosmetic-surgery.

Soni, Abhishek, and Frederick J. Stoddard Jr. “Body image dissatisfaction and cosmetic surgery utilization: A systematic review.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open 5.12 (2017).

Sclafani, Anthony P., and John L. Romo III. “The Confidence Gap.” Harvard Business Review, 1 May 2007, hbr.org/2007/05/the-confidence-gap.

Sarwer, David B., et al. “Changes in body image and psychosocial functioning following cosmetic surgery.” Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery 63.6 (2010): 1022-1029.

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