As two surgeons with a combined experience spanning nearly a century, we are often asked why we continue to practice beyond the typical retirement age. For us, the answer is simple: staying active in our field isn’t just beneficial for our patients; it’s invaluable to us as well. Our commitment to daily fitness, mental engagement, and staying busy has kept us in excellent health and sharp of mind.

Continuing to practice allows us to share the full breadth of our experience, gained over decades, with both patients and colleagues alike. We also love the consular work that we do for the Republic of Latvia, our trips to Latvia or Washington for consular meetings – we know that we would not be asked to be involved in the diplomatic corps if we were two retired surgeons.

In our practice, we see firsthand the advantages of bringing time-tested expertise to new techniques, blending established surgical precision with innovative approaches. This combination ensures our patients receive the safest, most effective procedures, drawing from knowledge refined over a lifetime in the field. Working closely with a range of professionals also allows us to mentor young surgeons, passing on the nuances of patient care that cannot be taught in textbooks. We both actively participate in the training of PA students as well.

Staying actively involved in surgery keeps our minds engaged and our skills sharp. Our dedication to regular physical fitness – a daily ritual – provides the energy and stamina to perform intricate procedures. We believe that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential not just for our own well-being but as a model for our patients.

Ultimately, staying busy isn’t just about working; it’s about staying passionate, purposeful, and committed to excellence. We’re grateful for the opportunity to keep doing what we love, and we’re dedicated to providing our patients with the best care possible, grounded in our extensive experience and lifelong dedication to the art of plastic surgery.

Dr. Ekstrom and Dr. Bunkis doing what they love to do the most. Dr. Bunkis is doing a facelift and Dr. Ekstrom is augmenting the face with microfat grafts.

We must confess, we love our diplomat meetings as well – shown above this past summer in the Presidential Palace in Riga with the President of Latvia.

Healing from a facelift is a process that varies for each patient, but most can expect a significant recovery within two weeks, with gradual improvements over several months thereafter. Immediately after surgery, you will experience bruising, swelling, and mild discomfort. Most patients are surprised how little it actually hurts and most can get by with Tylenol.

Typically, the initial bruising and swelling subside within the first week, and patients feel more comfortable resuming lighter activities by the end of this period. People who can work from home and do not have to be on a camera, are usually back to their paperwork three or four days after a facelift.

By the end of the first week, many can return to work at this stage, depending on the physical demands of their job. At around the one-month mark, the majority of visible swelling has usually diminished, allowing patients to feel more comfortable in social settings and most have returned to full physical activity. However, it is normal for some subtle swelling to persist, particularly around the ears and jawline, which continues to improve gradually over the next several months. The last of the swelling is usually gone by six months. The scars in front of the ear are usually not very noticeable by a month but behind the ear can take six to twelve months to fade. After my facelift, what I found particularly annoying was the numbness I felt in my cheeks that lasted for up to a year – because I could not feel my skin normally, I had to stare in the mirror while shaving. Eventually, the cheek skin returned to feeling totally normal and today I have no abnormal sensations in my cheeks.

A key to successful recovery is closely following post-operative care instructions, including keeping the head elevated, using cold compresses for the first 48 hours, and avoiding strenuous activities for the first few weeks.

By three months, most patients see the full benefits of their facelift and can resume all activities, including vigorous exercise.

While full recovery can take several months, advancements in facelift techniques, including shorter incision lengths and minimally invasive approaches, have reduced recovery time significantly. Partnering with an experienced surgeon and following a personalized recovery plan are key steps in achieving a smooth, confident return to daily life with refreshed, natural-looking results.

75-year-old male before and 3 weeks after a natural A to V facelift, upper and lower lid blepharoplasty. AT three weeks, the only visible scar is the one that runs in front of the ear, over the tragus, and can be easily covered by some foundation – most med do not use foundation and the scars are not an issue for them.

Dr. Ekstrom three years ago, at age 69, before her natural A to V facelift and facial microfat grafting by Dr. Bunkis and immediately afterwards, still on the OR table, before the dressings were applied. The ridge in the neck was from a drain, which is always removed the following morning.

Dr. Ekstrom’s first outing for a Mexican dinner, four days after surgery; seven days after her facelift at an event at the Austrian Consulate in Los Angeles; and four months after her surgery, with all of the visible swelling gone.

We want you to feel as good as you look. We are currently offering free bioidentical hormone pelleting at the time of each facial rejuvenation patient – to allow patients to feel as good as they look after surgery!