How Old Are You?
By Drs. Deborah Ekstrom and Juris Bunkis
We had some interesting visitors from Latvia recently. Dr. Janis Zarzeckis is a prominent plastic surgeon in Riga and a very interesting person – a Renaissance Man of sorts.
He was born in Latvia during Soviet times and finished medical school just at Latvia regained its Independence with the disintegration of the Soviet Union. He has made the most of Independence, has build a very successful practice, purchased a hospital, owns other businesses as well, plays the piano, has travelled the world, rides motorcycles and flies jets. His wife is a well-known author and filmmaker in Latvia, and Janis has been involved with many of her projects as well.
During his visit, we asked him how old he was and he told us something that caused us to ponder his answer – “I don’t keep track of my age anymore.”
Approaching life without obsessing over age can certainly have both pros and cons. Doing so can provide psychological liberation:
- Ignoring age can free individuals from societal expectations and stereotypes associated with specific ages.
- Doing so allows us to focus on the present: It encourages living in the moment rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
- It alleviates the pressure to achieve certain milestones by a certain age, promoting a more relaxes attitude toward goals in life.
- This allows more flexibility in decision-making and lifestyle choices, regardless of age-related norms.
We can think of some cons to not tracking one’s age:
- Lack of planning: Ignoring age might lead to neglecting important aspects such as retirement planning or health considerations.
- Social disconnect: It could make it harder to relate to peers or engage in age-specific activities.
- Potential health risks: Ignoring age may lead to neglecting health screenings or lifestyle adjustments necessary for aging well.
- Legal implications: Age often carries legal implications in various contexts such as employment, healthcare or retirement benefits.
Ultimately, while disregarding age can offer certain freedoms, it is important to strike a balance between embracing the present and responsibly preparing for the future.
Dr. Bunkis with Dr. Zarzeckis at The Winery in Newport Beach
Spotlight on Plastic Surgery – How Long Does a Facelift Last?
By Drs. Deborah Ekstrom & Juris Bunkis
A common question during a facial rejuvenation consultation is, “How long will my facelift last?”
Our contention is that once you will have a facelift, you will contiunue to age but will always look better than you would have looked had you not had the procedure. The longevity of a facelift varies depending on several factors including the individual’s genetics, lifestyle, skincare routine, and the specific techniques used during the procedure. However, it’s important to note that while a facelift can turn back the clock and provide significant improvement in facial appearance, it does not halt the aging process entirely. An example we give patinets is that if they have an identical twin, if they do a facelift and their twin does not, both will continue to age but the patient will always look 15 or so years younger than the twin.
Over time, the natural aging process continues, and factors such as gravity, sun exposure, and lifestyle habits like smoking can affect the longevity of the results. Additionally, changes in weight and fluctuations in skin elasticity can also impact the appearance of the face.
To prolong the results of a facelift, individuals are often advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle, protect their skin from sun damage, avoid smoking, and follow a consistent skincare regimen. Some may opt for non-invasive treatments like Botox, fillers, or laser treatments to complement the effects of a facelift and extend its results.
Regular consultations with a qualified plastic surgeon can also help monitor the results of a facelift and determine if any touch-up procedures are necessary to maintain the desired appearance over time.
Female who had a facelift, lower lid blepharoplasty and chin implant in her mid 50s’ and shown here six years later (Actual patient of Dr. Bunkis)
If you want to see if you can have any part of your body improved, contact us for a consultation:
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
