Panama Continues to Surprise and Delight
By Dr. Juris Bunkis, Medical Director, Orange County Plastic Surgery Honorary Consul of the Republic of Latvia
We are now back from our trip to Panama, and our enthusiasm for the country has only grown stronger.
While the Côte d’Azur on the French Riviera dipped into the 40s again this past week, Panama City treated us to daytime temperatures from the low 70s to about 90 degrees — remarkably comfortable throughout our stay. What fascinated us most is that this is essentially the norm year-round. The weather changes more in humidity and rainfall than in temperature. Another delightful surprise: sunrise is around 6:30 AM and sunset around 6:30 PM every day of the year. No dramatically shorter winter days, no endless summer evenings, and no need to turn the clock backward or forward.
After our conference, we spent the following week exploring the parts of Panama that appealed most to us. Panama is a surprisingly narrow country, stretching primarily east to west rather than north to south as many might imagine. The Caribbean side is lush, tropical, and humid — more reminiscent of the wet side of the Hawaiian Islands. Beautiful, certainly, but not quite our cup of tea. Neither of us is particularly fond of humidity, mosquitoes, or alligators.
The Pacific side, however, especially Panama City and the so-called “Dry Coast,” truly captivated us. We visited Coronado and Coronado’s neighboring beach communities, where the vegetation and overall feel reminded us very much of California. We loved it.
Last week we mentioned that we had not encountered the degree of poverty often seen in parts of Mexico, Brazil, or other regions of Latin America. That observation largely remained true, though we did see some neighborhoods where caution is advised, just as in Los Angeles or Orange County. Yet the majority of what we experienced felt every bit as sophisticated as Southern California. Communities such as the Regalia residences along the Costa del Este waterfront rival the finest properties in Miami, Beverly Hills, or Newport Coast.
So, are we going to buy property there? It is certainly high on our list. The lifestyle, architecture, and especially the restaurants rival some of the best we have experienced anywhere in the world. Still, before making any final decisions, we absolutely want to return during the rainier and more humid season to see whether the magic remains. Some difficult conversations still lie ahead, but stay tuned.
View of they city, from across the bay, where the ships enter the Canal from the Pacific side
Friendly fellow, accepting a lunch offering
The pool area at the Regalia complex in Costa Del Este – yes, a little windy.
Is My Anatomy Normal? When Labiaplasty Is About Comfort, Not Comparison
By Dr. Deborah Ekstrom
Orange County Plastic Surgery, Corona del Mar/Newport Beach
Quick Quiz
Let’s begin with a quick quiz.
Which of the following is the most common healthy reason women seek labiaplasty?
A. To look like filtered social media images
B. Because all women should look a certain way
C. To improve comfort during exercise, clothing, or intimacy
D. Because asymmetry always means something is wrong
E. Because childbirth always requires it
Correct answer: C
One of the hottest topics in plastic surgery right now is not the procedure itself, but the conversation surrounding it.
Labiaplasty is often misunderstood online. Social media, edited images, and unrealistic comparisons have led many women to ask the wrong first question: “Do I look normal?” The truth is that normal female anatomy exists in an incredibly wide range of shapes, sizes, and asymmetries. There is no single ideal.
The more meaningful question is often: “Am I comfortable?”
For many women, enlarged or elongated labial tissue can create very real physical issues—irritation in workout clothes, discomfort in swimsuits, pinching with cycling, tugging during intimacy, or self-consciousness in leggings and fitted clothing. These concerns are common, and they are valid.
What makes this topic so current is the growing awareness that labiaplasty should never be about chasing a digitally altered or socially manufactured image. The best candidates are women seeking comfort, confidence, and freedom from daily irritation, not comparison to someone else’s anatomy.
As plastic surgeons, our responsibility is to replace misinformation with education. A thoughtful consultation begins with reassurance: anatomy varies enormously, and variation alone is not a problem. Surgery only makes sense when a woman’s own anatomy is causing persistent physical discomfort or affecting her confidence in a meaningful way.
The goal is not transformation. The goal is relief, balance, and natural refinement that preserves normal function and sensation.
If you have ever wondered whether your anatomy is “normal,” the answer is almost certainly yes. But if it interferes with your lifestyle, exercise, or confidence, there are safe, elegant solutions that can help.
View Before & After Photos
Dr. Ekstrom’s labiaplasty photo gallery can be viewed here:
https://gallery.orangecountyplasticsurgery.com/photos/labiaplasty
If discomfort—not comparison—has been affecting your confidence or quality of life, we invite you to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Ekstrom to discuss whether labiaplasty is right for you.
Orange County Plastic Surgery Corona del Mar / Newport Beach
Natural results. Thoughtful care. Private consultations.
This female in her early 20’s sought consultation with Dr. Ekstrom with regards to her enlarged labia minora. This procedure is usually done comfortably in an office operating room, under local anesthesia and oral sedation. The area is pretreated with a numbing cream and the patients barely feel the injections. This approach saves patients a significant amount in surgery center and anesthesiologist fees. (Actual patient of Dr. Deborah Ekstrom of Orange County Plastic Surgery in Corona De Mar/Newport Beach.)
Orange County Plastic Surgery at CosmetiCare
1101 Bayside Drive, Suite 200
Corona del Mar, CA 92625
Take the elevator to the second floor (Suite 200) and check in with the front desk for your consultation or follow-up.
Free Parking Available.
