Today marks Latvia’s Independence Day, celebrating the 106th anniversary of the nation’s declaration of independence from Soviet and German domination. As someone with Latvian heritage, I feel a strong connection to this day, recognizing the strength, unity, and resilience of the Latvian people.

To honor this important occasion, Dr. Ekstrom and I attended commemorative events organized by the Latvian Community Centers in both San Diego and Los Angeles this past weekend. These gatherings brought together members of the Consular Corps, Latvians, Latvian-Americans, and friends of Latvia for a heartfelt celebration of freedom, history, and culture.

A highlight of both events was our guest speaker, Major General Ivo Mogiļnijs, Latvia’s Defense Attaché based at the Embassy in Washington, DC. Major General Mogiļnijs offered an in-depth update on Latvia’s defense forces and the broader Baltic defense strategy, providing valuable insights into the efforts being made to safeguard the region. In a moving address, he also shared a very personal perspective on the current war in Ukraine, underscoring the shared struggle for independence and the solidarity between Latvia and Ukraine.

Latvian Independence Day is especially meaningful to Latvians because it commemorates their hard-won freedom from centuries of foreign domination. For centuries, Latvia was controlled by powerful empires, including the German, Swedish, Russian, and Soviet regimes. Latvian people faced cultural and political oppression, including restrictions on their language, traditions, and national identity.

On November 18, 1918, Latvia seized a fleeting moment in history to declare independence, asserting its right to exist as a free, sovereign nation. This victory was short-lived, as Latvia was soon occupied again during World War II and annexed into the Soviet Union for nearly five decades. Through this occupation, Latvians preserved their identity and held fast to their dreams of freedom.

Latvian independence holds deep personal meaning for each generation, representing resilience and the enduring hope for self-determination. When Latvia finally regained its independence in 1991, it marked not only the end of foreign rule but the restoration of Latvian pride, language, and heritage. Independence Day is a celebration of freedom, unity, and the determination to protect Latvia’s sovereignty and culture—values that Latvians hold dear and continue to defend passionately, especially in light of regional conflicts today.

As Latvia honors its hard-won independence, let us be reminded of the resilience and bravery that continue to inspire freedom-loving people everywhere.

Drs. Ekstrom and Bunkis with Latvia’s NATO Major General Ivo Mogiļnijs

Drs. Ekstrom and Bunkis at the  Los Angeles Independence Day Celebrations with the Honorary Consul of Estonia, Jaak Treiman, the Consul General of Lithuania, Sandra Brikaites, and the Honorary Consul of Togo, Grant Gochin

Dr. Bunkis’ remarks at the Los Angeles Latvian Center.

Last week, we explored the difference between a “mini” and a “full” tummy tuck. Today, let’s discuss a popular topic in facial rejuvenation: the “mini” vs. “full” facelift. Patients often ask for a mini facelift, hoping for a smaller procedure, quicker recovery, or lower cost, but what does a mini facelift truly entail?

A mini facelift is typically a less extensive procedure, consequently a less costly procedure, but definitely one that will produce less dramatic and shorter lasting improvment.  For surgeons, this means making a shorter incision around the ear with minimal skin undermining, usually without any tightening of the underlying SMAS (superficial muscular aponeurotic system) or platysma (neck) muscles. This approach is best suited for younger patients or those with only slight sagging who don’t require deeper muscle adjustments. However, the results from a mini facelift may be less dramatic and less long-lasting, as it primarily addresses mild skin laxity without reinforcing the deeper structural layers.

Most patients that we see requesting facial rejuvenation do have underlying muscle laxity as the cause of their facial aging.  A full facelift targets both skin and underlying muscles. By lifting and tightening the SMAS and platysma, a full facelift provides more substantial support and a smoother, natural result that can last many years. For patients with significant sagging, jowling, or neck laxity, a full facelift can deliver a comprehensive rejuvenation, addressing not just the surface appearance but the foundational support, achieving a more youthful and balanced look, turning the clock back by about ten or fifeteen years for all patients.

Our role as experienced surgeons is to educate patients on these differences, understand their goals, and guide them to the procedure that will best meet their expectations. While a mini facelift might sound appealing, patients often achieve better, longer-lasting results with a full facelift, especially when deeper facial layers need correction. Whichever route you choose, we’ll help you understand the benefits and find the best approach for achieving the rejuvenation you envision.

Female in her early 40’s with some skin laxity and lower lid puffiness, without significant laxity of the  SMAS and platysma muscle, shown before and after a minfacelift and lower lid blepharoplasty by Dr. Juris Bunkis

50-year-old woman who underwent a fully facelift by Drs. Ekstrom and Bunkis. This was necessitated by the laxity of the platysma muscle and SMAS layers, giving her jowling and neck laxity.

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!