Today is a travel day for Dr. Ekstrom and I as we continue our journey through Portugal. Last week, we shared our adventures in the central part of the country, exploring its rich history and vibrant culture. For the past four days, however, we’ve been soaking in the beauty of Portugal’s sunny Algarve—a region that, in many ways, feels like Southern California but with the added charm of a history stretching back thousands of years.

During our stay, we attended a fascinating conference hosted by International Living, an organization dedicated to helping people explore the idea of living abroad. The conference covered the many potential benefits of moving to an international destination upon retirement (but for me, the more exiting possibility was of owning a second home in another country), including:

A Lower Cost of Living – Many countries offer a high quality of life at a fraction of the cost compared to the U.S.

Good Climate – Portugal, with its mild winters and sunny summers, is an appealing escape from harsher climates, but the Algarve is not much different climate-wise from Southern California.

Cultural Enrichment – Living abroad provides the opportunity to immerse oneself in new languages, traditions, and experiences.

Healthcare and Lifestyle Benefits – Countries like Portugal offer excellent healthcare at a fraction of U.S. costs.

Tax and Residency Incentives – Many destinations provide tax advantages or residency options for expats. In my case, I have a Latvian passport – this gives me access to living in any EU country without having to request any visas or residency permits.

While moving to a sunny, historical place or the idea of a second home in an idyllic location is certainly tempting, we must confess—it would be hard to leave behind our children and grandchildren for extended periods. For now, we’ll keep Portugal on our list of favorite destinations, but home is still where the heart is.
Stay tuned as we continue our travels!

51% of the cork produced in the world comes from Portugal! Visiting cork production plant

With over 40 years in plastic surgery, I have seen firsthand how body contouring can transform not only a patient’s appearance but also their confidence. Two of the most commonly requested procedures are the tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) and the body lift, each addressing different concerns and patient needs.

A tummy tuck is ideal for individuals with excess abdominal skin and weakened muscles, often due to pregnancy or weight loss, without laxity continuing around to the back. This procedure tightens the abdominal wall musculature and removes excess skin and fat, leading to a flatter, firmer midsection. The pros include a well-contoured abdomen and improved core strength. However, the cons include a longer recovery period than a liposuction alone, and a scar that, while well-placed, is permanent.

A body lift is more comprehensive, targeting not only the abdomen but also the lower back, flanks, and sometimes the thighs. It is typically performed on patients who have undergone massive weight loss and are left with excess, sagging skin. The pros include dramatic improvements in body shape and skin tightness. The cons are a longer surgical time, more extensive scarring, and a more involved recovery process.

Both surgeries are elective and should only be undertaken when a patient is in good health and has realistic expectations. As surgeons, our job is not just to perform these procedures but to guide patients in making the best decision for their body and goals—and to do so safely.

If you are considering body-contouring surgery, schedule a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon to determine the best approach for you. Your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities.

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Ekstrom today!

50-year-old female with anterior laxity following pregnancies, who underwent an abdominoplasty procedure by Dr. Deborah Ekstrom. She is thrilled with her new look!

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