Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, a special occasion dedicated to expressing love and appreciation for those who mean the most to us. Whether it is a romantic dinner, a heartfelt note, or a thoughtful gift, this day reminds us to celebrate the bonds we cherish. If you haven’t made your dinner reservations yet, now’s the time—restaurants fill up fast!

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, a special occasion dedicated to expressing love and
appreciation for those who mean the most to us. Whether it is a romantic dinner, a heartfelt note, or a thoughtful gift, this day reminds us to celebrate the bonds we cherish. If you haven’t made your dinner reservations yet, now’s the time—restaurants fill up fast!

The origins of Valentine’s Day date back to the third century, honoring St. Valentine, a priest who defied Emperor Claudius II’s decree forbidding soldiers to marry. He secretly performed weddings and, for his defiance, was imprisoned and executed on February 14 th , 273 AD. Legend has it that before his death, he sent a note to his jailer’s daughter, signed “From your Valentine,” a phrase that endures to this day. The tradition of exchanging Valentine’s cards began in the 18th century, gaining widespread popularity with the advent of mass-produced greeting cards in the 19th century. Today, from carefully chosen Hallmark cards to handcrafted notes, the act of giving a card remains a timeless way to express affection. Many of us fondly remember exchanging valentines in school, carefully selecting the perfect ones for friends (and secret crushes!).

As adults, we continue to share tokens of love—not just with our sweethearts but also with our children, mothers, and dear friends. Beyond cards, flowers and chocolates have become synonymous with Valentine’s Day. Red roses symbolize deep love, while heart-shaped chocolates offer a sweet indulgence. Some choose to mark the occasion with a special experience, from a couples’ spa day to a simple walk under the stars or along a beach. Whatever the tradition, the goal remains the same—to make our loved ones feel special.

As plastic surgeons, we also see many patients treating themselves to a little self-care around this time—whether it’s a skincare refresh, a rejuvenating treatment, or a confidence-boosting procedure. After all, self-love is just as important as the love we share with others. So, how are you celebrating Valentine’s Day this year? Whether it’s a candlelit dinner, a cozy night in, or a surprise gesture, we hope you take the time to honor love in all its beautiful forms.

Wishing you a wonderful Valentine’s Day filled with joy, laughter, and meaningful connections!

Drs Ekstrom and Bunkis enjoying a prior Valentine’s Day at the historic Mission Inn in Riverside.

Valentine’s Day is all about romance, and what better way to celebrate than by highlighting one of the most sensual features of the face—the lips! Full, well-defined lips have long been associated with beauty and youth. But what truly constitutes a luscious lip? The ideal lip shape varies based on individual anatomy and cultural preferences, but generally, it includes well-balanced proportions, a defined cupid’s bow, and smooth, hydrated skin.

When we began our careers in plastic surgery, options for lip enhancement were quite limited. At the time, the most common approach to improving the lips was through dermabrasion or deep phenol peels to address vertical lip lines. While these methods helped with texture, they did little to enhance volume or shape. The desire for fuller lips was present, but the tools to achieve it had not yet been developed.

The evolution of lip enhancement techniques has been remarkable. The introduction of first, collagen, and then hyaluronic acid-based fillers revolutionized lip augmentation, allowing for precise volume enhancement, contouring, and hydration. Fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane offer immediate results with minimal downtime, making them a popular choice among patients seeking a plumper pout.

Beyond fillers, advances in fat grafting have allowed for a more natural and long-lasting solution. Microfat grafting involves harvesting a patient’s own fat and carefully injecting it into the lips to enhance volume and definition. The results can be soft and natural-looking, with the added benefit of longevity compared to temporary fillers.

Another innovative technique is the “lip flip” using beauty injections. Rather than adding volume, beauty injections relax the muscles around the mouth, subtly flipping the upper lip outward to create the illusion of increased fullness. This option is ideal for individuals who want a more subtle enhancement without the commitment of fillers.

For those seeking a permanent and structural improvement, a lip lift can be a game-changer. This surgical procedure shortens the space between the nose and the upper lip, increasing lip show and enhancing a youthful appearance. The results are long-lasting and can beautifully complement other facial rejuvenation procedures.

An often overlooked way to enhance the appearance of your lips and smile is to rejuvenate your teeth. A good cosmetic dentist can make a tired old set of teeth look white and rejuvenated by applying veneers to the upper and lower dentition. This will definitely make the lips and smile stand out!

With today’s advancements, achieving luscious lips has never been easier or more customizable. Whether through fillers, fat grafting, beauty injections, or a lip lift, there’s an option to suit every aesthetic goal. If you’re considering enhancing your lips, a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon can help determine the best approach for your unique anatomy and desires. After all, what better time than Valentine’s Day to give yourself the gift of a perfect pout?

Female in her 20’s with thin lips, shown here before and after lip injections with Restylane Kysse by Dr. Deborah Ekstrom.

Female in her 30’s with fuller lips to begin with but desiring fuller lips, shown here before and after Restylane Kysse injections by Dr. Deborah Ekstrom.

Female in her mid 60’s before and after perioral (around the mouth) phenol peel to address facial wrinkles. Procedure performed by Dr. Juris Bunkis, FACS.

65 year old female before and after a full face phenol peel and lipo microfat grafting by Dr. Juris Bunkis to give this pleasing improvement.

65 year old female shown here before and 3 weeks after a lip lift by Dr. Juris Bunkis of Orange County Plastic Surgery.

Teeth of a 70 year old Orange County Plastic Surgery patient, before and after application of veneers to the upper and lower teeth with a pleasing improvement of the smile without doing anything to the lips themselves (actual patient of Dr. James Sorge in San Clemente)

Can you think of anything better to give to your loved one that an Orange County Plastic Surgery gift certificate?