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Men and Plastic Surgery: A Growing Trend

The Power of Daily Exercise: Investing in a Longer, Healthier Life

By Dr. Juris Bunkis
Honorary Consul, Republic of Latvia in Southern California
Orange County Plastic Surgery, Corona del Mar/Newport Beach

No matter how early our first surgical case is scheduled, or how early our flight departs, Dr. Deborah Ekstrom and I begin each day with exercise. There are no excuses. It has become as much a part of our daily routine as brushing our teeth or drinking our morning coffee or tea.

This past weekend, Dr. Ekstrom celebrated her 74th birthday. As I watched her complete her workout, I couldn’t help but reflect on how different someone in their mid-70s looks today compared to when we were children in the 1950s. Back then, many adults smoked heavily, consumed excessive alcohol, avoided exercise, spent hours tanning in the sun, ate diets rich in saturated fats, retired in their early sixties, and often experienced declining health shortly thereafter. Life expectancy in the United States hovered around 68 years.

Today, life expectancy has increased to nearly 80 years. Smoking rates have plummeted. We understand the importance of sun protection, healthier diets, preventive healthcare, and perhaps most importantly, regular exercise. These changes have dramatically altered how we age.

The exercise revolution gained momentum in the 1960s and 1970s when recreational running became increasingly popular. Millions of people began jogging, joining fitness clubs, cycling, swimming, and participating in organized sports. What started as a movement among enthusiasts gradually became mainstream. The results have been profound. We are not only living longer, but many of us are remaining active, productive, and independent well into our later decades.

The benefits of exercise are difficult to overstate. Regular physical activity strengthens the heart, lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol levels, helps maintain a healthy weight, and reduces the risk of diabetes and stroke. Exercise also improves mood, reduces stress, enhances sleep quality, and contributes to overall well-being.

Perhaps most exciting is what we have learned about exercise and brain health. Neurosurgeon, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, in his excellent book Keep Sharp, describes exercise as one of the most powerful tools available for preserving cognitive function and reducing the risk of dementia. He treats daily exercise as a non-negotiable appointment and recommends breaking a sweat for about an hour each day.

Similarly, Dr. Peter Attia, in his bestselling book Outlive, calls exercise the most potent “longevity drug” available. His concept of the “Centenarian Decathlon” encourages us to train today for the activities we hope to enjoy decades from now—whether carrying groceries, climbing stairs, traveling, playing with grandchildren, or simply maintaining our independence.

My Mom is now 100 years old and Dr. Ekstrom’s will be in November. We hope not only to reach that milestone ourselves, but to remain healthy, active, and mentally sharp when we do. While genetics certainly play a role, lifestyle choices matter enormously.

There is no magic pill for healthy aging. Fortunately, the closest thing we have is available to all of us. Put on a pair of walking shoes, head outside, and start moving. Your future self will thank you.

Guess who is 74? (Dr. Ekstrom, not me.)

Living the life.

Happy Birthday, Dr. Ekstrom – and keep exercising!

Men and Plastic Surgery: A Growing Trend

By Dr. Deborah Ekstrom
Orange County Plastic Surgery, Corona del Mar/Newport Beach

QUIZ: Which Group of Patients Represents the Fastest Growing Segment of Cosmetic Surgery?

A) Patients over age 70
B) Teenagers
C) Men
D) Patients seeking revision surgery

The answer is C – Men.

For many years, women have represented the overwhelming majority of patients seeking cosmetic surgery. While women still account for most procedures performed nationwide, the percentage of male patients continues to grow steadily every year. Men today are increasingly interested in looking as youthful, healthy, and energetic as they feel, and they are becoming much more comfortable seeking cosmetic treatment to achieve those goals.

In my own practice, one of the most common procedures I perform on men is gynecomastia surgery. Gynecomastia, or enlargement of male breast tissue, can be a source of tremendous embarrassment and self-consciousness. Many patients have struggled with the condition since adolescence and have avoided swimming pools, beaches, fitted shirts, and other activities for years.

One of the most rewarding aspects of gynecomastia surgery is the transformation that occurs not only physically but emotionally. Patients often experience a dramatic boost in confidence. The trust that develops during this process frequently leads to long-term physician-patient relationships, and many men later return for other procedures as they become more comfortable with aesthetic surgery.

Men seek a wide variety of procedures beyond gynecomastia correction. Eyelid surgery remains extremely popular, helping reduce the tired or aged appearance that develops around the eyes. Facelifts and neck lifts are increasingly common among professional men who wish to maintain a youthful appearance in competitive workplaces. Liposuction and body contouring procedures help address stubborn areas of fat that often persist despite exercise and healthy lifestyles.

Rhinoplasty is another procedure commonly requested by male patients. Whether correcting a prominent hump, improving breathing, or addressing a previous injury, rhinoplasty can significantly improve facial balance. However, male rhinoplasty differs from female rhinoplasty. Men generally prefer a stronger, straighter nasal profile and want to maintain masculine facial characteristics.

Male patients often require different surgical approaches overall. The male face has different proportions, thicker skin, and unique aesthetic goals. During facial rejuvenation procedures, preserving masculine features is essential. Overcorrection or excessive softening of facial contours can create an unnatural appearance that most male patients wish to avoid.
Men also tend to approach cosmetic surgery differently than women. Many spend considerable time researching procedures before scheduling a consultation. They often want clear explanations, practical outcomes, and realistic expectations. Discretion is also frequently important.

As surgeons, we must understand these differences and tailor both our surgical techniques and our communication styles accordingly. The growing number of men seeking cosmetic surgery reflects a broader societal acceptance that taking care of one’s appearance is not limited to any gender.

Helping male patients achieve their goals while preserving natural, masculine features has become one of the most satisfying and rewarding aspects of my practice.

Have questions?

We would be delighted to evaluate your concerns and help determine which combination of procedures may be best suited to your individual anatomy and goals. Please call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ekstrom and get all of your questions answered.

SCHEDULE ONLINE

This 29 year old healthy male sought consultation at Orange County Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, CA about excess breast tissue. He was seen after an 80 lb. weight loss left, which left him with significant loose skin, as well as palpable breast tissue (gynecomastia). To get optimal results, her required removal of his gynecomastia tissue as well as excision of a wedge of skin and replacement of his nipples as free nipple grafts. The final scar runs in the fold under the breasts. He is shown here before and a year later, when fully healed, and is absolutely thrilled with his results. (Actual patient of Dr. Deborah Ekstrom)

This 34-year male sought consultation at Orange County Plastic Surgery concerning a full face and neck and neck laxity. He is shown here before and a year after a neck liposuction with Renuvion skin shrinking procedure and a buccal lipectomy performed as team surgery by Drs. Deborah Ekstrom and Juris Bunkis (Actual patient of Dr. Deborah Ekstrom of Orange County Plastic Surgery in Corona del Mar/Newport Beach.)

This 55-year-old male was not bothered by some of the signs of aging, which were appearing, but sought consultation with Dr. Deborah Ekstrom of Orange County Plastic Surgery, Corona del Mar/Newport Beach because he hated his protruding ears! His ears had been the source of teasing since childhood and he decided that, once and for all, he would like them improved. He is shown here before and after a setback otoplasty by Dr. Deborah Ekstrom. (Actual patient of Dr. Deborah Ekstrom of Orange County Plastic Surgery.)

This male in his mid-40’s presented with gynecomastia and truncal skin excess following a 90 pound weight loss following a strict diet and exercise program. He is shown here following a Daddy Makeover consisting of gynecomastia surgery and abdominoplasty to get this stellar result. (Actual patient of Dr. Juris Bunkis of Orange County Plastic Surgery in Corona Del 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.
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If you want to see if you can have any part of your body improved, contact us for a consultation: