Dinner with HRH Prince Gharios El Chemor
By Dr. Juris Bunkis, Medical Director, Orange County Plastic Surgery Honorary Consul of the Republic of Latvia
I have always considered myself a lifelong student. I read constantly, collect bits of trivia the way some people collect stamps, and genuinely enjoy learning something new every day. Still, this past weekend reminded me that no matter how much one thinks one knows, there are entire worlds of history, culture, and lived experience waiting to be explored, just beyond our usual circles.
That realization came during a memorable dinner at the City Club in Los Angeles with my friend from the Los Angeles Consular Corps, Grant Gochin—Honorary Consul for the Republic of Togo—and His Royal Highness, Prince Gharios El Chemor. From the moment the conversation began, I knew I was in the presence of a lineage and intellect far deeper than anything I had previously encountered.
Prince Gharios is the eighth-generation male-line descendant of H.I. & R.H. Sheikh Youssef El Chemor, the last sovereign Ghassanid prince, who ruled until 1747 CE in Zgharta-Zawiya in present-day Lebanon. The El Chemor Sheikhs rose to power in 1211 CE as royal heirs of King Chemor (Jabalah), the last King of Ghassan, from whom the family derives its name. What fascinated me most is that this lineage never relinquished its hereditary dignity. Even after the fall of sovereign rule, the family continued to bear its titles in accordance with well-established principles of international jurisprudence—much like the Orléans, Bourbons, Bonapartes, Savoys, and Braganzas of Europe.
Born into this extraordinary history, Prince Gharios was educated in Franciscan schools, an upbringing that instilled both discipline and intellectual curiosity. His academic path has been remarkably broad, encompassing Eastern philosophy, comparative religion, international law, governance, education, and diplomacy. He has written 62 books. Over the years, he has earned multiple honorary doctorates and lectured internationally, engaging audiences across cultures and continents.
15 years ago, his work brought him to California, where he now focuses on diplomacy, education, humanitarian initiatives, and cultural bridge-building—roles that feel especially relevant in today’s fractured global climate. Our dinner conversation ranged widely, touching on international affairs, historical continuity, faith traditions, and the responsibilities that come with inherited legacy.
It was, quite simply, a fascinating evening—one that opened my eyes to perspectives I knew little about and reminded me why curiosity matters at every stage of life. No matter our profession or background, there is always more to learn, and occasionally, if we are lucky, a dinner conversation can expand our understanding of the world in ways we never expected.
With His Royal Highness, Prince Gharios El Chemor, at the City Club in Los Angeles. The City Club in Los Angeles has been a special place for me for many years. Perched high above downtown, it offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views in the city—from the mountains to the Pacific on a clear day, and a glittering skyline at night. Beyond the views, the club has long been a gathering place for leaders in business, diplomacy, and the arts, making it ideal for thoughtful conversation. Its elegant, understated atmosphere encourages dialogue, reflection, and connection. It was the perfect setting for an unforgettable evening of history, ideas, and global perspective.
Mental Blocks to Aesthetic Surgery: What’s Really Holding People Back?
By Dr. Deborah Ekstrom
Orange County Plastic Surgery, Corona del Mar/Newport Beach
Quiz Of The Day
What is the most common reason patients delay or avoid aesthetic surgery—even when they are excellent candidates?
A. Fear of anesthesia
B. Cost alone
C. Fear of looking “fake” or not like themselves
D. Pain during recovery
E. Pressure from family
Correct Answer: C
At Orange County Plastic Surgery in Corona Del Mar and Newport Beach, we frequently meet patients who want aesthetic improvement—but feel emotionally stuck. These mental blocks are extremely common and completely normal. Understanding them is often the first step toward clarity and confidence.
The most common concern we hear is the fear of looking fake or losing one’s identity. Patients worry they will appear overdone or no longer recognizable. These fears are often rooted in outdated images of plastic surgery and amplified by celebrity mishaps and social media extremes. Modern aesthetic surgery, when performed thoughtfully and conservatively, is about restoration—not transformation.
Another powerful barrier is the fear of judgment. Many patients, especially professionals, ask themselves, “What will people think?” or “Will I seem vain?” This is a social and psychological concern, not a medical one. Despite how common cosmetic procedures have become, lingering stigma still causes hesitation.
Many patients also experience a disconnect between how they feel and what they see in the mirror. Feeling youthful, energetic, and sharp internally—but seeing fatigue, facial aging, or body changes externally—creates an internal conflict: Do I accept aging, or address it? Surgery is not about denying aging; it is about alignment.
The fear of aging itself can be surprisingly powerful. Simply scheduling a consultation can feel like admitting, “I’m getting older,” so avoidance becomes easier. Others struggle with loss of control, particularly high-achieving, Type A personalities who find anesthesia, recovery, and trust unsettling.
Catastrophic thinking is also common. Patients may fixate on worst-case scenarios—“What if I’m the one bad outcome?”—even though these fears are emotional rather than statistical.
Another significant mental block is financial guilt. Even patients who can comfortably afford surgery may feel it is selfish, especially caregivers.
Understanding realistic costs and payment options often brings relief. With our affordable payment plans through Cherry Financing, procedures may be more accessible than expected: breast augmentation for as little as $200 per month, gynecomastia surgery for as little as $120 per month, tummy tucks starting around $250 per month, and facelifts as low as $400 per month.
Finally, timing paralysis, trust barriers, and fear of disappointment often keep patients waiting. A thoughtful consultation is never about pressure—it is about education, trust, and realistic expectations.
At its best, aesthetic surgery isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about feeling comfortable, confident, and like yourself again.
This female from Massachusetts in her late 40, who still had a relatively tight neckline, presented to Dr. Deborah Ekstrom because her midcheek grooves were deepening and make her look older than she actually was. She feared looking done or fake and was not interested in a facelift. She is shown here before and after a microfat grafting procedure by Dr. Ekstrom. The patient was thrilled with her results. (Actual patient of Dr. Deborah Ekstrom 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.
Free Parking Available.
If you want to see if you can have any part of your body improved, contact us for a consultation:
For CA, please call 949-888-9700 or visit www.orangecountyplasticsurgery.com
