A Note of Gratitude from Drs. Bunkis and Ekstrom!
Orange County Plastic Surgery
As we begin a new year, we want to pause and say THANK YOU!
For over 40 years, it has been our privilege to care for you—our patients, friends, and extended Orange County Plastic Surgery family. Your loyalty, your trust in us, and the countless referrals of your friends and family members have allowed our practice to grow and thrive in ways we never could have imagined. We truly owe our success to you, and we are deeply grateful.
Happy 2026/ As we start this journey through 2026, let us consider New Year’s Resolutions: Why We Make Them—and How to Make Them Stick
The tradition of New Year’s resolutions is far older than most people realize. Historians trace it back more than 4,000 years to ancient Babylon, where promises were made to the gods at the start of the year. The Romans continued the tradition, honoring Janus—the two-faced god of beginnings—by reflecting on the past and committing to the future. Centuries later, we’re still doing the same thing, though our “gods” may now be calendars, apps, and gym memberships.
Each January, the most common resolutions remain remarkably consistent: improving health, exercising more, losing weight, saving money, reducing stress, and spending more quality time with loved ones. These goals reflect something universal—our desire to live better, feel better, and be better versions of ourselves.
Yet statistics are sobering. Studies suggest that nearly 80% of New Year’s resolutions are broken by mid-February. Why? Often because goals are too ambitious, too vague, or based on what we think we should do rather than what truly matters to us.
So how do we improve our odds?
First, keep resolutions realistic and specific. “Exercise more” is hard to measure; “walk 30 minutes three times a week” is achievable. Second, focus on progress, not perfection. Slipping up doesn’t mean failure—it means you’re human. Third, build habits around your values. Resolutions tied to meaningful relationships, personal growth, or purpose are far more likely to last than those rooted in guilt or comparison.
Finally, remember that positive change doesn’t require January 1st. A new year is simply a symbolic reset—a reminder that we can pause, reflect, and choose differently at any moment.
As we move into this year together, we encourage you to be kind to yourself, intentional in your choices, and open to growth. Small, consistent steps can lead to lasting improvements in health, happiness, and relationships—and that’s a resolution worth keeping.
Latvian New Year’s Eve traditions are a lovely mix of ancient Baltic folklore, seasonal symbolism, and practical, no-nonsense wisdom — very on-brand for Latvians. One traditional belief is that you should finish all unfinished business before midnight — repay debts, resolve conflicts, clean the house. Carrying problems into the New Year was thought to invite bad luck. As in many Baltic cultures, a well-stocked table symbolizes abundance in the coming year. We spent a lovely New Year’s Eve with our dear friends, Kent and Kay Haley. There’s a belief that the first words spoken after midnight set the tone for the year. Kind words, laughter, and toasts are encouraged; arguments are very much discouraged. Some older traditions include pouring molten lead or wax into water and interpreting the shapes to predict the future — love, travel, success, or challenges ahead. I melted a few pound of lead (in a pan I use very year for this purpose) and Dr. Ekstrom poured the molten lead into a large bucket of water, creating this interesting sculpture. She is seen here analyzing what she sees in this sculpture.
Post-Holiday Rejuvenation: Reversing the Effects of Stress, Sugar & Sun
By Dr. Deborah Ekstrom
Orange County Plastic Surgery, Corona del Mar/Newport Beach
Quiz Of The Day
Which of the following factors contributes most to the dull, tired appearance many people notice in their face after the holidays?
A. Cold winter temperatures
B. Reduced daylight hours
C. Holiday stress, excess sugar, dehydration, and past sun exposure
D. Sleeping on your side
E. Wearing makeup more frequently
Correct Answer: C
The holiday season is wonderful—but it can be hard on your skin. Increased stress, disrupted sleep, indulgent diets high in sugar, alcohol and salt, travel, dehydration, and even “winter sun” exposure all take a visible toll. Many patients come to us in January saying, “I just look tired.” The good news? This is one of the best times of year to reset and rejuvenate.
Skin Hydration: The Foundation
Dehydration is one of the most common culprits behind dull, crepey skin and accentuated fine lines. Cold air, indoor heating, alcohol, and travel all strip moisture from the skin. Rehydrating from the inside out—adequate water intake, proper skincare, and medical-grade topical treatments—can dramatically improve skin texture and radiance in a short time.
Laser Treatments: Repair and Renewal
Winter is an ideal season for laser treatments. With less intense sun exposure and more time spent indoors, we can safely address sun damage, redness, uneven pigmentation, and skin laxity. Laser technology stimulates collagen production, helping restore smoother, healthier-looking skin over time.
Chemical Peels: A Fresh Start
Chemical peels are another winter favorite. They gently remove damaged outer layers of skin, improving tone, texture, and clarity. Because sun exposure is minimized during winter months, the skin can heal optimally, making this the perfect season for peel treatments.
Injectables: Subtle Refinement
Neuromodulators and fillers remain excellent tools for softening lines and restoring balance to the face. After periods of stress and dehydration, fine lines can appear more pronounced—injectables can help restore a rested, refreshed appearance without looking “done.”
Restoring Volume: Microfat Grafting
Stress, weight fluctuation, and dehydration often lead to facial volume loss. While fillers can be effective, my preferred approach is microfat grafting, using your own natural fat to restore youthful contours. Microfat not only replenishes volume but also improves skin quality due to its regenerative properties—offering results that are both natural and long-lasting.
The start of a new year is an ideal time to invest in yourself. With thoughtful, personalized rejuvenation, we can help you look refreshed, healthy, and vibrant—reflecting how you truly feel inside.
This 65-year-old female presented to Dr. Ekstrom with the complaint that her face had “deflated” and that she felt a lot younger than the lady she saw looking back at her in the mirror! She was absolutely against having a facelift (seemed “too radical” to her) but was willing to undergo an endoscopic brow lift and a fat transfer to the face. She is thrilled with her rejuvenated new look! (Actual patient of Dr. Deborah Ekstrom of Orange County Plastic Surgery in Corona Del Mar/New Port Beach, California.)
In addition to some common signs of aging in a 50-year-old female like the onset of neck laxity, baggy lower eyelids, upper lid skin excess and sagging brows, from years of sun exposure, she had an exceedingly weathered face for a 50 year old. Dr. Bunkis explained that to optimize her results, the patient should have skin resurfacing as well as the surgical rejuvenation. She is shown here before and after a Dr. Bunkis Natural A to V facelift, and upper and lower lid blepharoplasty, an endoscopic brow lift and a full-face laser resurfacing, all performed at a single sitting. The patient is absolutely thrilled with her results. (Actual patient of Dr. Juris Bunkis of Orange County Plastic Surgery.)
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
