Summer is upon us, and with it, the joys of sunshine, school breaks, and time spent outdoors. My grandchildren kicked off their summer with a trip to Yosemite—touring, hiking, and, yes, fishing. My son recently sent me photos of the kids fishing, and it sparked a rush of memories.

Fishing has been one of the great joys of my life, a hobby I fell in love with while growing up in Northern Ontario. In those days, we’d paddle out in canoes or go out in motor boats, cast lines from rocky shores, and relish the solitude and beauty that only the great outdoors can offer. Over the years, that love has never faded. In fact, it’s been a recurring theme in my life and even in this blog—Dr. Ekstrom and I have shared stories of our fishing adventures in Alaska, Mexico, Massachusetts, Latvia, Utah, and California.

When my own children were young, I made it a point to take them on fishing trips throughout the western United States. These trips became treasured memories—moments of learning, bonding, and joy. Fishing gave us a reason to get away, slow down, and connect without distractions. Now, it is my grandchildren’s turn.

What is it about fishing that’s so universally appealing? I believe it’s the combination of peacefulness and challenge. There’s a rhythm to fishing—casting, waiting, observing—that is almost meditative. It’s therapeutic. You focus on the moment. You listen to the water. You breathe deeply.

And there’s camaraderie—whether fishing with a wife, buddy, a child, or a grandchild, the quiet companionship and shared excitement when a fish strikes are unforgettable. The best part? Trout, and most game fish, tend to live in the most beautiful of places. So even if you don’t catch a thing, you leave with full lungs and a full heart.

Passing this tradition on to the next generation is one of the greatest gifts I can offer. Watching my children and now grandchildren discover the magic of fishing, just as I once did, reminds me how powerful simple pleasures can be.

If you haven’t yet made summer plans, consider a fishing trip. You may come home with dinner—or even better, a lifelong memory.

Grandkids enjoying the start of summer with a fishing trip to Yosemite. 8 year old Kinley fishing and teaching her 3-year-old sister, Kate.

Fishing with my daughter, Jessica in Oregon in 1998

With son, Justin, catching trout in New Mexico in 2010.

Dr. B (climbing out of boat) with my baby brother, Imants, and in the center, Janis Pridans, our friend from New York, after a successful day of catching Northern Pike in Ontario, 1961

As a plastic surgeon with nearly 40 years of experience, I have witnessed remarkable progress in every aspect of breast augmentation surgery. Advances in surgical techniques, implant quality, patient monitoring, and medications have revolutionized how we care for our patients—not just during surgery, but especially in the critical post-operative period.

Where these improvements truly shine is in expediting recovery. Thirty years ago, breast augmentation patients typically faced a full week of discomfort, needed narcotics to manage their pain, and were unable to return to work for many days. Today, this no longer has to be the case.

One of the most impactful developments has been the use of long-acting local anesthetics like Exparel. This innovative medication is applied during surgery and provides extended pain relief for up to three days. While Exparel doesn’t eliminate all discomfort, it significantly reduces the need for narcotics and expedites recovery. Most of my patients now manage their recovery with just Tylenol and are able to return to desk jobs within three days. Many are even surprised at how easy their recovery is.

I call this my “Quick Recovery Breast Augmentation.” It’s a safe, patient-centered approach that prioritizes rapid healing and a return to daily life with minimal disruption.
If you—or someone you know—has been considering breast enhancement but hesitated due to concerns about downtime or pain, I invite you to come in for a consultation. We’ll discuss your goals and explore options tailored to your lifestyle and needs.

Here’s to looking and feeling your best—with confidence and comfort!

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