A Perfect Local Escape: Cruising Newport Harbor by Duffy Boat
By Dr. Juris Bunkis Medical Director, Orange County Plastic Surgery Honorary Consul of the Republic of Latvia
Last week, we shared memories of a few spectacular days exploring Zion and Bryce Canyon—Utah at its finest. This week, we stayed much closer to home and discovered that you don’t have to travel far to enjoy something equally special. Right here in Newport Beach, we had a delightful local getaway: a Duffy boat cruise through Newport Harbor with our staff.
For those unfamiliar, Duffy boats are charming electric boats—quiet, environmentally friendly, and perfect for a relaxed glide through the harbor. Originating right here in Newport Beach in the 1970s, they’ve become a local icon. With their easy handling and cozy seating, they offer a unique way to experience the beauty of the coastline.
We invited our staff and their significant others to join us, making it both a team outing and a celebration. We were especially fortunate to have our office manager Jo Cattell’s husband, Jeff, at the helm. Jeff proved to be an excellent captain, guiding us smoothly through the harbor’s winding waterways.
Newport Harbor never disappoints. From stunning waterfront homes and impressive yachts to charming docks and hidden corners, there is always something to admire. We were even lucky enough to spot a few seals lounging and a sea lion or two making a cameo appearance—reminders of the vibrant marine life that shares this beautiful setting.
The timing of our outing couldn’t have been better—it gave us the perfect opportunity to celebrate Jo’s birthday. Jo, or “Jo Jo” as we affectionately call her, is truly the heart of our practice. Her dedication, warmth, and organizational magic keep everything running seamlessly.
Happy Birthday, Jo Jo! We are so grateful to have you as part of our lives. Thank you for all that you do—not just for our practice, but for all of us personally.
As the sun began to set over the harbor, casting golden reflections on the water, it was one of those moments that reminded us how lucky we are to live and work in such a special place. Sometimes, the best getaways are right in your own backyard.
“Captain Jeff” and our birthday girl, our office manager, Jo Jo!
Happy Birthday, Jo Jo!
Two lucky sea gulls, who joined us on our trip, and got to enjoy some crackers and slices of salami!
Two other “love birds” on our trip! To our MA, Kushi, thanks for all you do!
Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation: A New Era of Comfort and Healing
By Dr. Deborah Ekstrom
Orange County Plastic Surgery, Corona del Mar/Newport Beach
Quiz
Which of the following has MOST contributed to faster recovery after breast augmentation?
A) Larger implants
B) Longer surgeries
C) Advanced pain control techniques and medications
D) More bed rest
E) More narcotics after surgery
Correct Answer: C
Breast augmentation has come a long way. Years ago, when I started doing breast augmentations 40 years ago, patients often described the first few days after surgery as extremely uncomfortable—many said it felt like “an elephant sitting on their chest.” Recovery could be slow, and reliance on narcotic pain medication was common.
Today, the experience is dramatically different.
Many patients now undergo surgery on a Friday and are back to deskwork by Monday. This transformation is the result of multiple advances over the past four decades—improvements in implant design, surgical technique, and, importantly, pain management.
Modern implants are more durable than ever, with cohesive gel technology. This means that even in the rare event of a rupture, the silicone maintains its shape and does not leak freely. This has improved both safety and peace of mind.
Pain control has seen some of the most significant progress. Years ago, we utilized pain pumps—small catheters placed during surgery that delivered local anesthetic over several days. These were highly effective in reducing discomfort and minimizing the need for oral narcotics.
In recent years, we have transitioned to using a long-acting local anesthetic called Exparel. This medication is carefully infused into the pectoralis muscle during surgery, often combined with a targeted nerve block. The result is sustained pain relief for the first few days after surgery—the period when discomfort used to be most intense. Many patients now find they need little to no narcotic medication.
Another exciting development is the introduction of Journavx, a non-narcotic medication that has helped further revolutionize recovery. By providing effective pain control without the side effects and risks associated with opioids, Journavx enhances patient comfort and safety. It has been a game changer not only for breast augmentation but also for procedures like abdominoplasty.
Together, these innovations have transformed breast augmentation into a much more patient-friendly experience. Less pain, quicker recovery, and a faster return to normal life—this is the new standard.
If you’ve been considering breast augmentation but were concerned about recovery, it may be time to take another look. The advances have truly been truly remarkable. If you would like to discuss quick recovery breast augmentation, give us a call and I will go over your options with you.
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.
