As plastic surgeons, our work focuses on artistry and precision here on Earth, but recently, we had the incredible opportunity to step into a world of exploration beyond our planet. Last week, we again joined the Los Angeles Consular Corps for a guided VIP tour of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in La Cañada Flintridge, a truly remarkable institution that has shaped our understanding of the universe.

A Legacy of Innovation
JPL’s history dates back to the 1930s when a group of Caltech researchers began experimenting with rocket technology in the Arroyo Seco. What started as a small research project has since grown into a powerhouse of space exploration, now managed by NASA and responsible for some of the most groundbreaking discoveries in space science.

Achievements That Changed Our Understanding of Space
From launching the first U.S. satellite, Explorer 1, in 1958 to sending robotic explorers across the solar system, JPL has led missions that have expanded human knowledge. The Mars Rover program, the Voyager probes, and the Juno mission to Jupiter are just a few of the lab’s incredible accomplishments. Standing in the same facility where these missions were conceived and built was awe-inspiring.

What JPL Does Today
JPL remains at the forefront of robotic space exploration. The Perseverance rover continues its search for signs of ancient life on Mars, while the Europa Clipper is preparing for a journey to explore Jupiter’s icy moon. The lab is also heavily involved in Earth science, monitoring climate patterns and natural disasters from space.

What’s Next for JPL?
The future is even more exciting. With upcoming lunar and Martian missions, advancements in AI-driven space exploration, and ambitious plans for interstellar probes, JPL continues to push the boundaries of what is possible. The passion and dedication of the scientists and engineers we met were truly inspiring.

How to Visit JPL
JPL offers free public tours, but reservations are required well in advance. The tours include a behind-the-scenes look at mission control, spacecraft assembly areas, and interactive exhibits. You can check availability and book a visit through their official website.

Our tour was a reminder that right in our backyard, a team of brilliant minds is working to unlock the secrets of the universe. If you ever have the chance to visit, don’t miss it—JPL is a local treasure worth exploring!

Drs Ekstrom and Bunkis heading the Consular Delegation at the JPL

As experienced plastic surgeons, we often hear concerns from patients about their inner arms—specifically, the so-called “bat wing” deformity. Many people struggle with loose, sagging skin in this area, particularly after significant weight loss or as a natural part of aging. While exercise can strengthen and tone the underlying muscles, it cannot tighten lax skin.

Fortunately, several treatment options are available, depending on the degree of laxity and the patient’s aesthetic goals.

Liposuction: A Minimally Invasive Solution for Mild Laxity
For patients with good skin elasticity but excess fat in the inner arm, liposuction alone may provide excellent results. This procedure removes unwanted fat deposits, allowing the skin to contract to some extent. However, if the skin lacks sufficient elasticity, liposuction alone may not produce the desired tightening effect.

Liposuction with Radiofrequency or Renuvion: Enhancing Skin Tightening
When skin laxity is mild to moderate, combining liposuction with a skin-tightening technology such as radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis (BodyTite®) or Renuvion® (helium plasma and radiofrequency energy) can enhance results. These treatments stimulate collagen production and encourage skin contraction over time, providing a firmer, more contoured appearance.

Brachioplasty (Arm Lift): The Gold Standard for Significant Laxity
For patients with moderate to severe skin laxity, a brachioplasty (arm lift) is the most effective option. This surgical procedure removes excess skin and fat to achieve a more toned and youthful arm contour.
• Traditional Brachioplasty: Involves an incision along the inner arm from the armpit to the elbow, allowing for maximum tightening.
• Brachioplasty with Liposuction: Often combined to sculpt and refine the arm’s shape while removing excess tissue.

Choosing the Right Procedure for You
The best approach depends on your degree of skin laxity, the presence of excess fat, and your desired outcome. While non-surgical options can provide mild improvements, surgery remains the most definitive solution for more significant sagging. A consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon will help determine the best treatment plan for you.

If you’ve been struggling with bat wings and want to restore confidence in your arms, explore your options with a qualified specialist – we’re here to help you. There is a solution for everyone—whether it’s a subtle enhancement or a dramatic transformation!

Overweight female in her 40’s with large solid arms who did not want an inner arm scar, shown here before and after liposuction of 1,800 cc of fat by Dr. Juris Bunkis.

Female in her 30’s with full inner arms and some skin laxity, shown here before and after a liposuction and Renuvion skin tightening by Dr. Deborah Ekstrom.

77 year old, normal weight female, without a history of weight loss, shown here before and after a brachioplasty procedure by Dr. Deborah Ekstrom

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