Teamwork

In our nearly 40 years of experience as plastic surgeons, we have seen the field evolve in countless ways. However, the most transformative change in our professional lives has been the shift toward teamwork. Five years ago, we began working closely together, and it has been nothing short of revitalizing. The collaboration has breathed new life into our careers, helping us rediscover the passion that initially drew us to this craft.

Plastic surgery is often seen as a solo endeavor, with each surgeon bringing their unique style and approach to patient care and the operating room. While we each have our own techniques, the constant in our partnership has been the consistent delivery of excellent results. Working together, in our practices and in our lives away from the office, we have found that our differences are not obstacles but opportunities to learn. We challenge each other to refine our methods, explore new techniques, and deepen our understanding of the art and science of plastic surgery.

The benefits of teamwork extend beyond the two of us. Our collaboration has positively impacted every aspect of our practices, not only for our staff members but has resulted in better patient care. When surgeons and staff work as a cohesive team, this sets the tone for the entire practice. Our staff members, from PA’s, MA’s and aestheticians to administrative personnel, see the value we place on collaboration, and it motivates them to do the same. This unified approach fosters an environment where everyone feels valued, leading to improved morale, better patient care, and a more satisfying work experience for all.

In a field where burnout is a real concern, teamwork has been our antidote. It has reinvigorated our passion for plastic surgery and allowed us to continue delivering exceptional care with renewed enthusiasm. The value of teamwork in our practice is immeasurable – teamwork is the foundation that supports our ongoing growth and success.

Drs. Bunkis and Ekstrom in the OR with our PA student, Cassidy Chiu. Teamwork in the OR is much more rewarding than working solo – this gives the patients the advantage of shorter operating times and the skills of two experienced surgeons instead of one.

As plastic surgeons, we’re often drawn to the allure of showcasing our most dramatic transformations. The “before and after” photos that exhibit significant changes can be compelling, but this summer, we have been reminded of the value in subtlety. We have encountered a number of patients seeking facial rejuvenation surgery where the improvements could only be described as minor, yet the outcomes were deeply satisfying to the patients and surgeons alike.

Two primary types of patients often fall into this category. First, there are younger individuals beginning to notice the initial signs of aging. These patients may have subtle changes such as slight sagging or fine lines that are not yet pronounced. The goal in these cases is to preserve their youthful appearance while addressing these early signs in a way that appears natural and seamless.

The second group consists of older patients who have previously undergone a facelift. With time, they may begin to notice minor jowl sagging or a slight return of neck laxity. While the changes are modest compared to their initial transformation, they still seek to maintain the refreshed look they achieved years ago.

The benefits of surgery, even when the improvements are slight, should not be underestimated. For these patients, the changes are not about a dramatic overhaul but about feeling confident and comfortable in their skin. The subtle enhancements we achieve help them maintain a youthful appearance without looking “overdone.”

Moreover, these procedures are often more about the patient’s emotional and psychological well-being than the physical change. The slight adjustments can restore confidence, boost self-esteem, and provide a sense of continuity in their appearance as they age. These cases remind us that the essence of plastic surgery lies not only in the magnitude of the transformation but in the satisfaction and happiness of our patients, no matter how subtle the change.

65 year old widow, shown here ten years after a facelift, with minimal sagging of the jawline and neck, and after having a secondary facelift and skin resurfacing, surgery performed by Dr. Juris Bunkis.

For CA, please call 949-888-9700 or visit www.orangecountyplasticsurgery.com
Or for MA location, call 508-755-4825 or visit www.salisburyps.com