It was a great honor and privilege yesterday to stand before the Estonian Community of Los Angeles, as the Latvian Honorary Consul, representing the government of Latvia and the Los Angeles Latvian Association, to extend our heartfelt congratulations on the 107th anniversary of Estonia’s Declaration of Independence.

We celebrated not just the anniversary of Estonia’s independence in 1918, but also the resilience, courage, and unyielding spirit of the Estonian people—qualities that unite all three Baltic nations.

In 1918, as the world was in turmoil following the First World War, the people of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania seized a historic opportunity. Amid the chaos, as empires crumbled and new borders were drawn, all three Baltic Nations declared independence—defending it against both German and Russian forces. It was a time of uncertainty and hardship, but through determination and sacrifice, the Baltic countries secured their freedom.

Tragically, in the 1940s, that hard-won independence was stolen as the Soviet Union occupied all three Baltic Nations. For fifty long years, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania endured oppression, forced deportations, and the systematic destruction of our cultures. Yet, our nations never lost hope. And when the Soviet Union collapsed, the Balts reclaimed what was rightfully theirs – freedom! The Baltic Way, where two million people joined hands across the three Baltic states in 1989, demonstrated to the world that the desire for freedom could never be extinguished.

As we celebrated Estonia’s independence, we could not ignore history repeating itself. Ukraine, much like the Baltics in the past, is now fighting to preserve its sovereignty against brutal Russian aggression. Their struggle is our struggle, and their fight for freedom must not be forgotten. Let us stand in unwavering solidarity with Ukraine, just as we would expect others to stand with us in time of peril. We beseech America not to turn its back on Ukraine at this moment of need. Putin, not Zelenskyy, is the dictator and villain here! Putin started this war, not Zelenskyy!

God bless the Baltics. God bless Ukraine. And God bless a free and independent Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania forever more!

Dr. Bunkis addressing the Los Angeles Estonian Community on their 107th Independence Day Celebration

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. They reveal our emotions, our vitality, and, in many ways, our inner selves. But with time, our eyes may begin to look tired, sad, or aged—even when we feel youthful and energetic. As seasoned plastic surgeons, we have a variety of treatments to refresh and rejuvenate the eyes, restoring a more vibrant and expressive appearance.

Non-Surgical Solutions

For those looking for subtle enhancements without surgery, we offer:

• Botox/Dysort – These popular neuromodulators softens crow’s feet, smooths forehead lines, and can even elevate the outer corners of the brows for a more open and refreshed look.
• Chemical Peels & Laser Resurfacing – These treatments improve fine lines, skin texture, and pigmentation around the eyes, enhancing skin quality and radiance.

Surgical Rejuvenation for the Eyes

When non-invasive treatments aren’t enough, we turn to surgical options that provide dramatic, yet natural-looking, results.

• Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty – Excess skin on the upper lids can create a heavy, hooded appearance. Blepharoplasty restores a more defined lid crease and can even improve vision if sagging skin obstructs the eyes. In some cases, we also correct lid ptosis (droopy eyelid) to restore symmetry and function.
• Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty – Puffy under-eye bags and excess skin can make a person look constantly fatigued. By removing or repositioning fat and tightening the skin, we can restore a smooth, youthful contour.
• Brow Lift – If low brows contribute to a tired or angry look, a brow lift elevates the brows, reducing hooding over the eyes and opening up the entire periorbital region.

Whether through subtle enhancements or transformative surgery, our goal is always to bring harmony to the face while preserving your natural beauty. The eyes should reflect your spirit, not your age.

Are your eyes telling the story you want them to? If not, we’re here to help.

Female in her late 20’s, concerned with glabellar frown lines (the “elevens” between her brows and low eyebrows, shown here before and after injection of 30 u Botox under her lateral brows (to make the brows go up) and between the brows to get rid of “the elevens” by Dr. Bunkis.

60 year old sun damaged patient, with bothersome lower lid wrinkling but without fat pads or lower lid skin excess, shown here before and after a lower lid laser resurfacing procedure by Dr. Juris Bunkis.

51 year old female patient before and after an Upper Lid Blepharoplasty (Eyelid surgery) and Endoscopic Brow Lift by Dr. Deborah Ekstrom to rejuvenate the eye area.

This female in her mid 20’s felt that she had “sleepy eyes” and wished to have an upper eyelid fold. She is shown here before and after an Asian Upper Lid Blepharoplasty by Dr. Juris Bunkis.

We’re moving!