As summer winds down and fall waits just around the corner, we find ourselves reflecting on how quickly the seasons pass. The days are getting shorter, yet here in Southern California, we are fortunate to still enjoy plenty of sunshine and warmth. While our summer schedules tend to slow down a bit, the rhythm of life always seems to pick back up as children return to school, calendars fill, and routines return.

Last weekend, Dr. Ekstrom and I were especially blessed to have many of our children and grandchildren come together for a family gathering. It was one of those rare and wonderful days that seemed to capture the essence of summer—a day spent by the pool, laughter echoing across the backyard, and joy radiating from the kids as they splashed, played, and simply enjoyed being together. We had a barbecue, shared a birthday cake, and created memories that felt like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting.

Moments like these remind us of the importance of family, connection, and pausing to appreciate the little things in life. Just as each season has its rhythm, so too do our lives. As fall approaches, with its own sense of energy and renewal, we look forward to carrying that spirit of togetherness into the months ahead.

From all of us at Orange County Plastic Surgery, we wish you a joyful start to this new season. May your fall be filled with health, happiness, and your own Rockwell-worthy moments.

Grandson Leo holding court with our granddaughters, Isla, Kate and Kinley

My children, Justin and Jessica, swimming with grandkids (yes, everyone wearing sun block!).

Let’s continue this week’s article with a quiz:

Quiz Question:
Which of the following is the most effective and long-lasting way to correct excess eyelid skin and under-eye bags?

A) Cool compresses and eye creams
B) Concealer and cosmetic products
C) Botox® injections
D) Latisse® for longer eyelashes
E) Upper and lower eyelid surgery

Correct Answer:
E) Upper and lower eyelid surgery

“The eyes are the windows to the soul.” This timeless saying captures a universal truth—our eyes are more than functional organs. They reflect our emotions, personality, vitality, and even our state of health. Eye contact is one of the most powerful forms of human communication, helping us connect and build trust. Bright, youthful eyes convey energy and warmth, while tired, puffy, or wrinkled eyes can send the opposite message, even if we feel vibrant inside.

Attractive eyes are linked to certain physical features: whiter sclera (the whites of the eyes), bright irises, clear skin around the eyelids, and long, dark lashes. These traits subconsciously signal health, youth, and vitality. Fortunately, there are many ways—both simple and advanced—to enhance the appearance of our eyes.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies
The foundation of attractive eyes begins with self-care. Adequate sleep, hydration, sun protection, and a balanced diet all improve the eye area. Simple remedies like cool compresses and quality eye creams can reduce puffiness and dark circles. Cosmetic products, such as concealers and brightening creams, provide quick improvements and help highlight the eyes.

Non-Surgical Options
For those seeking more noticeable, but non-invasive, results, treatments like Latisse® can lengthen and thicken eyelashes, enhancing eye beauty. Botox® smooths crow’s feet and softens frown lines, creating a more relaxed, approachable look. Fillers may also be used to restore volume under the eyes, reducing hollows and shadows. These procedures are office-based, with little to no downtime.

Surgical Options
When skin and fat excess become too pronounced, surgery offers the most effective and long-lasting results. Upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) removes redundant skin and fat that cause heaviness or a “hooded” look, opening up the eyes and restoring a refreshed appearance. Lower eyelid surgery targets under-eye bags and sagging, tightening skin and smoothing the transition from eyelid to cheek. Eyelid surgery does not alter the distance from the eyelashes to the eyebrows – if droopy eyebrows are an issue, Brow lift surgery will have to be considered. Candidates are generally healthy individuals who feel that their eye appearance does not match their energy level or self-image. Unlike temporary treatments, surgical rejuvenation provides results that can last a lifetime.

At Orange County Plastic Surgery, with nearly four decades of experience, we have helped countless patients reclaim bright, youthful eyes. After all, your eyes are more than just a feature on your face—they are the most powerful communicators of who you truly are.

This 61 year old female presented with excess upper eyelid skin and lower eyelid bags. She is shown here before and after an upper eyelid blepharoplasty and a transconjunctival lower eyelid fat pad removal by Dr. Juris Bunkis. (Actual patient of Dr. Bunkis.)

This female in her early 70’s wished to rejuvenate her appearance and sought a consultation with Dr. Deborah Ekstrom at Orange County Plastic Surgery in Corona Del Mar/Newport Beach, California. She is shown here before and after Dr. Ekstrom performed a facelift, microfat grafting to the cheeks/perioral area and lips, an upper and lower lid blepharoplasty, and a chin augmentation to give her this rejuvenated appearance. (Actual patient of Dr. Deborah Ekstrom.)

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. (Actual patient of Dr. Bunkis.)

Fun Fact: Did you know that humans are the only primates with visible white sclera (the whites of the eyes)? This unique feature makes it easier for us to communicate through eye contact and subtle glances—another reason why the eyes truly are “the windows to the soul.”

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.