Yesterday was Mother’s Day—one of the most meaningful days of the year. Mother’s day is a time when we pause, reflect, and honor the women who gave us life, raised us, and continue to guide us in ways large and small.

This year feels especially significant for both Dr. Ekstrom and I. Remarkably, we still have our mothers with us—both well over 98 years young. Their presence in our lives is not just a blessing; it is a quiet miracle. At this age, they continue to inspire us with their resilience, grace, and enduring love.

Mothers are the bedrock of society. They give us life, but more than that, they shape how we live it. From instilling values and modeling compassion to encouraging us to try again when we fail, mothers have an unmatched ability to lift their children, families, and communities. They may not take credit, but their influence is everywhere: in the confidence of a child, the kindness of a neighbor, and the steady presence of love when the world feels uncertain.
As surgeons, we are in the business of transformation, but no transformation compares to the lifelong, quiet, and powerful impact of a mother’s touch. Whether it’s a scraped knee, a broken heart, or a difficult decision, it’s often Mom we turn to—our first and longest-lasting sounding board.

So today, the day after Mother’s Day, let us continue the gratitude. Call your mom if you are lucky enough to be able to. Share her stories. Honor her legacy. And if your mother is no longer here, remember her spirit and how it lives on in you.

To all the moms out there—thank you for making the world a better place.

With my Mom at Christmas time, doing what we love the most, sharing stories, good times and bad, and enjoying some good food.

Dr. Ekstrom reviewing some family history with her Mom.

After nearly 40 years in plastic surgery, I’ve seen trends come and go—but one that keeps resurfacing is the promise of the “mini” procedure. “Mini facelift,” “mini tummy tuck,” “scarless breast lift,” “lunchtime lift,” and even “threads” are all over social media and aesthetic marketing. Understandably, patients are intrigued. Who wouldn’t want a quick fix with no scars or downtime?

But here’s the truth: Mini procedures produce mini results.

They are not a one-size-fits-all solution. These smaller procedures can be wonderful tools—but only when used on the right patient with realistic expectations. If your concern is mild and you’re looking for a subtle improvement, a mini may be appropriate. But if you’re hoping to turn back the clock by a decade or address more significant sagging or laxity, a mini approach will almost certainly disappoint.

Patients often come to me after trying these “quick fixes” elsewhere, only to find the results were minimal, temporary, or not what they were promised. In the end, they’ve spent time and money, and still need the more comprehensive solution they were hoping to avoid.
The best outcomes happen when patients are matched with the right procedure for their anatomy, goals, and lifestyle—not based on trendy names or marketing buzz.

As your trusted surgical team, our goal is to give you honest advice, personalized care, and long-lasting results. That sometimes means saying “no” to what is trendy in favor of what’s effective.

If you are curious whether a “mini” is right for you—or if it is time for something more—come talk with us. We will give you the straight story.

51 year old female patient with an Upper Lid Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) and a minimal incision Endoscopic Brow Lift by Dr. Deborah Ekstrom

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