Today, as we celebrate Veterans Day, we pause with deep gratitude for those who have served and those who continue to serve in the United States Armed Forces. This national holiday serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by men and women who fought to preserve our freedoms and protect our country. Veterans Day, originally called Armistice Day, was first celebrated on November 11, 1919, marking the end of World War I. In 1954, the holiday was renamed Veterans Day to honor all U.S. veterans, regardless of when or where they served.

For both of us, this day holds special significance. Though we did not serve in the military ourselves, we grew up inspired by our fathers, who both served their countries during World War II. Their courage and commitment instilled in us a deep respect for those who defend our nation. Each Veterans Day, we reflect on their service and think of the many ways we can show our appreciation to veterans and active service members.

One small way we express our gratitude is by offering a year-round discount on all our services to those currently serving in the armed forces. It is a gesture to honor their commitment and provide them with the care they deserve.

Today, let us all find a way to honor our veterans—whether through a simple “thank you,” volunteering, or supporting a veteran-focused charity. And if you are a veteran or know someone currently serving, please know that you have our sincere gratitude and respect.

Happy Veterans Day!

Dr. Ekstrom expressing her “Thank you for your service” to a contingent of Marines stationed at the US Embassy in Riga, Latvia, this past summer.

When it comes to body contouring, patients often ask for a “mini” tummy tuck rather than a “full” tummy tuck, typically hoping for a smaller procedure, quicker recovery, or reduced cost. However, the choice between these procedures is not simply a matter of preference but rather depends on a patient’s anatomy and desired results. Here’s how we guide patients in understanding the difference.

Both a mini and full tummy tuck involve an incision along the lower abdomen, usually stretching from hip to hip and hidden by underwear or swimwear. Through this incision, we lift the skin and fat off the abdominal muscles to access the area needing contouring. For a full tummy tuck, we make an additional incision around the navel to allow dissection all the way up to the rib cage. This broader access enables us to address laxity throughout the upper and lower abdomen, including any separation in the abdominal muscles, or “rectus diastasis,” by tightening them along the midline.

In a mini tummy tuck, we limit the dissection to the area below the navel, meaning the upper abdominal wall remains untouched. This is ideal for patients who have minimal laxity or bulging confined to the lower abdomen, as we can tighten muscles and remove excess skin just in that area. However, if there is notable laxity above the navel, a mini tummy tuck alone will not produce the desired results.

During consultation, we always start by assessing each patient’s anatomy and goals. After discussing the differences between the two procedures, we recommend the approach that best aligns with their physical condition and aesthetic expectations. For patients with substantial laxity in the upper abdomen, a full tummy tuck is the best choice, while a mini tummy tuck can create beautiful results when concerns are limited to the lower abdomen.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your body’s unique characteristics—not simply a preference for a less extensive procedure. Let us help you determine the most effective path to achieving the toned, contoured abdomen you’re envisioning.

50-year-old woman who underwent a fully tummy tuck by Dr. Deborah Ekstrom. She is shown here 8 months after surgery, so happy with her new figure and how she fits in her bathing suit.

30-year-old mother of two children, who does not wish more children, presented with mainly lower abdominal laxity (not enough to do a full tummy tuck). She is shown here before and after a mini tummy tuck by Dr. Juris Bunkis, during which the lower abdominal wall skin was undermined, the muscles tightened and the lower abdominal skin excised, without dissecting above the navel, to get rid of the lower abdominal “jiggle” she disliked.

We want you to feel as good as you look. We are currently offering free bioidentical hormone pelleting at the time of each facial rejuvenation patient – to allow patients to feel as good as they look after surgery!