This past Thursday, May 15th, we had the profound joy of celebrating my mother Jadviga Bunkis’ 99th birthday—a milestone that fills our hearts with gratitude and awe. Born in 1926 on a small farm in Latgale, Latvia, her life story is one of strength, courage, and resilience. She endured Russian and German occupations, fled her homeland in 1944 ahead of the second Russian invasion, and survived the hardships of a refugee camp in Lübeck, Germany—where I was born—before starting anew in Canada in 1951.

Today, she lives independently in Trenton, Ontario, where she gardens, cooks, and still embraces life fully. She remains 100% mentally sharp, a true testament to her vitality and spirit. My sister Ināra lives in the same town and visits her daily—a beautiful bond of devotion.

To mark this extraordinary birthday, my mother flew to California with Ināra to celebrate with Dr. Deborah Ekstrom and I, along with her two California grandchildren, their spouses, and three California great-grandchildren – and a group of friends who she has known for years here in California. Sharing stories, laughter, and a Latvian birthday cake called klingels (baked by my ex-wife, Rūta) with four generations under one roof was nothing short of magical.

Having my mother with us at this stage in life is a rare and precious gift. Her love is unwavering, her wisdom timeless. She reminds us of our roots, our values, and the strength of family. Watching her delight in her great-grandchildren, giving advice to the younger generations, and simply being present—it was a day none of us will ever forget.
Her life reminds me that aging with grace is possible—not just physically, but spiritually. We are all truly blessed. Happy 99th, Mom! We will see you in Canada for your 100th birthday next year!

With Mom on the evening that she arrived in California, looking and feeling great in spite of the long journey.

“Vecmāmiņa” with her California grandkids and great grandchildren.

Last week, we explored the world of minimally invasive procedures and highlighted a key truth: while they offer easier recovery and fewer risks, they often deliver minimally invasive results. However, one standout exception to this rule is neck liposuction—a small procedure that can deliver a major transformation.

Neck liposuction is a powerful contouring tool for the right patient. In carefully selected individuals, it can sculpt the jawline and enhance the profile dramatically, all with a relatively quick recovery. Ideal candidates are typically under 45 years old, with localized fatty deposits in the neck and good skin elasticity. A strong chin projection also plays a crucial role—without it, even perfectly executed neck liposuction won’t create the defined look most patients desire.

For those with mild skin laxity, we often pair neck liposuction with Renuvion® or FaceTite. These technologies use radiofrequency energy (and in the case of Renuvion®, helium plasma as well) to tighten and firm the skin from within—enhancing the results without added downtime.
That said, not every patient is a candidate. If the skin is significantly loose, a facelift will provide a far more satisfying and lasting result. And for patients with a weak chin, we strongly recommend combining neck liposuction with a chin implant to restore balance and create the elegant, refined profile so many patients seek.

As always, success lies in choosing the right treatment for the right patient. When properly selected, neck liposuction can be a small procedure with a big payoff.

Curious if you’re a candidate? We’d love to meet you and create a personalized plan to help you look your best—naturally.

35-yr old patient shown here before and after a neck liposuction procedure by Dr. Deborah Ekstrom, producing dramatic results with a minimally invasive procedure.

34-year-old male shown here before and a year after a neck liposuction with Renuvion skin shrinking procedure and a buccal lipectomy performed as team surgery by Drs. Deborah Ekstrom and Juris Bunkis

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