By Juris Bunkis, M.D.
Eyes are the window to a soul. My mother tells me that, as a baby, people would marvel at my “big blue eyes”. As a surgeon, my eyes and my hands are my lifeblood. I have been blessed with excellent eyesight (and hands). Without either, my existence as a surgeon would cease. I had an early cataract removed from my left eye years ago and now have 20/20 vision in that eye. My left eye started developing a cataract and, last week, I had that removed, and now I see 20/20 with both eyes.
As a surgeon, I have dedicated my life to the intricacies of the human body, and I understand the paramount importance of each component. However, when it comes to personal significance, my eyesight stands out as an extraordinary gift.
My eyes allow me to perform delicate procedures, to see the tiniest of details, and to navigate through complex anatomical structures with precision. They are the gateway to my world of healing, a world where a single misstep can have life-altering consequences.
Beyond my profession, my eyesight enriches my daily existence. It grants me the privilege to witness the beauty of the world – the vibrant colors of nature, the expressions on loved ones’ faces, and the simple joys of life. The ability to read, to savor a breathtaking sunset, or to enjoy a captivating movie – all these experiences are made possible by my eyesight.
My eyes connect me to the people I cherish, allowing me to gaze into the eyes of my fiancée, family, friends, and patients, and to communicate emotions that transcend words. They remind me that life is a fragile, beautiful tapestry, and I must cherish every moment it offers.
In summary, my eyesight is not merely a sense; it is a profound part of who I am, shaping my career, my relationships, and my appreciation for the world. It is a treasure I will safeguard with unwavering dedication and gratitude. I thank God for my fiancée, family, friends, eyesight and hands every day!
Dr. Bunkis with big blue eyes of childhood.
A few more wrinkles, same blue eyes but not too different a haircut.
Spotlight on Plastic Surgery – Who is a good candidate for an upper eyelid blepharoplasty, and what is involved in getting it done?
By Dr. Juris Bunkis and Dr. Deborah Ekstrom
An upper lid blepharoplasty, commonly referred to as an eyelid lift or eye lift, is a cosmetic surgical procedure aimed at rejuvenating the appearance of the upper eyelids. This procedure can provide various benefits for individuals who are bothered by the signs of aging or certain genetic factors affecting their upper eyelids. Here is a breakdown of who might benefit from an upper lid blepharoplasty and what’s involved in the process:
Female in her mid 30’s, before and after an upper lid blepharoplasty (Actual patient of Dr. Bunkis)
Who Would Benefit:
1) Individuals with Excess Skin: One of the primary candidates for an upper lid blepharoplasty is someone with excess, sagging skin on their upper eyelids. This can create a tired and aged appearance and may even obstruct vision in severe cases.
2) Puffy Upper Eyelids: Some people have upper eyelids that appear puffy due to the accumulation of fat deposits. This procedure can help remove or redistribute the excess fat, creating a more youthful and rested appearance.
3) Drooping Eyelids: Age-related eyelid drooping, known as ptosis, if present, can be corrected during an eyelid lift. This condition can affect vision and contribute to a perpetually tired look.
4) Drooping Eyebrows: It must be noted that during a blepharoplasty, the distance from the eyelashes to the eyebrows will not change – if a potential patient has low eyebrows, very little, if any, improvement may be gained by a blepharoplasty alone unless the brows are concomitantly raised.
5) Genetic Factors: Some individuals have a genetic predisposition to hooded eyelids or other eyelid issues. A blepharoplasty can help address these genetic traits and enhance their facial harmony.
What’s Involved:
1) Consultation: The process begins with a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During this appointment, the surgeon will assess your eyelids, discuss your goals, and determine whether you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
2) Surgical Planning: Once it’s established that an upper lid blepharoplasty is appropriate for you, the surgeon will work with you to create a surgical plan tailored to your needs. This includes discussing the type of anesthesia to be used (typically local with sedation or general anesthesia) and the specific techniques to address your concerns.
3) Procedure: An upper lid blepharoplasty procedure by itself typically takes about 1hour and the procedure can be done either in an office setting under local anesthesia or in an operating room under sedation. Adding a brow lift will make it necessary to do the procedure in an operating room under a light general anesthetic and will take about 2 ½ hours to do. For an upper eyelid blepharoplasty, the surgeon makes discreet incisions along the natural creases of the upper eyelids, which helps hide any resulting scars. The excess skin and fat are then removed or redistributed as needed to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome.
4) Recovery: It is important to keep our head up and your eyes iced for the first two days following the procedure. After the surgery, you will experience some bruising, swelling, and mild discomfort, which can be managed with non-narcotic pain medication and cold compresses. Most patients can return to normal activities within a week, although complete healing will take four months or so.
5) Results: The results of an upper lid blepharoplasty become increasingly apparent as the swelling subsides. Patients typically enjoy a more youthful and refreshed appearance, with improved vision if ptosis was present.
6) Follow-up: It is crucial to attend follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your healing progress and address any concerns or questions that may arise.
An upper lid blepharoplasty can provide both aesthetic and functional benefits, making it a popular choice for individuals seeking to enhance their appearance and address vision issues associated with aging or genetics. However, it is essential to consult with a qualified surgeon to determine if the procedure is suitable for your unique needs and expectations.
Female in her early 50’s before and after an upper lid blepharoplasty and an endoscopic brow Lift (Actual patient of Dr. Deborah Ekstrom)
If you want to see if you can have any part of your body improved, contact us for a consultation:
For CA, please call 949-888-9700 or visit www.orangecountyplasticsurgery.com
Or for MA location, call 508-755-4825 or visit www.salisburyps.com
You can write to
Dr. John Compoginis at Contact Us Form
Dr. Staci Compoginis at Contact Us Form
Dr. Deborah Ekstrom at Contact Us Form
or Dr. Juris Bunkis at Contact Us Form
