Summer is finally here—bringing with it longer days, warmer weather, and a shift in routines for families with school-age children. For parents, this season is a whirlwind of activity, from family vacations to baseball tournaments, beach days, and backyard barbecues. For grandparents like us, summer is a delightful time to reconnect with our grandchildren and enjoy the magic of childhood all over again.

With school out, many families hit the road or the skies for vacation. Others spend their days driving kids to Little League games, some of which end in thrilling playoff runs and, for a lucky few, a trip to Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Our grandchildren are enrolled in all kinds of summer fun—Minecraft camps, horseback riding lessons, surfing school, and sleep-away camps in the mountains.

But summer isn’t all about schedules and travel—it’s about slowing down and enjoying life’s simpler pleasures. We’ve certainly raised our children, but now find ourselves busier than ever—chasing after grandkids, hosting pool parties, and going on spontaneous excursions. And we wouldn’t have it any other way!

This past week alone was a great example: we hosted a birthday party at our home for one of the grandkids—complete with laughter, cake, and plenty of time in the pool. Later in the week, we traveled up to Santa Barbara to visit another set of grandchildren. We watched a spirited July 4th parade together and capped the evening with a sunset cruise along the Santa Barbara coast. Watching their faces light up with wonder and joy reminded us how precious these shared moments are.

Summer always seems to fly by. Before we know it, the backpacks will be coming out of closets and routines will return. But for now, we’re soaking up every minute—cherishing the sunshine, the splashes, the smiles, and the opportunity to make memories with the next generation.

Enjoy your summer! Make it a time of connection, discovery, and fun for the whole family.

Birthday girl, Kinley, with new board she will enjoy all summer.

Grandson, Colton, showing that he can do it as well.

Granddaughter, Kate, enjoying the pool with “Mimi” (Dr. Ekstrom).

Granddaughter Isla ready for the Goleta Street Parade.

Grandson Leo on a Santa Barbara coastal cruise.

Rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping surgery, is one of the most rewarding and nuanced procedures we as experienced plastic surgeons perform. Patients come to us for many reasons—some cosmetic, others functional. For some, the driving impetus for seeking a consultation is to correct a bump that has bothered them for years. For others, it is restoring facial harmony after trauma or improving breathing issues. Ultimately, the goal is consistent: to give each patient a nose that looks natural, functions well, and helps them feel more confident.

During a rhinoplasty consultation, we spend significant time listening to the patient’s goals and evaluating their facial structure from all angles. The treatment plan is never one-size-fits-all; every nose—and every face—is unique. Understanding what bothers a patient and what result they desire is key to designing a surgical plan that will achieve a harmonious, balanced appearance.

Interestingly, while most patients wish to reduce or refine a nose they feel is too prominent, a smaller group seeks to augment certain areas. For instance, patients with a flat or underdeveloped nasal bridge—common in some ethnic populations—may want to build up this area. We can accomplish this with a patient’s own cartilage (usually from the septum or ear) or with a silicone implant. Cartilage grafts are biocompatible and integrate well, while silicone implants are easier to place and shape precisely but carry a slightly higher risk of displacement or infection. Both techniques, when done skillfully, offer excellent and long-lasting results.

Achieving ideal facial balance may also require attention to adjacent features. A receding chin, for example, can make the nose appear more prominent than it is. In such cases, adding a chin implant can enhance the overall profile and make the nose appear more proportionate without over-reduction.

Choosing the right surgeon is as important as choosing the procedure. If you’re considering rhinoplasty, we recommend meeting with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in facial aesthetics. A thorough consultation, thoughtful planning, and realistic expectations are the foundation of a successful rhinoplasty.

Curious whether rhinoplasty is right for you?

Schedule a consultation, explore chin implant options, or learn more about nasal augmentation techniques.

This male in his early 40s was bothered by the relative weakness of his nasal profile. He underwent a closed rhinoplasty with a nasal dorsal implant to correct a saddle nose deformity and to give him a stronger profile. (Actual patient of Dr. Juris Bunkis).

23-year-old attractive female with a minor dorsal hump, before and after a closed rhinoplasty, to give her this minor improvement, which made a big difference in her self-confidence. (Actual patient of Dr. Juris Bunkis).

This female in her early 20s underwent a closed rhinoplasty to smooth out a larger dorsal hump. Dr. Juris Bunkis also performed a chin augmentation using a chin implant (Hanson Style #1, size 2) to balance her profile view. (Actual patient of Dr. Juris Bunkis)

Interested in improving an issue of concern?

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Ekstrom today!

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