Teaching has always been a passion of mine, and you could say it runs in my blood. My father finished teacher’s college in Latvia, but World War II uprooted our family, leading him to pursue a career in engineering after we emigrated to Canada. My siblings followed his early path, attending teacher’s college and dedicating their lives to education. Even during my high school years, I enjoyed helping classmates with subjects they found difficult.

As I advanced through my medical training at Columbia and Harvard, teaching remained a constant in my life. I mentored students and residents during my residency, and after completing my training, I devoted my early career to full-time teaching at the University of California. Teaching didn’t stop when I transitioned to private practice in 1983. My office has been a place of learning for college students, medical students, PA students, residents, and even board-certified surgeons from across North American and Europe.   I currently hold the title of Associate Professor at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

Most recently, we welcomed Dr. Anna Lismanis, a general surgery resident from Latvia, to shadow my colleague, Dr. Compoginis, and I. Our patients have always been gracious and open to having students join us in the operating room and during consultations. This hands-on learning is invaluable, and I believe it is crucial to pass on our knowledge to the next generation. Teaching is a two-way street: we learn from each other, and it is a privilege to help shape the future of plastic surgery.

Teaching Anna Lismanis, M.D., from Riga, Latvia.

Dr. Lismanis observing Dr. Compoginis in surgery at the Distinction Surgery Center.

Last week, I had the privilege of assisting Dr. Deborah Ekstrom, an extraordinary plastic surgeon, in a microfat grafting procedure that left me truly impressed. Dr. Ekstrom grafted 170 cc of fat into a patient’s face, and the results were nothing short of spectacular. The procedure, which took three hours, demonstrated her exceptional skill, patience, and vision—qualities that are essential to mastering the art of microfat grafting.

Microfat grafting has a fascinating history. It began as a technique used primarily for facial rejuvenation, offering a natural way to restore volume by harvesting the patient’s own fat and reinjecting it into areas of depletion. Over time, the technique has evolved, and it’s now used not just in the face, but also on the hands and buttocks to achieve youthful contour and volume.
The procedure works by carefully extracting fat from one part of the body, purifying it, and then meticulously reinjecting it into the target area in small amounts. The small particle size of microfat allows for smooth, natural integration with surrounding tissues. This delicate process requires a keen eye and a steady hand—traits Dr. Ekstrom possesses in abundance.

Microfat grafting tends to work best on the face, hands, and buttocks, where volume loss or contour irregularities are common concerns. Success depends on several factors, including the quality of the fat harvested, how it is processed, and the technique used to reinject it. Dr. Ekstrom’s precision ensures the highest chance of long-term graft survival and optimal results.

Looking to the future, the potential for microfat grafting is exciting, especially as advances in technology improve fat harvesting and grafting techniques. Dr. Ekstrom continues to push the boundaries of this innovative field, delivering outstanding results that consistently exceed expectations.

How it is done – starts with Dr. Ekstrom marking the areas on the patient where fat will be grafted

How it is done – then liposuction is performed to harvest the required fat

65-year-old female who underwent an endoscopic brow lift and a fat transfer to the face by Dr. Deborah Ekstrom.

58-year old female who underwent microfat grafting o her hands, shown here before and a year later. Surgery was performed by Dr. Deborah Ekstrom.

45 year old who underwent fat transfer (fat grafting-BBL) to the hip dips and buttock by Dr. Deborah Ekstrom. She is very happy with her perky fuller bottom.