Orange County Plastic Surgery

02/03/2026

Liposuction – Not as Simple as it Looks By Dr. Deborah Ekstrom
Orange County Plastic Surgery, Corona del Mar/Newport Beach

Liposuction is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the world—and also one of the most misunderstood. I’ve been performing liposuction in my private practice since the mid-1980s, and over the decades I’ve seen both extraordinary results and very unfortunate ones. Ironically, as the number of liposuction providers has increased, the number of excellent outcomes has not.
At Orange County Plastic Surgery, we are now seeing a growing number of patients who come to us after having liposuction elsewhere and are unhappy with their results. The complaints are strikingly consistent: either too much fat was left behind, resulting in little visible improvement, or too much was removed, leaving dents, ripples, and surface irregularities that are difficult—or sometimes impossible—to fully correct.
To the untrained eye, liposuction looks deceptively simple. After all, how hard could it be? A small incision, a cannula inserted under the skin, a back-and-forth motion, and out comes the fat. This false sense of simplicity is precisely why liposuction has been taken up by many practitioners who are not trained plastic surgeons, including providers without surgical training in contouring the human body.
What truly matters in liposuction is judgment. Knowing how much fat to remove, from exactly where, and in what plane, is the result of years of training and experience. Remove too little and the contour doesn’t change. Remove too much and the skin can collapse irregularly over the remaining tissue.
Modern liposuction techniques—such as the use of tumescent solution, refined cannula designs, and careful multi-plane fat removal—have made the procedure safer and more precise than ever. Tumescent fluid reduces bleeding, improves comfort, and allows for smoother fat removal. Newer cannulas are designed to sculpt rather than gouge, but even the best tools can produce poor results in untrained hands.
Liposuction is not about aggressive suctioning; it is about balance, symmetry, and respect for the skin’s ability to retract. This is especially critical in areas like the abdomen, thighs, arms, and back—where surface irregularities are most noticeable.
Your body deserves expertise, not experimentation. When considering liposuction, trust your care to a board-certified plastic surgeon with deep experience in body contouring—because in liposuction, thoroughness and restraint are equally important.

Liposuction is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the world—and also one of the most misunderstood.

01/28/2026

One of my professors while I was at Harvard in the 1970's passed away - he was a great man and will be missed!

Obituary – John Butler Mulliken, MD
April 30, 1938 – January 20, 2026
In Memoriam: John B. Mulliken, MD It is with
profound sadness that we share the passing of
John Butler Mulliken, MD, on January 20, at the
age of 87. To say that Dr. Mulliken was a giant in
plastic and reconstructive surgery would be an
understatement. He was a visionary whose ground-
breaking work transformed countless lives and
shaped the very foundations of how we understand
and treat vascular anomalies and craniofacial
conditions.
For more than five decades, Boston Children's was Dr. Mulliken's professional home. He joined us in 1974 as the first associate of the legendary Nobel laureate, Dr. Joseph E. Murray. Over the years, he built programs that became beacons of hope for families worldwide. As Co-Director of our interdisciplinary Vascular Anomalies Center, Director of the Craniofacial Center, and Director of the Cleft Lip and Palate Program, Dr. Mulliken innovated, collaborated across disciplines, and cared deeply for every patient who walked through our doors.
Dr. Mulliken's contributions to medicine are extraordinary. His development of the Mulliken classification system for vascular anomalies revolutionized how clinicians worldwide diagnose and treat these complex conditions, bringing clarity to a previously confusing field and establishing it as the international standard. His collaboration with molecular geneticists uncovered the genes responsible for several inherited vascular conditions, opening new treatment pathways and providing answers that families desperately needed.
His pioneering single-stage approach to bilateral cleft lip repair earned him the prestigious James Barrett Brown Prize in 1996. With exacting attention to detail, he developed techniques that emphasized both functional and aesthetic outcomes. But what mattered most to Dr. Mulliken was the result: children who could smile with confidence, and families who could look forward with hope. In 1986, together with the families of many of his patients, he co-founded the Foundation for Faces of Children, a non-profit dedicated to providing educational resources to children born with craniofacial differences and their families.
For all his remarkable achievements, those who knew Dr. Mulliken will remember him best for his humanity. He was an extraordinary mentor who trained hundreds of surgeons, instilling in them not just technical excellence but deep empathy and unwavering commitment to advancing care through research. He received Harvard Medical School's William Silen Lifetime Achievement in Mentoring Award and the Clinician of the Year Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Many of his mentees have become leaders in their own right, carrying forward his legacy.
Dr. Mulliken's legacy lives on in every child whose life he transformed, every surgeon he inspired, and every scientific advancement he championed. Boston Children's, and the world, have lost a true legend and we will honor him by continuing the work he loved so passionately.

01/26/2026

Feeling as Good as You Look: The Role of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement
By Dr. Deborah Ekstrom
Orange County Plastic Surgery, Corona del Mar/Newport Beach

For more than 40 years, Dr. Bunkis and I have helped patients achieve the appearance they desire—refreshed, rested, and more youthful. For the past ten years, we have also been able to offer something equally important: a way to help you feel as good as you look.
Both women and men experience a natural decline in key hormones—estrogen and testosterone—as we age. This gradual shift affects far more than most people realize. Common symptoms include decreased energy, increased weight, reduced muscle tone, diminished libido, mood changes, poor sleep, and mental fog. Over time, low or suboptimal hormone levels are also associated with increased risks of heart disease, prostate disease, and breast and prostate cancers.
Many patients are surprised when they ask their primary care physician to check hormone levels and are told everything is “normal for your age.” But most of us don’t want to look, feel, or function our age. The goal of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is to safely optimize hormone levels to those more typical of your 30s—when energy, vitality, and well-being were at their peak.
Traditional hormone replacement methods—oral estrogen, topical creams, or weekly testosterone injections—often rely on synthetic hormones. These can cause hormone “spikes and crashes” and have been associated with increased risks of heart disease, breast disease, and blood clots.
At Orange County Plastic Surgery, we use the BioTe® bioidentical hormone replacement system. Bioidentical hormones are structurally identical to those your body naturally produces. Treatment begins with extensive laboratory testing, allowing us to create a customized dosing plan for each individual.
The hormone pellets are placed into the patient’s fatty layer, usually just above the buttocks, during a brief, in-office procedure using local anesthesia. Once inserted, they release a steady, physiologic dose of hormones over several months. One of the biggest advantages of pelleting is consistency—no daily pills, no messy creams, and no dramatic ups-and-downs. When levels naturally begin to wane, patients return for re-pelleting.
Many of our hormone therapy patients have also undergone facial rejuvenation. Now, we can offer our facial rejuvenation patients something more comprehensive—a way to feel youthful on the inside as well.
We believe so strongly in this combined approach that we offer a complimentary pelleting procedure to every facial rejuvenation patient—our gift to you, so you can truly feel as good as you look. If you’d like boost your energy or maybe add some spice to your Valentine’s Day, and feel good every day thereafter, please give us a call.
https://orangecountyplasticsurgery.com/feeling-as-good-as-you-look-the-role-of-bioidentical-hormone-replacement/

01/19/2026

The Psychological Benefits Of Plastic Surgery: More Than Skin Deep
By Dr. Deborah Ekstrom
Orange County Plastic Surgery, Corona Del Mar/Newport Beach

Last week, we discussed the mental blocks that often keep patients from pursuing plastic surgery. This week, I’d like to explore the other side of the equation: the psychological benefits patients often experience when surgery is done thoughtfully, conservatively, and for the right reasons.

During my residency training, I spent a full year studying psychiatry at the University of Minnesota—a skill set that has served me well over the past 40 years in plastic surgery. Aesthetic surgery is never just physical. The emotional component matters deeply.

One of the most meaningful benefits is the restoration of self-congruence. Patients frequently tell me, “I finally recognize myself again.” Surgery doesn’t change who they are—it helps align their external appearance with their internal vitality. This alignment reduces a constant, low-grade frustration many patients didn’t even realize they were carrying.

Another benefit is the reduction of appearance-related mental noise. Before surgery, patients often expend energy avoiding mirrors, choosing clothes to hide certain areas, or worrying about photos and lighting. After surgery, that background anxiety quiets, freeing mental space for relationships, work, and enjoyment of life.

Patients also experience increased confidence—not vanity. This confidence shows up as ease: speaking more freely, smiling without self-consciousness, and no longer bracing for judgment. They don’t become different people; they become less guarded versions of themselves.
Many patients notice improved social engagement. They are more present in conversations, more comfortable with eye contact, and less likely to withdraw in group settings. Others describe a renewed sense of control and agency—the empowering feeling of making an intentional decision rather than “letting time and gravity decide.”

For those who fixate on a specific concern—such as the breasts, abdomen, or areas of laxity—surgery often brings relief from chronic self-criticism, quieting repetitive negative self-talk.
Subtle physical improvements can also trigger a positive feedback loop: better posture, improved self-care, greater engagement with health and fitness, and renewed professional confidence—especially for public-facing professionals.

For some patients, surgery represents emotional closure—a symbolic fresh start after illness, caregiving, or major life transitions.

An Important Ethical Note
Plastic surgery does not fix depression, relationships, or identity struggles. It works best when motivation is internal and expectations are realistic. When those conditions are met, aesthetic surgery can meaningfully support psychological well-being, not replace it.

At its best, plastic surgery helps patients feel more comfortable, confident, and at home in their own skin. Have some areas of concern which you would like improved? Give us a call and come in to see me so we can discuss your concerns.

This week, I’d like to explore the other side of the equation: the psychological benefits patients often experience when surgery is done thoughtfully, conservatively, and for the right reasons.

01/12/2026

Mental Blocks to Aesthetic Surgery: What’s Really Holding People Back? - By Dr. Deborah Ekstrom Orange County Plastic Surgery, Corona del Mar/Newport Beach

At Orange County Plastic Surgery in Corona Del Mar and Newport Beach, we frequently meet patients who want aesthetic improvement—but feel emotionally stuck. These mental blocks are extremely common and completely normal. Understanding them is often the first step toward clarity and confidence.
The most common concern we hear is the fear of looking fake or losing one’s identity. Patients worry they will appear overdone or no longer recognizable. These fears are often rooted in outdated images of plastic surgery and amplified by celebrity mishaps and social media extremes. Modern aesthetic surgery, when performed thoughtfully and conservatively, is about restoration—not transformation.
Another powerful barrier is the fear of judgment. Many patients, especially professionals, ask themselves, “What will people think?” or “Will I seem vain?” This is a social and psychological concern, not a medical one. Despite how common cosmetic procedures have become, lingering stigma still causes hesitation.
Many patients also experience a disconnect between how they feel and what they see in the mirror. Feeling youthful, energetic, and sharp internally—but seeing fatigue, facial aging, or body changes externally—creates an internal conflict: Do I accept aging, or address it? Surgery is not about denying aging; it is about alignment.
The fear of aging itself can be surprisingly powerful. Simply scheduling a consultation can feel like admitting, “I’m getting older,” so avoidance becomes easier. Others struggle with loss of control, particularly high-achieving, Type A personalities who find anesthesia, recovery, and trust unsettling.
Catastrophic thinking is also common. Patients may fixate on worst-case scenarios—“What if I’m the one bad outcome?”—even though these fears are emotional rather than statistical.
Another significant mental block is financial guilt. Even patients who can comfortably afford surgery may feel it is selfish, especially caregivers. Understanding realistic costs and payment options often brings relief. With our affordable payment plans through Cherry Financing, procedures may be more accessible than expected: breast augmentation for as little as $200 per month, gynecomastia surgery for as little as $120 per month, tummy tucks starting around $250 per month, and facelifts as low as $400 per month.
Finally, timing paralysis, trust barriers, and fear of disappointment often keep patients waiting. A thoughtful consultation is never about pressure—it is about education, trust, and realistic expectations.
At its best, aesthetic surgery isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about feeling comfortable, confident, and like yourself again.

https://orangecountyplasticsurgery.com/mental-blocks-to-aesthetic-surgery-whats-really-holding-people-back/

01/05/2026

Our mini 2025 recap✨

As we reflect on this past year, we are deeply grateful for the trust you place in us. This year was filled with meaningful connections, transformative moments, and the privilege of helping you feel healthy and confident.

Thank you for being part of our journey🤍

- Dr. Bunkis & Dr. Ekstrom

01/05/2026

Post-Holiday Rejuvenation: Reversing the Effects of Stress, Sugar & Sun
By Dr. Deborah Ekstrom
Orange County Plastic Surgery, Corona del Mar/Newport Beach

The holiday season is wonderful—but it can be hard on your skin. Increased stress, disrupted sleep, indulgent diets high in sugar, alcohol and salt, travel, dehydration, and even “winter sun” exposure all take a visible toll. Many patients come to us in January saying, “I just look tired.” The good news? This is one of the best times of year to reset and rejuvenate.

Skin Hydration: The Foundation
Dehydration is one of the most common culprits behind dull, crepey skin and accentuated fine lines. Cold air, indoor heating, alcohol, and travel all strip moisture from the skin. Rehydrating from the inside out—adequate water intake, proper skincare, and medical-grade topical treatments—can dramatically improve skin texture and radiance in a short time.

Laser Treatments: Repair and Renewal
Winter is an ideal season for laser treatments. With less intense sun exposure and more time spent indoors, we can safely address sun damage, redness, uneven pigmentation, and skin laxity. Laser technology stimulates collagen production, helping restore smoother, healthier-looking skin over time.

Chemical Peels: A Fresh Start
Chemical peels are another winter favorite. They gently remove damaged outer layers of skin, improving tone, texture, and clarity. Because sun exposure is minimized during winter months, the skin can heal optimally, making this the perfect season for peel treatments.

Injectables: Subtle Refinement
Neuromodulators and fillers remain excellent tools for softening lines and restoring balance to the face. After periods of stress and dehydration, fine lines can appear more pronounced—injectables can help restore a rested, refreshed appearance without looking “done.”

Restoring Volume: Microfat Grafting
Stress, weight fluctuation, and dehydration often lead to facial volume loss. While fillers can be effective, my preferred approach is microfat grafting, using your own natural fat to restore youthful contours. Microfat not only replenishes volume but also improves skin quality due to its regenerative properties—offering results that are both natural and long-lasting.

The start of a new year is an ideal time to invest in yourself. With thoughtful, personalized rejuvenation, we can help you look refreshed, healthy, and vibrant—reflecting how you truly feel inside.

https://orangecountyplasticsurgery.com/post-holiday-rejuvenation-reversing-the-effects-of-stress-sugar-sun/

12/29/2025

The “Ozempic Dip” and the New Era of Weight Loss
By Dr. Deborah Ekstrom
Orange County Plastic Surgery, Corona del Mar/Newport Beach

QUIZ OF THE DAY:
For the first time since national obesity statistics have been collected, the percentage of Americans considered obese has recently:
A. Continued to rise at the same rate
B. Increased only in younger adults
C. Plateaued but not declined
D. Declined slightly after decades of steady increase
E. Become impossible to measure

Correct Answer: D

For decades, obesity rates in the United States have followed a relentlessly upward trajectory. Since tracking began in the 1960s, the percentage of adults classified as obese steadily climbed, surpassing 40% of the population in recent years. Until now, there had never been a meaningful reversal of this trend.

That is why a recently published national study has generated so much excitement. For the first time, obesity rates have not only flattened but shown a small yet significant decline. The authors dubbed this phenomenon the “Ozempic Dip,” crediting a new generation of weight-loss medications that have changed the landscape of obesity treatment.

These medications fall into several classes, most notably GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual GLP-1/GIP agonists. Drugs such as semaglutide and tirzepatide work by decreasing appetite, slowing gastric emptying, and improving insulin sensitivity. For many patients who struggled for years despite dieting, exercise programs, and structured regimens, these medications have been nothing short of life-changing.

Even more notable is the recent FDA approval of oral versions of these medications. Until now, injections were a barrier for some patients. Oral options are expected to dramatically expand access and usage, potentially accelerating this downward trend in obesity rates even further.

With significant weight loss, however, comes a new and very real challenge: excess skin. As plastic surgeons, we are already seeing a marked increase in patients seeking help after losing substantial weight. While the number on the scale improves, loose skin can interfere with comfort, clothing fit, hygiene, physical activity, and self-confidence.

This is where body-contouring surgery plays a vital role. Procedures such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), body lift, brachioplasty (arm lift), chest wall surgery for men, breast lifts, and thigh lifts are specifically designed to restore proportion, function, and confidence after weight loss.

For these complex transformations, it is essential to consult a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who specializes in post-weight-loss body contouring. Done properly, these procedures complete the weight-loss journey—helping patients finally see on the outside what they have worked so hard to achieve on the inside.

And that is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do every day. This is my specialty and I would love to talk with you about any body-contouring challenges you may be experiencing. Let’s start the New Year right!

12/22/2025

Almost wrapping up our 12 days of Christmas!! Don’t miss out on our final exclusive specials ✨🎄

10/12 Days of Christmas brings you $700 off your Gynecomastia procedure⭐️ Call in today only to redeem🤭

12/22/2025

The Science of Aging: What You Can Control—and What You Can Improve
By Drs. Deborah Ekstrom and Juris Bunkis
Orange County Plastic Surgery, Corona del Mar/Newport Beach

QUIZ OF THE DAY:
When we talk about facial aging, which of the following plays the largest role in determining how you age?

A. How expressive your face is
B. Your skincare products alone
C. Your genetics combined with lifestyle choices
D. How early you start cosmetic treatments
E. The number of birthdays you celebrate

Correct answer: C. Aging is shaped by both heredity and lifestyle—and understanding this helps us choose the right solutions.

We think of aging as a two-prong process.

Prong One: Things That You Can Control

The good news is that a significant portion of how we age is influenced by daily choices. Sun exposure is the single biggest external factor in skin aging. Ultraviolet light breaks down collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles, pigmentation, and loss of skin quality. Consistent sun protection—hats, sunscreen, and smart exposure—pays enormous dividends over time.

Weight fluctuations also matter. Repeated weight gain and loss stretches facial skin and can accelerate sagging. Maintaining a stable, healthy weight helps preserve facial structure.

Nutrition is equally important. Skin is our body’s largest organ, and poor nutrition shows itself quickly—dullness, thinning, delayed healing, and loss of elasticity. Adequate protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and hydration are essential for skin health and recovery from any procedure.

Other controllable factors include smoking (which dramatically accelerates aging), sleep quality, stress management, and adherence to a thoughtful skincare routine. Medical-grade skincare, neuromodulators like Botox, and energy-based treatments can further slow visible aging when used appropriately.

Prong Two: Things You Cannot Control - What Is Inherited

The second prong of aging is entirely genetic. This includes how and where tissues sag, whether eye bags develop, the strength of your jawline or chin, neck anatomy, and how your face loses volume over time. No amount of sunscreen can change these structural tendencies—but modern facial rejuvenation can.

This is where surgery and fat grafting shine. Facelift surgery repositions descended tissues, restoring a natural, refreshed contour rather than a “pulled” look. Microfat grafting—one of Dr. Ekstrom’s specialties—restores lost volume using your own fat, improving facial shape and skin quality simultaneously. Because fat contains stem cells, it can also enhance skin texture and vitality.

The most natural, long-lasting rejuvenation comes from addressing both prongs: protecting and optimizing what you can control, while thoughtfully correcting what genetics has handed you. A customized plan—based on anatomy, goals, and timing—is the key to aging well and confidently.

12/19/2025

9th day of our 12 Days of Christmas✨🎄 And there’s nothing better than $500 off your Rhinoplasty💌

Call in to take advantage of this one-day ONLY special: (949) 888-9700!!⭐️⭐️

12/18/2025

And now for everyone’s favorite 🍒 Free Breast Implants with a Breast Augmentation ($2500 value)!!

Happy 8th day of our Christmas specials 💌 Call in to redeem today ONLY!! (949) 888-9700📞