Orange County Plastic Surgery

05/27/2026

Before & After: Upper Lid Blepharoplasty and Endoscopic Brow Lift with Endotine® fixation!

The upper eyelid and brow region play an enormous role in how rested, youthful, and energetic we appear. Patients often come to our office saying they look tired, angry, or older than they feel, but the causes can vary considerably.

There are three major components we evaluate when assessing the upper eyelid and brow complex:

1. Brow Position
As we age, the brow often descends. This decreases the distance between the eyebrows and the eyelashes, creating a heavy or tired appearance

2. Excess Upper Eyelid Skin
In these situations, an upper blepharoplasty — removal of excess eyelid skin — can provide dramatic improvement. The incision is carefully hidden within the natural eyelid crease, typically healing very inconspicuously. In some patients, a small amount of protruding fat may also be adjusted during surgery.

3. Skin Texture & Quality
Even after brow position and excess skin are corrected, the skin around the eyes may still appear wrinkled, crepey, or sun damaged. To improve skin texture, procedures such as chemical peels or laser resurfacing can be very effective. These treatments help tighten the skin surface, improve pigmentation irregularities, and soften fine wrinkles around the eyes.

Often, the best results come from combining procedures!

Read more on our blog! Linked in our bio 🙌🏻💉

05/25/2026

Improving the Upper Eyelid and Brow Region
By Dr. Deborah Ekstrom

The upper eyelid and brow region play an enormous role in how rested, youthful, and energetic we appear. Patients often come to our office saying they look tired, angry, or older than they feel, but the causes can vary considerably. Successful rejuvenation depends upon correctly identifying the specific factors contributing to the aging appearance.

There are three major components we evaluate when assessing the upper eyelid and brow complex.

1. Brow Position

As we age, the brow often descends. This decreases the distance between the eyebrows and the eyelashes, creating a heavy or tired appearance. Some patients unconsciously compensate by constantly raising their forehead muscles, which can produce deep forehead wrinkles and fatigue.

When brow descent is a significant contributor, a brow lift may be the best solution. Today, we most commonly perform endoscopic brow lifts using several very small incisions hidden behind the hairline. Through these tiny incisions, the brow can be elevated to a more youthful position with less scarring and quicker recovery compared with older open techniques. Open excisional brow lifts are now performed much less frequently.

2. Excess Upper Eyelid Skin

Many patients primarily suffer from excess skin of the upper eyelids themselves. This loose skin may create hooding, interfere with makeup application, or even impair peripheral vision.

In these situations, an upper blepharoplasty — removal of excess eyelid skin — can provide dramatic improvement. The incision is carefully hidden within the natural eyelid crease, typically healing very inconspicuously. In some patients, a small amount of protruding fat may also be adjusted during surgery.

It is important to distinguish between a low brow and excess eyelid skin because removing eyelid skin alone will not properly correct a descended brow.

3. Skin Texture and Quality

Even after brow position and excess skin are corrected, the skin around the eyes may still appear wrinkled, crepey, or sun damaged. The thin periorbital skin is especially vulnerable to aging and sun exposure.

To improve skin texture, procedures such as chemical peels or laser resurfacing can be very effective. These treatments help tighten the skin surface, improve pigmentation irregularities, and soften fine wrinkles around the eyes.

Often, the best results come from combining procedures. For example, a patient may benefit from an endoscopic brow lift, upper eyelid skin excision, and laser resurfacing together. Each addresses a different aspect of aging in the upper face.

The key is individualized treatment planning. At Orange County Plastic Surgery, we carefully evaluate all three components to help patients achieve natural, refreshed results rather than an overdone appearance.

05/20/2026

Known for her exceptional breast augmentation results, Dr. Ekstrom shares her “Love it — or Leave it” takes all things breast augmentation 🍒

05/19/2026

There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing patients fall in love with their results ✨🙌🏻

At our practice, every consultation is about more than results, it’s about making patients feel heard, understood, and confident every step of the way 🤍

05/18/2026

Breast enhancement today is all about natural results that feel like you. Subtle changes can make a powerful difference in how you show up every day 💫

📅 Schedule your consultation: https://orangecountyplasticsurgery.com/contact/

📞 (949) 888-9700
📍 1101 Bayside Drive, Suite 200, Corona del Mar, CA

05/18/2026

The goal isn’t crash dieting or chasing an unrealistic number on the scale — it’s achieving a healthy, stable weight you can maintain long term💪✨

Procedures like tummy tucks, liposuction, and breast reductions often deliver the best long-lasting results when paired with healthy lifestyle habits. Today, patients have more safe and effective options than ever before including nutritional counseling, fitness programs, and medically supervised treatments like GLP-1 medications.

Cosmetic surgery isn’t a substitute for healthy living — they work best together. Maintaining a stable, healthy weight can help you feel better, improve your overall health, and protect your surgical results for years to come.

Ready to explore your options? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ekstrom to create a plan tailored to you. 🤍

05/18/2026

What Is Your Ideal Weight for Cosmetic Surgery?
By Dr. Deborah Ekstrom
Orange County Plastic Surgery, Corona del Mar/Newport Beach

One of the most common questions we hear from patients considering cosmetic surgery is: “Should I lose weight before my procedure?” The answer is actually fairly simple. Whether or not you are planning surgery, you should strive to eat healthy, stay active, and maintain a weight that is realistic and sustainable for you.
There is very little value in crash dieting down to an unrealistic weight before surgery, only to regain those pounds afterward. In fact, significant weight fluctuations after procedures such as tummy tucks, breast reductions, and liposuction can negatively affect your long-term results. Cosmetic surgery can help improve body contours and proportions, but maintaining those improvements requires maintaining a stable weight afterward.
Ideally, patients should be near a weight they can comfortably maintain through healthy lifestyle habits before undergoing surgery. This does not mean patients need to be “perfect” or reach an idealized number on a scale. We are far more interested in stability, overall health, and realistic long-term habits.
Fortunately, patients today have more options than ever before to help them reach healthier weights safely. Nutritional counseling, supervised exercise programs, and behavior modification can all be very effective. In some situations, medically supervised dietary programs, including hCG-based plans, may be considered appropriate for selected patients.
In recent years, newer GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide have become very popular and can be extremely effective tools for weight loss and long-term weight management when used appropriately under medical supervision. These medications are helping many patients achieve healthier lifestyles and improved overall health, often lowering blood pressure, improving blood sugar control, reducing joint stress, and increasing energy levels.
Of course, surgery itself is not a substitute for healthy living. Rather, cosmetic surgery and healthy lifestyle choices work best together. Patients who maintain stable healthy weights after surgery typically enjoy longer-lasting and more satisfying outcomes.
And perhaps most importantly, maintaining a healthy weight is not only about looking better — it is also about feeling better and improving your long-term health and quality of life.
If you have any concerns regarding your appearance, it may be time to see Dr. Ekstrom for a consultation to go over your options and come up with a plan to help you.

05/12/2026

Sometimes the smallest change makes the biggest difference. When the eyes look lighter and more open, your whole appearance feels renewed.

If you’ve been feeling like your eyes look tired no matter how rested you are, this could be the change you’ve been looking for.

Book your consultation with Dr. Bunkis or Dr. Ekstrom at orangecountyplasticsurgery.com

📅 Schedule your consultation: https://orangecountyplasticsurgery.com/contact/
📞 (949) 888-9700
📍 1101 Bayside Drive, Suite 200
Corona del Mar, CA 92625

05/11/2026

Addressing the Aging Inner Arm
By Dr. Deborah Ekstrom
Orange County Plastic Surgery, Corona del Mar/Newport Beach

Beginning as early as their 20s and 30s, many women start to notice changes in the inner arms—skin laxity, thinning, and a loss of firmness. Even in very fit individuals, this area can become problematic. Unlike men, who tend to retain thicker skin and more supportive connective tissue, women are more prone to developing this “loose” or “crepey” appearance along the upper inner arm.
What bothers patients most? The inability to wear sleeveless clothing confidently, a sense that the arms appear older than the rest of the body, and the frustrating reality that exercise alone does not correct the issue. While strengthening underlying muscles is beneficial for overall tone, it does not tighten excess skin.
Treatment options vary depending on severity:
Minimally Invasive Options:
Radiofrequency-based treatments, including technologies like Renuvion, can offer mild to moderate skin tightening. These are best suited for patients with early or minimal laxity. Results are subtle and often require patience.
Liposuction:
This is helpful when excess fat is the primary concern and skin elasticity is still relatively good. However, in patients with loose skin, liposuction alone may actually worsen the appearance.
Brachioplasty (Arm Lift):
For patients with significant skin laxity, brachioplasty remains the gold standard. This procedure removes excess skin and reshapes the arm, creating a smoother, more youthful contour. The trade-off is a scar along the inner arm, which typically fades over time but is permanent.
Who is a Candidate?
Ideal candidates are healthy individuals at a stable weight who are bothered by loose, hanging skin of the upper arms. Patients should have realistic expectations and understand the balance between improved contour and surgical scarring.
Risks and Benefits:
The benefits are dramatic and often life-changing—patients regain confidence and comfort in their appearance. Risks include scarring, swelling, infection, and in rare cases, healing issues. Careful surgical technique and proper aftercare significantly minimize these risks.
In summary, while early treatments can help mild cases, brachioplasty remains the most effective solution for significant inner arm laxity. As always, individualized consultation is key to selecting the best approach.
If you have any concerns regarding your inner arm appearance, it may be time to see Dr. Ekstrom for a consultation to go over your options and come up with a plan to help you.

Beginning as early as their 20s and 30s, many women start to notice changes in the inner arms—skin laxity, thinning, and a loss of firmness. Even in very fit individuals, this area can become problematic.

05/11/2026

Addressing The Aging Inner Arm
By Dr. Deborah Ekstrom

Beginning as early as their 20s and 30s, many women start to notice changes in the inner arms—skin laxity, thinning, and a loss of firmness. Even in very fit individuals, this area can become problematic. Unlike men, who tend to retain thicker skin and more supportive connective tissue, women are more prone to developing this “loose” or “crepey” appearance along the upper inner arm.

What bothers patients most? The inability to wear sleeveless clothing confidently, a sense that the arms appear older than the rest of the body, and the frustrating reality that exercise alone does not correct the issue. While strengthening underlying muscles is beneficial for overall tone, it does not tighten excess skin.

Treatment options vary depending on severity:

Minimally Invasive Options:
Radiofrequency-based treatments, including technologies like Renuvion, can offer mild to moderate skin tightening. These are best suited for patients with early or minimal laxity. Results are subtle and often require patience.

Liposuction:
This is helpful when excess fat is the primary concern and skin elasticity is still relatively good. However, in patients with loose skin, liposuction alone may actually worsen the appearance.

Brachioplasty (Arm Lift):
For patients with significant skin laxity, brachioplasty remains the gold standard. This procedure removes excess skin and reshapes the arm, creating a smoother, more youthful contour. The trade-off is a scar along the inner arm, which typically fades over time but is permanent.

Who is a Candidate?
Ideal candidates are healthy individuals at a stable weight who are bothered by loose, hanging skin of the upper arms. Patients should have realistic expectations and understand the balance between improved contour and surgical scarring.

Risks and Benefits:
The benefits are dramatic and often life-changing—patients regain confidence and comfort in their appearance. Risks include scarring, swelling, infection, and in rare cases, healing issues. Careful surgical technique and proper aftercare significantly minimize these risks.