A breast lift is ideal for achieving a naturally youthful look without implants, and for the right patient, an auto-augmentation breast lift repositions existing breast tissue to further enhance the breast contours. Here, our team of Rancho Cucamonga cosmetic surgeons and breast surgery specialists explain this cutting-edge technique and who can benefit from this approach. 

What makes auto-augmentation different?

The auto-augmentation breast lift is a creative solution that addresses both lift and fullness using only natural breast tissue. During this type of breast lift, excess skin is removed, the breast is reshaped, and then a portion of the patient’s breast tissue is strategically repositioned within the breast’s upper pole (the top half of the breast). 

This technique incorporates surgical mesh, which acts as a scaffold to help achieve an aesthetically pleasing shape and provide support for the repositioned breast tissue. Securing the relocated tissue prevents it from descending back to its original position and helps the breasts maintain their new contour over time. 

An auto-augmentation breast lift is a creative solution that addresses both lift and fullness using only natural breast tissue.

An auto-augmentation breast lift must be performed by an experienced cosmetic surgeon to preserve the integrity of the breast and achieve pleasing outcomes. At Inland Cosmetic Surgery, expert body contouring surgeon Dr. Jacob Haiavy and female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Emma Ryan specialize in this procedure to ensure results not only look natural but also feel authentic.

Benefits of auto-augmentation breast lift for patients

One of the unique advantages of auto-augmentation is how it balances the upper breast pole, which is key for creating youthful cleavage and a more proportional breast profile. After a traditional breast lift or breast reduction, the upper pole may lack volume even after the breasts are repositioned higher on the chest. It’s important to note that the level of upper pole fullness is solely reliant on the patient’s anatomy and is often already sparse, as the majority of breast tissue is typically focused within the breast’s lower pole (the bottom half of the breast) in patients who desire these procedures. Auto-augmentation effectively targets this specific issue, filling out the breasts for a rounder shape and enhanced silhouette. 

“I had surgery here by Dr. Haiavy and his fellows on 8/3. I am just over 3 months out and I could not be happier with my results. He listened to me, aftercare was highly attentive, and my results are exactly what I wanted. All staff was pleasant and helpful with any question or concern I had. Would recommend to my closest friends and family because I know they would be in amazing care.”

—5-star Google review

Candidates for auto-augmentation breast lift

The best candidates for auto-augmentation are those with denser, more fibrous breast tissue. Unlike fatty tissue, fibrous tissue holds its shape better, allowing for a more pronounced and natural-looking enhancement. During your consultation, your cosmetic surgeon will assess your breast tissue and discuss whether or not an auto-augmentation would be successful for you. 

If you’re considering a breast lift and would like to learn if an auto-augmentation breast lift is right for you, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Haiavy or Dr. Ryan. Our team of cosmetic surgeons is dedicated to providing detailed, honest advice and helping you understand the best options for your body and goals. Please call our Rancho Cucamonga cosmetic surgery practice at 909-987-0899 or fill out our contact form at the top of this page.

Facial fillers require a lot more skill than, say, a facial—so how do you know who to trust for your lip filler, cheek filler, or other treatments?! 

Start by looking at their medical credentials, experience, and reviews. If they pass those critical measures, then we recommend inspecting their before and after photos with a microscope (a figurative one) to make sure you like their work.

Below, we explain everything you need to know.

How to vet an injector

Check credentials, experience, & reviews

Check any potential filler providers for these factors, which predict safety, skill, and how satisfied you’re likely to be with the treatment results:

• Medical Credentials: Medical professionals including dermatologists, plastic surgeons, nurses, and physician assistants are qualified to perform injections. Aestheticians or those without a medical credential are not.
• Special Cosmetic Training: They should also have specialized training in facial anatomy and experience with injectable fillers, from a manufacturer (such as Allergan) or other reputable injectable training programs.
• Experience: Look for an injector who has a large amount of experience specifically with fillers. The more treatments they’ve performed, the more adept they’re likely to be at achieving natural-looking results and preventing any complications.
• Consultation Process: A good injector will offer a consultation before any treatment. This is crucial for explaining the options available, disclosing potential risks, and discussing your aesthetic goals to make sure that fillers are the right treatment to meet your expectations.
• Reviews and Testimonials: Look up reviews and testimonials from previous patients. While every patient’s experience is unique, a pattern of satisfied patients is a strong indicator of a skilled injector.

If you’re not confident in your choice right off the bat, then consult with a few injectors before deciding. Trust your instincts, as fillers come with real risks in unsafe hands and take many months (or years) to fade—so your safety and satisfaction are paramount.

Look closely at their before-and-after photos

Before-and-after photos of your injector’s previous patients are key to giving you a sense of their skill level and whether their aesthetic sensibilities align with your goals. Look for results that appear natural and subtle—fillers are ideal for making small, just-enough tweaks to facial features that make your look pop.

To help you practice evaluating filler results, here are some of our Rancho Cucamonga medspa’s recent before-and-afters, plus why we love these patients’ results.

Lip filler

Each of these three lip filler patients below has their own singular and elegant natural lip shape. But in all of these cases, you can see that our injectors used lip filler to enhance their already-beautiful cupid’s bows and unique lip contours with more volume. Lip filler also helps their lips to look hydrated and smooth.

Under-eye filler

Under-eye filler, when applied correctly, smooths the “tear trough” hollows below the eyes and helps to reduce the appearance of dark under-eye circles. In the “after” photo below, the patient simply looks rested and youthful compared with her “before” photo.

Cheek filler

Cheek filler should create a subtle change in facial features by increasing volume in just the right spot along the cheekbones. Look for a naturally more contoured, balanced, and angular facial structure in the “after” photos.

Non-surgical rhinoplasty with filler

Skill with non-surgical rhinoplasty may be the easiest to spot in before and after photos, as the “after” photo should look totally natural, yet totally transformed! In this case, our injectors used dermal filler to add volume to the patient’s nasal tip and upper nose bridge to create the illusion of a straightened dorsal hump.

Signs of an ethical, safe, and skilled injector

Product Knowledge: A skilled injector should have in-depth knowledge of the different types of fillers available (including hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxylapatite) and their best applications. They should also be able to explain why they recommend a particular product for your specific needs.

Safety Standards: The injector should practice in a clean, professional setting and follow safety protocols to minimize risks of infection and complications. They should also be prepared and knowledgeable about handling adverse reactions or emergencies.

Ethics: A reputable injector should prioritize your health and satisfaction over making a sale. They will be honest about what fillers can and cannot achieve and will refuse to perform unnecessary procedures, offering alternatives if appropriate.

Follow-Up Care: Good practitioners provide clear instructions for aftercare and offer follow-up appointments to monitor the results and address any concerns.

About Ahava MedSpa & Made You LookAt Ahava MedSpa and Made You Look, our highly trained physicians, physician assistant, RN, and esthetician providers have years of experience and an intimate understanding of skin and beauty. Schedule your appointment today by calling 909-987-0899 for Ahava MedSpa or 909-204-7374 for Made You Look!

Sleep is not just a luxury we all wish we had more of; it’s necessary to maintain a vibrant, youthful appearance and optimal mental and physical well-being. And since many of us simply don’t have time to squeeze in a few more hours of shut-eye, it is important to make the most of the time you have. 

Today, we share some practical, scientifically-backed tips to help you sleep better and wake up looking rejuvenated.

Soak up the sun first thing in the morning

You could say the key to a better night’s sleep actually starts when you wake up! Exposure to morning sunlight helps reset your body’s circadian rhythm (your sleep-wake cycle) so you feel more alert during the day and improves the quality of your sleep. Aim for at least 20 minutes of sunlight in the morning, and try to step outside throughout the day to help your body establish the optimal circadian rhythm. Plus, your skin will also reap the benefits of a good night’s sleep—just don’t forget the SPF! 

No devices before bed

Your circadian rhythm is the most sensitive to light-induced phase delays in the evening. The light from LED screens (smartphones, computers, TV) can interfere with producing the sleep hormone melatonin. The exposure to short-wavelength light (the light you can see) makes it more challenging to fall asleep and causes shallower sleep. Instead of scrolling through social media or binge-watching TV, grab that novel you’ve wanted to finish or enjoy your favorite device-free hobby at least 2-3 hours before you want to go to bed. This is also a wonderful opportunity to meditate and gently encourage your body to let go of the day and prime yourself for peaceful sleep.

Grab that novel you’ve wanted to finish or enjoy your favorite device-free hobby at least 2-3 hours before bed.

Dim the lights

Artificial light at night has been shown to disrupt natural sleep cycles and cause negative health effects. It’s unrealistic to suggest avoiding artificial light after the sun goes down; however, dimming your indoor lights or using the least light possible creates a calming ambiance more conducive to better sleep and health. Yellow and orange light is the least disruptive to your circadian rhythm and red light has no effect at all. Consider replacing your regular bedroom lights with one of these for a sleep-friendly environment. 

Take a hot bath before bed

Aside from offering a soothing reprieve from muscle tension, soaking in a hot bath for just 10 minutes one to two hours before bed helps you fall asleep faster and sleep better. This is because your core temperature needs to drop 2-3 degrees to fall asleep and maintain deep sleep. Using hot water may seem counterintuitive to lowering your body temperature, but a hot bath or shower brings your blood to the surface and allows your body to release heat once you step out. The drop in your core temperature signals that it’s time for your body to wind down to set the stage for a restful night.

Try “sleepytime” teas or natural supplements

Herbal teas with ingredients such as chamomile or valerian root have natural sedative properties that can make it easier for you to fall asleep and typically do not induce next-day grogginess often associated with OTC sleep aids. Magnesium helps relax your muscles and calm your nervous system and has been shown to reduce the severity of insomnia and improve sleep quality overall. Enjoying a cup of tea or taking a magnesium supplement may be an effective addition to your bedtime routine to wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day. 

Need a little extra help looking and feeling rested?

Even with the best sleep practices, most of us could use a little pick-me-up to look and feel our best. Ahava Medspa at Inland Cosmetic Surgery offers several treatments designed to have you looking rested and refreshed—even after a restless night. Some of the go-to treatments to help you look and feel refreshed include:

• Neuromodulators such as BOTOX and Dysport soften or erase expression lines and wrinkles and can cause an aged, worn appearance.  
• Dermal fillers restore or create youthful volume to correct a gaunt appearance and add a subtle lift to the skin.
• Specialty facials tailored to your specific skin concerns improve imperfections that dull the skin’s appearance.
• Chemical peels deeply exfoliate to diminish imperfections and promote skin renewal for healthier skin.
• Massage therapy techniques promote relaxation, encourage optimal lymphatic function, and alleviate muscle aches

Can’t decide? You don’t have to! We offer curated medspa packages that combine some of our most popular non-surgical rejuvenation treatments.

Learn more about our treatments and providers in Rancho Cucamonga

We hope these tips help you wake up looking and feeling revitalized. Should you be interested in taking your rejuvenation to the next level, we invite you to schedule a consultation with the skincare specialists at our Rancho Cucamonga medspa, or for more transformative results, our team of cosmetic surgeons would be happy to discuss surgical procedures that can achieve more comprehensive rejuvenation from the inside out. 

Inland Cosmetic Surgery and Ahava Medspa can be reached at (909) 987-0899 or online. When beauty sleep isn’t enough, we’ll design a treatment plan to achieve your appearance goals without hitting the snooze button!

Weight loss can be a challenging (and sometimes frustrating!) journey. While there are no shortcuts or miracle solutions, there are several safe, sustainable, and science-backed strategies you can implement at home to help speed up your weight loss progress. 

Get adequate sleep

Quality, restful sleep is often overlooked in weight loss efforts, but it plays a significant role in regulating the hormones that control your appetite. Without the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep, you become more susceptible to junk food cravings.

To create the most relaxing bedtime routine, avoid screens before bed and keep your sleeping environment cool and dark. Tools such as sleep masks, white noise machines, and natural remedies can help ease you into a peaceful slumber.

Manage stress

It’s well known that high cortisol levels can lead to emotional overeating, so reducing stress can have a positive impact on your weight management and overall well being. Try to incorporate stress-reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga into your daily routine. 

You can also practice self-care by engaging in activities that bring you joy and inner peace. Whether it’s reading, painting, socializing, shopping, or spending time in nature, focus on the things that help you be your best self and forget all the worries of the world.

Move your body consistently

Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week. For busy people juggling career and family responsibilities, that may sound like a lot, but keep in mind that you have the flexibility to spread this exercise time throughout the day to suit your schedule and preferences. For example, you can exercise 30 minutes a day for 5 days of the week to meet the minimum recommended weekly exercise goals.

Remember, consistency is key, so make sure to choose activities that you enjoy so that you’re more likely to stick with it in the long term. Whether it’s brisk walking, cycling, dancing, or yoga, there is a type of movement out there for everyone.

Incorporate strength training exercises

Bonus tip: Include strength training exercises to burn fat, build lean muscle mass and boost your metabolism! At least 2 days a week of activities that strengthen muscles can yield great health benefits.

Eat for your health

The foundation of any successful weight loss journey is a well-balanced diet. Focus on consuming nutrient-dense foods like fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains that provide essential vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and prebiotics while limiting empty calories. 

Our top diet tips for weight loss:

• Experiment with what works for you! A study from Stanford Medicine determined that some people are better at losing weight on low-fat diets, while others will see better results on low-carb diets.
• Portion control is key. Using smaller plates can help regulate portion sizes and prevent overeating.
• Sometimes thirst can be mistaken for hunger, so drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and full.
• Practice mindful eating by eliminating distractions during meals. Staying present and focused on your food can help you recognize when you’re getting full.
• Chew your food thoroughly, as this aids digestion and allows your body to recognize when it’s full.

Note: If you have any underlying medical conditions, be sure to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or exercise routine. They can provide personalized guidance tailored to your unique needs and circumstances. 

Lastly, remember that every health journey is different. Weight loss can be a very personal and gradual process, so it’s essential to set realistic goals and expectations. Be patient with your progress and try to focus on your long-term health and well-being rather than simply the number on the scale.

Be patient with your progress and focus on your long-term health and well-being rather than simply the number on the scale.

When other strategies fall short, our team of weight loss surgeons offers a range of procedures from gastric bypass to lap band surgery that may help you reach your goals. If you’re post-weight loss and still dealing with stubborn fat deposits or excess skin, you might be a candidate for body contouring after weight loss, i.e. body lift surgery. 

Surgical Arts of the Inland Empire is a fully accredited outpatient facility owned by Rancho Cucamonga cosmetic surgeon Dr. Jacob Haiavy. We specialize in weight loss and body contouring surgery for patients in Rancho Cucamonga, Victorville, and beyond. Whether you can’t seem to shake that extra bulge, want to tone-up after having children, or simply want to feel a little sexier, our highly experienced team of surgeons can help you feel more confident. Contact us online today, or call 909-579-3111 to schedule your free consultation.

We also offer semaglutide weight loss injections as part of our medical weight loss program. If you are interested in medical weight loss with semaglutide, we invite you to schedule a consultation at one of our physician-led medical spas. Under the expertise of Dr. Jacob Haiavy, we are committed to providing personalized, safe, and effective treatments. Please call Ahava Medspa, located within Inland Cosmetic Surgery, at (909) 987-0899 or call Made You Look at (909) 204-7374 to learn more about semaglutide and if you can benefit from weight loss injections. 

Your wedding day is your time to shine, and many brides seek pre-wedding medspa treatments to help them look and feel their best for this exciting new chapter! Depending on the treatment you have in mind, there may be downtime to consider, or your results may need time to fully develop. So, how do you know when to squeeze beauty treatments into your busy wedding planning schedule? 

Here, the skincare professionals at Ahava Medspa and Made You Look share the timelines for some of the most popular medspa treatments for looking picture-perfect before you say, “I do!” 

• IV Therapy
• Dermaplaning
• Specialty facials
• Microneedling
• Chemical peels
• Neuromodulators
• Dermal fillers
• Laser skin rejuvenation
• Laser hair removal

IV Therapy 

A custom IV therapy cocktail is our secret to helping our Rancho Cucamonga brides thrive inside and out! IV therapy helps boost energy, improve sleep, raise hydration levels, support the immune system, and promote healthier hair, skin, and nails! The last thing we want is for you to look and feel tired and depleted on one of the happiest days of your life, and we would be happy to recommend the right IV cocktail to deliver the nutrients your body needs. We suggest getting IV therapy once a month to help support your body and appearance throughout the wedding planning process so you feel fabulous from the engagement party to the honeymoon! 

If you are prone to bruising after an IV, book your treatment at least 2 weeks before your wedding day to allow bruising to resolve if your gown shows your arms.

Dermaplaning

Dermaplaning is the gentlest treatment on this list, but its effects cannot be overlooked! This exfoliating treatment delicately removes peach fuzz and dead skin cells for smoother, brighter skin. Dermaplaning is an excellent pre-treatment, as it primes the skin for better product absorption and supports the results of other skin treatments. We also love dermaplaning to create the perfect base that makes your makeup artist’s job a dream! We recommend having your dermaplaning treatment at least 24 hours before you walk down the aisle. 

Specialty facials

Aside from offering much-deserved pampering during the hustle and bustle of wedding planning, scheduling a personalized facial can help you de-stress and keep your skin in optimal condition. Our specialty facials are tailored to your needs and can help achieve skin goals such as better hydration, clarity, or radiance. We recommend scheduling a monthly facial leading up to walking down the aisle for cumulative benefits, with the final facial about 2-4 weeks out to allow time for the professional products we use to work their magic and any reactions to resolve in areas that had extractions. 

Microneedling

With proper planning, a series of microneedling treatments can noticeably improve nearly every skin concern, including signs of aging, large pores, rough skin texture, and acne scars, for a clearer complexion. Microneedling uses collagen induction therapy to enhance the health and appearance of your skin; because your body needs time to carry out increased collagen production, it’s best to start your treatments about 6 months before your wedding and plan to wait a month in between each session to allow your skin to heal and more collagen layers to form beneath the skin. 

Be sure your last treatment is scheduled at least 1 month before your wedding to enjoy peak results on your big day. 

Chemical peels

Chemical peels gently, yet deeply, exfoliate the skin’s surface to improve skin texture, soften signs of aging, and diminish pigmentation issues. We offer several types of peels, from superficial peels with minimal downtime to more transformative deep peels that require a few days to heal. 

If you have time, a series of 3 peels will achieve more significant improvement, so we recommend getting the first peel about 6 months before your wedding and strategically planning 1-2 weeks of social downtime for the following peels around special events leading up to the big day—this will ensure you have a fresh-faced glow without any lingering redness or flaking.

Neuromodulators

Neuromodulators such as BOTOX® and Dysport® are staples in the bridal beauty regimen to smooth away expression lines and wrinkles! Our expert injectors meticulously place injections to target key muscles with precise amounts of product to smooth your skin, without limiting your ability to express yourself naturally.

There’s no downtime needed after Botox-type injectables; however, it takes about 2 weeks to see final results. We recommend getting these injections about 3 weeks before your wedding to allow enough time to see optimal results and for any bruising to resolve. 

If you are new to neuromodulators, schedule your first treatment as soon as possible. Results last between 3-4 months, so you’ll want enough time for the effects to wear off if you do not wish to continue treatments or have time to plan touch-up injections to align with bridal showers and other events so you appear naturally smooth when all eyes will be on you.

Dermal fillers

Dermal fillers help sculpt and define facial features, such as the jawline and cheekbones, to highlight your bone structure and to help shape and volumize the lips. We also use dermal fillers to smooth static lines and wrinkles and fill hollow areas to add youthful, natural-looking volume. You may experience mild bruising and swelling after dermal filler injections, so schedule your treatment about 4 weeks before you want to be photo-ready. 

Be sure to tell your injector if this is your first experience with dermal fillers so they can discuss a more conservative approach—it’s always better to add a little more filler at a touch-up appointment than to wait 6+ months for your body to break down the product.

Laser skin rejuvenation

We offer several types of laser treatments at both of our Rancho Cucamonga med spa locations to target a range of skin concerns, from skin texture and pigmentation to signs of aging and acne scars. With the date of your nuptials in mind, we can help recommend the right laser treatment for your skin.

• ICON laser treatments incorporate IPL technology and a fractional, non-ablative laser to rejuvenate your skin (and reduce the appearance of stretch marks). There is virtually no downtime, and we typically recommend 3-4 treatments scheduled 1 month apart to see the best results possible. Schedule your final ICON laser treatment at least 4 weeks before your wedding to allow discoloration to flake off, redness to resolve, and the new collagen growth to smooth your skin. 
• MiXto laser treatments combine CO2 laser energy with fractional skin resurfacing to treat surface imperfections and deeper skin concerns—often with just a single treatment and about 5-7 days of social downtime! For more significant concerns, you may need up to 3 treatments. We suggest scheduling this treatment at least 3 months before the festivities begin. 
• Cutera Laser Genesis uses two types of lasers to treat more than 20 cosmetic and dermatologic concerns, especially discoloration and pigmentation concerns, such as birthmarks, brown spots, red spots, and different types of visible veins on the face and body. You’ll need 1-3 treatments, with the final treatment performed at least 3 months prior to your wedding day. 

Laser hair removal

Uninvite stubble (and its plus one: razor burn) by getting laser hair removal! It takes between 6-8 treatments depending on the treatment area and your hair type, so you’ll need to begin laser hair removal treatments at least 9 months before the wedding to catch all hair growth cycles. Your last session should be at least a month out to ensure the smoothest skin for the wedding, honeymoon, and beyond! 

Led by our experienced team of cosmetic surgeons, Ahava Medspa and Made You Look offer only the most effective treatments and products available. Whether your wedding is a year away or just around the corner, we have a treatment to help support every blushing bride-to-be! Please call Ahava Medspa, located within Inland Cosmetic Surgery, at (909) 987-0899 or call Made You Look at (909) 204-7374 to schedule your consultation today! 

So you have wrinkles sneaking in. Botox (or Dysport) should do the trick, right?

Well, not necessarily—especially if you want more complete, radiant results! That’s because wrinkling is multifaceted: it’s not just muscle contractions that age your appearance. Collagen loss, sun damage, scarring, and slow cell turnover are other common culprits.

Botox-type injectables are highly effective at treating dynamic wrinkles by relaxing muscles, but several other med spa treatments can help you enjoy more youthful-looking skin by refreshing the skin’s surface, adding strategic volume, or boosting collagen below for improved skin firmness and elasticity.

• Microneedling
• Ultherapy
• Dermal Filler
• Ultrasonic Facials
• Chemical Peels
• Laser Skin Resurfacing

Microneedling

Collagen is a protein that makes up 70-80% of the skin and gives it structure and strength, but its production starts to decline in your twenties. Microneedling is considered to be a “collagen induction therapy”—it tricks the body into flooding your skin with more collagen by creating micro-injuries with tiny, hair-like needles. Your body’s natural healing process increases collagen so that acne scars, fine lines, and skin texture are all improved and you are left with more radiant and smooth skin. 

Ultherapy

Ultherapy is an FDA-cleared treatment that uses ultrasound energy, applied topically to the skin, to lift and tighten loose skin on the neck, chin, and brow. Ultherapy stimulates collagen production deep within your skin, resulting in a natural lift and tone that develops over time. The precision of the ultrasound energy allows for targeted treatment so that your surrounding tissues remain unaffected, allowing you to leave your appointment and go about your routine while the treatment does its magic in the background (no needles required).

Dermal Filler

Dermal fillers are an excellent non-surgical option to restore volume, reduce the appearance of lines, and enhance facial features. When it comes to wrinkles, fillers (unlike Botox) work by filling in the areas that have lost volume or elasticity over the years, like the upper cheeks, skin beneath static wrinkles in areas around the mouth (nasolabial folds and marionette lines), or below the eyes (tear troughs). Fillers have also been shown to increase collagen long-term for effects that continue even after the injected product has dissolved.

Ultrasonic Facials

The ultrasonic facial employs ultrasonic waves to gently exfoliate the skin, stimulate cell renewal, improve circulation, shrink pores, and even stimulate collagen and elastin production. Do you know another facial that can do all that?! You’ll also see better absorption of topical products after treatment. This treatment is suitable for all skin types and immediately gives you a glowing, revitalized complexion, making it a go-to for anyone looking for a little-to-no downtime treatment that’s “more than a facial.” 

Chemical Peels

Some people flinch when they hear the term “chemical peel,” but this treatment is actually an incredibly gentle exfoliation. Instead of using beads or scraping to refresh the outer layer of skin, a peel involves applying a custom solution of AHAs and/or BHAs to exfoliate the top layer of your skin, revealing a smoother and more radiant complexion beneath. Whether you’re dealing with dark spots, acne, hyperpigmentation, or wrinkles, our chemical peels are customized to address your primary skin concerns, with varying levels of intensity available. Our experts will guide you through the process, and more often than not, we will recommend a series of peels for optimal results. 

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is designed to boost collagen and improve skin tone, texture, and overall appearance. But, be sure to look for advanced technology when choosing a laser treatment: a fractional laser that applies energy in a checkered pattern will greatly reduce or eliminate recovery time while maintaining professional level results. Whether you’re aiming to diminish fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, or hyperpigmentation, our laser skin resurfacing treatment can help you achieve a more refreshed and youthful look.

At Ahava Medspa, we offer proven treatments and medical grade skincare products, as well as a range of cosmetic procedures at Inland Cosmetic Surgery. No matter your concern, we have a range of options to help you get your best skin ever! Call 909-987-0899 or contact us online to schedule your appointment or consultation at our Rancho Cucamonga practice.

We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of our brand-new med spa: Made You Look by Ahava Medspa! Our new medical spa location allows us to expand our services and is designed to provide our Rancho Cucamonga patients with a luxurious treatment experience—you’ll feel pampered from the moment you walk in the door!

Here, Inland Cosmetic Surgery owner Jacob Haiavy, MD, and his expert aesthetics team share the inside scoop on what you’ll find at Made You Look. 

Location & services 

The brand-new, ultra-modern facility is conveniently located just around the corner from Inland Cosmetic Surgery and Ahava Medspa at:

• 8667 Haven Ave #100, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

Made You Look will offer some of the same rejuvenating medical spa treatments and services as its sister location, Ahava Medspa, and new treatments exclusive to this location. 

These premium non-surgical cosmetic enhancements include:

• IV Therapy
• Botox/Dysport
• Dermal fillers
• Laser hair removal
• Specialty facials
• SkinPen Microneedling
• Fraxel/IPL laser treatments
• Weight loss management
• And more!

“I absolutely love their new extension of their office! It is beautiful and they have everything there in one location! … Everyone is amazing there to work with. They make you feel so good.”

-Our first Google Review!

New location, same commitment to care

Our Made You Look patients can expect the same commitment to achieving personalized results and the outstanding patient care they’ve experienced at Inland Cosmetic Surgery and Ahava Medspa. We offer the safest, most effective treatments and products, all of which are thoroughly vetted by our Rancho Cucamonga cosmetic surgeons and licensed aesthetic professionals for safety and efficacy to enhance your natural beauty and improve your well-being. 

“My wife recently had the most incredible experience at this new, modern med spa, and we can’t stop raving about it! Having visited their sister company, Ahava Med Spa, several times before, we already had high expectations, but this location truly exceeded them in every way…”

-Our second Google Review!

About Made You Look medical spa

If you are interested in transformative, non-surgical cosmetic enhancements or wellness treatments tailored to your needs and goals, we invite you to schedule a consultation at the new office by calling Made You Look at 909-204-7374. We look forward to celebrating this new adventure with you and providing the outstanding experience you deserve! 

Are you ready to part ways with your breast implants? We get it. Things change, and if you are at the point where having augmented breasts no longer suits your needs, we bet you have a lot of questions about breast implant removal — our patients certainly do!

Scouring the internet for reliable answers can be daunting (not to mention confusing), so our Rancho Cucamonga cosmetic surgeons have decided to answer some of the more frequently asked questions (and a few unique ones) about breast implant removal for you today.

1. Why is everyone removing their breast implants?

Well, not everyone is doing it — breast augmentations still significantly outnumber implant removals year after year, both in our practice and in the U.S. as a whole — but implant removal procedures are gaining more interest. Evolving aesthetic trends are a factor; we’ve seen a decline in desire for large augmentations for some years now, and some patients who wanted that look 10 or 15 years ago now do not.

2. What are good reasons for breast implant removal?

A “good” reason is different for everyone; if you don’t want breast implants anymore, that is reason enough. However, common reasons for implant removal include: 

• Complications such as capsular contracture, implant rippling, implant deflation or rupture, and other aesthetic issues.
• Concerns over conditions such as breast implant illness and breast implant-associated large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). While rare, heightened awareness of these complications have been better documented in recent years, naturally leading to increased patient concerns about their implants. 
• Bodies change. Breast augmentation can boost your appearance, but it can’t make it immune to the effects of time. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and aging all affect the shape and density of natural breast tissue, leading to sagging and other issues that lead patients to want their implants removed.    

3. How are breast implants removed? 

The basic procedure to remove breast implants is called explantation. The cosmetic surgeon will make a small incision — typically using the scar site from the original breast augmentation — and remove the implant through this incision. Sometimes it’s that simple, but often we need to complete a few extra steps to achieve the desired result. 

Like any cosmetic surgery, implant removal must be tailored to the individual’s needs. For example, some patients benefit from a total capsulectomy, which removes the entire capsule of scar tissue that forms around the implant. This is called for to treat complications such as capsular contracture, which causes excessive tightening of the scar capsule, and for patients concerned about breast implant illness. To treat known or suspected BIA-ALCL, an “en bloc” total capsulectomy, in which the capsule is removed with the implant still inside it to keep any abnormal cells contained, is often recommended. 

A simple capsulotomy, or partial capsulectomy, which leaves some or all of the scar tissue intact, can be a great option for patients who aren’t having issues with the capsule. This technique results in a quicker procedure, usually with a quicker recovery time.

4. Do I need an en bloc capsulectomy? 

You can find plenty of advice on the internet that en bloc capsulectomy is “the best” because it “gets everything.” However, it is a more involved procedure with some additional risks. If the capsule is surrounded by thin or delicate tissue, or is more tightly adhered to the chest muscle, en bloc removal can increase risk of bleeding or tissue damage. It also requires longer scars. We recommend en bloc removal for patients when the benefits outweigh the risks, but for many, it’s actually not the best option.

Recent studies suggest that an en bloc capsulectomy is not necessary to see improvement in BII symptoms.

More importantly, in recent published studies of breast implant illness, the patients reported improvement in their symptoms after implant removal regardless of the patient having total capsulectomy, partial capsulectomy, or even no capsulectomy. 

5. What are the symptoms of breast implant illness? 

Breast implant illness (BII) has gained attention in recent years, largely due to increased patient and physician reporting, and naturally many patients wonder if they’ll be better off without implants. We don’t yet have good statistics, but BII seems to affect only a small percentage of people with breast implants overall. Symptoms can include: 

• Unexplained fatigue
• Headache or migraine
• Joint pain
• Brain fog or cognitive issues
• Rashes and skin sensitivities
• Depression
• Hair thinning
• Chronic flu-like symptoms 

As you can see, these symptoms mirror those of many other conditions, so if you think you might have breast implant illness, make an appointment with your primary care physician to rule out other issues. If symptoms persist and no other cause can be identified, a qualified cosmetic surgeon can help you decide whether removing your implants is right for you.

6. Can implants be removed through the belly button if I had TUBA breast augmentation?

TUBA, or transumbilical breast augmentation, places incisions in the navel to avoid scarring on the breasts or armpits. The implants are tunneled under the skin and fat layer, and placed in the breast pockets. When a capsulectomy is not required, we can typically remove saline implants via this same path. Dr. Haiavy has removed and replaced implants through the belly button. He has even replaced saline with silicone implants through the belly button incision.

However, if complications such as an implant rupture or capsular contracture are present, an inframammary (under the breast) incision or a periareolar (around the areola) incision is usually required for a safe and successful outcome. 

7. Does skin shrink after breast implant removal?

Skin may or may not shrink back to its original condition after implants are removed, depending on several factors: implant size, the patient’s natural skin elasticity, whether or not they had any pregnancies, and age. In younger patients with good skin elasticity who had modest sized implants, breasts will often return almost to their pre-augmented state within a couple of months. Those with significant breast sagging, thinner skin, or who have had their implants for several decades will often have some loose skin after implants are removed. Having a breast lift at the same time as explant can help with this, and allow the surgeon to create a firmer, symmetrical breast in the process.

8. Is explant ever covered by insurance?

If your implants were placed during a cosmetic breast augmentation, removal will probably not be covered. Some plans may cover implant removal to treat complications such as capsular contracture, but many will not. The one case where insurance may be required to cover an explant is to remove implants originally placed during a breast reconstruction. All that said, insurance policies vary widely in what they will cover, so it is worth checking with yours before scheduling surgery — just don’t expect much.

9. How much does it cost to remove breast implants in California?

Breast implant removal pricing can vary wildly, depending on the surgeon and the extent of the procedure. A total capsulectomy with breast lift will cost significantly more than a simple implant removal through the original scars. 

Never pick a surgeon based on price alone: Much more important is that the surgeon has proven experience in the explant procedure you are considering, operates in accredited facilities with qualified support staff, and is someone you trust to achieve your desired result.

There is usually a way to make cosmetic surgery affordable; we’ve helped many of our Inland Empire breast implant removal patients obtain low or even no interest financing for their procedures.

We hope we’ve answered some of your burning questions, but we’re here to help if you have more! Our cosmetic surgeons Dr. Jacob Haiavy and Dr. Emma Ryan would be glad to help answer your questions at an in-person or virtual private consultation. Give us a call at 909-707-4899 or contact us online today.

Are you considering a tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, in Rancho Cucamonga to tighten and sculpt your midsection? This transformative procedure removes excess skin and fat, reduces stretch marks, and provides a lifted, natural-looking belly button we call the Inland Innie™. A tummy tuck can also repair diastasis recti (abdominal muscle separation), which offers cosmetic and medical benefits—such as supporting a more active lifestyle, reducing lower back pain, and decreasing urinary incontinence. 

A tummy tuck consultation is a very important part of the journey: it is an opportunity to sit down with your potential cosmetic surgeon to share your goals, hear their professional opinion, and then together develop a treatment plan that will safely transform your shape. 

To get the most out of your appointment, the surgeons at Inland Cosmetic Surgery are sharing 6 key questions you should ask during your abdominoplasty consultation, along with advice to help you get the very best tummy tuck results.

1. Which tummy tuck procedure is right for me?
2. What are the risks and complications of tummy tuck surgery?
3. How should I prepare for tummy tuck surgery?
4. How can I get the best tummy tuck results?
5. Where will my tummy tuck scars be?
6. When will I see tummy tuck results?

Which tummy tuck procedure is right for me?

Your Rancho Cucamonga tummy tuck should be personalized based on your unique anatomy to safely achieve your aesthetic goals—techniques range from minimally invasive correction of a lower belly “pooch” to highly transformative reshaping of the entire midsection. During your consultation, your tummy tuck surgeon should explain which of the following techniques will be ideal for addressing your concerns and achieving the natural-looking results you are seeking:

• Mini tummy tuck is a good choice for patients who have a small amount of excess fat and skin below the belly button, but have good underlying muscle tone and need minimal or no muscle separation repair. The belly button is not disturbed with this technique and good candidates have a shorter scar and recovery period. 
• Full tummy tuck is the most common tummy tuck technique; it removes skin and fat from the entire midsection and repairs diastasis recti. This technique also reduces stretch marks and improves the appearance of the belly button. A second incision is made around your belly button to provide a beautiful, natural-looking placement of the naval. This technique is often recommended for patients who have had children or have lost a moderate amount of weight.
• Extended tummy tuck can help patients who have lost a significant amount of weight via diet & exercise or weight loss surgery. Good candidates for extended tummy tuck typically need abdominal muscle separation repair and have excess skin that extends beyond the hips bones; patients may also have loose skin in the thighs, pubic area, and other parts of the lower body. As with a fully tummy tuck, the belly button is revised and repositioned for a naturally lifted appearance. 

Additionally, liposuction is almost always employed during a tummy tuck procedure to help refine your new contours and reduce the chance of seroma development after surgery. Abdominoplasty can also be combined with breast surgery; the combination of tummy tuck with breast enhancement is often called a “mommy makeover.”  

 

 

 

 

 

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How to explain your tummy tuck goals 

Many patients aren’t sure how to articulate their goals during their tummy tuck consultation—they just know they want to see improvement in their midsection. To help you communicate what your aesthetic vision is, take some time to browse through before and after galleries with the goal of finding patients with similar anatomy to yours and who have results you’d like to achieve as well. 

Showing photos of results you like will go far in helping your surgeon understand your expectations and help them personalize your look to appear as natural as possible. Tip: Pay attention to the details in before and after photos: one of the keys to a completely natural-looking tummy tuck result is in the belly button! 

What are the risks and complications of tummy tuck surgery?

While it may be tempting to only focus on the positives—like how tummy tuck surgery will help you look and feel better, it is important to discuss any risks and complications with your surgeon. 

Tummy tuck risks and complications may include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Seroma
• Poor wound healing
• Excessive scarring 
• Skin and fat necrosis 
• Adverse reactions to anesthesia 

To minimize tummy tuck risks and complications, we recommend choosing a highly-experienced cosmetic surgeon who is a diplomate of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS). Board certified specialty surgeons have typically had a year or more of fellowship training and are rigorously tested to further prove their expertise; you can also count on these doctors to utilize the most advanced techniques and equipment, and operate in an accredited surgical suite.

The importance of reviewing your medical history

The goal of reviewing your medical history is to minimize any potential complications and help you enjoy optimal results. It is in fact critical to your safety that you are completely honest and disclose all pertinent information, including:

• Family medical history
• Medications you take (or have recently)
• Any recreational drugs you use
• Past surgeries or procedures (even non-surgical procedures)
• Your diet and exercise routine
• Other habits like smoking or drinking

This information gives your surgeon a comprehensive understanding of your unique physiology and plays a crucial role in determining if you are a good candidate for an Inland Empire tummy tuck, and how your cosmetic surgeon can achieve the results you are looking for with the least amount of risk. 

How should I prepare for tummy tuck surgery?

To have a smooth recovery and enjoy beautiful, long-lasting tummy tuck results, it is critical to avoid substances that can negatively affect your outcome—as well as follow best practices afterward, including being proactive about nutrition and scar care. 

The best Rancho Cucamonga cosmetic surgeons will take plenty of time to go over a full list of pre-operative preparations and vital post-operative instructions with you; following is a preview of things they may suggest.

Planning ahead for tummy tuck surgery

Schedule your tummy tuck once you have maintained a healthy, stable weight you are happy with for at least 6 months; you should also be done having children. (Experiencing weight changes or pregnancy is safe after a tummy tuck, but can diminish your results.)

It’s absolutely critical to stop smoking/vaping at least 4 weeks before you plan to have surgery (and for at least 4 weeks after), to minimize the risks of complications and tissue damage. Beyond abstaining from smoking, be sure to strictly follow the list of medications and substances to avoid provided by your tummy tuck surgeon—you will see it includes things that are seemingly healthy, but which can thin the blood or interfere with healing processes (green tea is one example).

You will need help with transportation while you are on pain meds and limited in your movements: it is likely to be a few weeks before you are cleared to drive. If you have small children, you will also need to arrange for childcare support for up to 3 weeks, as you will not be able to lift anything over 5-10 lbs during that time. 

You will need to plan 4-8 weeks off of physically demanding jobs. If you work at a desk job, you can return to a normal routine more quickly, but even for those who work from home, at least one week off is typically required.

Before having surgery, make sure your space is ready to go: special pillows, entertainment, and loose clothing will all help ease the first week or two after surgery. Additionally, pick up any prescriptions your surgeon wants you to take during recovery. 

Lastly, you’ll help yourself heal more quickly if you nourish your body with plenty of plant-based foods and lean proteins that support your body’s recovery processes, so plan ahead for what you will eat after your surgery. (We suggest patients freeze meals in ready-to-reheat portions.)

A highly-qualified cosmetic surgeon and their medical care team will schedule postoperative appointments to monitor your recovery, answer your questions, and quickly identify and address any complications that may arise.

How can I get the best tummy tuck results?

After surgery, continue following all rules about substances and activities to avoid until your surgeon gives you the all-clear. Also, heed guidelines about nutrition: healthy food will help you avoid postoperative constipation and provide important micronutrients your body depends on for healing. Many of your cosmetic surgeon’s postoperative instructions will focus on scar care; rules may include avoiding certain positions to reduce strain on incision sites and applying specialized scar care creams. While you will be encouraged to engage in light activity during recovery, don’t overdo it: rigorous exercise will be prohibited for some time. 

Where will my tummy tuck scars be?

Most patients will have a horizontal scar between the hips, placed just above the pubic area. This allows your abdominoplasty scar to be easily concealed with underwear or a swimsuit—the length of the scar will vary based on the amount of skin that is removed. To ensure you are comfortable with the placement, you should ask your cosmetic surgeon to show you the position and length of the scar you would need to achieve the look you desire.

With the exception of a mini tummy tuck, you will also have an additional scar inconspicuously placed within your newly sculpted and repositioned belly button. This incision allows your surgeon to trim excess skin around the naval and create a new opening for your belly button to sit in a natural, youthful position. (Here at Inland Cosmetic in Rancho Cucamonga, we are so obsessed with creating beautiful belly buttons, we trademarked our Inland Innie™ technique!)

You can avoid unattractive tummy tuck scarring by diligently following all post-surgery instructions, not straining your incisions, and using proper scar care—including protecting healing scars from the sun. Here at our Inland Empire cosmetic surgery practice, we also employ a newly developed bandage that significantly reduces the appearance of tummy tuck scars. Be patient with your scar care regimen, surgical scars can take up to two years to fade to their final appearance.  

When will I see tummy tuck results?

The length of tummy tuck recovery is dependent on a number of factors, including your age, what tummy tuck technique was used, and your commitment to recovery guidelines. Typically, most patients are fully recovered and very satisfied with their results by around the 3 month mark. Because it takes time for residual swelling to subside and scars fade slowly, you will likely see further improvements for some time following surgery. 

Download our FREE questionnaire and bring it to your tummy tuck consultation!

Your tummy tuck consultation at our Rancho Cucamonga cosmetic surgery practice

With these key questions in mind, we encourage you to schedule your free tummy tuck consultation with one of our expert cosmetic surgeons. Inland Cosmetic Surgery offers a comprehensive range of cosmetic surgery procedures, including body contouring surgeries, to help you achieve the shape you deserve. We look forward to meeting you, discussing your surgery goals, and collaborating with you on a treatment plan that will help you look and feel your very best. To book your appointment, call our practice at (909) 987-0899 or schedule online. 

You may have heard that if you want transumbilical breast augmentation (TUBA) using a “belly button” incision that leaves zero breast augmentation scars, you’ll have to get saline-filled implants. For several decades, only unfilled saline breast implants were placed through a small incision in the navel, with the saline filling added through a tube after the implant shell was situated in the breast pocket—until now.

With over 20 years of experience with TUBA using saline implants, Dr. Jacob Haiavy collaborated with colleague Dr. Gabriel H. Patino to develop a technique that allows pre-filled silicone gel-filled breast implants to be placed through a belly button incision. This innovative Inland Empire breast augmentation procedure is called “TUSBA,” or “Transumbilical Silicone Breast Augmentation.” 

TUSBA is cosmetic surgery history in the making

Silicone implants offer a natural look and feel that is preferred by most patients. But they have traditionally been placed through incisions on the breasts or in the underarm, since they are pre-filled and therefore seem to require a larger incision. The “scarless” transumbilical approach appeals to many patients, which left many having to choose between a concealed incision option or the natural feel of silicone implants.

After 20 years offering belly button breast augmentation, Dr. Haiavy has developed TUSBA: Transumbilical Silicone Breast Augmentation.

The option to have a transumbilical incision and silicone gel-filled implants is a significant and exciting milestone in the history of breast augmentation. Dr. Haiavy is one of three surgeons to ever place silicone implants through an incision in the navel, which can offer patients the best of both worlds—silicone and belly button incisions for ideal breast augmentation results. 

Transumbilical incisions help to make recovery more comfortable

A TUBA incision is not only small enough to be fully concealed within the belly button, this technique can also facilitate an easier recovery compared with traditional augmentation methods. Similar to other breast augmentation techniques, patients will experience some soreness in the breasts but minimal discomfort in the abdomen.

Transumbilical silicone breast augmentation (TUSBA) surgery is performed along the body’s natural planes

Like TUBA, TUSBA creates a tunnel from an incision discreetly placed in the belly button to the breast. A pocket is created under the chest muscle through this tunnel, the breast pocket is carefully expanded, and then the area is checked using an endoscopic camera. 

After the work is carefully inspected, silicone gel implants are inserted using the Keller Funnel® No-Touch™ technique—the implant is transferred directly from its sterile packaging using a hydrated plastic funnel. This technique requires zero direct handling by the surgeon, thereby reducing the risk of infection and encouraging a smoother breast augmentation recovery.

Most breast augmentation outcomes are possible with TUSBA

To achieve safe, remarkably natural breast augmentation results, Dr. Haiavy limits TUSBA patients to a maximum breast implant volume of about 400cc, or an increase of roughly two cup sizes. Still, most patients will find that 400cc or less is a substantial enough increase to reach their desired outcome with TUSBA.

You may be a good candidate for TUSBA if you want the natural look and feel of silicone implants without visible scarring, or if you are looking to replace lost volume in the breasts after pregnancy or weight loss. You should also be a non-smoker in good health before having any surgical cosmetic procedure.

TUSBA breast augmentation consultation at Inland Cosmetic Surgery

Rancho Cucamonga cosmetic surgeon Dr. Jacob Haiavy has performed over 15,000 cosmetic surgery procedures and is well-known for his caring approach and superb results. To learn more about your surgery options with an expert breast augmentation surgeon, call Inland Cosmetic Surgery at (909) 987-0899 to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Haiavy or contact us through our website.