Keeping Our Patients & Our Community Safe
We have designed and implemented plans to maximize your safety, the safety and security of our staff, and the safety of our medically vulnerable patients. We have invested a tremendous amount of thought, time, and resources into doing things right. As always, we care about not only your safety but also your overall experience with us.
When you visit, you will notice physical upgrades, including extensive HEPA filtration, ultraviolet air cleaners, temperature scanners, advanced PPE, social distancing office flow, and more.
Physical measures, however, are only part of the solution. Due to the close-up, personal nature of our services, we have also re-engineered our office processes to maximize respiratory safety.
Below are outlined some of the steps we will be taking, and asking you to take at each visit until this pandemic has ebbed. Please familiarize yourself with them so you will know what to expect when we welcome you back.
Thank you for your patience with us, and your trust in us, as we navigate this COVID-19 pandemic together!
Gratefully,
Dr. Jacob Haiavy MD & Staff at Inland Cosmetic Surgery & Ahava Medspa
Making appointments
The best, fastest, and easiest way to schedule, move, or cancel appointments is to text our main phone number at (909) 987-0899 for Inland Cosmetic Surgery or 909-204-7373 for Ahava Medspa. You will reach the same friendly team receptionists as when you call.
Check-In
Please stay at home for 2 weeks if you are not feeling well. We will gladly reschedule your visit.
Please wear your own mask or face covering to the office, and cover both your mouth and nose at all times unless instructed otherwise by our staff. Our staff is exposed, up close, to multiple patients per day. Strictly limiting their mask-free interaction time helps minimize their risk. Our staff and their families are very grateful for your understanding.
If you are unable to wear a mask covering both your mouth and nose, we welcome you back when the pandemic has ebbed and face coverings are no longer necessary for close face-to-face interactions.
When you arrive through the main glass doors, you will be asked the screening questionnaire as well as a temperature check. We will check you in for your appointment. If we have a room available, we will accommodate you right away. If we don’t have your room open, we will ask you to please wait in your car, and we will text you when your treatment room is ready.
We are strictly limiting building occupancy—no guests or children are allowed, please. Surgical patients may have one chaperone at drop off and pick up. We apologize for the inconvenience.
When you are brought into the building, our greeter will ask you “The 4 Questions,” take your temperature, and ask that you sanitize your hands
The COVID-19 liability release must be signed at each visit.
Please do not talk at all when your mask is off for treatment.
We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule your visit for any reason.
In General
We are scheduling fewer patients per hour to minimize hallway traffic and allow time for enhanced disinfection between patients.
To maximize appointment availability and minimize face-to-face time for safety, we ask that you limit social conversation with your provider. Please keep up with your favorite staff members on social media!
Thank you again for your patience and understanding while we strive to deliver exceptional service and maintain safety for you and our staff!
There’s no denying that cosmetic surgery requires some financial commitment. But most who’ve made the investment agree it is well worth it—after all, they get to enjoy the results every day, everywhere they go.
Financing options have also made cosmetic surgery quite accessible and affordable. Even so, it’s natural to want to get the best price you can, and at Inland Cosmetic Surgery and Ahava Medspa, we love helping patients save on cosmetic surgery. But we also want you to be safe. Here are our top insider tips on how to get the procedures you want for the best possible price—without compromising your appearance.
Before we share our list of tips, a word about safety…
There is a big difference between a good price on expertly performed cosmetic surgery and cheap cosmetic surgery. Never compromise your safety, comfort, or results just to get a bargain. In fact, be very suspicious of unusually low pricing on any procedure or treatment. This is a red flag that the provider is cutting corners, such as performing surgery in an office instead of in an accredited operating room with life safety measures in place (not to mention a qualified anesthesia provider, which is also key!).
Choose a fellowship-trained surgeon for cosmetic surgery and make sure they operate in an accredited facility with fully qualified anesthesiology personnel. For Medspa services, choose a licensed, experienced provider working under MD supervision. Make sure they are fully qualified and have a good reputation among patients as well as in the medical community.
Okay, now for our cosmetic surgery savings tips.
Operating room and anesthesia fees are a significant part of the total cost of cosmetic surgery. If you combine procedures, you only have to pay these fees once.
1. Ask the cosmetic surgeon you prefer about specials
Even top cosmetic surgeons will occasionally run specials to attract new patients and give people with budget constraints a chance to have a procedure with them. If your surgeon of choice isn’t running a relevant special when you come in for a consult, subscribe to their newsletter. This way you can automatically learn about their latest specials and not miss out on limited time offers.
Don’t forget to check for specials on social media—many practices and medspas periodically offer ways to save on non-surgical treatments such as Ultherapy and ThermiVa. You can also save on products: stock up when your favorite medical skincare brand is on sale!
2. Attend special events at cosmetic surgery practices
Aesthetic technology and skincare companies will often partner with doctors to hold special events where they demonstrate and promote their products. Attending these events almost always comes with exclusive savings and giveaways for the featured service, as well as free consults and complimentary refreshments. Plus, they’re a lot of fun—at least that’s the case with our events at Inland Cosmetic!
3. Take advantage of manufacturer rewards programs
All the major aesthetic pharmaceutical manufacturers offer rebate and points programs. They’re free to join, and if you’re a regular for injectables, the savings can add up quickly. Popular cosmetic rewards programs include:
- Brilliant Distinctions (Allergan). The OG rewards program for Botox, Juvederm fillers, SkinMedica skincare, Latisse, and CoolSculpting. You earn points with every purchase of these products, which you can then use towards future treatments.
- Aspire Galderma Rewards. A very similar program for Dysport, Sculptra, and the Restylane filler collection.
- Natrelle Gel Rewards. A breast implant rewards program from Allergan, which offers perks (think free Botox) for choosing their Natrelle silicone implants or referring a friend.
4. Bundle procedures to save on operating room fees and recovery time
A significant part of the total cost of cosmetic surgery includes fees for the operating facility and anesthesiologist. If you combine procedures, you only have to pay these fees once. Additionally, it’s important to factor in the cost of time spent recovering after surgery. Each operation will have its own period of required downtime, and by combining procedures, you can also “combine” the downtime.
A mommy makeover is a classic example. Patients combine breast enhancement, tummy tuck, and liposuction in a single operation, and need about 2 weeks of downtime. If you instead had these procedures performed separately in three operations, you’d pay the OR and anesthesiology fees 3 times, and, over time, need about 4 weeks of time off work in total.
5. Book your procedure during the “off-season”
Many cosmetic surgeons’ schedules slow down during the summer. This is simply because so many people are busy traveling or taking care of kids during their summer break. Adding to the seasonality of cosmetic surgery is the fact that many patients prefer to have surgery over winter holidays, so they can maximize their PTO and hide healing results under bulkier clothing.
Consider booking your procedure in June, July, or August. You may be able to save when demand isn’t as high.
If these are not concerns of yours, consider booking your procedure in June, July, or August. Your surgeon may offer you a better price during these months because demand isn’t as high.
We hope these tips are helpful as you research your options. If you’re looking for qualified cosmetic surgeons with a reputation for fair pricing and great patient outcomes, consider our Rancho Cucamonga cosmetic surgeons. Dr. Jacob Haiavy and Dr. Emma Ryan highly experienced in the latest advanced surgery techniques and will personalize your plan to best meet your needs and your budget. Call 909-987-0899 or contact us for an appointment!
How would you rate your skincare efforts? If you invest in top quality, clinically proven skincare products, moisturize in the winter, and even remember to wear SPF most days, you’re off to a great start.
But if you’re going straight from the office to the gym with your makeup on, sleeping on the same pillowcase for weeks, or using the same razor more than a handful of times, consider improving your routine—these and several other seemingly minor shortcuts may actually be thwarting your efforts to keep your skin and hair looking youthful and healthy.
When you’re working out, sweat needs to escape through your pores. Leaving a layer of makeup on over wide-open pores is likely to trap bacteria and cause breakouts.
For a full list of these bad skin habits, along with suggestions for getting on the right track, check out this article from SELF. We weren’t too surprised about what made the list, as we’ve helped our own patients negate the effects of skincare mistakes like working out or sleeping with makeup on (hello acne), skipping out on antioxidants (which skin needs to repair cellular damage), and tanning (a fast track to wrinkles and brown spots).
Read through the article to see what else you can do better.
For healthy skin tips you can trust—and act upon—come see us!
The good news ias that all 9 of the bad beauty habits in the article are fairly simple to break, but why not go one step further and replace them with really good skincare habits?
If you’re in the Inland Empire, we’d love for you to come see our Rancho Cucamonga skincare experts at Ahava Medspa. We love helping patients solve their skincare problems through personalized skin treatment plans. We can help you choose the right skincare products and in-office treatments, like laser acne treatments like ELOS, ultrasonic facials, microneedling, and more, based on your skin type, lifestyle, and concerns, so you can feel confident that your money will be well-spent and that your skin gets exactly what it needs to look youthful and radiant—even if you’ve been guilty of a few bad habits in the past.
For more info or to schedule your consult, call 909-987-0899 or contact us here.
For those of you looking for skin tightening without the facelift, we have exciting news! We recently added Ultherapy to our line of non-surgical options.
We’re not the only ones who love it: a number of famous (and beautiful) faces have already admitted to using this innovative option to shed a few years. Here are the top reasons stars— including Christie Brinkley, Jennifer Aniston, and Courteney Cox—love Ultherapy.
1. Ultherapy is convenient (and comfortable)
We’ve already mentioned that Ultherapy is non-surgical. Yes, now you can tighten skin without surgery or scarring. But there’s more. With basically no downtime post-treatment, you can return to work and normal activities right after your session.
“I love the idea of having my body create its own collagen and elastin the way that it used to.”Christie Brinkley
Plus, Ultherapy is fairly comfortable and very quick. Your doctor will apply a topical numbing cream to the area to ease any discomfort, and while you may experience warming sensations and isolated tenderness, it is short-lived and fairly mild.
2. The treatment is safe
Ultherapy is the only FDA-approved treatment that lifts and tightens the skin of the neck, chin, brow, and improves fine lines and wrinkles on the chest. Because there is no need to break the skin (incisions or pricks), there are few risks. Using ultrasound energy, Ultherapy naturally stimulates collagen and elastin production to the treated areas, resulting in tighter, lifted skin.
To further ensure safety, be sure you have Ultherapy in a medical office setting and that a fully trained physician assistant or registered nurse (working under MD supervision) is administering the treatment. While the technology is fantastic, it’s still important that your provider has plenty of experience and monitors your skin closely throughout the entire treatment.
3. The results last—and get even better
After your treatment you will instantly notice some improvement to your skin. Over the first few months, you’ll see years melting away as collagen and elastin production improves. Most patients report continued improvement for up to year.
Like Ultherapy spokeswoman Christie Brinkley says, “I love the idea of having my body create its own collagen and elastin the way that it used to”, and we think you will too. Contact us today to learn more about your options with Ultherapy.
Detoxing—most of us have heard of it, and a handful have probably attempted it. But it turns out this fad might not be as beneficial as some would have you believe. Outside Online recently featured some of the reasons doctors and scientists say you should put down the juice and consider some tried and true alternatives instead.
Given over 80% of nutritionists say detoxes are bogus, it’s better to focus on staying hydrated, eating healthy food, exercising regularly, and getting quality sleep.
Debunking Detox
There are plenty of wellness celebrities who swear by their solstice cleanses. Yet, when over 80% of nutritionists say detoxes are bogus, you may want to consider other options.
Here are the top downsides of juicing:
1. Cleanses deprive you of nutrients and fiber you need
The idea behind detox or a juice fast is eliminating virtually all solid substances so that your body can cleanse itself. However, when you do this, you’re not just depriving the body of toxins, you’re also eliminating nutrients that help drive detoxification in the first place.
For example, when you stop consuming proteins, the body also stops synthesizing glutathione (one of our bodies main detox enzymes). Therefore, by starving the body of both good and bad enzymes, detoxification halts altogether.
Detox juice cleanses also reduce intake of much-needed dietary fiber, another critical factor in your body’s built-in cleansing functions.
Instead of losing out on all these nutrients, simply help your body out by reducing incoming toxins: cut out highly-processed junk foods packed with artificial ingredients, reduce your alcohol intake, and avoid excess household chemicals. (Want more specific ideas? Mt. Sinai has a handy list.)
2. Your body already is doing the work
Registered Dietician Robin Foroutan says it best: “the body detoxifies on its own, or we would be dead in days.” The truth is, our bodies are constantly encountering harmful chemicals that can contribute to poor health, but our bodies are on the defense before they cause permanent damage. We have built-in detoxifying abilities and are constantly transforming toxins through biochemical reactions, allowing us to expel them with our bodily fluids.
In other words, provided your exposure to chemicals isn’t excessive, you can trust your body to do what is needed. If you do feel you’ve been exposed to concerning levels of chemicals, talk to your doctor for testing instead of jumping into a cleanse that may do more harm than good.
“Detoxification” techniques can actually break down tissues that you need for strength and energy.
3. Cleanses often hurt you in the long run
Many people detox to lose weight quickly or jumpstart their energy levels. What they don’t know is that “detoxification” techniques can actually break down tissues that you need for strength and energy. Therefore, you may be taking three steps back in terms of strength and endurance, hurting yourself in the long run.
Simple health tips that work for everyone
There is no shortcut to weight loss or getting healthy—it takes time, persistence, and determination. Be patient and focus on putting healthy food into your body, drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly, and getting quality sleep. These are the keys to good health.
If you’ve been working hard to change habits or lose weight and have come to a halt in progress, it can help to work with a professional. We’ve long been trusted to provide Rancho Cucamonga patients with weight loss solutions that work. Whether you’re looking for a body contouring procedure, non-surgical weight loss option, or are trying to learn whether you’re a candidate for a bariatric procedure, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to learn more about your options.
So you’re thinking about getting a tummy tuck. Are you hoping to achieve a flatter, firmer belly, get a more hourglass-like shape, or rid yourself of loose skin? A tummy tuck can indeed achieve all of these goals.
Of course, you also want your new shape to look beautiful and natural—and that takes more than just removing excess skin and tightening muscles. There’s one seemingly small part of the procedure that will greatly impact the overall appearance of your results: the belly button.
That’s because the navel is front and center, and often the first thing people notice when looking at your midriff. It’s especially important if your tummy tuck goals include feeling confident wearing a bikini…and not having people be able to instantly detect you’ve had the procedure after healing is complete.
Achieving a natural looking belly button after tummy tuck surgery is so important that our Inland Cosmetic surgeons perform “designer” belly button reshaping with each procedure, carefully shaping your belly button to best flatter your unique proportions.
A belly button that is too large and round, stretched and slit-like, or positioned too high or too low on the abdomen are tell-tale signs of tummy tuck surgery—that’s why, at Inland Cosmetic, we include the “Inland Innie” designer belly button reshaping with every abdominoplasty.
If you’re considering a tummy tuck, it’s worth a minute of your time to read on and learn just how much of a difference a beautiful belly button can make for you.
How the belly button separates a decent tummy tuck from a beautiful tummy tuck
The belly button is the most distinctive and central feature of a nice looking abdomen. It can also be a giveaway of a previous tummy tuck if not approached thoughtfully by the cosmetic surgeon. For instance, a belly button that is too large and round, stretched and slit-like, or positioned too high or too low on the abdomen are tell-tale signs of tummy tuck surgery—not the effect most patients wish to have when showing off their rejuvenated body.
Understanding the importance of the belly button is one factor that distinguishes true tummy tuck experts from the rest. There is no one single belly button shape or size that works for every patient, and a skilled cosmetic surgeon will customize their technique to create a naval that looks most natural with a patient’s torso length, shape, and size, and that best meets their desired belly button shape.
Our Inland Cosmetic surgeons are so passionate about creating beautiful belly buttons that we’ve developed our own technique, called the Inland Innie.
What does the “Inland Innie” look like?
In general, patients want an “innie” belly button. For the cosmetic surgeon, achieving this means ensuring (and often adding) a natural depth to the naval, with a nice, smooth envelope of skin above it. Our goal is to give our patients the most natural-looking belly button for their body with minimal scarring, so that no one can tell that they had it done.
There is a lot of finesse that goes into making an aesthetically pleasing belly button. The cosmetic surgeon must determine and remove precisely the right amount of tissue—even a tiny amount too much or too little can diminish the result. Suture placement is also essential to a natural result; there must be no detectable evidence of sutures even after they are removed.
Making sure your new belly button heals beautifully
Step one is choosing an experienced cosmetic surgeon with a reputation for creating natural looking belly buttons, and whose tummy tuck results you love. Step two is taking excellent care of your results to ensure optimal healing. First and foremost, follow your cosmetic surgeons’ aftercare instructions to the letter. For our tummy tuck patients, this includes keeping the area clean and dry and applying antibiotic ointment for several days.
Don’t stick marbles (or anything else) in your belly button while it’s healing
While we sometimes have a patient use a soft rubber ring or belly button marble after tummy tuck revision to help maintain shape in cases where there is extreme scarring or contracture to repair, this is something you should leave up to your surgeon! Don’t try this “trick” on your own based on what you read on the internet. In fact, placing a foreign object in your belly button can increase risk of infection and irritate healing incisions, both of which could ruin your end result. In most procedures, your tummy tuck surgeon’s skill and technique should be enough to create a beautiful, round “innie” belly button; no marble or other device should be necessary.
Learn more about the Inland Innie and tummy tuck surgery at a personal consultation
Our Rancho Cucamonga tummy tuck patients tell us they love their Inland Innie belly buttons, a compliment we take to heart as we know this means they are confident showing off their new body shape. If you want to restore a tighter, slimmer tummy and feel more confident in a swimsuit or midriff baring top, our experienced cosmetic surgeons can help you achieve your goals. Call 909-987-0899 or contact us now to get started.
When we have a concern about our eyes, ears, lungs or another organ, we’ll go to a doctor for advice and treatment. Our skin is the body’s largest organ—so why do so many of us head to the salon, hotel spa, or cosmetics counter rather than going to an MD’s office for skin care?
While it’s usually safe to get basic beauty products over the counter, when it comes to effectively addressing signs of aging and dramatically improving your skin’s health and appearance, OTC or salon skincare just doesn’t cut it. You’ll need the high quality products and expertise only available from a medically trained provider.
Here are four reasons why choosing an MD supervised skincare provider is a smart move.
1. Medical skincare is stronger than OTC so it works better
Did you know that over-the-counter skin care is only allowed to have a fraction of the potency of medical grade skincare? That’s because OTC products must be reasonably safe without a doctor monitoring their use, the trade-off being that many products aren’t very effective—even the high-end stuff behind the cosmetics counter.
In contrast, skincare that’s available only through a licensed physician’s practice can contain prescription-strength ingredients that are much more powerful at targeting specific skin concerns. Medical grade products are also clinically tested for safety & efficacy, so you can be sure that you’re getting exactly what’s on the label and that it’s safe for your skin.
While they may (or may not) cost more bottle for bottle than OTC, medical grade skincare products typically work better and faster. You’ll also need less product to get the results you want, saving you cash in the long run.
2. You’ll get access to the latest, clinically proven technology
Advancements in skin resurfacing, anti-aging methods, and aesthetic medicine in general are happening all the time. The first (and often the only) ones to get ahold of the top technology are doctors. In addition to medical grade skincare, which we covered above, most FDA cleared laser platforms and non-surgical technologies, such as the wildly popular radiofrequency treatment ThermiVa, are only sold to licensed physicians.
This has two important implications. First, that you’re getting a technology that’s been tested for safety, rather than a knock-off machine that may or may not get results. Second, reputable medically trained providers will carefully select and recommend in-office treatments based on how they fit in with your goals and overall treatment plan. Many day spas and salons offer only one or two technologies, because that’s all they have access too—and when all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail. In contrast, our medical spa and surgery center have multiple technologies available for treating concerns from head to toe.
3. Botox injections and lasers should only be performed by qualified medical providers
Botox, fillers, and laser resurfacing have become so commonplace that many brush them off as NBD and decide who to choose for Botox and lasers based on the best Groupon deal. However, it’s important to remember that these are medical procedures, and you’ll have to live with your results for months, if not years. Choosing an MD supervised practice versus a salon or hotel spa also ensures your procedure will take place in a clean, sterile environment, and that you’re getting authentic Botox—FDA approved injectables are only available to licensed physicians.
Here in California, it’s the law that cosmetic injections, lasers, and IPL treatments must be performed either by a licensed physician, or a physician’s assistant or registered nurse working under physician supervision. That said, you still need check that your provider is experienced in the treatment you’re considering, as the law includes no mention of cosmetic training or experience requirements.
At our Rancho Cucamonga medspa, Ahava, you’ll get expertise with whomever you choose. You can have your injections and laser treatments, like our ICON Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment and Excel V+ Laser Treatments, with one of our experienced cosmetic surgeons or with Aesthetic Registered Nurse Sophia, who was nominated for “most loved injector” in 2017 on Realself!
4. Having professional guidance takes the guesswork out of your skincare routine
We’ve all wasted time poring over a zillion jars of wrinkle cream, only to pick one that doesn’t seem to reduce anything but our bank account balance. An MD supervised skincare provider will have true insider’s knowledge about what products and formulas work best for different skin types and concerns. They can evaluate your skin, listen to your concerns and goals, and match you with the right products and treatments for your needs—no more trial and error.
This professional guidance, along with higher quality skincare products and treatments, can help you experience dramatic improvements, often with fewer products than before. Streamlining your skincare routine will save you time, money, and frustration.
Looking for Rancho Cucamonga skincare services to help you glow? Come to Ahava MedSpa!
Ahava is our brand new medical spa at Inland Cosmetic Surgery! Our team of cosmetic surgeons and medically trained providers have the expertise and passion to help you take your skin’s health and appearance to the next level, and we can’t wait for you to see our beautifully expanded facility. Contact us today to make an appointment!
Did you know one of the fastest growing procedures in the U.S. is breast reduction surgery? But if your mind went to women, think again. According to Allure, male breast surgery has seen a 36% increase since 2010—and it’s only getting more popular as the taboo around plastic surgery slowly drops away.
What is gynecomastia?
It is estimated that up to 50% of men live with enlarged breast tissue at some point in their lifetime. And while “moobs” or man boobs are often the butt-end of a joke, gynecomastia is not a laughing matter for those experiencing it. Enlarged male breast tissue is often not only physically uncomfortable, it can also lead to low self-esteem and anxiety in men.
But what causes gynecomastia? Like most conditions, there isn’t one culprit causing some men to develop more breast tissue than others, but there are some men who are more susceptible to developing it. Here’s why:
- It could be a hormonal imbalance. Men who have an imbalance of estrogen and testosterone can develop larger mammary glands than others. This could be caused by medications, drug usage, genetics, or an underlying health condition.
- It could be your age. When hormones are raging during adolescence, some young men will experience what is often a temporary increase in breast tissue. This typically goes away after a few years, but lasts into adulthood for some men. Additionally, men can develop gynecomastia after middle age peaks and when testosterone production begins to naturally slow.
- It could be drug usage. Excessive intake of alcohol, heroin, amphetamines, or marijuana can contribute to larger breast tissue as well.
More and more men are weighing their options
Gynecomastia isn’t a new condition, so why are we seeing the number of male breast reductions performed increase? That’s a two-fold answer. First, as more men learn about gynecomastia, they begin to understand that they aren’t alone and that they don’t have to live with it. Additionally, as cosmetic surgery becomes more common—with new techniques reducing invasiveness and lessening downtime, and financing options making procedures more affordable—men who are suffering with gynecomastia are jumping at the chance for improvement.
Male breast reduction is a relatively straightforward procedure that usually involves some combination of liposuction and excision of breast tissue. An experienced cosmetic surgeon can place the small incisions as inconspicuously as possible so that resulting scars are concealed in the natural folds of the body. For men who have poor skin elasticity or have experienced significant weight gain or loss, the male equivalent of a breast lift may also be required to remove excess skin that resulted from overdevelopment.
While patients will need a few days of downtime, most men are able to return to work within the first week, depending on how much breast tissue was removed. Strenuous activity and chest exercises are out of the question for at least three weeks, but 95% of men on RealSelf say the procedure is absolutely worth it in the end.
In Rancho Cucamonga? We’ve helped many men just like you
If you live with enlarged breasts and are tired of feeling self-conscious, we would love to talk with you about your options for reducing the size of your breasts. Our Rancho Cucamonga male breast reduction background is extensive, and our experienced cosmetic surgeons have helped changed the lives of many men living with this condition. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Acne is the most common skin condition by far—an estimated 40 to 50 million Americans experience acne at some point in their life. If you or someone you know has suffered from severe acne, you know first-hand the impact it can have on your appearance and self-confidence.
While there are plenty of treatments focusing on how to clear acne, less attention has been given to the lasting psychological effects that severe acne can leave behind. One such effect is acne dysmorphia, a condition in which a former acne-sufferer continues to feel as though they have rampant acne, even years after their skin has cleared.
This article from Refinery29 sheds light on what it’s like to suffer from acne dysmorphia, which we occasionally see in our own Rancho Cucamonga acne treatment patients. It follows the story of Gloria, a woman who suffered from severe acne throughout her adolescent and young adult years. Now in her 30s, Gloria still battles the effects of acne dysmorphia, such as fear of acne outbreaks and scars.
Getting to the bottom of acne dysmorphia
You may have heard of body dysmorphic disorder (BMD), a condition in which an individual becomes obsessed with a perceived physical flaw that is not objectively present. Acne dysmorphia is a distinct form of BMD. People who suffer from it typically have had severe acne in the past—and it’s the fear of a past affliction returning that leads them to think their skin looks acne-ridden when in fact they may only have a small blemish or two. Acne dysmorphia often has a post-traumatic element to it as well—memories of being bullied or socially isolated may haunt sufferers of the condition, as in Gloria’s case. Moreover, acne can leave lasting physical scars, such as “ice-pick” scars that leave the skin’s texture rough and pitted, making it even more difficult to leave the condition behind.
Along with counseling to help reset the patient’s mind to view their skin objectively and see themselves in a more positive light, finding the right treatment for acne scars is often an important step of the healing process. This was the case for Gloria—having laser treatments, like ICON Laser Skin Resurfacing and Excel V+ Laser Treatments, to erase acne scars was a big help in making her fear of acne a thing of the past.
If acne is impacting your life, we can help.
The staff and cosmetic surgeons of Inland Cosmetic Surgery understand how damaging acne can be to both your skin and your self-confidence. There’s no need to suffer the visible effects, past or present, any longer. Our experienced laser specialists specialize in treating difficult skin conditions with compassionate care. They offer a number of safe, effective treatments for acne, acne scars, rosacea and more. Contact us today to get started on the road toward clear, healthy skin.
Read the full article, “What it’s really like having acne dysmorphia,” here.
Everyone’s got ‘em, but how much do we really know about nipples? While they seem simple enough, there are plenty of facts about nipples that still surprise most people. Women’s Health Magazine recently delved into these mysteries—here are some highlights.
Three’s company
You’ve probably heard of someone having an extra nipple (or two). But this isn’t some kind of a party trick—third nipples are much more common than you probably think. According to an article from BBC, around 1 in 500 have a confirmed third nipple including actors Bill Paxton, Mark Wahlberg, and Tilda Swinton. However, this could be a very low estimate as many people often mistake an extra nipple for a mole or skin tag.
If you or someone you know does have an extra nipple, it is a simple procedure to remove it with minimal recovery time.
Oddities that are likely normal
Have you ever wondered, “are my nipples normal?” From discharge to nipple hair, to chafing and more, there are some strange things that happen to our nipples that can be slightly scary in the moment but are completely normal.
So don’t fret just yet! Dark nipple hairs, milky discharge that comes out of the breast when squeezed, chafing that happens when wearing the wrong bra, and scabbing and pain from breastfeeding are all normal parts of being a woman.
However, if you have notable pain, discharge that is bloody colored, an infection from an ingrown hair that won’t seem to heal, or a lump in a breast, call your doctor immediately, as these are all signs of something more serious.
Inverted nipples are common
Inverted nipples occur in about 15% of women from birth. This happens due to the connective tissue in the breast pulling the nipple inward. This can be uncomfortable and embarrassing to some women, you don’t have to live with it. Releasing the tissue is a simple procedure that shouldn’t last more than one hour.
Ready for a change?
If you feel insecure about your nipples or breast shape, there are options to help improve your breasts in a natural way. From breast implants to lifts, reductions and more, there are plenty of cosmetic breast procedures to help you love with your curves.
If you’re looking for an Inland Empire breast surgery doctor, our talented team of surgeons would be glad to help you envision your new results. Contact us today to learn about your many options.