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, 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.

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.

Read the full Allure article.

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.

Weight loss surgery changes lives for the better—patients who have struggled with their weight for years and suffered from related issues ranging from joint pain to sleep apnea are able to shed the pounds, face each day with greater energy and self-confidence, and feel better than ever.

However, bariatric surgery isn’t necessarily the last stop on the road to a healthier, happier you. One “bump” many of my patients encounter post-procedure is excess, sagging skin. This extra skin can be not only a physical burden, causing chafing, discomfort and difficulty finding clothing that fits well, but also an emotional barrier, keeping one from fully enjoying the benefits of weight loss.

Body contouring surgery is a popular, effective option for removing excess skin and restoring contours; however, some bariatric patients are understandably hesitant to have additional surgery. If you’re among those wondering if a body lift after weight loss is worth it, read on.

Yes! Body contouring improves quality of life—and there’s research to back it up.

If you’re on the fence about body contouring, take a look at this article from Reuters Health, which reports on a recently published study assessing the benefits of weight loss surgery on quality of life. You may find the results encouraging.

Post-weight loss body contouring was shown to have a profoundly positive effect—study participants’ quality of life scores nearly doubled after undergoing cosmetic body contouring procedures.

Researched surveyed 112 female bariatric surgery patients, both before and after undergoing elective body contouring procedures. Quality of life was measured on a scale of 1 to 100, based on participants’ answers to questions about body image, sexual satisfaction, physical comfort, social activity, and other aspects of life.

Across the board, patient quality of life scores nearly doubled after body contouring surgery, from an average of 44 points after weight loss surgery only, to an average of 86 points after undergoing subsequent body contouring procedures. The positive effects endured—patients who were reassessed two years after their body contouring surgeries reported an average of 84 points on the quality of life scale. This increased happiness among body contouring patients comes as no surprise to me as a surgeon—in fact, it’s why I love my work so very much.

How body contouring after weight loss can help

While this is a relatively small study, it reflects what my colleagues and I see every day: patients who undergo body contouring after weight loss surgery feel more confident in their appearance, have an easier time finding clothing they like to wear, and find physical activity (sex included!) more enjoyable without the extra skin. These are all important factors for long-term weight loss success and a satisfying quality of life.

Considering body lift surgery? Let’s talk.

Weight loss is a personal journey that continues even after the excess weight is gone. If you’d like to pursue body contouring surgery, it’s important to talk to an experienced cosmetic surgeon who understands your concerns and will listen to your goals.

Here at Inland Cosmetic Surgery, body lift surgery is one of my specialties. As a diplomate of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and fellowship-trained cosmetic surgeon, I work closely with our weight loss patients before and after their bariatric procedures to help them look and feel their best after reaching their weight loss goals. Wherever you are on your journey, I would be happy to meet with you for a personal consultation to discuss your procedure options to help you look your very best. Call 909-987-0899 or contact our office online to get started.