Here at Inland Cosmetic Surgery, we constantly strive to improve our patients’ experience after surgery. One of the more common procedures that we perform is a tummy tuck (often part of a mommy makeover). This procedure involves tightening the abdominal muscles and removing excess skin—and if you’ve been considering a tummy tuck, you’ve likely learned that the recovery can include quite a bit of discomfort.

Reducing Downtime & Improving Comfort with Tylenol

In the last two years, we have been using IV Acetaminophen (Tylenol) prior to the start of surgery as a way to manage pain preventatively. Because the medication is administered prior to surgery, it is already working before the patient has any surgical stimulus. Tylenol has a high safety profile and offers a number of advantages: it doesn’t cause sedation or drowsiness, is not a respiratory depressant, and does not cause slowing of the bowel or constipation, which can be very uncomfortable after a tummy tuck.

Studying the Benefits

We recently performed a study to compare patients that had received IV Tylenol prior to the tummy tuck procedure with patients that received standard pain medication. We found that the recovery time for the patient that received IV Tylenol was significantly shorter. Additionally, they required less narcotic pain medication in recovery and were discharged home in a more comfortable state faster than the other group. The results of our study were published in the most recent issue of The American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery. 

This is now the standard at our facility, and our patients have greatly benefitted from the use of IV Tylenol prior to tummy tuck procedures. To further improve comfort after tummy tuck surgery, we also provide our patients with the option of getting a pain pump or simply getting an injection of long-acting numbing medicine to keep the patients comfortable after surgery. All of these measures combined have helped our patients have a much more pleasant experience after large procedures such as tummy tuck.

If you’re considering making a change to the appearance of your breasts, you’ve likely spent some time researching, talking to friends, and may have even picked out a specific procedure and implant style.

But during a consultation, patients often end up learning that what they had in mind (such as breast augmentation) isn’t going to give them the results they want, and that they would actually benefit most from another procedure (such as a breast lift) or a combination of procedures. While hearing this can be a surprise, it’s important to be open to what an experienced surgeon recommends because when it comes to breast enhancement options, every woman should get a customized procedure plan.

Curious if a breast lift or augmentation is the best option for you? You’ll want to consult in person with a surgeon certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery who can make personalized recommendations based on your proportions and desired final look. In the meantime, keep reading to learn about the most common breast concerns and which procedures are most likely to help!

Concern: My breasts are perky, but they seem too small for my body.

Solution: Breast augmentation surgery. If you have naturally small breasts, you likely aren’t experiencing any sagging, which is great! Breast augmentation alone should provide you with great results. The placement of implants will help your breasts look fuller and more shapely.

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures with high patient satisfaction ratings for good reason. In the hands of an experienced cosmetic surgeon, breast augmentation is a very safe and effective option for enlarging the breasts. The procedure will be customized to achieve the perfect look for you by choosing just the right implant size and shape from amongst the many available breast implant options. Your surgeon will also advise you on the best incision and implant placement given your particular physique and goals.

Concern: I’m happy with the size of my breasts, but the shape isn’t what it used to be.

Solution: Breast lift. Pregnancy, weight fluctuation, and aging can all impact the elasticity of your skin. As skin is stretched or becomes lax as you age, your breasts may start to sag or develop a droopy appearance. Additionally, your nipples may “fall” and point downward, causing your breasts to look even droopier.

If you don’t require or want to add fullness to your breasts, a breast lift alone can help lift and reshape the breasts and reposition the nipple-areolar complex to a more youthful position. There are multiple breast lift techniques that can be used depending on the severity of your breast sagging and how you’d like your breasts to look after surgery.

Concern: I have moderate sagging after pregnancy, and my upper breasts look “deflated.”

Solution: Breast augmentation with lift. Sometimes, the best option is a combination of procedures. For many women, looser skin and loss of fullness in the upper breast lead to a droopy, aged, or deflated appearance. If this sounds familiar, you will likely benefit most from a breast lift plus breast augmentation.

By combining a breast lift with augmentation, the fullness and shape of the breast will be improved with implants while the position and contour of the breast will be corrected through lifting and tightening the breast skin. This is a great way to address multiple concerns and truly reshape your breasts.

While you may have been hoping to avoid the additional scars associated with a breast lift and prefer to get away with breast augmentation alone, you’ll be much happier with your results in the long-term if you correct breast sagging when adding fullness. This is because the added weight of breast implants can exacerbate sagging, which may mean you’ll end up revisiting the issue later. The good news is that breast lift with augmentation scars are easily hidden by typical bikini tops and, with proper care, they will fade over time until they are nearly imperceptible.

Finding the Best Options for You

Exploring your options and picking out a few general procedures of interest is a great idea, but it’s important to speak in-person with an experienced cosmetic surgeon about your concerns and goals. A surgeon with years of experience in cosmetic breast surgery will be qualified to help you learn more about procedures and how they can benefit you.

If you’re in the Rancho Cucamonga area, contact us to schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Jacob Haiavy or Dr. Emma Ryan You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, learn more about your options, and even “try on” breast implants! We look forward to hearing from you.

Many people are under the impression that cosmetic surgery is not really surgery. I often have patients that are surprised to hear that they will need to take time off from work and that they may need help in the initial days following surgery. I recently had a scheduled tummy tuck patient ask me if she could go camping three days after surgery! These misconceptions regarding cosmetic surgery are common. Even though there are some procedures that do have shorter recovery times, it is still important to give your body the proper environment to heal and have a successful outcome. Successful outcomes are dependent on a number of factors. Yes, it is important that the surgeon chooses the best procedure for you, but what you do as a patient following the actual procedure is just as critical. There are a few key steps to help you prepare in order to have a smooth recovery.

Ask a Lot of Questions

As a surgeon, I thoroughly go over recovery times for different procedures, discussing limitations and restrictions with my patients. I always ask about the patient’s work and home responsibilities to help them understand that they may need to take time off or have additional help around the house. If your surgeon does not go over these things, don’t hesitate to ask. It is important to plan ahead so that your recovery is restful and stress-free.

Follow the Directions

This applies to medications prescribed, medications you may be asked to stop before surgery, activity restrictions, diet and fluid recommendations, and wound care instructions. Many patients forget to stop their herbal medications or blood thinning medications and can have excessive bleeding or bruising after surgery. Other patients feel they can resume strenuous exercise or sexual activity soon after surgery and this can cause incisions to open or cause excessive bleeding. Removing surgical dressings and garments too soon or using home remedies on the incisions can also adversely affect the outcome.

Your surgeon and their staff will give you post-op care instructions to help you have a good outcome. It is your responsibility as the patient to follow the instructions to have proper healing. Healing also varies for each patient, and your surgeon may give you general ranges of time. He or she may adjust their initial recommendations according to your own personal progress as seen at your post-operative checkups.

Your Experience is Unique

Even though cosmetic surgery is elective, it is still invasive, and your body will experience a certain amount of trauma from the procedure. You cannot base your experience off your friends or families because everyone is different. You should feel comfortable enough with the surgeon and their staff to call at any time to ask for clarification if needed. Your surgeon wants the best outcome for you, and you should want the same. Realize that what happens during recovery time is crucial in terms of creating the best final outcome.

If you have hit a wall on your journey back to your pre-baby body, consider the benefits of cosmetic surgery procedures that can target some of those problem areas. Dr. Haiavy has helped many mothers get their body back after pregnancy with mommy makeover procedures in Rancho Cucamonga. He can put together a customized package that will address common problems many moms have, such as loose skin around the midsection, sagging or deflated breasts, and stubborn pockets of fat.

These mommy makeover procedures can help to restore your pre-pregnancy figure so you can feel confident again, whether you’re walking the beach in a bikini or spending a romantic night with your spouse.

Liposuction

If you’ve managed to work off some of those pesky pregnancy pounds, but are stuck with a few areas that are resistant to all your hard work, liposuction may be a part of your mommy makeover. Liposuction targets many problem areas, such as the inner and outer thighs, midsection, upper arms, and back. Dr. Haiavy may use the Suction Assisted Lipectomy (SAL) or VASER LipoSelection technique to get rid of localized fatty deposits from your problem areas.

Tummy Tuck Surgery

Tummy tuck surgery is a very popular procedure among women who are done having children and want their flat and toned stomach back. We can perform this procedure to get rid of loose skin, eliminate lower stretch marks, and tighten loose abdominal muscles that may have been stretched or torn during pregnancy. The full tummy tuck involves removing excess skin and tightening the muscles and tissue. An extended tummy tuck addresses the lower abdomen as well as the thighs and pubic area. We can discuss your options during your consultation.

Breast Augmentation

If your breasts have lost volume after pregnancy and breastfeeding, you may be a good candidate for breast implants. Dr. Haiavy may recommend breast augmentation surgery as part of your mommy makeover to enhance your silhouette and restore your proportions. If you have always wanted to have a larger cup size, now is a great time to undergo a breast enhancement procedure. We can show you the difference between silicone and saline breast implants during your consultation.

Schedule your consultation for a mommy makeover in Rancho Cucamonga with Dr. Haiavy today.

Women who want to reduce the size of overly large breasts may benefit from breast reduction surgery. A breast reduction is ideal for women with large, pendulous breasts who are experiencing a significant amount of physical pain and discomfort in their back, shoulders, or neck. This procedure, also known as a reduction mammaplasty, removes excess skin and fatty tissue to achieve a new breast size and shape that is more consistent with the overall balance of your body.

If you have recently undergone a breast reduction, or are considering the procedure, it is important to be informed about what to expect after your surgery. Here are some essential breast reduction post-surgery care guidelines all patients must follow:

Wear a Supportive Bra

You will be required to wear a supportive surgical bra for a few weeks after your breast reduction procedure. This bra provides extra support and comfort than regular bras, and will help to keep the reshaped breast tissue in place during the healing process. You will need to wear this bra day and night to ensure optimal recovery. Dr. Jacob Haiavy or Dr. Emma Ryan will provide you with more information on how long you need to wear this bra before your procedure.

Take Prescribed Pain Medication

Some patients do experience some pain and discomfort after surgery due to significant swelling of the tissues. You may experience a dull ache or pain around the surgical site after a breast reduction surgery. Your surgeon may prescribe pain medication to make the recovery phase more manageable.

Showering After Breast Surgery

Your skin and breast tissue will still be sore and sensitive immediately after surgery, so you will want to give yourself some time before bathing or taking a shower. In most cases, you can take a shower on the second post-operative day. Showering on the second day also decreases the chances of interfering with the healing process of your incisions.

Exercising After Breast Reduction Surgery

Most patients can resume light exercise about three weeks after surgery. You can then progress to more vigorous exercise about four to six weeks after your procedure. This varies by patient and depends on how quickly you are recovering from the procedure. Be sure to take it easy and don’t push yourself if you feel weak or sore. Your surgeon will provide you with an estimated timeline for returning to the gym, running, and participating in other vigorous exercise activities. You will notice that once you are healed, your breast reduction makes exercising much easier and more comfortable.

Getting Back to Work After Surgery

You will need to take roughly 2-4 weeks off work to recover from your procedure. Healing times vary by patient, but it is important to be ready to take some time before returning to work. For this reason, many of our patients use vacation time or schedule their surgery around the holidays to allow themselves enough time to fully recover.

Eating and Drinking after Surgery

All patients undergoing a procedure need to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. Refrain from consuming alcohol for several days after your procedure. Maintain a well-balanced diet so you are feeding your body with healthy nutrients that will help with the healing process.

Learn more about the breast reduction procedure by scheduling your appointment with Dr. Haiavy or Dr. Ryan today.

Whether you’re dealing with dry and flaky skin, pigmented skin, or have a dull complexion, you can clear your skin of the winter damage and rejuvenate your look for spring. We offer a range of medical-grade skin care solutions for patients of all skin types. Our medical aestheticians can customize your treatment to address some of your biggest concerns—from poor, dried out texture to dark spots.

If the winter months have left you with damaged skin and you’re in need of a bit of healing, schedule a consultation to learn about some of the following advanced skin care treatments:

VI Peel to Treat Hyperpigmentation

The VI Peel is one our deeper peels. It is very effective for lightening hyper pigmentation and erasing fine lines. If you have dark spots or an uneven complexion, come in for a single peel—or begin a series of these peels—to give your skin an invigorating boost. Most patients go through an intensive peeling cycle over the first four to seven days, but once the peeling is through, you can look forward to radiant and healthy-looking skin. Your skin will look and feel different after each treatment, and you will see progressive results for several weeks after your peel.

Fire and Ice Facial

If fine lines and wrinkles are your biggest concern, or you are noticing that your skin is looking a little dull after the long winter, consider one of our medical spa treatments like the Fire and Ice Facial. This clinical facial is designed to resurface and soften the skin to give you a rejuvenated look. Your skin will be treated with a combination of two therapeutic masques, which help to buff and tone the skin while delivering a dose of moisture.

Lux Microdermabrasion

Do you suffer from dry or flaky patches of skin? If you want a refreshed look to start the spring, a Lux Microdermabrasion treatment can restore your youthful glow. This treatment works to exfoliate the skin by polishing away dead skin cells. It includes a customized facial with steam and extractions. We will follow up with a moisturizer designed for your skin tone, and a layer of sunscreen to protect your skin even further. A series of these treatments spaced a few weeks apart will help you achieve beautiful skin this season.

Learn more about our lineup of winter skin repair treatments in Rancho Cucamonga by scheduling your consultation with Dr. Haiavy today!

Pregnancy can change your body in many ways, making it difficult for you to get your youthful figure back even with a good diet and exercise program. We offer mommy makeover packages that can restore your figure after having a baby, and can often even boost your self-confidence. If you’re ready to invest in yourself this year and you want your feminine silhouette back, talk to Dr. Haiavy about undergoing mommy makeover procedures that can make you feel confident about your appearance again.

Here are just three ways a mommy makeover can restore your figure:

Restores Your Breast Size

Getting breast implants can enhance your silhouette and pairing them with a breast lift can restore drooping or sagging breasts. If you’ve always wanted larger breasts, getting breast implants after having children could be another way to enhance your figure. We can discuss different types and sizes of breast implants during your consultation.

Reshapes Your Midsection

We can perform tummy tuck surgery to reshape your midsection and give you that flat and toned stomach you’ve always wanted. Many women struggle to flatten their bellies after having children because the abdominal muscles have become stretched or torn, or because they have loose and sagging skin around the midsection. Tummy tuck surgery can get rid of excess tissue and skin along the abdomen to create a slim and well-contoured appearance. We can also perform this procedure with liposuction to get rid of stubborn fat around the abdomen and flanks to provide you with a more defined waistline.

Contours Your Body

If you have managed to lose the pregnancy pounds, but are still dealing with stubborn fat around your hips, thighs, abdomen, or upper arms, we can perform liposuction as part of your mommy makeover procedure. Liposuction removes unwanted fat from problem areas to reshape and sculpt the body. We can slim you down by a few inches and take care of those problem areas for good.

If you’re ready to get your body back after the baby, consider undergoing a mommy makeover this season. Schedule your mommy makeover consultation with Dr. Haiavy today.

If you want to look great in that bathing suit this spring and summer, consider undergoing breast augmentation surgery to enhance your figure. Breast implants can be a great fit for women with small, asymmetrical, or deflated breasts. If you have always been self-conscious about your breast size and want to maintain a beautiful, feminine silhouette for years to come, talk to Dr. Haiavy about the benefits of breast implant surgery.

Am I Ready for Breast Implants?

You may be wondering if breast augmentation surgery is right for you, and wondering what size of implants will give you the figure you want. We can discuss all of your goals and expectations during your consultation. Many women come to us when they want to enhance their figure after undergoing multiple pregnancies, or when they notice their breasts are losing volume because of the aging process. Others come to see Dr. Haiavy when they just want to feel good about themselves again, and are ready for a makeover. We always make sure our patients have realistic expectations with our procedures and can share some breast augmentation before and after photos with you during your consultation.

You may be ready for breast implants if you:

• Want to maintain a more feminine figure as you get older
• Want to look great and feel more confident in a bathing suit
• Want more balanced proportions
• Want to restore asymmetrical breasts
• Are ready for a transformation with larger breasts
• Have lost significant breast volume after weight loss or pregnancy

Getting Breast Implants for the Perfect Beach Body

Whether you’re planning on going on a spring break getaway, or you just want to maintain a beautiful figure during beach season, we can help you achieve the feminine silhouette you’ve always wanted with breast augmentation surgery. Getting breast implants can transform your body shape and give you a beautiful, natural-looking hourglass figure. We can discuss different sizes and types of implants during your consultation, and will help give you a fair idea of what you will look like with implants.

Ready for your spring makeover? Schedule your breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Haiavy today.

If those long winter days have taken their toll on your appearance and you’re ready to freshen up your look for spring, consider the benefits of Botox Cosmetic. Botox is one of the most popular injectables in the United States, and can help you maintain a fresh, youthful look for months on end. Dr. Haiavy has extensive training in facial anatomy and will customize a treatment plan that will target all of the key areas that are causing your wrinkles and lines.

Here are three ways Botox can freshen up your look this spring:

#1: Reduces Appearance of Frown Lines

Many people come to Dr. Haiavy to smooth out frown lines along the forehead. Horizontal lines and furrows can become more prominent as you get older, and those creases will only get deeper as you continue to use the muscles on the forehead. Botox in this area relaxes muscle contractions so the tissues do not move much when you attempt to raise your eyebrows and frown. Dr. Haiavy will inject just enough Botox in this area to achieve a natural look.

#2: Softens Crow’s Feet

If those fine lines around the outer corners of your eyes are making you look years older, consider getting treatment in this area with just a few units of Botox. Botox can be very effective for softening the muscles around this delicate area so that fine lines around the eyes can no longer form. A very small amount of Botox in this area can make a significant difference to your appearance and the final results will look very natural.

#3: Improves Lines Between the Brows

Many people develop a set of vertical lines between the eyebrows, which create the illusion of a perpetual frown. If you have these so-called ‘11s’ and are self-conscious about your appearance, Botox could help soften those lines and create a fresh-faced look.

Botox can be an effective facial rejuvenation treatment for refreshing your look for spring. Most patients see results within seven to 14 days of treatment. Let Dr. Haiavy put together a custom treatment plan just for you. Schedule your Botox in Rancho Cucamonga consultation today!

There have been many misleading advertorials recently regarding the difference between cosmetic and plastic surgery.  This will help you understand how to choose the right surgeon for you and what is fact and fiction.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has recently launched an educational advertisement campaign called “Do your homework” to remind patients how important it is to properly research the training and credentials of their surgeon before undergoing any cosmetic surgical procedures. As a Diplomate of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, fellowship trained Cosmetic Surgeon and a Diplomate of the American Board of Maxiollofacial Surgery, I personally couldn’t agree more with this very important message. Sadly, the ASPS has chosen make this a “turf” war instead of educating patients on the truth of the matter.  The are using scare tactics to imply that only board certified general plastic surgeons are properly qualified to safely perform cosmetic surgery or aesthetic plastic surgery.

As part of their campaign, the ASPS also recently published a negative advertisement against the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS), and for more details and to read the open letter to NewBeauty Magazine you can visit the ABCS website at  www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/newbeauty-open-letter

Graphic Provided By: American Board of Cosmetic Surgery

Board certification is important, but board certification in general plastic surgery does not ensure expertise in aesthetic plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery. Board certification in general plastic surgery provides a basic foundation of surgical knowledge upon which further advanced training in a yearlong aesthetic plastic surgery or a cosmetic surgery fellowship can build expertise.

This is what makes board certification in cosmetic surgery so unique; it ensures that your surgeon has not only completed a core surgical specialty requirements (such as general plastic surgery, general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, maxillofacial surgery or otolaryngology), but also dedicated an additional full year of advanced specialty training in cosmetic surgery in the form of a fellowship in aesthetic or cosmetic surgery.

Perhaps more important, however, may be the specific experience that your surgeon has in the specific procedure you are seeking.

Much of this is very difficult to characterize, and difficult for patients to visualize without having the opportunity to speak directly with the surgeon about their specific case (every case is unique), and without having the opportunity to review lots and lots of before and after photographs of procedures similar to those you are considering so that you can fully appreciate your surgeon’s typical good, poor, and fair results.

Many physicians and surgeons from different backgrounds practice cosmetic surgery procedures and they all they all incorporate these procedures in to their ACGME training and corresponding ABMS boards or equivalent boards.  These facts are very well known and accepted in the medical community.

The ABCS is the only board that exclusively examines the knowledge and experience of the surgeon specifically in the subspecialty of cosmetic Surgery.  All surgeons certified by ABCS already have a primary board certification that is ABMS or AOA certified.  Therefore the ABCS certification is an additional accomplishment by these dedicated surgeons who have done additional training in a form of a fellowship specifically in cosmetic surgery and have challenged a rigorous written and oral exam.  

The fact is that only a small group of plastic surgeons have taken this additional training and are also certified by the ABCS.

Unfortunately, the motivation behind this ad campaign to smear the ABCS name is solely monetary and a matter of restriction of trade. The majority of plastic surgeons are feeling the pressure of decrease in reimbursement by the insurance companies and are therefore trying to control the elective market of Cosmetic Surgery.  This is nothing new as this campaign has been ongoing and ASPS has even targeted different groups such as the facial plastic surgeons and the oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the past.  

The truth of the matter is that not all plastic surgeons are trained in all of the cosmetic procedures available as they claim. Furthermore, they have not proven to have safer outcomes than other specialists practicing this Sub- Specialty. The public should be aware of this continuous misleading campaign.  

Do not be fooled by false advertising from any group. Make sure that your surgeon has specific training in the Cosmetic procedure you are seeking.  Do not rely on labels and self designations.  You can visit my website to read more about how to choose the right Cosmetic Surgeon /about/how-to-choose-a-cosmetic-surgeon/ .

So in the end, these are the take home messages:

1.  Plastic surgery board certification does not guarantee adequate cosmetic surgery experience.

The truth is this: although the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) does not readily admit it, a physician can become board certified in plastic surgery without adequate education, training, or experience with respect to many common cosmetic surgery procedures.

2.  Cosmetic Surgery is its own Specialty. 

Cosmetic Surgery—A surgical specialty focused on enhancing the appearance of all areas of the face, neck, breasts, and body for improved aesthetic appeal, symmetry, and proportion. Treated areas have normal functionality and cosmetic surgery is elective.

Example procedures: breast augmentation, rhinoplasty (nose surgery), facelift, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), nonsurgical cosmetic treatments such as laser skin resurfacing or BOTOX® and dermal filler injections.

Plastic Surgery—A surgical specialty dedicated to reconstruction of facial and body defects due to birth disorders, trauma, burns, infection and disease, intended to correct dysfunctional areas of the body and restore normal function.

Example procedures: cleft palate correction, skin grafting, skin cancer removal, carpal tunnel relief.

3.  The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery exists to certify experienced, fellowship-trained cosmetic surgeons and thereby help the public identify reputable surgeons.

The ABCS is the only board that requires its surgeons to display knowledge and experience in cosmetic surgery procedures by:

• Earning prior board certification in one of the seven approved medical specialties ;
• Successfully completing a specialized one to two year cosmetic surgery fellowship;
• Performing at least 300 cosmetic surgery procedures during the fellowship;
• Passing rigorous oral and written testing;
•  Operating in accredited surgical facilities ;
•  Undergoing reexamination every 10 years;
•  Complying with a stringent code of ethics.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.  The best way would be to schedule your private consultation by calling 909-987-0899 regarding the procedure you are interested in and I will be happy to go over all of your questions.  At your appointment you will also get a chance to tour our state-of-the-art facility, view more before and after pictures of the procedure you are considering and meet our office staff.  Our knowledgeable patient care coordinators will then be there to walk you through your journey after your consultation.