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.

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.

This holiday season, you’ll want to look and feel your best as you capture memories that will be with you for years to come. Selfies are already beautiful in their simplicity and ease, but there are a few secrets to making sure you snap a stunning one every time. Here are our top tips for avoiding double chins, squinty eyes, and stiff smiles—and feeling like a supermodel (or famous Instagrammer) instead!

1. Lighting is key

Fantastic lighting can make a world of difference in photos, turning you into a glowing goddess and highlighting all your best angles and features. But you don’t need a professional lighting setup to nail that perfect selfie every time.
Consider the following tips for the best lighting for selfies:

• Use your flash wisely and sparingly. Whenever possible, opt for natural lighting to give you a softer appearance. In low-light conditions where you need to use flash, try using an app like SnapChat that utilizes a front-facing flash. This will allow you play around with other settings to nail the right lighting, and the front-flash is typically duller than the rear camera.
• Speaking of washing yourself out, avoid taking selfies under fluorescent lighting. Fluorescents tend to emphasize skin imperfections, make you look older, and give your appearance a pale, tired, or even sickly look. That’s because fluorescent light has a low color rendering index, so it doesn’t pick up on true colors.
• Consider purchasing a selfie light. These products range in price and size—and chances are your favorite YouTuber or beauty Instagrammer is using them. Fans of ring lights or clip-on selfie lights proclaim that they can help hide blemishes and beautifully light the face for a subtle glow. For parties, look for an option that fits in your favorite clutch purse and can be quickly attached to your cell phone when inspiration strikes.
• If the sun is out during a holiday parade or afternoon gathering, make sure it’s behind you—and block it with your head for a nice halo effect rather than being eclipsed by it. If the sun is directly shining on your face, it will wash out your skin and you may find yourself squinting, which will impact your facial expression and highlight any fine lines and wrinkles.

2. Think about what’s in the background

When arriving at an event, scope out the scene and see if there is some choice decor that will be the perfect background for you and your besties (or a new crush) to snap a selfie together.

• Simple backgrounds are often best, but don’t be afraid of some sparkle. If there happens to be tinsel, garlands, strings of lights, a foil door curtain, or a Christmas tree in the house, they can make for a great selfie background. A colorful wall or pretty drapes can also be a perfect way to set off your face. Avoid backgrounds such as cabinets or bookshelves—they’ll distract from the focus of the photo, which should be you!
• Wait for the crowds to clear. If you have a spot for a photo in mind, keep an eye out for when the area clears. You don’t need random arms or someone’s hors d’oeuvres plate photobombing your selfie. Another option is to arrive fairly early and snap a few pics with your host or hostess before things are really hopping.
• Beware of reflective surfaces. If it’s after sundown and you’re using a flash, avoid having mirrors or a dark window behind you—it’s a bummer to have a reflected flash take over your photo. Even when you’re not using a flash, it’s wise to be thoughtful when photographing near reflective surfaces; they have been the cause of many selfie fails.

3. Keep it natural

Selfies tend to look best when they look natural. Even if your makeup screams glam, a natural, genuine smile will light up the picture—but capturing your candid facial expressions can be challenging. Even the most confident can feel a bit uncomfortable in front of the camera.
Here are a few ways to keep your pics looking natural and professional without having to do much:

• Just to reiterate, try to take advantage of natural sunlight when possible. Early morning as the sun is coming up or twilight in the evening are great photo op times because the lighting is softer.
• Avoid contrived “MySpace selfie” angles and opt instead for a natural head tilt that flatters the contours of your face.
• The urge to make a big cheesy grin or even pull a face can be tough to overcome, but try to keep your expressions genuine. To help you avoid “overacting” in your selfie, try keeping your eyes shut until you snap your picture. This will keep your expression fresh.

4. Practice makes perfect

If you could glimpse the camera roll of any beauty blogger, Instagrammer, or selfie guru, we’re sure you would see tons of “duds” amongst that shining, perfect snap. It’s rare to get your best selfie with just one attempt, but be patient—and try these tricks.

• Practice your angles. Tilt your heading a variety of ways to see what happens to the contours of your neck and face. Additionally, lifting your head and chin a bit can elongate the neck and help you avoid a double chin. Snap a few pictures to see what translates well through the camera and when you find an angle or pose that works for you, rock it!
• Experiment with different lighting to see what light levels, shadow play, or tones make you feel most confident in your pictures.
• Play around with makeup styles, different shades of highlighters, or new contouring techniques to see what helps your best features pop.

5. Camera settings can make all the difference

Technology has come a long way, and the camera on your smartphone is more sophisticated than you may realize—it just may take some trial and error to unlock its power. Try these suggestions as you get started:

• Download a camera app. Both iTunes and the Google Play store are full of apps dedicated to helping you perfect your phone camera skills. Instagram and SnapChat are fun options for playing around with filters and doing light editing, while apps like Candy Camera, FaceTune, and Manual Camera can help you take better photos and then edit to your heart’s content.
• If you prefer to play around without the help of an app, your phone should have some built-in, manual camera settings that will help you perfect your shot. You can customize brightness, adjust focus, and some phones even have the ability to adjust exposure.

6. Bonus tip: get a little help with quick cosmetic solutions

There are many tricks to taking a good photograph of yourself—and we happen to think you and your selfies are pretty gorgeous. However, if you have always been bothered by something about your appearance, we’re here to help. A number of the following selfie helpers are fast acting and have zero recovery time, so you can be smiling with greater confidence in a matter of days.

• Bothered by a “gummy” smile? We can use a small amount of BOTOX® to relax the upper lip elevator muscles and thus reduce the amount of your gums that show when you smile.
• Worried about fine lines and wrinkles? Try BOTOX, fillers, or laser skin resurfacing to soften signs of aging.
• Noticing sun damage or hyperpigmentation? Try an ICON Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment, an Excel V+ Laser Treatment, or a chemical peel to rejuvenate your skin and enjoy a soft glow.
• Wishing your lips were as full as your favorite blogger? Try putting some plump in your pout with lip fillers.
• Want to revitalize dull skin tone and texture? Skip the blur filter and opt for a professional facial to give your skin some TLC.
• Getting eclipsed by your double chin? You can reduce excess fat under the chin without surgery, thanks to Kybella®.

This is just a small selection of the many treatments and skincare options we have to highlight your beauty and help you feel confident, no matter who is taking your picture. Contact us today, and we’ll help you glow in your selfies all holiday season long.

Gone are the days when fashionable women hoped to make their butts look as small as possible—while many of us remember this fad, it was a historical anomaly. It’s long been thought that having some substance to your backside is a good thing! A full, round buttocks represents a strong, healthy body, looks great in jeans, and contributes to a more shapely, feminine silhouette.

While naturally curvier women rejoice, getting a shapely derriere is easier said than done for those not blessed with the greatest “assets.” This has led many women (and men too!) to try countless workouts, diets and other gimmicks in the quest for a bigger booty. Some of them work, some of them do nothing, and some are just a bad idea—and knowing which is which can be confusing.

Lucky for us, we have some of the most skilled body contouring experts on the west coast right here at Surgical Arts of the Inland Empire. Dr. Jacob Haiavy and Dr. Emma Ryan are highly experienced in buttock enhancement and have helped patients with even the flattest of rear ends get curves they love. So we asked them, how can you get a fuller butt? Here’s what they have to say.

Dr. Ryan: exercises can make your butt bigger, but…

“I can appreciate and even recommend implementing a strength training routine to build up the glutes—done correctly and consistently, exercises that focus on the butt can help your rear end get tighter, look better, and maybe get bigger. However, genetics will put a cap on just how much muscle you can add to your butt, and no amount of exercise can dramatically reshape your current curves—only surgical body contouring can do that.

That said, there are other benefits to having a strong butt that make it worthwhile to hit the gym: improved sports performance, better posture, and a reduced risk for back injury. For maximum results, hire a qualified personal trainer, who can show you how to do the right exercises safely and effectively.”

Dr. Haiavy: Forget about butt enhancement pills and creams.

“There seems to be a pill for everything, even for “magically” growing a butt. As a physician, these products make me cringe. Most are mixtures of herbs, oils, and other ingredients that do little except drain the consumer’s wallet.

For those that do have any effect, that effect is usually temporary—for instance, creams that help the skin feel a bit firmer for a little while may give the impression that the butt has gotten a “boost.” Some butt enhancement pills contain appetite stimulants, which could possibly help you gain volume in your butt—but you’ll gain weight elsewhere, too.

It’s also important to remember that these products are not FDA approved and may not contain what is printed on the label in any consistent amount. This leaves the door open for products to do harm. For instance, one such pill contains Dong Quai extract, which contains known carcinogens and could be unsafe in large quantities.

For safe, effective buttock enhancement, go to an experienced cosmetic surgeon, not Amazon.”

There are several procedures that fall under the umbrella of body contouring surgery that we can use to reshape the lower body and enhance the butt:

• Vaser 4D Hi-Def Liposuction. Sometimes a rounder, more aesthetically pleasing butt is best achieved by simply taking fat away from the surrounding areas. With VASER 4D liposuction, we can remove excess fat from the lower back, hips, and thighs with extreme precision to sculpt a beautiful “frame” for the buttocks, which will accentuate your natural curves.
• Brazilian butt lift surgery. This popular and highly effective procedure takes VASER lipo one step further. We purify fat removed with liposuction, and then strategically inject some of it back into the buttocks in specific points to enhance their size and shape. This procedure works best on patients with good skin contraction who also have enough excess fat to harvest for the fat injections (which is most of us).
• Lower body lift. If you have undergone significant weight loss and your butt is flat and sagging as a result, a personalized body lifting procedure can be a great option to remove the excess skin, lift sagging tissues, and restore a smoother, firmer buttock contour. In many cases, a skilled cosmetic surgeon can combine liposuction and/or fat injections with a lower body lift to achieve an optimal improvement in shape.”

We’re your Inland Empire Brazilian Butt Lift specialists

Now that you’ve heard what our cosmetic surgeons have to say about building a better booty, why not come meet one of them in person to discuss how you can best build yours? During a personal consultation at our offices in Rancho Cucamonga or Victorville, we will give you our full attention. Our doctors look forward to discussing your concerns and goals and helping you learn about all your options to get a beautiful, curvy butt. Call 909-987-0899 or contact us online today.

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.

Calling all art aficionados—and selfie takers! According to the Daily Bulletin, Rancho Cucamonga’s art scene is about to take off all over town, thanks to a new city ordinance.

Creative gathering places

The Rancho Cucamonga City Council recently passed a requirement that new building developments in the area include a public art piece, helping to facilitate the intersection of creativity and development.

These public creations can be anything from functional artworks like a bike rack to vibrant murals or abstract sculptures. Local officials hope that increasing public art will ultimately help developers make our local buildings more interesting and enhance our community’s natural beauty for locals and tourists alike—all while supporting the many artists in and around the city.

The ordinance will impact new building projects that meet certain criteria, including residential developments containing four or more units and commercial, office, or industrial projects where building costs exceed $1 million. Once city staff members have determined if the building qualifies for the new ordinance, the developers will follow a formula to allow for art installment costs.

The ordinance passed with flying colors and will go into effect August 18th. To read the full story and to learn more about what this exciting news means for our community, follow this link.

Concerned about how it will affect your business?

While more public art will likely bring more interest to local businesses, some may be concerned about excess foot traffic or attention to locations that aren’t open to walk-ins. Last year, when the Pokémon Go mobile game was at its height of popularity, we experienced something similar: our office became a Pokéstop location.

Fans of the game were flocking around our offices, setting up lures and catching their favorite Pokémon. But instead of getting frustrated with the extra attention, we used it to our advantage and got to know our community! While some businesses may find this disruptive, we enjoyed having a break from the work day and getting to meet a few new faces. (But if you do find your business an unwilling Pokéstop or gym location, there are ways to have them removed.)

We look forward to seeing these creative additions to our city and having more Instagram-worthy spots around town—and we are optimistic that the city will address any concerns businesses may have. Are you excited about having new things to see in the Inland Empire—or do you already have some fave local public art? Let us know in the comment section.