This 40 year old patient from San Diego, California was interested in a tummy tuck surgery. After two pregnancies, the patient noticed her abdominal wall was separated and it was not meeting her standards. The patient began researching plastic/cosmetic surgery blogs and found several of Dr. Pousti’s patients’ blog entries. After reading how impressed they all were with both Dr. Pousti and their surgical results, she decided to meet with Dr. Pousti. The patient met with several cosmetic surgeons, but felt that none of them compared to Dr. Pousti.

During her consultation, Dr. Pousti listened to the patient express her goals and took the time to go over the entire procedure from surgery to recovery in detail. She also had the opportunity to meet with other patients who had undergone the abdominoplasty surgery to hear about their experience first hand. The patient was ready to proceed to the operating room for her abdominoplasty procedure.

Markings were performed the night prior to surgery. The morning of surgery, Dr. Pousti will reinforce markings and discuss the procedure with the patient again. Measurements are taken to ensure as much symmetry as possible is met.

Following multiple pregnancies, the abdominal muscles have separated and the abdominal skin becomes loose/ damaged. Below, in the operating room, the clamps are showing the separated abdominal muscles that will be brought together and sutured to create a flat surface during the tummy tuck surgery.

Diet and exercise alone are not capable to retract the muscles, so repairing the muscles surgically is the only solution for a “tight tummy” and smaller waistline.

Following the muscle repair, the excess abdominal skin is removed and the previous incisions are then sutured together. During this process, a new belly button is also made. Immediately after the procedure, the patient’s waistline is significantly smaller and the stomach is completely flat.

The patient is very satisfied with her results and new waistline!

This 24 year old mother from San Diego, California had been interested in a breast augmentation and breast lift. She felt her breasts decreased in size and were much saggier after having children. The patient searched for a board certified plastic surgeon and found Dr. Pousti’s, who is double board certified. She felt his website showed his expertise in breast augmentation with a breast lift.

During the patient’s consultation, she able to meet with post-op patients of Dr. Pousti’s that underwent the same surgery. After talking with the patients, she decided to schedule surgery.

Dr. Pousti and the patient discussed the risks and complications associated with the combination of breast implants and breast lifting surgeries . Measurements were taking and markings were made to indicate where incisions would be, the shape of the breasts, and the size/fullness.

The morning of surgery, Dr. Pousti and the patient will discuss the surgery in detail again. Markings will also be reinforced and remeasured.

Dr. Pousti used Smooth Round Moderate Profile Saline Implants filled to 700cc on each breast with a lollipop lift to achieve fuller breasts with some cleavage and roundness.

The patient is now 2 months post op and is very satisfied with her breast augmentation and mastopexy results.

Patient Testimonial:

I have to start out by saying that surgery, in general, is one of the top 3 scariest things in my book. Whether it’s elective surgery or emergency surgery, surgery is surgery and it’s a scary thought. I am a 20 something Mother of 3 kids and after going through pregnancy 3 times, it REALLY takes a toll on your body and your mind. NOTHING is the same as it was before and no matter how much exercise or how many diet plans you try out, you come to the realization that the only alternative is plastic surgery. Looking in the mirror everyday really killed me inside and it really took a toll on my self confidence. That low self confidence then started to play into my marriage to the point where I wouldn’t even feel comfortable in front of my husband (though I must say, he ALWAYS said I was still perfect).

I elected to look into plastic surgery to get an idea of what types were out there and what surgery would be best for me. I decided that the thing I wanted most (and that there were NO diets/exercise to “get back”) were my breasts. I felt that being a full C cup BEFORE children and now dealing with a very saggy B cup (I compare myself to a cow’s utters….honestly) was the problem for me. Mentally, I looked at it from this point of view….I have given my body up to bear 3 children and have given my 3 kids everything that a Mother can give. I have stood beside my Active Duty husband for the past 5 years as he deployed out many times for long periods of time. I have given everything a person can give and don’t regret a single thing that I have been through. In the end, and now that we have decided that we are done having kids and are focusing on raising our kids, I wanted to do something for myself. It was TIME for me to feel like a woman again.

Searching the internet for Plastic Surgeons was a very time consuming thing. I would spend every night on the computer searching and reviewing Doctors and their credentials. I would bookmark pages and pages of possible surgeons and look through hundreds of pictures of their work. When I finally felt that I had viewed all the surgeons that were out there I then started to look into their particular background, schooling, credentials, awards, malpractice lawsuits, experience, and LOADS of other ‘must haves”. I narrowed it down to just a few Doctors and then intensively looked into each other their reviews and end result pictures. I needed to see pictures of women who have the SAME issue as I am dealing with. I needed a woman who was my weight and height and a starting result with an ending result that fit me. I finally got the hit I needed and it was 1000% POSITIVE that the Doctor I wanted to meet was Dr. Pousti. I was SO excited at this point. I made an appointment and counted down the days to meet the person I was looking for this whole time.

Speeding things up a bit (going to TRY to make this short and sweet). I walked into the office and was warmly welcomed. The staff that worked with Dr. Pousti were extremely nice and professional and were happy to answer ANY crazy questions I had. I was examined by the Doctor and he told me that he’s not shy about turning people away if he feels that they are not the perfect candidate. He also said that if what I wanted was NOT practical and was something that he knew (from experience) would NOT be the best for me, he would be very honest and open about it. Having a family full of medical professionals, I know that this type of conversation was a very truthful trusting one. Dr. Pousti promised (and how many Doctors would actually use that word, now a days) that if I put my trust in him, he would make me proud. That was it! I knew in my bones that THIS was the person that I would, ultimately, put my life into the hands of. The rest of the appointment put me at ease and with the staff showing me pictures, answering my questions, giving me REAL input, seeing real life breast augmentations on some of the women there, and even speaking with other patients who were there for their follow-up appointments (who had just had my procedure done)…I was ready to go through with all this.

I was scheduled for my surgery about a month later and the initial leading up to the surgery was a scary one. I had never been put under nor had a surgery done. I was scared. VERY scared! The staff called a few times to make sure I was ok and to answer any questions before hand and to calm me down and talk me through everything. I also received a personal call from Dr. Pousti (which I missed but he left on my answering machine) telling me that I am in great hands and he promises (again) to be there for me the entire way and will hold my hand going through it all. He left his phone number and told me not to hesitate calling for any reason. I said a few prayers and ultimately left it up to God and the Doctor. A calmness rushed through me and I was instantly put at ease. I PROMISE YOU, that’s the TRUTH. I slept like a baby the night before surgery, which is funny because I didn’t sleep a single night through during the previous month. I went to the surgical center on my elected day and had the BEST surgical team I could have wished for. They were funny, and sensitive, and legitimately cared about me. I knew I was in great hands.

I had a breast lift with augmentation and am more than happy with the results. I could not have expected anything better than perfect and Dr. Pousti delivered just that and more. I am currently 3 weeks post op and I am beyond amazed at what I look like. I feel like I am a new me. Things could not be better. During my recovery, Dr Pousti’s staff would call daily to check up on me and answer questions and walk me through anything that I needed help on. They really made this experience the best it could be. I have been to 3 follow up appointments and everything is going the way it should. No issues what so ever. Dr. Pousti sees me at every appointment and takes the time to give me the one on one time I need to go over anything and everything that is happening. The staff is always so friendly and helpful and overall I feel they go above and beyond for me. I would do it all over again in a heart beat and this is coming from a person who wanted to go into surgery blindly (not know ANYTHING that was going to happen or be done) because I was that nervous about the entire idea of what I was planning to do. Dr. Pousti is the best of the best and to have something that is life changing left in the hands of 1 human being…that takes trust and compassion and that’s exactly what Dr. Pousti is all about. I would suggest ANYONE to visit Dr. Pousti and his staff and have the experience of your new life.

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December 4, 2011

To Whom it May Concern:

This is a letter of recommendation from Debbie for Dr. Pousti. I had been contemplating having abdominoplasty for the past ten years. I had seen several plastic surgeons and did not feel comfortable with any of the choices. As the years grew by, so did my stomach. I am a compulsive exerciser and no amount of sit-ups could rid me of the excess skin and fat. I got to the point where I couldn’t stand the sight of the spare tire that was on my waistline, so I started searching on the Internet for a new plastic surgeon. I came upon Dr. Pousti’s website and was amazed at the photographs of his previous patients and the results that had been accomplished.

Then I decided to compared other surgeons websites and compare results, viewing many hundreds of photos. None could compare to the talented work of Dr. Tom Pousti. So I picked up the phone and called to make an appointment for a consultation. I went in and immediately fell in love with Dr. Pousti and his wonderful girls on his staff. His personality exuded confidence, professionalism and was very reassuring that I would receive results that would be beyond my expectations.

He was very upfront with what the procedure would entail. I was able to meet and see first hand other patients that had  had the abdominoplasty done. I learned that the procedure wouldn’t be a walk in the park, but I was reassured that it was worth the results that would be gained.

I was very nervous the morning of the surgery. Once I arrived and met with Dr. Pousti and his hospital staff, I became reassured again that all would go well. After the surgery, I had Reliable Recovery, whom Dr. Pousti recommended, come and pick me up and take me to stay the initial three days at the local Holiday Inn. I would recommend this to all who are considering the procedure to use Reliable Recovery, as they made those first days so comforting. I was well taken care of. Dr. Pousti even came to my room to check on me! An awesome personal touch.

During the months of recovery, Dr. Pousti and his staff were always available for any and all concerns and questions that I might have had, no matter how many times I called, thinking I was a bother! He and his staff were always very kind and reassuring that all would be well.

It has been a little over 5 months and my amazement of the results grows everyday. My worst fear was that my belly button would look weird, but it is a thing of beauty and is my favorite part of the results. I can now wear a bikini with full confidence. I can sit on the beach and not worry about looking down at that tire and instead my stomach looks as flat as my days before my first pregnancy. I am 56 years old and my husband says I have the body of a 30 year old. Thank you Dr. Pousti!

Besides being a skilled surgeon (he really is an artist with a scalpel), he is a truly wonderful and sweet man whom I’ve grown to appreciated and respect. The thing the really impresses me about Dr. Pousti is the fact that his heart is truly dedicated to the work of making people feel better about themselves through the procedures he performs. Truly an amazing and awesome surgeon. And his staff was just as awesome and made the experience quite extraordinary just because they were truly concerned and caring, and very sweet. I would recommend highly Dr. Pousti to anyone who is considering a abdominoplasty and any other plastic surgery for that matter.

After having my third and final child, I vowed to regain my pre-pregnancy body.  Little did I know that nature had taken a toll on my body that even diet and exercise could not turn back the clock entirely.  After years of diligently working out (running & strength training), I still had excess skin that just hung out of everything.  Not only did losing weight (body fat) leave me with a tire around the middle, but now my breasts resembled udders.

When my youngest was three; I couldn’t shake the idea that a tummy tuck would be the best alternative and alleviate all of the gloomy talk inside my head. I began researching online about the various procedures, recovery, prices, how to pick a doctor, what to look for, and pre/post operation pictures.  But then I felt overwhelmed… in way over my head and I let it go.  But every time I showered, got dressed or wanted to wear something my mind was plagued by the negative thoughts about the excess skin drooping all over.

Six months went by and I decided enough was enough; I could go consult with three doctors and then think about what I experienced and heard.  The consultations were free and I did not need to make a decision on the spot. I booked three appointments within a two-week period, with three different plastic surgeons in the Temecula/Murrieta area.  I liked the first doctor, but felt uncomfortable naked in his presence. The second doctor was an egomaniac, which left me wanting to run out ASAP.  After seeing an office worker’s scar incision, I actually considered not having a tummy tuck at all.

My final appointment was the Monday after my Friday nightmare appointment, I even considered canceling.  I am so thankful I changed my mind; for that is the day I met my surgeon Dr. Pousti.  From the moment I arrived in his Murrieta office I felt at home, with the inviting scented candles burning, the sounds of a gentle waterfall mixed with instrumental music lingering about the office. The warm smiles of the office staff confirmed for me that I was in the right place.

I am not going to say I wasn’t still nervous or I’d be lying.  But, my first appointment was completely different than the other two appointments in the respect that I went into a large room with leather couches and watched an informative video about Dr. Pousti’s purpose and practice.  Then he came in and talked with me about my reasons for being there and any questions I might have.  He easily calmed my nerves with his gentle, calm demeanor.

Dr. Pousti was the only surgeon who told me that he doesn’t advertise, because good work—leads to word of mouth and that is the best advertising.  He also shared with me that he actually turns away 50% of the people that come to him, as their reasons are for other people, etc… Dr. Pousti encouraged me to be at my desired weight before having any procedure, as it would ensure fantastic results versus great.  I explained I was having a difficult time dropping the last 15lbs and he suggested trying Medifast.  I was never pressured or even haunted with follow up phone calls asking me to make a decision (which other offices had).

I found his morals, ethics and values well substantiated, so I started Medifast to drop those final 15lbs.  Medifast was simple, quick and I actually lost 20lbs.  I used Medifast for four months and then two months of maintenance.  While using Medifast I would drop emails to Margie, who was always extremely helpful, understanding and swift in responding. Six months from my first appointment, I scheduled a follow-up to show Dr. Pousti that I lost the weight.  He was so impressed with my tenacity and effort.

From there it was just figuring out when I could schedule in the needed recovery time (4-6 weeks, is a long time).  I was finishing my Master’s, I have three children in numerous activities and I was working.  I secured extra help from my mom for two weeks, which was a lifesaver!  Each time I would make a tentative date in my mind, something would come up. Finally I told myself there will always be things that come up; it was time to just secure a date and everything else would have to work around it.

The moment I picked the date, everything came up…but I stuck to my guns and politely declined each event.  Two weeks before surgery I met with Dr. Pousti to get prescriptions, discuss the operation in depth, post-op recovery, what to expect and any questions or concerns.  This was one of my most favorite appointments, as I could feel it was all really going to happen for me.  I was so excited.  The Wednesday before my surgery (Friday), I met with Dr. Pousti and together we sketched out where incisions would be made, where liposuction would occur, what my expectations were and what music I wanted played while in surgery.

My surgery day is still vivid; yet short in my memory, as much of it I was asleep.  The surgery center and staff are an extension of Dr. Pousti in kindness, gentility and professionalism.  I experienced very little wait time at the surgery center and was well informed by the anesthesiologist. It was as simple as holding Dr. Pousti’s hand and falling into a deep sleep.  Moments later, I awoke…the operation was over and I felt just a bit groggy and nauseous. After I got home, I made it up two flights of stairs, got in bed and slept.  Every few hours I had to awaken for exercise, or meds, or drains, or something; but I just rolled with the punches.  The medication really made the entire experience very comfortable.

Post surgery office visits (3 days, 1 week, 2 week, 3 week, 4 week, and 2^nd month) were always managed in a timely sequence with loads of friendly smiles and genuine concern (Thanks Daisy and Vanessa).  I did have a few bumps along the way with my own personal healing, but it was addressed and taken care of with the utmost care and concern.  I am now 100% healed and 200% satisfied with my results.  Dr. Pousti says that the final results I won’t even see for another few months… So I guess I will be absolutely blown away…just as I have been from the wonderful experience at Pousti Plastic Surgery!

Kudos to you all

This 30 year old patient from Texas was interested in Body Contouring Surgery after having gastric bypass surgery, resulting in a loss of 80lbs. The massive weight loss left her with excessive abdominal skin. She was also interested in revisionary breast surgery, to achieve an extra large, overfilled implant.

Although the patient is from Texas, after doing numerous researches online, she felt Dr. Pousti was the most experienced and a trip to California to have her surgery done by him would be well worth it.

The patient flew in for surgery, and Dr. Pousti was able to explain the revisionary breast procedure and extended tummy tuck surgery to the patient in detail, including the potential risks and complications associated with these procedures and overfilling implants. The patient felt the risks would outweigh the benefits and proceeded with surgery.

Measurements and markings were done prior to surgery and then reinforced the morning of surgery allowing for any adjustments to be made.

The patients abdominal muscles were sutured together, repairing the abdominal wall separation. Then the extra skin was removed, a new belly button was made, and the skin was sutured together, resulting in a smooth and flat stomach. Her revisionary breast procedure included overfilling saline implants to give the patient the extra large breast augmentation she wanted.

Once healed enough to travel, the patient returned back to Texas and is able to keep in touch through emails and telephone calls. She is now one month post operative and is very satisfied with her results.

This 34 year old mother from San Diego, California was interested in abdominal surgery. The patient was bothered by her abdominal wall separation as well as the extra/loose skin that remained after having two children.

Before the mommy makeover procedure is performed, Dr. Pousti explains the procedure in detail and answers any questions the patient may have. The markings of the exact incision are then done and the patient proceeds to the operating room.

During the mommy makeover, and abdominoplasty procedure the abdominal muscles are repaired with internal suturing. As you can see the patient has severe muscle laxity.

Following the muscle repair, the extra or loose abdominal skin is removed and is then sutured shut and a new belly button is made.

The patient is extremely happy with the results of her tummy tuck procedure and loves her new body.

First and foremost, let me just say that I have been a patient of Dr Pousti’s since 2005,  recently I have made a decision to solely have him as my one and only plastic surgeon. In the past I made some bad choices  going to a couple different plastic surgeons trying to save a few bucks.  I was literally left devastated  both times until  Dr. Pousti. He is truly a miracle worker!  To make a long story short  Dr Pousti was able to fix both botched  surgery’s. I am more than satisfied with the results, and can honestly say that Dr. Pousti  truly cares about his patients and their outcome. He is an expert and a perfectionist, and I trust him completely.  I have had the following procedures done by Dr Pousti, and never had less than amazing results; Tummy tuck, Labia reduction, Liposuction, and last but not least Eyebrow Lift,   I have family and friends whom I have referred over to Dr Pousti,  all of which are very thankful to have met Dr. Pousti, and love him just as much as I do! Also I can’t express enough gratitude regarding  his staff,  each one  of them are very kind caring & supportive,  they have all meant a great deal to me. I just want to thank you Dr Pousti & staff for everything! You are all amazing!!

T.Todd

Murrieta, CA