After breastfeeding for a year I had hardly any breast tissue left. I went from a C to barely an A. Getting dressed every morning was awful, I relied on layered shirts to hide the gaps between my flat chest and the 4 inch thick padded push up bras. All summer I avoided bathing suits, the beach, etc. My self esteem was so low. I met with a few surgeons before I met Dr. Pousti and then when I had my first consultation with him I knew my search for a surgeon was over. He was much more experienced than the other doctors I met and his work was much more impressive. Certain things I wanted, the other surgeons said they couldn’t do (such as incisions through my areolas and saline instead of silicon) but Dr. Pousti was confident that it would not be a problem. The day of the surgery I was so nervous but Dr. Pousti and his team (nurses and anesthesiologist) were so great and they really made me comfortable and assured me that everything would be OK. I shut my eyes and woke up with breasts! It was a dream come true. It’s been 1 month since my surgery and I am SO happy!!!! I love my breasts and I feel 100x better… and I am HAPPY and that’s how I know I made the right decision. My goal wasn’t to have large breasts and I made it very clear to Dr. Pousti that I wanted something proportional to my body (I have a smaller frame). I am a perfect C now and that is exactly what I wanted. Dr. Pousti isn’t just a doctor or a plastic surgeon, he is an artist who changed my life and I am so thankful I found him and went through with this procedure. I would also like to add that his office staff is also amazing. They called me almost every day for the first 2 weeks after my surgery to see how I was doing and every time I go to the office for a post-op appointment everyone is so friendly and warm — they are all great.

PS. My husband is also very happy… =)

JP

Murrieta, CA

After having 3 pregnancies and 2 sets of twins as a surrogate mother, I had really put my body through the ringer. My stomach was full of stretch marks, I had a hernia, and my abdominal wall had been stretched beyond the natural limits. I had lost all the weight I had gained from the pregnancies however my stomach always looked like I was pregnant. I tried every workout, and diet and nothing worked, so I finally admitted to myself that surgery was the only way. Being in the medical field myself (OB/GYN) I was confident that I knew what I was looking for in a surgeon. After my husband and I met with Dr. Pousti I knew he was perfect. The minute I walked into the office I was greeted by his amazing staff, and I was called back before I even finished my paperwork.  The entire time I was in his office for my consult I was either with his nurses or Dr. Pousti himself. He took the time to answer all my questions and I never felt rushed. During my physical consult I was very comfortable and he was very reassuring on the results that I wanted. I also loved the fact he didn’t try to sell me on other procedures that I didn’t ask for, or try to recommend other changes. I also got to meet with 3 other patients after their procedures and talk to them about their experiences which were all great.

I had the extended tummy tuck with lipo on my back to give me my curve back.  The day of my procedure Dr. Pousti showed up on time, which if anyone knows that’s rare of some doctors, and asked if I had any questions and kept me completely eased. The surgery went great without any complications, and after my nurse, that his office suggested, took me back to my hotel room and gave my mom clear instructions and graphs of how to take care of me from positions to my medications. I am now 8 weeks post-op from my surgery and have bought my first swim suit in years, and even enjoyed the shopping trip. I now love to get dressed in the morning, and have all my self confidence back.  Each day I wake up so happy that I made the decision to have the surgery and have Dr. Pousti as my doctor. I love him and everyone at his office they have taken such great care of me during the whole recovery process. They even called me regularly (including weekends) to check on me. I can honestly say the Dr. Pousti has changed my life.

This 30 year old mother from Montana was very unhappy with her previous cosmetic surgery and wanted to have revisionary surgery.  Because of her previous experience, she was going to be “very careful” with the surgeon she chose.  She decided that this was a very important decision and that she would be willing to “fly in for surgery” if she found the “right” plastic surgeon who had experience with this type of surgery.

She had previously had a breast lift operation and tummy tuck performed by a different plastic surgeon in her home state but was not satisfied with the cosmetic result.  She searched online for mommy makeover surgeons, revisionary surgery specialists, breast augmentation specialist, and kept finding Dr. Pousti’s website.  She saw that he was a board certified plastic surgeon with an expertise in breast and body work.  She decided to fly in for a consultation to make sure she was comfortable with Dr. Pousti.  After meeting the doctor and speaking with other patients who had undergone similar procedures, she scheduled Revisionary Tummy Tuck surgery as well as Breast Augmentation Surgery.

The patient fly back to San Diego the day prior to surgery to go over everything once again with Dr. Pousti.  At that time, Dr. Pousti also performed “markings” and measurements on this patient to ensure a smooth operation.

The markings are checked again in the operating room (above).  Below you can see the red arrows that show where the patient wanted more fullness on top.

Below shows the areas of the abdomen that will be removed. Most of the damaged skin will be removed and the little bit remaining around the belly button area will be pulled down to below her bikini line.

Here are immediate post op photos showing the results in the operating room.  The previous mastopexy incisions were used for the breast augmentation so as not to place more scars on the patients’ breasts.

She is very happy with her results and is keeping in touch via email.

This 34 year old patient from San Diego, California was interested in breast and abdominal surgery after having several children. After doing research for a San Diego Plastic Surgeon with lots of experience with breast and tummy tuck surgery she came across Dr. Pousti and the Mommy Makeover procedure.

She was not happy with how her breasts were “deflated” after nursing her kids and she wanted them “perkier”. The damaged skin and extra tissue around the abdominal area bothered her as well.

Dr. Pousti met with the patient the night prior to surgery to perform measurements and markings to prepare for the procedures. The morning of surgery, he will re-check those marking and discuss all of the procedures with the patient again in detail. For the breast augmentation/ lifting surgery, Dr. Pousti measures and indicates where the nipple/areola complex will be moved to achieve a better placement on the breast mound.

The Tummy tuck and back lipectomy procedure require experience and precise measurements. The “swirl” areas are where liposuction will be performed.

In the operating room, the clamps show the separated abdominal muscles that will be brought and put together with sutures to achieve the “tight” tummy the patient was wanting to achieve.

Below shows the excess skin that will be removed from the patient’s abdominal area.

In the operating room- Immediately after the procedure is completed.

575 cc Silicone gel breast implants were placed submuscularly as well as a breast lift and extended tummy tuck procedures performed.

This 37 year old mom of 2 from Chula Vista, California had been interested in the ‘mommy makeover‘ procedure for several years and after doing her research she came across Dr. Pousti’s website. The patient was very impressed with Dr. Pousti’s experience with the abdominoplasty procedure and the fact that he was double board certified. She also had an umbilical hernia that she wanted fixed at the same time.

Sometimes during pregnancy and weight loss/gain the muscles of the abdomen can separate and in some cases patient’s develop a bulge. No matter how much diet or exercise this patient did she could not get rid of the bulge because the muscles were already damaged. After consulting with Dr. Pousti it was decided that she would be a great candidate for the tummy tuck procedure.

Prior to the ‘mommy makeover‘ measurements and markings are performed. These markings are recheck in the operating room and adjustments are made if needed. These markings indicate exact abdominoplasty incision lines and help obtain symmetry.

Muscle laxity from post-weight loss/pregnancy

Muscles are brought together to create a desirable waistline and to get rid of the ‘bulge’.

Once the muscle repair is completed the excess skin of the abdomen is then removed.

Immediately After

The patient is extremely happy with the results of her mommy makeover procedure.

For many patients, plastic surgery is a life-changing experience, both physically and mentally. Many people considering surgery to improve their looks do not realize that they may also experience some emotional ups and downs. There are a number of positive psychological benefits that contribute to the patient’s boost in confidence and self-esteem. However, some adverse emotional side effects may also be involved, such as depression and anxiety.

Cosmetic surgery can be very exciting, yet, frustrating at the same time. Some may find the process a pleasant one, while others find it stressful. People find it difficult to find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon they are comfortable with and who they feel they can trust with this major change. Anxiety may occur prior to the surgery and during recovery while patients try to patiently wait for their final results. Post-surgical depression is common, especially among patients with personality disorders, relationship issues, and lacking confidence.

Before undergoing any cosmetic procedure, it is important to keep a positive attitude. Having realistic expectations for your plastic surgery experience is crucial to having a positive mindset later. The purpose of plastic surgery is to improve a specific problem area of your body. There is no guarantee the results of your surgery will change your life.

Discussing your expectations and goals with your surgeon will ensure the best results possible. This communication allows your doctor to help achieve your goals. Make sure you discuss what your expectations are with your surgeon. It is best to express all your concerns prior to the procedure so that he/she may address them to help ease the process. A Board Certified Surgeon will discuss the best and safest option for your specific case.

It is in your best interest to discuss your medical history with your doctor. Cosmetic surgery can either be minor or invasive and in any case, your surgeon should be aware of all medical conditions that may affect your surgery or healing.

Once you decide on a plastic surgeon and the planned procedure, it is vital for you to prepare for your recovery period. It is best that you are aware of what to expect after surgery and understand the pre-op and post-op instructions to ensure the best result possible. For example, swelling and bruising is a normal part of the healing process, pain and discomfort can be managed with medications, physical activity should be limited to promote healing and rest, and it is essential for you to have a good support system.

Remember that all of these contributing factors to post-surgical depression or anxiety is temporary. With tincture of time, the incisions will heal and your results will improve. When times get tough, communicate your concerns during your follow-ups with your doctor and keep the end result in mind.

After having 3 pregnancies and 2 sets of twins as a surrogate mother, I had really put my body through the ringer. My stomach was full of stretch marks, I had a hernia, and my abdominal wall had been stretched beyond the natural limits. I had lost all the weight I had gained from the pregnancies however my stomach always looked like I was pregnant. I tried every workout, and diet and nothing worked, so I finally admitted to myself that surgery was the only way. Being in the medical field myself (OB/GYN) I was confident that I knew what I was looking for in a surgeon. After my husband and I met with Dr. Pousti I knew he was perfect. The minute I walked into the office I was greeted by his amazing staff, and I was called back before I even finished my paperwork.  The entire time I was in his office for my consult I was either with his nurses or Dr. Pousti himself. He took the time to answer all my questions and I never felt rushed. During my physical consult I was very comfortable and he was very reassuring on the results that I wanted. I also loved the fact he didn’t try to sell me on other procedures that I didn’t ask for, or try to recommend other changes. I also got to meet with 3 other patients after their procedures and talk to them about their experiences which were all great.

I had the extended tummy tuck with lipo on my back to give me my curve back.  The day of my procedure Dr. Pousti showed up on time, which if anyone knows that’s rare of some doctors, and asked if I had any questions and kept me completely eased. The surgery went great without any complications, and after my nurse, that his office suggested, took me back to my hotel room and gave my mom clear instructions and graphs of how to take care of me from positions to my medications. I am now 8 weeks post-op from my surgery and have bought my first swim suit in years, and even enjoyed the shopping trip. I now love to get dressed in the morning, and have all my self confidence back.  Each day I wake up so happy that I made the decision to have the surgery and have Dr. Pousti as my doctor. I love him and everyone at his office they have taken such great care of me during the whole recovery process. They even called me regularly (including weekends) to check on me. I can honestly say the Dr. Pousti has changed my life.

A.S

This 35 year old patient from Riverside County was interested in plastic surgery to help her achieve her goals after having her kids.  She had 7 pregnancies and was ready for her mommy makeover!

She had previously had a tummy tuck procedure by a different surgeon and this time was looking to have her breasts “lifted” and more perky as well as breast implants (for more fullness) and a revision on the previous tummy tuck to improve her body contour.  After having her children and nursing them, she felt that her breasts were “empty” and “droopy” and she didn’t like that.

After meeting Dr. Pousti, she decided that he was the plastic surgeon who would perform her procedure.  She was impressed by his experience with abdominal surgery for her revisionary tummy tuck surgery as well as his experience with breast augmentation / breast lifting (mastopexy).

The morning of surgery, Dr. Pousti measures everything out and discusses all of the procedures with the patient in detail one more time.  The patient and Dr. Pousti decide that the patient would benefit from an extended tummy tuck (going into the back to improve the contour).

The markings show what areas will be removed to help with the trouble “muffin top” area that the patient wanted to remove.

The patient is sat up several times during the breast portion of the procedure so that adjustments can be made in regards to size, symmetry and pocket dissection. Dr. Pousti does his best to achieve as much symmetry as possible as well as achieving the patient’s goals.

I came in to see Dr Pousti , for a Mommy Makeover. Having 3 kids all weighing over 9lbs; really took a toll on my body.  I would find myself exercising, and not losing my belly.  It was very frustrating. The day I came in for my consultation, I was immediately welcomed by his wonderful staff.  I really felt like I belonged there.  After meeting with the Doctor, My husband and I knew he was the one.  Dr. Pousti really listened to my concerns, and answered all of my husbands and my questions. (There were a lot of them.) The best thing about his office was the fact that I got to meet and talk to all kinds of patients that had the same things done.  We decided that I was going to have a breast lift with implants, and I full tummy tuck; which goes all the way around to my backside, to get rid of my muffin top. The day of the surgery came quick, and I was very scared. Dr. Pousti and the hospital staff were there letting me know everything was going to be OK. I felt so much better. The surgery was 6 hrs long and it went smoothly. The first week was very painful, and I don’t remember too much about it; other than it hurt. The time flew by very fast, and by the 6^th day I didn’t need any more pain meds.  I am now 8 weeks out, and I not only feel amazing; but I look amazing as well.  I look forward to my appointments at his office. His staff is so warm and caring.  Dr Pousti did an amazing job on me. I couldn’t have asked for anything better. He is truly a gifted surgeon; A real artist. He has raised my confidence so much. I would recommend him to anybody. I feel very blessed to have had Dr Pousti to perform my surgery.

R.H