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

She exchanged emails and telephone calls with Dr. Pousti and decided to fly to California to have her surgery performed. Upon examination Dr. Pousti determined the patient was a great candidate for a mommy makeover. Mommy makeovers generally consist of several procedures to help contour the body post pregnancy. In order to achieve the patient’s goals an abdominoplasty and revisionary breast surgery were recommended.

On the final meeting prior to the procedure measurements of the breast and abdomen are taken for markings. Markings are performed and used in the operating room as guidelines for incision locations.

To achieve better symmetry, Dr. Pousti and the patient agreed on proceeding with a limited benelli lift on the left breast. The patient’s previous breast implants were removed and capsulorrhaphy, also known as pocket repair, is performed.

Before Breast Revision

During her visits with Dr. Pousti the patient expressed that she did not like how her implants fell to the side. Dr. Pousti used internal sutures to close off the bottom and sides of each breast pocket to prevent the implant from falling below the intended breast pocket.

To achieve the patient’s goals, Dr. Pousti used 555cc silicone gel implants to achieve the patient’s goals.

After Breast Revision

Internal muscle repair is also performed along with the abdominoplasty. The two purple lines represent the abdominal muscle separation present. Dr. Pousti used permanent sutures to bring the muscles together, creating an internal corset. Once the muscle repair is completed, the excess skin from the abdomen is removed and final suturing is completed.

After Mommy Makeover

The patient is now 1 week post-op and extremely satisfied with her results.

Dr. Pousti examined the patient and felt that she was a great candidate for a mommy makeover. The mommy makeover generally consists of several combined procedures used to achieve the patient’s pre-pregancy body. Upon breast examination it was determined that the patient had capsular contracture of her right breast implant, capsulorrhaphy, and breast re-augmentation was needed to achieve her goals. The patient also expressed that she was also interested in hernia repair and labia reduction to complete her procedure.

Dr. Pousti and the patient met several times prior to surgery to discuss the surgical plan and post-operative care instructions in detail. On the final appointment prior to surgery, Dr. Pousti takes measurements of the breasts and performs markings. These markings are done in a full length mirror so the patient can communicate her goals and concerns.

Markings of the umbilical hernia repair are done at this time as well

Dr. Pousti and the patient meet again in the surgery center and measurements are re-checked. Changes are made at this time if needed.

A small incision along the areola is made and the patient’s previous breast implants are removed. A capsulotomy is then performed to remove the scar tissue around the right breast implant, releasing the tension around the implant caused by capsular contracture or encapsulation. Capsular Contracture can distort the shape and firmness of the breast causing severe pain to the patient.

Once the breast implants and scar tissue were removed, Dr. Pousti performed Capsulorrhaphy or internal suturing to repair the patient’s breast pocket. Capsulorrhaphy was performed on the left breast pocket both inferior and lateral to improve symmetry between two breasts.

Once the breast pocket revision is completed sizer implants are used to determine the implant size needed to meet the patients goals. These sizer implants are placed into the breast pocket and filled with air until the patient’s desired goal size has been achieved. The patient is then placed in the upright position several times throughout the procedure to check for symmetry and fullness. This allows Dr. Pousti to make any changes necessary prior to final implant placement. The sizer implants are then removed and the patient’s silicone gel implants are prepped for placement using the Keller Funnel method.

The Keller Funnel method uses a sterile funnel to easily squeeze the implant into the breast pocket using a no-touch method which aids in reducing the risk of contamination. Dr. Pousti used a 533cc silicone gel implant on the right breast and a 492cc silicone gel implant on the left breast. Different size implants are sometimes needed to achieve better symmetry and can be determined when using the sizer implants.

A labia reduction was performed to remove the excess minora tissue that can cause discomfort during exercise, intercourse, walking/or sitting and other daily activities. The procedure consists of achieving symmetry with the inner lips of the vulva while being cautious to not interfere with the clitoris and urethral opening.

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

After 2 years of hard work at the gym and watching what I ate, I managed to loose 80 pounds, which left me with what I called my “skin tutu” around my middle and my breast hung down to my waist, which my kids referred to as my “cuddle buddies” because they laid on the bed next to me.

The more I lost the worst I looked! I wanted to love the body I worked so hard to get, but that isn’t what happened. The skin would just hang worse every pound I lost I wanted to love my body.

I started looking on the Internet at “mommy makeovers” before and after pictures, and at people like me who lost a lot of weight, and wanted the skin removed. I would say for every 10 women that I found, that I looked like in there before pictures, and loved their after pictures, 8 out of those 10 women were done by Dr. Pousti.

I looked at before and after pictures for at least a year prior to my surgery, wondering if I should do this or not. I was scared of what was involved and how I would look after. I didn’t want to look like one of those women who have surgeries and look worse afterwards.

Well, with the love and support of my fiancé, my children, my parents and my friends, I decided to make an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Pousti.

The day of my consultation, my fiancé and my mother came with me to my appointment. We went to Dr Pousti’s office in Murrieta, Ca. The moment I walked in, it felt so right. The women who work there were not just stunningly beautiful on the outside, but on the inside. They made me feel so comfortable and at ease! Dr. Pousti came in and looked at me and said he thought I would have amazing results. He suggested having an extended tummy tuck and a breast reduction, with some liposuction.

I weighted in at 207 and knew I had more weight to lose. I wanted to have this surgery in January when my business is slower. Dr Pousti suggested that an ideal weight he would like me to be for surgery was 180 pounds. Well, I was within a few pounds of my goal when surgery day arrived.

About 1 month prior to my scheduled surgery, my fiancé found out he had Thyroid Cancer. I wasn’t sure if I should cancel my surgery with Dr. Pousti. When I came in to see Dr. Pousti he could see I was nervous about my fiancé’s news. Dr Pousti asked who the surgeon was and he personally called every ENT Dr. That he knew to see if anyone had heard of this surgeon, and what his experience was. He called me personally the next day to tell me of his findings. Dr Pousti didn’t have to make those calls, but he did, and that meant the world to me. He doesn’t just care about me, but also about the man I love. My fiancé had his surgery and it was a success!

The day before my surgery my fiancé, and my mother came with me to Dr Pousti’s office in La Mesa ca. He did all his markings of what was going to remove, where he would cut and where he would lipo. He marked my breast so I would have my best results.

We stayed at my aunt’s house ,which was close to the surgery center, and is where I stayed for the first week after surgery. My mom was my nurse for the first week! I can’t thank her enough for helping me. I stayed at my aunts because Dr. Pousti wanted me to stay close by so he could check on me post surgery.

The day finally arrived, and we arrived at the surgery center. Dr Pousti uses the same surgery center, with the same anesthesiologist and the same nurses and assistants. I was so scared and everyone calmed me and made me feel comfortable and so special. They were very professional, and they had a way of making you feel like you were their only patient! Dr Pousti came in and checked his marking and did some minor adjustments,and then they took me back to the operating room. I woke up 8 hours later 6 hour surgery 2 hours of recovery, and I felt like I just got there.

The feeling I had was the feeling of tightness! I’m not going to lie week 1 was the hardest week but it was worth it! He installs a pain pump that numbs the incision area. I had 4 drains 2 from my breast and 2 from my pelvic area. They sent me home the same day of surgery. I really don’t remember too much as I was still really groggy.

I stayed at my aunts house and slept in a recliner for the first week. Dr Pousti and his wife  were so kind to check on me the first night after surgery! They even brought me flowers! Never have I heard of a Dr. doing this before. The compassion and love he has for his patients is very apparent! He has always made me feel like I was his only patient, and his # 1 priority, even though I know he has many more patients.

The nurse or office staff called me everyday to check on me! Everyday was easier than the day before. I got around with my trusty walker, my BFF after surgery!

Dr Pousti told me that after surgery you go through an emotional state, but what found was not what I expected at all! I was expecting tears of pain and thought of regret, but that isn’t what I had at all! I never once thought why did I do this? The emotions I felt were eye opening to my life! The tears I shed were tears of love and joy and how lucky I am to have parents who took care of me for 6 weeks, a fiancé who supported me, no matter what I wanted to do, and my daughters, who stood by my side the whole time. Then the flowers, the cards, and the text messages came from friends, and clients thinking about me. The love I felt was overwhelming! Every tear I shed, were tears of joy of my life, my new body, and my new life to come!

This whole experience was the best thing I could have ever done! The most important thing is I truly feel like I was led to Dr. Pousti, and the results I got are amazing! He is a true artist of the body! He knows what will look the best and what is needed and not needed. He doesn’t just make you feel like he’s just your surgeon, but your friend, with your best interests in mind! The surgery is going to change my life for the better, and can’t thank him enough!

Mommy Makeover procedures usually consist of combined procedures that contour and sculpt the body. Upon examination, it was decided that the patient would be a good candidate for a breast augmentation, breast lift, abdominoplasty, and flank and back liposuction. During her consultation, she was able to meet with Dr. Pousti’s previous patients to ask them questions about their journey and experience with him and his staff. The patient felt extremely comfortable and confident with Dr. Pousti because of his experience with mommy makeover procedures.

Markings of the breast, abdomen, and flanks were taken to help him achieve as much symmetry as possible.

Dr. Pousti tailors every mommy makeover surgery to meet that patient’s specific goals.

Dr. Pousti also discusses the risks and complications associated with surgery and reviews the entire procedure in detail.

The purple “x” on each breast indicates where the nipple/areola complex will be once the breast lift is complete. During the breast lift procedure the nipple/areola is relocated, the breast tissue is re-arranged and the skin underneath the breast is tightened to give the patient a nice ‘perky’ look.

The morning of surgery, Dr. Pousti re-checks all of the markings and minor adjustments are made as needed.

The patient had expressed to Dr. Pousti that she wanted to achieve fullness on top with an emphasis on outer breast fullness from her mastopexy with breast implants. She also wanted to remove the extra skin from her abdomen and have liposuction performed on her flanks and back.

Before Mommy Makeover

After Mommy Makeover

450cc silicone gel implants were then placed below the muscle to achieve more fullness and cleavage along with the mastopexy. During the tummy tuck, Dr. Pousti also repairs the separated abdominal muscles. He sutures the abdominal muscle together, creating an internal corset, and repairing the muscle laxity. The patient is still very fresh from surgery, but is already extremely satisfied with her mommy makeover results!

After losing weight, she visited Dr. Pousti’s office and was very pleased with her consultation. All of her questions were answered by Dr. Pousti and this patient felt very comfortable proceeding with surgery. Dr. Pousti was one of the Southern California Plastic Surgeons this patient had visited and she liked the fact that he was double board certified in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as General Surgery.

She was worried about performing all of these procedures at the same time, but Dr. Pousti assured her that safety was his primary concern.

The patient wanted fullness back in her breasts. She was interested in arm lift surgery (brachioplasty), breast augmentation with silicone gel breast implants, breast lifting (mastopexy) as well as tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery

The patient came into the Murrieta office the night before surgery to have tummy tuck markings performed. Dr. Pousti carefully measures and marks the patient as a guide for surgery.

The armlifting “markings” are performed the morning of surgery. Caution has to be taken to remove as much skin as possible to give a very natural look but not removing too much skin for a very tight and un-natural look.

In the operating room, Dr. Pousti performs the breast augmentation / breast lifting surgery with silicone gel breast implants to give the patient the “fullness” she was looking for.  Dr. Pousti sits the patient upright in the operating room (as seen above) with the temporary sizers in place to be able to see what adjustments need to be made in the size and shape of the breasts to achieve the patients goals.  The tummy tuck and liposculpture of the abdomen is performed. For the armlift procedure, Dr. Pousti uses a technique that hides the scar in areas so that they are minimally visible.

A 500cc silicone gel implant was placed in the right breast and a 450cc silicone gel implant was used in the left breast to achieve better symmetry.

The patient is now 14 months post-op and extremely satisfied with her results.

]]> http://www.mommymakeover1.com/mommy-makeover-after-massive-weightloss.htm/feed 0 http://www.mommymakeover1.com/breast-revision-and-tummy-tuck-surgery.htm http://www.mommymakeover1.com/breast-revision-and-tummy-tuck-surgery.htm#comments Tue, 24 Apr 2012 20:01:33 +0000 admin http://www.mommymakeover1.com/?p=627 This 38 year old from Iowa was considering a breast revision and tummy tuck surgery for several years. She felt after multiple pregnancies and the weight gain/loss associated with childbirth that her abdomen has excessive loose skin and her breasts had lost a lot of volume. She wanted to correct her breast shape, size, and placement to achieve better symmetry and aesthetic results. She was not comfortable returning to her previous surgeon and began researching for a qualified plastic surgeon. She realized that many of the pictures she viewed were Dr. Pousti’s patients and was extrememly satisfied with the results he was able to achieve for his patients. She felt his credentials and patient testimonials separated him from all the other plastic surgeons.

She decided to email Dr. Pousti for an online consultation. After several emails and telephone calls the patient felt the trip to California was well worth it to have her surgeries performed. Upon examination Dr. Pousti determined the patient was a great candidate for a mommy makeover. Mommy makeovers generally consist of several procedures to help contour the body post pregnancy. In order to achieve the patient’s goals an abdominoplast and revisionary breast surgery were recommended.

On the final meeting prior to the procedure measurements of the breast and abdomen are taken for markings. Markings are performed and used in the operating room as guidelines for incision locations.

To achieve better symmetry, Dr. Pousti and the patient agreed on proceeding with a limited benelli lift on the left breast. The patient’s previous breast implants were removed and capsulorrhaphy, also known as pocket repair, is performed.

Before Breast Revision

During her visits with Dr. Pousti the patient expressed that she did not like how her implants fell to the side. Dr. Pousti used internal sutures to close off the bottom and sides of each breast pocket to prevent the implant from falling below the intended breast pocket.

To achieve the patient’s goals, Dr. Pousti used 555cc silicone gel implants to achieve the patient’s goals.

After Breast Revision

Internal muscle repair is also performed along with the abdominoplasty. The two purple lines represent the abdominal muscle separation present. Dr. Pousti used permanent sutures to bring the muscles together, creating an internal corset. Once the muscle repair is completed, the excess skin from the abdomen is removed and final suturing is completed.

After Mommy Makeover

The patient is now 1 week post-op and extremely satisfied with her results.

After 2 years of hard work at the gym and watching what I ate, I managed to loose 80 pounds, which left me with what I called my “skin tutu” around my middle and my breast hung down to my waist, which my kids referred to as my “cuddle buddies” because they laid on the bed next to me.

The more I lost the worst I looked! I wanted to love the body I worked so hard to get, but that isn’t what happened. The skin would just hang worse every pound I lost I wanted to love my body.

I started looking on the Internet at “mommy makeovers” before and after pictures, and at people like me who lost a lot of weight, and wanted the skin removed. I would say for every 10 women that I found, that I looked like in there before pictures, and loved their after pictures, 8 out of those 10 women were done by Dr. Pousti.

I looked at before and after pictures for at least a year prior to my surgery, wondering if I should do this or not. I was scared of what was involved and how I would look after. I didn’t want to look like one of those women who have surgeries and look worse afterwards.

Well, with the love and support of my fiancé, my children, my parents and my friends, I decided to make an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Pousti.

The day of my consultation, my fiancé and my mother came with me to my appointment. We went to Dr Pousti’s office in Murrieta, Ca. The moment I walked in, it felt so right. The women who work there were not just stunningly beautiful on the outside, but on the inside. They made me feel so comfortable and at ease! Dr. Pousti came in and looked at me and said he thought I would have amazing results. He suggested having an extended tummy tuck and a breast reduction, with some liposuction.

I weighted in at 207 and knew I had more weight to lose. I wanted to have this surgery in January when my business is slower. Dr Pousti suggested that an ideal weight he would like me to be for surgery was 180 pounds. Well, I was within a few pounds of my goal when surgery day arrived.

About 1 month prior to my scheduled surgery, my fiancé found out he had Thyroid Cancer. I wasn’t sure if I should cancel my surgery with Dr. Pousti. When I came in to see Dr. Pousti he could see I was nervous about my fiancé’s news. Dr Pousti asked who the surgeon was and he personally called every ENT Dr. That he knew to see if anyone had heard of this surgeon, and what his experience was. He called me personally the next day to tell me of his findings. Dr Pousti didn’t have to make those calls, but he did, and that meant the world to me. He doesn’t just care about me, but also about the man I love. My fiancé had his surgery and it was a success!

The day before my surgery my fiancé, and my mother came with me to Dr Pousti’s office in La Mesa ca. He did all his markings of what was going to remove, where he would cut and where he would lipo. He marked my breast so I would have my best results.

We stayed at my aunt’s house ,which was close to the surgery center, and is where I stayed for the first week after surgery. My mom was my nurse for the first week! I can’t thank her enough for helping me. I stayed at my aunts because Dr. Pousti wanted me to stay close by so he could check on me post surgery.

The day finally arrived, and we arrived at the surgery center. Dr Pousti uses the same surgery center, with the same anesthesiologist and the same nurses and assistants. I was so scared and everyone calmed me and made me feel comfortable and so special. They were very professional, and they had a way of making you feel like you were their only patient! Dr Pousti came in and checked his marking and did some minor adjustments,and then they took me back to the operating room. I woke up 8 hours later 6 hour surgery 2 hours of recovery, and I felt like I just got there.

The feeling I had was the feeling of tightness! I’m not going to lie week 1 was the hardest week but it was worth it! He installs a pain pump that numbs the incision area. I had 4 drains 2 from my breast and 2 from my pelvic area. They sent me home the same day of surgery. I really don’t remember too much as I was still really groggy.

I stayed at my aunts house and slept in a recliner for the first week. Dr Pousti and his wife  were so kind to check on me the first night after surgery! They even brought me flowers! Never have I heard of a Dr. doing this before. The compassion and love he has for his patients is very apparent! He has always made me feel like I was his only patient, and his # 1 priority, even though I know he has many more patients.

The nurse or office staff called me everyday to check on me! Everyday was easier than the day before. I got around with my trusty walker, my BFF after surgery!

Dr Pousti told me that after surgery you go through an emotional state, but what found was not what I expected at all! I was expecting tears of pain and thought of regret, but that isn’t what I had at all! I never once thought why did I do this? The emotions I felt were eye opening to my life! The tears I shed were tears of love and joy and how lucky I am to have parents who took care of me for 6 weeks, a fiancé who supported me, no matter what I wanted to do, and my daughters, who stood by my side the whole time. Then the flowers, the cards, and the text messages came from friends, and clients thinking about me. The love I felt was overwhelming! Every tear I shed, were tears of joy of my life, my new body, and my new life to come!

This whole experience was the best thing I could have ever done! The most important thing is I truly feel like I was led to Dr. Pousti, and the results I got are amazing! He is a true artist of the body! He knows what will look the best and what is needed and not needed. He doesn’t just make you feel like he’s just your surgeon, but your friend, with your best interests in mind! The surgery is going to change my life for the better, and can’t thank him enough!