This 47 year old male patient from Chino Hills, California had Lap Band surgery and lost about 98lbs. He found Dr. Pousti while searching for a board certified plastic surgeon and was impressed with his experience with abdominoplasty surgery as well as surgery after weight-loss.

After his weight loss the patient was left with a moderate amount of excess skin around the abdominal wall.

The markings are gone over with the patient in a full-length mirror. The incisions, scar locations and exact procedure are reviewed with the patient as well.

Markings are performed and show where liposuction will be performed during the tummy tuck procedure.

Above, you can see the port that was placed during the Lap Band Surgery.  The port will still be functional after this tummy tuck procedure.  Once the patient is in the Operating Room, additional markings are made to show where the muscles will be brought together to create the desirable waistline.

In OR after muscle repair is performed

After the muscle repair is completed the excess tissue is removed from the abdomen using cautery. A new location is made (in the skin) for the umbilicus and the incision is closed with dissolvable sutures.

This 31 year old from San Diego, California was interested in several procedures after weight loss post pregnancy. Through diet and exercise the patient was able to loose a lot of weight but was left with loose skin in her abdomen. The patient also felt her breasts had become much “saggier” after childbirth. She was referred to Pousti Plastic Surgery by a friend of hers, who was also a previous patient of Dr. Pousti’s. After reviewing Dr. Pousti’s website and reading several mommy makeover testimonials, she decided to schedule a consultation with him.

Mommy Makeover procedures generally consist of a combination of  procedures that contour and sculpt the body. Upon examination it was determined that the best option for this patient would be a breast augmentation, breast lift, abdominoplasty, and liposuction of the flanks/back. During her visits at the office the patient was able to meet with Dr. Pousti’s previous patients and ask them questions about their journey and experience with Pousti Plastic Surgery.

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!

The beginning

About 2 years ago I woke up one morning weighing in at 165 pounds and on a 5’5” frame that was not healthy or attractive looking! This was the heaviest than I have ever been in my life; that day I made a life decision to my body and life in shape. I started out on my own eating right and going to the gym, after about 6 months I was down to 155, this still was not where I wanted to be so I called a trainer and he put me on an eating plan and exercise regime. 6 months later I was at my goal weight of 130 pounds!!! I had never felt better about my body but with one exception; my breasts! They had really suffered from the weight loss, they were saggy, I had loose skin and they lost all their perkiness and fullness. I was completely self conscience about them; they didn’t look good in a bikini or in shirts and dresses. I considered getting a breast lift/augmentation for about 6 months and finally decided to get a consultation. I saw 6 plastic surgeons over the course of a month and none of them made me feel as comfortable and at ease as Dr. Pousti. He answered all my questions with even more detail than anyone else and made me feel good and confident about my decision. Dr. Pousti knew I was concerned with the scar that a breast lift would leave but after seeing before and after pictures and meeting patients that had the same procedure I was more than confident than ever that I was going to get the results I wanted!!

The week before surgery

I was a wreck. I was nervous, anxious and excited all in the same moment; no one seemed to be able to calm me down except for Dr. Pousti. I went for my pre-op the night before and as soon as I saw him and started talking to him I was instantly at ease. I knew he was going to take excellent care of me and that I was going to look great!!

Day of surgery

Oddly enough the day of surgery I was not nervous, I was ready for my new breasts!! My surgery lasted about 3 hours and when I woke up there was Dr. Pousti assuring me again that my breasts were once again perky and beautiful.

Recovery

Ok so everyone’s pain tolerance is different and I really think the fact that I work out 6 days a week had a lot to do with this but I honestly have to say that my recovery was so easy! It was just uncomfortable, there was some pain but nothing like I imaged. You hear all these stories of women who are in excruciating pain and can’t go to the bathroom without assistance; well that was not me at all. I had my surgery on a Wednesday morning and yes the first night was again uncomfortable but the pain was totally manageable with Motrin. The worst part is getting out of bed because of the pressure of the implant under the muscle but once you get up its fine. By Friday I was getting out of bed with little to no assistance and by the following Wednesday I was walking the bay in Mission Beach. I would say the worst part of me was A: not being able to shower for 2 weeks (you need to keep your stitches as dry as possible) so its bath time, and B: sleeping on my back (I am a totally side/stomach sleeper) but c’mon that is all I had to deal with…

Post surgery

So like I mentioned a week after surgery I walking the bay and doing light cardio at the gym. When I went in for my 2 week appointment to get the tape removed and to see my new breasts for the first time I was speechless! Dr. Pousti did an amazing job, the scars are so small and faint that I can only imagine how they are going to lookover time. I am now 6 weeks post surgeryand I am pretty much back to all normal activity. I am looking and feeling great both inside and out! I’m loving my new body by Pousti!!! If you are still looking for a doctor or you  are having any doubts about the procedure please stop right now!!! Dr. Pousti is amazing and you will be nothing but satisfied with your decision, results and experience with him!!

OH….my what can I say but THANK YOU….3 1/2 years ago I came to see if you could help with my abdominal diastasis separation….or as my kiddos called it my \”Front Butt\” Dr. P you (and staff) not only changed my body forever but my LIFE forever. Because of the the abdominal work you did, I am able to play with my kids, go hiking, jog, and lead a healthy lifestyle….for that I am forever great full. Not only did you give me pre-baby body back, but you gave me self confidence and (Ab)-strength to loose 40 MORE lbs. post OP….So this is my BODY BY POUSTI 3 1/2 yrs. POST OP.

This 60-year old patient was unhappy with the excess bulging of skin and extra tissue around her abdomen area due to significant weight loss. She was very interested in abdominal contouring surgery and researched tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery. She heard about Dr. Pousti through many of his previous patients and decided to meet with him for a consultation. She liked that he was Board Certified and located in the San Diego area. During her consultation, Dr. Pousti informed the patient that she was a perfect candidate for an “extended” tummy tuck. An extended tummy tuck would be more beneficial to remove the “bulge and rolls” along the patient’s side and back. This would prevent the “muffin top” look and give the patient better proportions and shape.

Dr. Pousti was able to achieve a flat tummy and created a brand new belly button for the patient, exceeding her expectations.

This patient is now 3-months post-op of an extended abdominoplasty surgery and extremly thrilled with her new and improved look.

I have always dreamed of having the perfect body even before kids. I am a mother of two and my first born was 9 pounds, that’s where I have received all of my stretch marks . I have gained 65 pounds with both my kids. 2001 my daughter was born the weight didn’t come off very fast.. I have finally have lost the weight in 2006 and lost 40 pounds , even after 2 years I still wasn’t happy. I was going to the Gym 3 to 4 times a week. Still wasn’t completely happy with my body. Yes I have lost all the weight but I was left with saggy breasts and extra skin on my stomach, oh and not to forget my stretch marks.

So a friend of mine referred me. I was nervous but excited at the same time. I went on May 12 for my consultation and right away I was very impressed of how professional the lady’s are in the office every one is so kind. I was there for about two hours taking to other patients and right away I knew that  Dr  Pousti was my doctor to change my life. I was a very small C but I was very droopy, he told me that I would need a lift and implants for them to be a nice D smooth, round, full .I was again nervous about the implants it wasn’t me, but I was trusting Dr Pousti all the way .One month latter I had my surgery and I have to say that I love what he has done for me . I feel wonderful and so happy that I had him do my surgery. Plus he was the ONLY doctor that I talk to about what I wanted done.

I’m about 5 months in and everything is healing fine. I have no more stretch marks and my scars are healing well..

This 41 year old from Temecula, California was unsatisfied with her size and shape of her body since her teenage years. She lost over 70lbs and still felt extrememly uncomfortable with her appearance and decided to look into body contouring procedures. She found double board certified surgeon, Dr. Pousti and knew she wanted him to perform her mommy makeover after viewing several of the results he was able to achieve for his patients.

With her weight loss and gain after two pregnancies, the patient was extrememly unhappy with ht excess skin left in her abdomen and her breasts. Dr. Pousti examined the patient and they both agreed to proceed with the mommy makeover surgery.

Mommy Makeover procedures are combinations of breast and body procedures. In this patients case, she would greatly benefit from a breast reduction, extended abdominoplasty, and liposuction of her flanks and back.

Prior to the Mommy Makeover procedure the patient and Dr. Pousti meet several times to discuss options, possible risks and the entire procedure in detail. On the last appointment before the surgery measurements of the patient’s breasts, abdomen and lower back are taken. These measurements are marked and are used as guidelines for the procedures that are to be performed.

On the patient’s breast the ‘x’ markings indicate where the new location for the nipple/areola complex will be located. The excess skin under the breast will be removed and the breast tissue will be re-arranged to give the patient a nice ‘perky’ look she is looking for. The red horizontal lines drawn on the patient’s abdomen and back are where the incisions for the abdominoplasty will take place. And lastly the circular lines indicate liposuction areas.

Prior to the Breast Reduction Portion of the Mommy Makeover

During most breast reduction procedures or breast reduction procedures a ‘tailor tacking’ technique is used. This technique is used to help insure that symmetry is achieved and is also used to see what the final result may look like prior to making final incisions.

‘Tailor Tacking’ on Right Breast in Operating Room

Immediately After Mommy Makeover Surgery in Operating Room

Once the breast portion of the procedure is completed Dr. Pousti moves onto the abdominoplasty. During the abdominoplasty not only is the patient’s excess skin removed but Dr. Pousti performs muscle repair as well. This gives the patient a nice tight abdomen and small waistline as well. Another part of the abdominoplasty procedure is the revision of the belly button’s appearance. The belly button must be revised because the abdomen tissue has been brought closer together and the old belly button location often lies on/near the incision lines. Immediately a desirable waistline has been achieved.

Below is a picture of the patient 1 week post-op in recovery from her mommy makeover. A walker is used to aide during recovery, since the patient must remain in a hunched over position to protect the incision.

The patient is now 3 weeks post-operative and is extremely satisfied with her extended tummy tuck, breast reduction, and liposuction results! Although swelling is still present, the waistline is already much smaller and will continue to shrink.

I am a 41 year old and have been fighting my weight gains and losses ever since I was 23 years old. In high school I thought I looked okay. It wasn’t until I married and had 2 children that my weight problem got serious. Every year the pounds just kept adding up until I was at 265 pounds and didn’t know how I got there. I tried many different weightless programs, and always seemed to put the weight back on just as fast as I lost it.

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!

This 26 year old from San Diego, California was interested in several procedures after massive weight loss left her with lots of excess tissue. She lost 120 lbs, but now had loose skin and felt even more uncomfortable with her body. She researched for a plastic surgeon in San Diego County and found double board certified surgeon, Dr. Tom Pousti. She was extrememly impressed with the results Dr. Pousti was able to achieve for his previous patient’s and decided to meet with him to discuss her options.

During examination, Dr. Pousti mentioned that the patient would greatly benefit from a tummy tuck, mastopexy, and breast augmentation based on her concerns and goals. Although the patient maintained a healthy lifestyle and followed a strict diet, an abdominoplasty is needed to tighten the abdominal muscles and remove the excess skin. The patient wanted to achieve round and full breasts with cleavage, so Dr. Pousti recommended that the patient proceed with a 2 stage procedure, to reduce the chance of any complications. He suggested that she first have her mastopexy performed and then once healed, continue with her breast augmentation and tummy tuck, so that the implants are not placing any pressure on her breast lift incisions.

The night before surgery and the morning of surgery, Dr. Pousti and the patient met to perform markings of the breast. These markings are used as a guideline during surgery to achieve as much symmetry as possible. In this patient’s case, there was significant breast asymmetry present.

Once markings are complete, the surgery is discussed in detail and all of the patient’s questions are answered. Dr. Pousti also discusses any risks and complications associated with breast lifting.

Before Breast Lift

In the operating room, Dr. Pousti reinforces markings prior to beginning surgery. Minor adjustments are made where needed.

During Breast Lift

During the mastopexy procedure, the breast tissue is rearranged, the nipple position is shifted, and the breast tissue is tighter.

After Breast Lift

While lifting the breasts, Dr. Pousti removed 73 grams from the patient right breast, and 140 grams from the left breast. The breast lift takes about 2-3 hours and the breast’s appear more youthful and much “perkier”.

The patient is now 1 week post-op and is very satisfied with her mastopexy results. In about 3-6 months once she is healed, she will continue with her breast enhancement and abdominoplasty surgery.

This 31 year old from San Diego, California was interested in several procedures after weight loss post pregnancy. Through diet and exercise the patient was able to loose a lot of weight but was left with loose skin in her abdomen. The patient also felt her breasts had become much “saggier” after childbirth. She was referred to Pousti Plastic Surgery by a friend of hers, who was also a previous patient of Dr. Pousti’s. After reviewing Dr. Pousti’s website and reading several mommy makeover testimonials, she decided to schedule a consultation with him.

Mommy Makeover procedures generally consist of a combination of  procedures that contour and sculpt the body. Upon examination it was determined that the best option for this patient would be a breast augmentation, breast lift, abdominoplasty, and liposuction of the flanks/back. During her visits at the office the patient was able to meet with Dr. Pousti’s previous patients and ask them questions about their journey and experience with Pousti Plastic Surgery.

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!