San Diego Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Tom Pousti
Talks About Mommy Makeover Procedures

»Testimonials »Post Op Instructions »Cosmetic Surgery & Pregnancy

Description

Pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding can have a variety of negative effects on a woman’s body, affecting them both physically and emotionally. Oftentimes it isn’t possible to restore one’s body back to one’s pre-pregnancy body through just diet and exercise alone. Luckily, for the moms of the world who desire a firmer, tighter body, even post-childbirth, Dr. Pousti can perform a Mommy Makeover.

The Mommy Makeover procedure is actually a combination of several different procedures that, when used together, produce amazing results. Since every woman has different needs, each Mommy Makeover can vary in procedures, thus tailoring each surgery to the patient’s restorative needs. Some of the procedures that can be combined in a mommy makeover are Tummy Tuck, Liposuction, Breast Lift, Breast Augmentation, and Reduction.

The Procedure

Before

Markings are always performed prior to surgery

An extended tummy tuck involves removal of excess skin from the back and flanks

Muscle laxity present after weight loss/pregnancy

Muscles are brought together creating a more desirable waistline

A stage 3 breast lift and implants are used to achieve desired breast size and fullness

Immediately After Mommy Makeover

Since the mommy makeover is comprised of multiple procedures, and every mommy makeover is different for each patient’s needs, the actual surgeries and surgery lengths vary. Normally, the Mommy Makeover surgery is performed in either one or two surgeries, with each individual surgery ranging in from 3 to 6 hours. In regards to the breast augmentation portion of a mommy makeover the are a variety of factors that affect the procedure. Placement of the implant is usually centered on the nipple-areola. Often, placement above or below the muscle is decided on an individual basis. Likewise, the incisions used to place the implant vary with patient preference and anatomy. All this and more will be discussed during your personal and confidential mommy makeover consultation with Dr. Pousti.

What To Expect After Surgery

Expectations after surgery also vary depending on the procedures performed. Closely monitor how you feel post-op, especially immediately following surgery. Some varying degrees of pain are to be expected, however, if experiencing any kind of tightness or shortness of breath, pains deep in your chest or an irregular heart beat contact Dr. Pousti immediately. To avoid any complications, it is extremely important that you strictly follow Dr. Pousti’s post-surgical instructions and be careful!

Actual Patient after Mommy Makeover

Recommended Scar Treatment

bioCorneum HC is the first and only FDA-Accepted silicone scar treatment with a steroid, and should be applied twice a day, in the morning and evening. Within minutes, the cream dries into a thin, waterproof, breatheable sheet that will lock in all of the necessary moisture, while keeping out the chemical, microbial and physical invasion of the scar. bioCorneum HC is available at Pousti Plastic Surgery as a perfect scar treatment solution to your plastic surgery procedure!

Patient Testimonial:

Dr. Pousti,

I have attached my thank you letter and also want to give you a personal thank you.

I’m not even sure there are words to describe how I feel. I wake up in the morning and for the first time in a long time I’m so happy with what I see and I owe that to you. I’m happy in my own skin and this wouldn’t be if it weren’t for you. You cared about my feelings and concerns and never looked at me like I was nuts (I was a little nuts) lol

Please continue to change lives it’s a different world with you in it.

Thank you with all my heart and God Bless

On August 7th 2012 Dr. Pousti performed on me a mommy makeover. It truly is the BEST decision I have ever made. I had been considering this procedure since my first son 19 years ago and all I have to say is why did I wait so long??

I decided to have a consultation with Dr. Pousti in May and I knew then that this is what I was going to do.  I explained to him exactly what I wanted and had no idea I was going to have such great results. I decided to have a lift only, being that I’m some what on the modest side and really just wanted some skin correction. Dr. Pousti also gave me some lipo around my hips and of course my beautiful tummy tuck. I’m so thrilled with my new body

Dr. Pousti , all of your staff and your staff at the Alvarado Surgery Center Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

Resumption of Physical Activities

Depending on the procedures performed bed restriction can vary from 1 to 3 days, mild activity may be restricted from 1 to 2 weeks, and it can take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks for a full recovery and the ability to return to strenuous activities such as sports.

Actual Patient Of Dr. Pousti

Patient Testimonial

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!

Patient Testimonial

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

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Click here to learn more about San Diego Cosmetic Surgeon, Dr. Tom Pousti. To schedule your cosmetic surgery consultation in our San Diego office, call (619) 466-8851 or email appointments@pousti.com.