Recovery Suggestions - San Diego, CA

Tom J. Pousti, MD, FACS

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

• 4 Dec 2013

The decision to have my extended tummy tuck was something that I had contemplated for 37 years. As a 53 year old mother of 5 and grandmother of one and wife to the finest man in the world, I have much to be grateful for. But my ugly stomach really haunted me. Finally, in 2013 after losing 70lbs I decided that this was the year. Then came the hard part, choosing a Plastic Surgeon. I originally wanted to have an extended tummy tuck, breast lift, upper eye blepharoplasty and the "buffalo hump" removed from my back. I met with and was examined by four surgeons in the San Diego area. 2 of the surgeons were more than happy to oblige my request of having all of these procedures done at the same time. The third PS wanted to break these out into 2 procedures that would be approximately 5 hours each. I spent months researching online the credentials, patient history’s and looking at the outcomes and reviews of various Plastic Surgeons. Hands down my research convinced me that Dr. Tom Pousti was the best of the best. This was prior to ever visiting his office. I decided to make an appointment with his office fearing that I might not be able to afford him but felt that I owed it to myself and family to put myself in the best hands possible if I was going to do this. I was immediately met by staff that seemed pleasant and caring upon entering his office. After sitting down with Dr. Pousti and sharing my procedure desires I was astonished to hear him turn me down! He was extremely professional and caring in his delivery of the news but told me that frankly he would not perform all of these procedures at the same time as he simply did not feel that it would be safe and my safety and well-being to him was the first consideration. I was convinced from that moment that he was not primarily concerned with how much money could be made but rather how to get me healthfully through a procedure. We together decided on my priories which was the extended tummy tuck and the buffalo hump removal. I scheduled the procedure but was just about shaking from nerves as I was leaving his office. Dr. Pousti discretely called me back into his office and said he could tell by the look on my face that I was very nervous and he assured me that he would take the utmost care of me and he has certainly held true to his word. Through this entire process he and his staff have been extremely communicative. Letting me know every step of the way what to expect. He does not tell you what you want to hear but rather what the potential realities are. One example that comes to mind is when I asked how soon I could take a shower. He is quite frank and lets you know that it could be a month! Then further explains why it is in the interest of your safety to follow those instructions! His office called me every single day to follow up on me post-surgery. Dr. Pousti even called me on Christmas Day to see how I was doing 5 days post-surgery! I can whole heartedly tell you that this man is not only an expert craftsman, an honorable family man that is as ethical and sincere as they come! I cannot come up with enough words to endorse Dr. Pousti. I am only 12 days post op and have had zero complications and have followed his instructions to the tee! I love my results!