San Diego Liposuction Blog

Body Sculpture / Liposculture

This 19-year-old patient from San Diego, California was unhappy with the isolated excess adipose tissue (fatty tissue) around her abdomen, hips, thighs and back.

Even with dieting and regular exercise, the patient could not tone her problem areas and was interested in contouring her body with liposuction surgery.

She met with Dr. Pousti and decided to proceed with surgery after several consultations. The patient was a good candidate for liposuction and is now post op 4-months surgery, she is extremely happy with the results of her surgery.

Liposuction

This 37 year old patient was very uncomfortable with the look of her hips and thighs, she felt very disproportional. The patient was interested in liposculpture to contour her body figure.

Before                                                        After

The patient is about 4 months post-op liposuction surgery of the outer thighs, buttocks, flanks and back. The patient is extremely please with her new contoured body.

Liposuction / Liposculpture

This  patient from San Diego, California was interested in liposuction surgery. The patient researched for a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in San Diego County and found Liposuction specialist Dr. Pousti in La Jolla. The patient wanted to improve her body proportions by trimming down her outer thighs.

Dr. Pousti will take his time to remove the excess adipose tissue (fatty tissue) around the outer thigh area taking care not to remove too much and keep the “feminine curves”.

The patient is now post-op liposuction of the flanks, lateral (outer) and medial (inner) thighs. She is very happy with her new body proportions.

Liposuction

This 32 year old from Menifee, California was interested in liposuction surgery of the abdomen area and her inner and outer thighs. Although she was committed to diet and exercise, she found it very difficult to improve the isolated fatty areas of her abdomen and thighs.

After finding Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Tom Pousti, she felt very comfortable with his bedside manner and his staff. She liked that he had three office locations, one of them being in Temecula/Murrieta area, which was very convenient for her follow ups. After discussing her options and the planned procedure, she decided that Dr. Pousti was the best plastic surgeon for her and decided to proceed with surgery.

In the operating room, Dr. Pousti does his very best to remove equal amounts of fatty tissue to provide symmetry.

To aid in recovery, she is instructed to wear a compression garment for one month after surgery to minimize swelling. Swelling and bruising is expected.

This patient is already 6 weeks out of liposuction surgery and extremely happy with her results.

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Chris’s Story

Surgery Day – as told by the photographer.

Surgery is scheduled to start at 8:00 AM, I was asked to be there 2 hours prior, so I planned to be there by 6:00 AM. I woke up at 4:30 AM, and left at 5:30 AM, before dawn. There is no rain but sprinklers are going off.

The place we are going now is not a clinic, but a hospital surgery center. In the States, many plastic surgeons have a clinic where they do consultation and do follow up appointments for patients, and surgeries are done at the hospital elsewhere. It’s different from here where everything is done in the plastic surgery clinic. In Japan, we say “I’m going to hospital” lightly when we go for check ups and getting prescription, but in the States, if you say “I’m going to hospital”, people might get worried about you.

At 6:00 AM, we arrive at the surgery center.
Patients already wait at this early hour. It has a lighter atmosphere than Japanese counterpart, and there is a candy and coffee self service.

While waiting, Chris goes through the consent forms, and she signs them as she reads and agrees.

I also receive a paper to sign. It includes something like “not to touch the surroundings, not to faint, etc.”

About 30 mins before the schedule surgery, Chris is changed into a surgery gown and ready for the insertion of her IV. In the States, patients are not to eat after midnight, which is nice and clear compared to Japan, which is 6 hours prior to your surgery time.

Chris, who suddenly looks serious and says; “Grandpa in heaven, please watch over me….” Oh wow, it’s good to know this vivacious girl could be nervous too. “Wait, my grandpa is still alive!” Yes, that is my vivacious girl.

Pousti Plastic Surgery would be something like “Pousti Biyou Geka” in Japanese.

A message from the clinic; Dr. Pousti specializes in breast procedures and body contouring. The most popular procedure in our office is breast augmentation and tummy tuck surgery. Yes, eyelid surgery and rhinoplasty (nose) surgery is very common. When Dr. Pousti meets with patients, he makes sure that the patient is in good health and that the patient is performing surgery for the “right reason”. You have to be doing the surgery for yourself, not to make someone else happy.

I read their liposuction F&Q, which was similar to what we know in Japan. In Japan, we call it “Lipo (Lee-Po)”, but in the States, it’s know as “Lipo (Lai-po).

The photo gallery lets you see the photos of patients depending upon patients’ age, height, gender, skin color, bust/inplant size. In Japan, patients are pretty much all Japanese; here, there is a variety of people. That’ll be probably the reason why they let you do a specialized search. You can check Tummy Tuck here, which is getting popular in Japan.

Dr. Pousti starts marking Chris. Job gets done quickly with a good surgeon in any country.

The before picture of the patient is placed on the wall. Once the marked parts fat goes away, the beautiful silhouette will show.

I go in with scrubs, mask, and hair cap.

And shoes are covered. I’ve never seen those in Japan, so I didn’t understand what that was first. They make sure to keep everything they possibly can sterile.

Dr Pousti smiles for the camera and is ready to go!

In the states, Doctors and Nurses are board certified.

Operation time!

She goes under in 3 seconds with general anesthetic. A tube goes into respiratory tract quickly. From this moment on, everything moves so fast. A bladder tube gets inserted also.

Dr Pousti gently places tape on Chris’s eyes.

Everyone flips Chris’s body. Wait, Sideways? I was surprised since I’ve never seen that done in Japan.

The head is raised with pillow, and cushions go between legs and arms.

Surgical tools and appliances are similar to the ones used in Japan.

Oh, I recognize this one too!

Sterilization starts. Wow! Disinfectant looks like a chocolate sauce. The ones I’m used to see in Japan is liquid, so this is interesting. (In Japan, they use the disinfectant for vein injection.) Chris, you look yummy looking like chocolate banana!

The disinfectant gets spread with sponge.

Dr. Pousti is changed.
The robe string in back comes in front to tie; the way he twirls on his heels is very dashing.

It seems like he’s marking the parts that the cannule goes in.

Saline is inserted.

“One hundred”.
It’s the same as “100cc desu” in Japan.

Nurse who turns on the button studies Dr Pousti’s movement.

Scene where he inserts Saline.
This procedure is the same in Japan.

Only 10 minutes after going into surgery!!!

Here comes the first fat out from Miss Chris!
Everything gets done fast!

I’m used to seeing surgeries with epidural, so I’m shocked with how quick general anesthetic can go. Since patient is completely under, everything moves in a matter of second.

Since surgery is done in a hospital as opposed to the plastic surgery clinics in Japan, general anesthetic can be done with less risk.

There is a doctor who specializes in anesthetic watches the monitor with all her might.

Chris continues to dream nicely.

Nurse is holding the body so that the body doesn’t shake during suction since she’s on her side.

About in 30 minutes, right thigh is done.

Taping on incision part.

The other side.
Everyone helps to flip her over.
*In Japan where patients remain conscious, patients are told to get up here.

Again that chocolate sauce looking disinfectant.

The Ipod in surgery room. The music is on the entire time.

I hear he is super busy doctor in demand, sometimes having 40 cases of breast augmentation in a month.

Miss Chris from the other side.

Left side suction starts.

He changes the size of the cannule depending upon the parts – the same in Japan also.

Dr. Pousti checking the finishing look.

Suturing after changing the lights. The surgery light has the cap so that he can touch it with his surgical gloves.
Check out American version of Before and After.

Before.
It might be hard to see from sideway….

After.
The upper part gets straight curve, and obtains feminine cuteness.

Next is the inner thighs and inner knees.
It’s done with open legs with tapes stabilizing her legs over the socks. Everything except the surgical parts is covered completely.

Dr Pousti turns gracefully for the third time. Sucking the fat from inner thigh by pressing them. Inner thighs done, and sutured.

A stretcher is ready next to her.

A compression garment is worn…. (the same design as Chuizy) I was told the garment is worn for a month to aid in the healing process and minimize swelling.

Sheets are used to transfer teh patient to the stretcher.

Then Chris is taken to the recovery room immediately after surgery.

Dr Pousti smiled and said to me, “It was a good experience for both of us.” Thank you Doctor Pousti!

While Chris is sleeping in the recovery room, flowers are delivered to her bedside from the Doctor.

Chris is ready to go home!

Liposuction of Lateral and Medial Thighs

This 30-year old patient from Wyoming came to Dr. Pousti for liposuction surgery. She wanted to find a board certified plastic surgeon to perform liposculpture on her medial and lateral thighs. She felt that diet and exercise did not improve the contours of her thighs and knew she would benefit from the procedure.

The patient flew in for surgery after several consults via email and telephone. She felt very comfortable with the Doctor’s experience and his website which is filled with endless before and after photos of patients.

The patient is required to wear a compression garment to minimize swelling for 4 weeks. Massaging the areas will help prevent any irregularities.

The patient is 2-years post-op surgery and is extremely happy with her results. She keeps in touch with the Doctor via email.

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Male Liposuction: Gynecomastia

This 30-year old male from San Diego, California was interested in gynecomastia surgery. He was very self-conscious with appearance of his chest.  Gynecomastia is a condition of enlarged breasts in males and affects an estimated 40% to 60% of men. It may affect only one breast or both. The patient found Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Tom Pousti on the internet and was very impressed by his experience in heping male patients with gynecomastia. After meeting with Dr. Pousti, in his La Mesa clinic, the patient decided that Dr. Pousti was the best plastic surgeon for him in the Southern California area. He felt very comfortable with his decision since he was able to meet other patient’s who went through the same procedure. All of the patient’s questions were ansswererd and the procedure was described in full detail. Prior to surgery, markings were made to ensure preciseness of the measurements. In the operating room, Dr. will do his best to acheive symmetry and improve the chests contour. To reduce the size of the areola, an incision was made around the areola. Fatty tissue is removed and liposuction was performed. Here is the tissue and fat removed from each chest. To confirm symmetry, the patient is placed in the upright position. Internal sutures will dissolve over time, resulting in a smooth chest wall. (Intra-Operative) Before (Intra-Operative) Immediately After Surgery The patient is now 2-months post-op gynecomastia surgery and is thrilled with his new and improved male physique.   Before After 2-months Before After Before After Patient Testimonial: The experience I had with Dr. Pousti and his staffs were excellent! My consultations were handled professionally and I felt very comfortable during my visits. When I had my Gynecomastia surgery on 10.26.2009, a few things that really stood out to me was the fact that Dr. Pousti was punctual and the surgery results turned out better than expected. I was informed that the surgery went a bit longer than expected only because Dr Pousti wanted to ensure that I received exactly what I was looking for. I’m currently recovering and my results have been improving greatly! While I’m at my post-op visits, all of the staff greets me with smiles and professionalism. Now I am in week 5 of my recovery and I still receive check up calls from them to see how my recovery is taking place. I never feel rushed whether I have questions on the phone or in person. After the surgery, I was such a hurry to get back into the gym but I knew I have to rest my body in order to heal. With Dr. Pousti knowing my situation with fitness and sports he informed me on when it’s appropriate to return to the gym and my workout intensity. It really shows that he cares not only professionally, but also personally. Thank you Dr. Pousti and ALL of the staff!! You’ve definitely helped change my life.

Male Liposuction

This 49-year-old male was interested in liposuction of the abdomen and flanks. He was very bothered with the “love handle” look  in that particular area. He felt that diet and exercise just was not enough to improve the areas. The patient met with Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Tom Pousti, and was confident that he had found the best plastic surgeon to help him fulfill his goals. Dr. Pousti explained the procedure in detail to the patient to help him feel comfortable with his decision in proceeding with liposuction surgery. He was an excellent candidate for liposuction  surgery. He scheduled surgery and returned for a pre-operative visit. During the pre-operative visit all of the patient’s questions are answered. Pre-operative and post-operative instructions were discussed with the patient. The patient is aware of what to expect druing recovery. Prescriptions are given to the patient at this time. All medications are taken post-operatively. The patient is instructed to wear a compression garment for atleast a month to minimize swelling and aid in the healing process. It is important to massage the areas to prevent any irregulaties in the areas. Incisions are very inconspicuous and will heal very quickly. 3-months post-op liposuction surgery, the patient is very thrilled with his results. The results are dramatic and the patient feels more comfortable in his skin.

The patient is 3-months post-op liposuction of the abdomen and flanks area. He is extremely happy with his improved body contours.

 

 The flank area has significant changes and does not appear as a “muffin top”.

Testimonial:

I am a 50 year old man and recently underwent a liposuction procedure. I was very frustrated with my waistline; guys tend to accumulate extra pounds around the waist. Some call them love handles, but I didn’t. No matter how much I dieted and exercised, I could not loose the extra weight around my waist. I have always been very athletic. I exercised 5-6 times a week and weighed less than I did in high school but still could not put on jeans that I could wear just a few years ago. The appearance was not want I wanted and it looked and felt way out of proportion. Last year my wife had a breast augmentation procedure performed by Dr. Pousti and after seeing the great results there; I explored the possibility of liposuction and am extremely happy I did. I underwent the procedure on a Thursday and returned to work the following Tuesday. The results are great; it is everything I had hoped for. After years of frustration, it was all gone in just two hours. I can now see the muscle I always knew was there.

Dr. Pousti and his staff are very warm, friendly and helpful and they all did a great job. I am very pleased with the outcome and would recommend it to others. I have no regrets and would do it all over again; in fact I wonder why I waited so long. This experience has definitely changed my viewpoint on plastic surgery.

 

B.W.
San Diego

Liposuction and multiple procedures

This 49 year-old patient from Hemet, California (Riverside County) was interested in multiple procedures and needed revisionary surgery. She had previously underwent a breast augmentation and tummy tuck surgery with a different surgeon but was unhappy with her results. After 6 pregnancies and her battle with weight gain and weight loss, she decided to find a plastic surgeon to help her gain her pre-baby body. She was referred to Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Pousti, by a co-worker, and loved that he had an office in the Temecula/Murrieta  area to accommodate her for her follow ups.

During her consultation, the patient presented Dr. Pousti with a “wish-list” of everything she wanted achieved. After a couple of consultations and being able to meet with some of his previous patients, the patient decided to proceed with surgery and was confident in her decision.

On December of 2004, this patient underwent a lower body lift (buttock lift and lateral thigh lift) as well as revision of her previous abdominoplasty surgery. Below you will see the “markings” that Dr. Pousti performs before surgery.

Markings	Markings

Before bodylift	After bodylift

On November of 2005, liposuction of the lateral and medial thighs was performed to improve the proportions. Using a careful technique, Dr. Pousti is sure to remove equal amounts of fatty tissue from both sides of the body to achieve symmetry.

Before liposuction	After liposuction

On December of 2005, she underwent bilateral arm lifting surgery (brachioplasty).

On September of 2006, she had liposuction of the abdomen and flanks as well.

The patient is extremely happy with her new and improved look.

Testimonial:

Dear Dr. Pousti,
I just want to thank you for the wonderful change in life you have made! Each of my surgeries has turned out to be better than I could have ever imagined. After losing approximately 65 lbs and having six children I needed help! My skin is so thin and the sagging was so disappointing after all of the exercise and dieting. Two years ago I had a tummy tuck by another doctor in the Murrieta area. I was pleased (As I did not know what to expect). I wanted to continue on my journey and a co-worker highly recommended you. A little over a year ago I went to you and another Doctor (located La Jolla) for a consultation. The day after my consultation in La Jolla, the doctor’s office was already calling to offer me a discount. I received calls from his office form almost year (even after my surgery) offering discounts. It made me feel like they were a little too desperate for my business! You have such a good attitude and make your patients feel so special! My husband and I appreciate how thorough you were explaining the procedure (belt lipectomy) and what to expect. I was also impressed that you wanted to meet with me several times before agreeing to perform my surgery to make sure that I was a good candidate, was fully aware of what to expect with this type of surgery, and that I was comfortable with you. After getting to know you and your staff I had no hesitation in having you perform this procedure. Until I saw some of your patients, I had no idea what a difference there was in the way your tummy tuck procedures looked and the way mine looked! My scar was so wide and thick and your patients had beautiful thin scars. When you preformed my surgery you also revised my scar. I was so pleased with the outcome that I knew I would have you complete my transformation. My second surgery was one year later for a medial and lateral thigh lift. I had so much extra skin that I was embarrassed to wear shorts or a bathing suit! You again were very honest and explained all the details of the procedure and recovery. You recommended that I stay at a recovery center for several days after the surgery as we live out of town. I am so glad that I stayed at the Hideaway as I needed to stay put and they made that easy. My husband and I were very impressed with Julie, Christy and their staff and how gentle and compassionate they were. They are a great complement to the whole experience. Again I was so pleased and the results were so much more than I expected. My legs look great! My last surgery was an arm lift and again the results were beyond what I had dreamed. The outcome is so impressive and you are always there for my husband and I. You are always more than happy to answer our endless questions and explain everything. I can’t express how grateful I am to you. You are such an artist and make such a difference in your patients’ lives. In fact my husband and I were so pleased that I encouraged my daughter to consult with you for her breast augmentation and tummy tuck. She was so impressed with you, your staff and the patients she spoke with that she had you perform her procedures and she couldn’t be happier. She looks fantastic! You and your staff are so caring, professional and welcoming. You definitely have the best staff! You always take time and never make me feel rushed. You are with your patients all the way treating them with dignity and respect. You don’t do the surgery and then only see the patient once or twice and that’s it – you’re there for the complete recovery and beyond.
You and your staff are a rarity in this day and age of everyone being in a hurry. I truly feel you are one of the most gifted surgeons and I am so thankful for everything you have done for me. I highly recommend you to anyone contemplating cosmetic or reconstructive surgery and I would be more than happy to share my experiences. My results are amazing!
Sincerely,
G.H.
Hemet, California

Body Contouring: Liposuction

This is a 32-year old patient from Poway, California came to meet with Dr. Pousti regarding liposuction of her lower body. She complained to him that she felt like “two different people” and wanted to be more proportional. She had been interested in liposuction of the later and medial thighs and hips for several years now and wanted Dr. Pousti as her Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to help her achieve her goals.

The patient was referred to Dr. Pousti by a friend and was confident that he was skilled in the art of liposuction. During the consultation, Dr. Pousti discussed the procedure in detail, reviewed the potential risks and complications of liposuction surgery and answered all  her questions regarding liposculpture.

The morning of surgery, markings were performed, which are used as a guide for the procedure for Dr. Pousti.

The patient is instructed to wear a compression garment to help minimize swelling for at least 1 month. 50 percent of the results are seen right away. Some swelling and bruising is normal and will subside over time.

This patient is 5-months post-op liposuction of the inner(medial) and outer(lateral) thighs and hips. She is extremely happy with her new proportions and feels like a new woman.