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Tom J. Pousti, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Home   >  Tom J. Pousti, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Address:
San Diego, California, 91942
GPS:
33.871, -84.4635
Telephone:
(619) 300-5146
Email:
info@pousti.com
Web:
http://www.poustiplasticsurgery.com
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Overview


Doctor's Website

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A complete range of cosmetic, plastic, and reconstructive surgical procedures are available in a state-of-the-art surgical facilitiy. Dr. Tom Pousti performs all surgical procedures and provides your postoperative care with the support of a highly trained staff for surgical assistance, nursing care, anesthesia and recovery.

Dr. Tom Pousti and his La Jolla / San Diego Cosmetic Surgery staff are dedicated to providing you with the finest possible medical services.

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Office

Dr. Tom J. Pousti and his staff are dedicated to providing you with the finest possible medical services. A complete range of cosmetic, plastic, and reconstructive surgical procedures are available in a state-of-the-art surgical facility. Dr. Tom Pousti performs all surgical procedures and provides your postoperative care with the support of a highly trained staff for surgical assistance, nursing care, anesthesia and recovery.

Meet Our Staff
Vanessa, Office Manager
Daisy, Medical Assistant
Debbi, Front office
Anna, Medical Assistant
Melissa, Front Office
Helen, Front Office
Charmaine, Back Office
Cindy, Back Office

Associations

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Articles

Testimonials

Testi "Before I begin to write the story of my "boob job nightmare", I want to tell you that you have come to the right place!! Words cannot possibly express how grateful and thankful I am for Dr. Pousti. He came highly recommended from the Allergan representative himself who deals with hundreds of surgeons monthly. I saw 7 different surgeons before Dr. Pousti, none of whom I felt knew how to fix symmastia. I had 7 different opinions on what needed to be done! I decided to wait until I found the right Doctor.

I had my first breast augmentation in 2003 with saline implants after nursing my son for a year. They were terrible. Way to small, bottomed out, and severely rippled all the way around. I could not even wear a v-neck t-shirt. I had my second surgery in 2004 with larger saline implants. I immediately noticed the skin over my sternum was raised and that the implants were low. I went to see the Doctor many times and he said this was because I am thin, and this is normal. I did my research and found out I had symmastia. The worst news about this is you can not enjoy your breasts in a bathing suit, sexy bra, low cut shirt, NOTHING!! It's a terrible thing to experience, and can be pretty emotionally debilitating! I had another baby and nursed him for 15 months. About 2 months into nursing him my right breast started deflating. About 8 months later my left breast started deflating.

I had gone to see Dr. Pousti right when I noticed the Right breast leaking and knew immediately that when the time came I would have him do the repair. He told me at our first meeting that I would have to be finished breastfeeding for 3 months before I could have surgery.

I began to have pain when the deflated implant would travel across my midline, and into my armpit area. I went to see Dr. Pousti and he was very sweet, and confident. A few weeks later, I had the surgery and trusted 100% in Dr. Pousti's expertise. The nurse and anesthesiologist both told me he is the best surgeon they have ever dealt with, and I was in great hands. That says a lot since they work in a surgery clinic! The healing process takes discipline and patience. But is worth it! I am 11 weeks out of surgery today, and my breasts are @%#^* BEAUTIFUL!! Too bad no one gets to see them naked except my husband, and Dr. Pousti!! I am sooooooooo excited to be able to wear normal bathing suits, and any outfit I want without having to constantly be checking my chest.

I know this is a long story, but seriously if you are scared, and have doubts about getting revisionary surgery done, I understand! Dr. Pousti is trustworthy, gentle, knowledgeable, and most important COMPETENT to perform the revision! Thank you Dr. Pousti, and staff!! You will forever be special to me. You probably don't even know how much I appreciate what you have done for me! These are the breasts I always wanted!!

I had nearly a dozen consults over the years before I finally decided to have breast augmentation surgery in 2007 at age 34. I chose to have my surgery in Alaska where I live (basically for convenience). I was extremely unhappy with my results and my surgeon's lack of desire to address my concerns. I finally obtained a second opinion and was told surprising facts about my surgery that explained many of my issues. I also received confirmation that the recommendations provided by my plastic surgeon were not going to solve the underlying problems. I was heart broken. I had many concerns going into this elective surgery. I had put much trust in my surgeon and felt betrayed by her. I wanted to have revision surgery, but was scared to trust another surgeon. I had been blogging on several of the popular plastic surgery websites and Dr. Tom Pousti's name kept popping up. Patient after patient told their stories of surgery nightmares and how Dr. Pousti was able to correct their problems and restore their broken spirits. I could not ignore their testimonials, so I researched him myself and decided to go about planning the revisionary surgery.

First, I e-mailed his office and was shocked to receive a call from Dr. Pousti himself the very next morning! I e-mailed pictures and we discussed the revisionary surgery a few more times over the phone. His office staff was extremely helpful and quickly responded to any questions I had regarding the surgery and planning my trip. I met with Dr. Pousti the afternoon before surgery and had a completely successful surgery in the morning. I cannot thank Dr. Pousti and his caring staff enough for all that they have done for me! My breasts are healing beautifully and the results already far exceed my expectations. Dr. Pousti has true compassion for his patients. This is evident in the manner in which he treats them and the skillful work he performs on them. He is an impressive surgeon and artist and a truly kind person. I would recommend him to ANYONE considering plastic surgery. He is definitely worth any amount of travel. His office now considers me part of their "family" and I am proud to be associated with such an impressive team!

Dr. Pousti and his office and staff met every expectation I had, and ones I didn't know about beforehand. I was referred by a friend on a support group message board, and after researching online, called down to his office, and started the process.

I had found that there were no local surgeons that were experienced in going even remotely "large". I called the offices of at least 10 surgeons in the Austin area, and not one had much experience going over 500cc's. When I said that I was looking for 1000+, none of them were even interested. And I'm glad they weren't, or I would have never looked outside of my local area.

Looking through Dr. Pousti's before and after pictures for XL breast implants, I quickly came to realize that he had amazing skills, not only in the smaller sizes, but in making girls look great with well over 1000 cc's.

I asked to go with as many CCs as was safe in terms of my health, and to reduce or eliminate the gap between my breasts, which was especially bad when I would lay down. After my first breast enlargement with a different doctor, my left implant moved so badly to the side, I felt very self-conscious about it. After my surgery with Dr. Pousti, which included an internal bra procedure as well the 800cc implants overfilled to 1200cc, I have amazing cleavage!

If you want a doctor who works well with out of state patients, and who has an incredibly helpful staff, and explain things in detail, then you need to seriously consider Dr. Pousti. I feel that I should have gone with him originally, and I would have been much happier with my results, and my self-image. He truly knows how to take your concerns and desires in mind, and try to give you as close to what you want as possible. There are so many doctors who want to talk you out of what you really want, because they don't think like they can do it, but I never got that feeling with Dr. Pousti. He truly cares about making sure that you are happy, and that at the same time, he does the best job possible!

There are a bunch of amazing hotels nearby to Dr. Pousti's offices, from high end, to affordable, yet extremely comfortable and nice. His office was very helpful in making my decision on where to stay, as well as accommodating my more limited schedule, due to the amount of time I could spend in San Diego before flying back."
A.R.
Testi "Prior to reading please note: "before" pictures were taken after nursing two children. My "before" pictures taken prior to nursing my children showed much more significant bottoming out and symmastia. My breasts "sagged" some after nursing and actually hid the full extent of the problem.

I refused to give up hope! I knew there had to be a doctor somewhere that could achieve my desired results. I would not believe poor implant placement was a problem that could not be resolved. If I went braless, or if I was without a padded bra or padded swimsuit, you could easily see my implants were low and off center by my nipples being high. I also experienced my nipples coming out of the top of some bras and swimsuits because my nipples were too high and my volume was too low. At the gym, at the beach, at clubs,... even at church, you begin to notice nipples! Why are nipples even? Why aren't they pointing out or to the side? and Why are mine?... it is because my implants aren't in the correct place! How difficult is it to place and secure an implant in the correct position so my nipples will shine straight ahead? It wasn't that I walked around trying to show off my nipples, but I sure didn't like having to worry about them all the time!

Then my secondary problems... as I nursed two children, I developed some "loose skin". If I am going to have a correction... well... let's correct this also! And,... during nursing, one areola became larger than the other, we'll fix that while we are fixing.

After five procedures (total procedures prior to Dr. Pousti) I knew #6 (my last attempt) had to be performed by the best revision doctor... as there would not be another correction attempt. After searching on the internet for years (really!!.. about 5 years I researched during which time I breast fed my two children), and consulting with surgeons all over the U.S (Florida, Chicago, Dallas, California), Dr. Pousti was by far the man for the job. My decision was based mainly on his "before and after" photographs on his website. Doctors told me what they would do. Doctors told me what my results would be. Doctors told me what their skills were. Doctors professed their revision expertise. When I asked these Doctors to show me photographs/results of their work... they might show one or two patient pictures. Dr. Pousti had many pictures to prove his words... and pictures speak a thousand words! His website displayed dozens of breasts that displayed similar symptoms as mine (both more and less extreme than mine), but were corrected by Pousti. This is what he does... he's a "fixer". It also helped that Pousti said I could go larger to fill my loose skin and that I didn't need a "lift" as other doctors told me I might need to go with a smaller implant with a "lift" to achieve my desired results.

Office staff, hospital staff, Dr. Pousti... they are all great, but I really wasn't concerned about emotions and beside manner. I didn't fly half way across the U.S. for a congeniality contest. I wanted results! In my opinion, the trip and procedure was expensive, but well worth the money spent!! I wish I had found Pousti years ago and saved several revision attempts and wasted money. This is being written 6 months post-op, and at this point I could not ask for better results."
H.H.
Testi "Dear Dr. Pousti,

Thank you very much for all of the help and support you and your staff have given me. You made my experience a very positive one that culminated in an absolutely beautiful result! I can not thank you enough. Please join me for a skydive as my way of saying thank you. All of my best to you and your family."
R.M.
Testi "Thank you! You've made me feel relaxed and at home during my stay in San Diego. Thank you so much!"
J.
Testi "Dr. Pousti,

I cannot thank you enough for the work you have done for me. My asymmetry has been a huge downfall of mine for so long & now to have it corrected is truly a dream come true. Not only did you correct my issue, but you really made a masterpiece. I am truly in awe & owe so much gratitude to you. Thank you so much for this life changing experience, it will never be forgotten. You are so gifted & so many others are lucky to have you as their physician. Thank you for doing what you do - you are appreciated more than you know."
T.W.
Testi "Dr. Pousti & Staff,

Thank you so much for all that you gave me! I have never felt so comfortable being in the hospital! You and your staff are the best! Thanks for everything!"
C.
Testi "Dear Dr. Tom Pousti and All Staff (LaMesa, La Jolla),

I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful job you did on my breast replacement. I will definitely recommend you to anyone I encounter who is interested in this procedure. You're the best!! Ps. Your staff is amazing! You guys are such caring and professional people. Thank you Vanessa, Daisy!! and Cassie! Take care."
A.V.
Testi "Thank you from the bottom of my heart. "All of you" treated me so well. You made my dreams come true. Thank you."

Testi "Dr. Pousti & Staff,

Thank you so much! I love the look, and can't wait for them to be all healed up. I also want to thank you for keeping me safe! And the flowers were so beautiful & kind. Very much appreciated. THANK YOU!"
A.H.
Testi "Dr. Pousti & Staff,

Thank you all for being so professional and courteous. I am very impressed by all who called and those who answered all of our questions & concerns. You all have gone above and beyond the limits of this type of health care. Dr. Pousti - your care for my daughter was a blessing! God bless you!"
L.S.
Testi "I had met with many plastic surgeons in my area who said it would be "too difficult' to incorporate my C section scar into the tummy tuck scar and that a breast lift was definitely needed. I just wasn't comfortable with any of them and felt like I didn't really need all that work. After research, having a friend see Dr. Pousti, and talking to him via email, I decided to spend the extra time and money to travel to have him perform my surgery. I had instant faith in him when we met, something I had not experienced when meeting with other plastic surgeons. Dr. Pousti successfully used my C-section scar (which was a lot lower than most and very crooked) in my surgery so that I now only have one scar on my lower stomach and performed the augmentation without a lift. He was truly dedicated to the result I wanted and minimized my scars. When I eventually had to leave town and return home post-surgery, Dr. Pousti made me promise repeatedly to check in as soon as I got there. He said he would be worried until he heard I was okay. I've never met another doctor like him.

I had extreme stretch marks from giving birth to full term twins, ALL GONE! My stomach looks better than it did before my kids. My scar on my stomach is incredibly light and much better than it would be. I couldn't be happier with my results. I recently became pregnant again. I wouldn't advise doing this post-tummy tuck HOWEVER, my stomach looks great! I went in for my 18 week appointment and my OB was amazed at how fabulous my tummy tuck was. My belly button is perfect. Although she has been involved in many of these surgeries herself she said that mine was the best she'd ever seen.

I couldn't recommend Dr. Pousti more highly. He is very dedicated and makes the patient feel really comfortable. He and his staff are available to you before, during and after the work and recovery are done."

Testi "Dr. Pousti & Staff,

I want to thank you for everything that you have done for us. My wife has so much more confidence. I am so pleased with my procedure. You have taken years off my life! We both feel blessed that you were out doctor. You are a very caring and compassionate person. Also, we would like to say that you have the most friendly staff. They always put us at ease. See you in 3 months."

Testi "Dr. Pousti,

I can't thank you enough for the way you have treated me throughout this experience. Your calmness, honesty, professionalism, & concern are greatly appreciated. You were very compassionate, particularly as I was being put to sleep for surgery & I was very scared. I will be happy to refer clients to you for your outstanding service. Your office staff is also exceptional & I thank them as well. Thank you!"

Testi "Dr. Pousti & Staff,

Thank you for the smiles, the self esteem and the new me!"

Testi "To my favorite Dr. Pousti,

The first time I came in with my husband to you office, I felt comfortable and welcomed. Your staff was very friendly and the best people too. When I finally met you, I knew right away you would be the ONE, my surgeon.

Dr. Pousti, I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking such good care of me. I love me new breasts and if its not from you, I don't think I would love my body as much as I do now. Thank you for spending all those times talking and answering all my questions, even though some of them made you blush a couple of times. Please accept this small gift with my sincere appreciation. Thank you so much, Dr. Pousti. You are the BEST!! Lots of Love."

Testi "Dear Dr. Pousti,

It's been 2 years since my breast augmentation surgery, and this letter of appreciation is way overdue. I guess the best way of describing how pleased I am with the surgery is by stating how carefree and pleased I feel about my appearance. Before my surgery I used to feel very differently. I felt embarrassed, disproportionate, almost deformed by my time breasts, which didn't fit the rest of my body, which was rounded and feminine. Clothes didn't fit very well, and padded bras didn't help me much at the beach or worse, with my clothes off.

I heard of Dr. Pousti from a close friend, and I decided to accompany her to a post-surgical appointment. She'd told me about how attentive, thoughtful and capable he was, but meeting him personally really convinced me he was the right doctor for me. I saw Dr. Pousti at least 3 times before the surgery. I also spent a lot of time describing to him what I wanted and what I didn't want. He was infinitely patient, and made sure I knew exactly what i wanted and that I was convinced that surgery was the right things for me.

The one thing I impressed upon Dr. Pousti was that I did not want large "American" breasts. I didn't want people to know that I'd undergone surgery, and my quest wasn't for large, it was for normal. I come from South America, where woman are not typically top heave, and I didn't want to stand out. I just wanted to have breasts, look proportionate and feel normal. Dr. Pousti assured me he'd respect my wishes and wouldn't make me "big". Dr. Pousti also made sure I had the opportunity to interact with other patients, personally view the results of their surgeries, and ask them questions about their procedures. The opportunity to interact with patients was invaluable, as it once again confirmed to me that Dr. Pousti was the right surgeon for me. It also set my mind at ease about the surgery and the recuperation. I was a little nervous on the day of the surgery, but between my boyfriend and Dr. Pousti holding my hand, I just floated onto the surgery bed, and the next thing I knew I was awake and on my way home. The road to recuperation as a lot easier than I'd thought, and within two weeks I was already pressing Dr. Pousti's staff to allow me to go running.

Dr. Pousti and his staff were also there for me after the surgery. They called to check in on my the day after the procedure, and saw me during the post-op consultation, where time and again my questions and concerns were answered. Would I do it again? No doubt about it. Surgery has given me priceless freedom from the embarrassment and concerns that I felt about my breasts. Do I have a perfect body? Far from that, but I feel normal in my own eyes, and I no longer feel concerned about how I look in the street, at the beach or in the shower. Thank you, Dr. Pousti and staff, for all you've done."
J.
Testi "Dr. Pousti,

At our initial consultation I took with me two phrases of yours; "Class A" & "No Worries". While they may have been the shortest of your words that day, they were in fact the most profound. When you spoke of dealing with a "class A" surgery center, anesthesiologist, surgical team and of course office staff, you were definitely speaking of a choice facility and if I had to guess, a hand-picked team of people. Your office girls are exemplary. Every time, all the time. They give 110% every time I call or walk into the office. That was one of my top 3 things I was looking for when choosing a doctor. The anesthesiologist, Dr. Rose, made me feel completely at ease and the surgical nurses were some of the sweetest people I have ever met."

Testi "Dr. Pousti,

I wanted to let you know how much I have appreciated being your patient these last 9 months. From prior to surgery to post op and until now you have been caring and always available to address any desires or concerns I have had about my surgery. You are a wonderful surgeon that I would highly recommend to anyone. Thank you for allowing me to have a very positive experience every time I visit your office.

Ps. Your office staff is very pleasant to work with as well."

Testi "Dr. Pousti & Staff,

You are a rare find! From the moment I met you I knew you were the chosen surgeon. Your loving patient care is above the rest. Thank you for the flower arrangement I received after surgery. What a "kind" gesture. A special "Thank you" to "ALL" of your wonderful staff. They always smile & greet me with a warm welcome. You are all spectacular!"

Testi "I have been meaning to write this letter for about 3 months now. I had to let all of you know how extremely happy that I had you perform breast augmentation surgery on me. It was the best thing that I have ever done for my self esteem and my overall appearance."

Testi "The doctor and staff treat you as a friend instead of a patient. They remembered my name after just the first visit. I never wait long and yet I always get quality care."
S.

Qualifications

Dr. Tom Pousti is a San Diego Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon specializing in reconstructive and Cosmetic Plastic Surgery and is dedicated to restoring appearance, self-esteem, function, and quality of life to his patients. After 15 years of extensive medical and surgical training, Dr. Tom Pousti is double board certified in General Surgery as well as Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Dr. Pousti and his wife Marjan reside in San Diego with their three sons and daughter.


Plastic Surgery Fellowship

Harvard / Brigham and Women's / Children's Hospital
Boston, MA 1995-1997


Internship and General Surgery Residency

University of California, Irvine Medical Center
Orange, CA 1990-1995


Professional Organizations

Fellow, American College of Surgeons
Member, American Society for Plastic Surgeons
Member, American Medical Association
Member, San Diego County Medical Association
Member, San Diego Plastic Surgery Society

Procedures

Breast Procedures

  • Breast Augmentation
  • XL Breast Implants
  • New High Strength Gel
  • Silicone Breast Implants
  • Breast Reconstruction
  • Breast Reduction
  • Breast Lift
  • Breast Lift (Mastopexy) with Implants
  • Revision Breast Surgery
  • Tuberous Breasts
  • Symmastia
  • Pectus Excavatum
  • Nipple-Areola Repair
  • Gynecomastia

Body Procedures

  • Liposuction
  • Liposuction for Men
  • Tummy Tuck
  • Abdominoplasty
  • Pec Implant
  • Arm Lift
  • Thigh Lift
  • Labial Reduction
  • Gender Reassignment

Face Procedures

  • Face Lift
  • Forehead Lift
  • Nose Surgery
  • Eyelid Surgery
  • Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)
  • Chin Implants
  • Neck Lift

General Procedures

  • BOTOX
  • Cosmetic Dermabrasion
  • Laser Hair Removal
  • Laser Skin Resurfacing
  • Laser Tattoo Removal
  • Scar Revision