Benjamin Rechner, MD

Dr. Rechner is an artist & meticulous! I couldn't be happier with my results. After weight loss, I had many areas I was unhappy with. I'm so glad that he was my surgeon. Very well taken care of from consultation, to post-op. Incredible staff, from the front desk to the surgical team & nurses. This surgery has been life changing. Highly recommend.

I literally cried happy tears on my way home from my 360TT because I knew this fat apron I've been holding onto for years was gone. My plastic surgeon was amazing and has such great bedside manners. He made me feel that I could trust his judgement 1000% and I can't wait to see my results.

Updated on 25 Feb 2021:
The pain is insane today and yesterday and pain medications typically don’t work for me, so this has been a fun ride: ice packs are my best friend and I’m finally able to do ibuprofen today. I’ve been trying to walk around as much as possible every couple hours to prevent blood clots. So far so good! I’m optimistic that each day will get better and better and I can’t wait to see my results

Updated on 26 Feb 2021:
Finally felt strong enough to take off the binder and take a shower. I was afraid I would get light headed and fall over but a shower chair is a MUST! My husband helped me in and out and helped stayed me down. I got to see my belly button for the first time
I keep having anxiety about getting blood clots, so I’ve been walking as much as possible while still trying to rest. It’s so hard not to be able to do regular things.

Updated on 27 Feb 2021:

Today has been rough. I haven’t taken the pain medication since 2DPO and am just cycling Tylenol and ibuprofen and some moments it feels like it doesn’t even touch the pain my back is very swollen today along with my mons and it feels like there is no relief with any way I sit or lay down. I can’t wait until the swelling goes down.

Updated on 28 Feb 2021:
I’ve never been able to eat underwear without them rolling down due to my stomach. Today made me cry happy tears again. I am feeling much more active and was able to hang out in the living room with the kids for a bit on the couch this morning after my shower. Most of the pain I feel is on my back where I’m swollen above my incision. I’ll have to post some before and after swelling once it goes down. Fort post op appointment is tomorrow! I’m hoping to get at least one drain removed ????

Updated on 1 Mar 2021:
Finally able to move from my lift chair to the couch and to my bed more easily. Still need help getting up sometimes, but being able to move more is making things a little easier. Collage Pics are from 1dpo vs 6dpo

Updated on 1 Mar 2021:
6 day old scar

Updated on 4 Mar 2021:
Today I have been crying happy tears. I lost 100lbs and still saw this 300lb girl in the mirror. Dr Rechner has changed my life and I FINALLY look in the mirror and I am so proud of what I accomplished. For the first time in my life I really love myself, it’s amazing.

Having seen Dr. Rechner's work, I scheduled a consult for a breast reduction. Thorough appointment w/ excellent bedside manner. I personally want to know the details and understand exactly what's going to occur, who will be in the OR, how much pain is involved. He walked me through it. Can't wait. Recommend. 

Excellent doctor, I can not recommend Dr. Rechner enough, he was trustworthy and professional. Great nurses and facilities, AND fabulous results. I could not have been happier with the whole experience.

I researched my procedures and consulted with seven area doctors for nearly a year before choosing Dr. Rechner. I chose Dr. Rechner because he took the time to truly understand why I was seeking this procedure, explain the procedure in great detail, and then think aloud about how he would personalize this procedure for my body type. I was unsure about moving forward so I scheduled an additional consultation, and it was no problem. All in all, the office invested at least five consultation hours prior to my decision (!), which brought me peace of mind. In each of my interactions with Dr. Rechner--from initial consults to pre-op appointments to the day of the actual surgery to a telephone call following to my post-op appointment, I have been grateful for Dr. Rechner's attention to detail, compassion, flexibility, and standard of care. In addition, the professionalism and kindness of the office staff is astounding. I am now more than two months post-op; so far, I am THRILLED with my results and grateful that Dr. Rechner did such phenomenal work. I would not hesitate to recommend Dr. Rechner to friends and family seeking related procedures.

Active and fit but couldn't fight gravity. Didn't want to look 20 or 30 but wanted to freshen up appearance especially jowls and turkey neck. Researched physicians with strong background in facial reconstruction. I didn't want a pulled face look! Very happy 3rd week out, patience and trust paramount!

Updated on 22 Dec 2016:
Healing is coming along bit by bit each day. The most aggravating aspect is the tightness and numbness around my neck and ears, however, I read that that is the last to heal. I have just ventured out into the public arena with two informed friends and they say it looks great. I still see lumpiness and swelling especially under my chin and cheekbones. I opted not to do anything further into until I saw the final results of the smas and neck lift. I have brow furrows and lines around my mouth (resting [RS bleep] face runs in the family). Once I have fully healed I may opt for filler or Botox or both. Just not sure I want to look too young. I've seen women carry it too far.
For those that might read this a few pointers before heading into surgery: get an oversized beanbag to sleep upright and a flight pillow! Also stock up on vitamin water and protein drinks in addition to soft foods. You will not want anything that requires chewing or opening your mouth too wide( no wisecracks).
And utilize your pain meds!!!! It really does promote the healing process.

Updated on 26 Dec 2016:
Sleeping prone and able to lay on my side without irritating my ears, finally! They are still a bit sensitive but I'm making strides every day. The tightness has diminished dramatically and I have more range of motion in my neck. I still have hardness under my chin, but I'm not expecting that to go away for a couple months. I got positive feedback from my daughters over Christmas but my husband has been giving me the silent treatment. He was against the surgery, said he didn't believe in PS, but I wasn't doing it for him. He's 9 yrs my junior. He'll get over it eventually, but I'm sad I don't have his support.

Updated on 26 Dec 2016:
I still have some hardness and swelling under my chin but I'm hoping that goes down with time!

Updated on 21 Jan 2017:
Each week it gets better and better. I've noticed my face is slimming out due to reduced swelling. I'm very happy to report I have had no problems healing wise but I do still have numbness and some tightness below my chin on my upper neck region. I've read that this just takes time for the nerves to regenerate. Looking forward to the next couple of months.

Dr. Rechner is incredible. From my initial consultation where he spent an hour explaining the procedure in detail to the day the procedure where he made sure all my questions were answered. The staff and Dr. Rechner went over and above to make this an amazing experience. I loved that the office staff is always smiling and the surgery nurses provided me with everything i might need once I was at home recovering. I had thought about a tummy tuck for many years. Despite diet and exercise the extra skin and fat in my lower abdomen would not go away. I now have a flat tummy and look forward to wearing my bikini.

I have been thinking about this for a long time. Called once to get a price a few years ago but that was it. A few weeks ago I saw a friend that had just had it done and decided to check it out seriously. Had a consultation and got so excited by the sizers and 3-D pictures . I wanted to take the sizers home. Now I am obsessing about the size I should really get . And worrying about what people will think . I am 5'9 and 170...not fat but not a twig and am thinking 450 cc mentor gel under the muscle...

Updated on 17 Oct 2016:


Updated on 25 Oct 2016:
Ok, I am starting to get nervous and second guess my decision . I know this is what I want , but I am wondering why I can't be happy with how I am . I know from reading this site all the time that this is natural to feel this way. I will keep reminding myself how much I will love finally having boobs and how awesome it looked with the sizers. I hope the 3 weeks goes fast!

Updated on 28 Oct 2016:
Pre op on Monday . Have to pay the balance due, then it will seem even more real. Getting excited.
More wish pics

Updated on 31 Oct 2016:
Had my pre op today and it made me feel even better about my doctor . He is so helpful and informative and made me feel like all my questions mattered. But I tried on sizers again and am thinking maybe I want a little biggger. Here is me at 450 cc. and now I am thinking 500 cc. Still looking for the perfect picture for the doctor to put up in the operating room.

Updated on 3 Nov 2016:
Driving myself crazy . all I do every night is look at pictures of boobs.

Updated on 12 Nov 2016:
Surgery is Tuesday. That means this weekend is cleaning weekend. I want to make sure my house is clean so that's one less thing to worry about when I am recovering. Grocery shopping and making sure I have a good selection of easy to prepare food is also on my to do list . I am hoping I am one of the reviews that says recovery is a breeze but want to be mentally ready if it's harder than expected .

Updated on 14 Nov 2016:
Wonder if I will be able to sleep tonight. I hope this meets my expectations . Thinking I am going to tell the doctor 450 to 500 and what looks best and proportional...but if you are going to error . ..error on the bigger side.

Updated on 15 Nov 2016:
I thought I would be really nervous and wouldn't be able to sleep but I slept really good and I am more excited than nervous . Took a shower, washed with my antibacterial soap, and put my anti nausea patch on. Can't eat or drink so just sitting here watching tv.

Updated on 15 Nov 2016:
Surgery is done, in much more pain than I expected. Will post more tomorrow. Waiting for the pain pills to kick in.

Updated on 16 Nov 2016:
So I must not have a high tolerance for pain . ..I really had hoped I would be one that said this is a piece of cake , but so far it hurts terribly bad . Trying to stay on top of my pain pills and muscle relaxers but still is very painful. I am reminding myself that it has not yet been 24 hours. Will post pics later once someone else wakes up. Its only 4:45 in the morning but I moved from the bed to a recliner.

Updated on 16 Nov 2016:
I was going to wait to look when I showered but couldn't . This is about 24 hours after surgery

Updated on 17 Nov 2016:
My wonderfull daughter who also happens to be a CNA helped me take a shower and some pictures

Updated on 19 Nov 2016:
Feeling a little better , not so much like bricks on my chest . Still hard to get up from bed or the recliner. Stopping the norco as I have hives so hopefully 800 of ibuprofen will work. Also going to start something to maybe help me poop .
,

Updated on 21 Nov 2016:
Doctor said all looks good . I can stop wearing the bra and the torture band. Camisoles are all I need for the next 4 weeks. Snipped the end of my stitches and said the rest will disolve. Leave the steri strips on for the next week. Also got a prescription for the hives. Can start that tomorrow . All I am taking now is ibuprofen and muscle relaxers as needed. Bought some camisoles and like how they look, excited as they will look better everyday.

Updated on 21 Nov 2016:


Updated on 22 Nov 2016:
Excited to see daily changes. Still really hard and tight but appear a little lower than yesterday. Doctor said no bra for 4 weeks, only camisoles.

Updated on 26 Nov 2016:
Ok, I thought just going to a few stores and lunch would be ok, I guess this is a sign of things to come . Oh my gosh they hurt when we got home . I didn't even carry anything and stayed away from people. I guess it's good practice for when I go back to work Monday. So so very happy I have a desk job. Bit I know it still will be uncomfortable .

Updated on 27 Nov 2016:
Not sure when I will want to stop taking and posting pictures but I am guessing it will be a few months . That way the entire "journey" will be documented

Updated on 27 Nov 2016:
Here is the pic

Updated on 30 Nov 2016:
Doctor said I could remove them any time after Monday but I was scared. Did not hurt?

Updated on 1 Dec 2016:
So emotional today , stopped myself from crying at work but cried all the way home . Just not myself. I can't wait until I feel normal again and looking forward to no pain or bruised feeling. I think this normal . ...at least I hope so.

Updated on 3 Dec 2016:
When people say to take it easy and to not push yourself . .LISTEN!!!! I must have done too much yesterday and boy was I paying for it last night and so far today. I feel pain wise like I am back to the day after surgery . My husband said "pain just means they are healing ". I think he's full of crap. ?

Updated on 3 Dec 2016:
Here are updated pics. Have dry skin on breasts and incisions but using cocoa butter lotion so I hope it helps .

Updated on 4 Dec 2016:
Since my surgery I have been meaning to post this picture. I got this pillow a few years ago when flying home from vegas. I really didn't use it much since then but after my BA it has been a lifesaver . I use it in the recliner and in bed. Sometimes behind my head, sometimes on the side. Even better as it has softened. Its my new best friend !

Updated on 8 Dec 2016:
My picture taking ability could use some work . ..but I think my incisions are healing nicely .

Updated on 9 Dec 2016:
So I was studying them in the bathroom mirror yesterday and wasn't too sure that I am happy with them. Side view I love but wasn't too sure about the front view . Then I moved as I was getting dressed and the view made me happy . I was also happy as I ordered some VS bras in a guessed size . I got a good deal and I figured if they didn't fit I could just exchange them in the store later, but the 36D seemed to fit ...at least in the lightly lined everyday style . I'm a little sore today as I went back to my pool league last night..stretched items that hadn't been stretched in a while . Maybe tomorrow I will take a picture in the bra.

Updated on 12 Dec 2016:
It has been quite cold here. When I go outside my breasts feel like hard rocks upon my chest. Does anyone else get this? Once I warm up they feel better but the cold is terrible .

Updated on 13 Dec 2016:
Isn't that backwards - I kept telling her that hers did not fit properly. She got fitted finally so I got all hers that are actually to small for her.

Updated on 19 Dec 2016:
Went for my checkup today . Doctor said everything looks good . Softening up nicely. Will still continue to drop. All aches and pains I have are normal. I asked about wearing a bra and he said yes (woohoo, finally ) just no underwire . Drove right over to Victorias secret and bought 2. Cannot wait to wear them.

Updated on 21 Dec 2016:
Still shocks me each day in the shower , shocks me when my arm rubs against my side boob ! !

Updated on 27 Dec 2016:
Having your boobs done is similar to having a baby. You think you will always remember the pain but then you start to enjoy the results and the memories of the pain that you thought you would never forget slowly fade away .

Updated on 2 Jan 2017:
Things are going well. Sometimes after a long day they are still sore but I am starting to show them off. I heard my husband tell one of his friends about his "Christmas " present . Getting easier to sleep on my side , still place edge of pillow between them or it hurts (but not as bad as it had). Went to Victorias secret bra sale, was slightly disappointed with selection in my size.

Updated on 7 Jan 2017:
Getting used to them . Still can't believe I did it. The other day I saw a side view of myself at work and I worried if I went too big . Not sure where that thought came from?? I do feel more confident about my body and think I look pretty darn good for a 48 year old .

Updated on 7 Jan 2017:
Thought a comparison might be nice

Updated on 21 Jan 2017:
I had not really had issues with muscle spasms until yesterday. It was kind of weird and my left side was spasming...it made me feel like a body builder. It wasn't too cold here (and cold hadn't been bothering me any longer ) but breast kept tightening up. Any others have this issue ?

Updated on 24 Jan 2017:
Feeling pretty good , sore occasionally , a few muscle spasms here and there. Happy with my results . I think they look better in person than in pictures .

Updated on 1 Feb 2017:
Sometimes I wonder if I look matronly but this morning as I was getting dressed I had my arms up and liked the view ? I wonder if I can walk around all day with my arms above my head . Picture makes the one look smaller but that was the side I used to take the picture. I suck at selfies.

Updated on 11 Feb 2017:
My surgeon says no underwire bras....not sure for how long but I don't go back until April. Super bowl Sunday evening VS had free shipping and 20 % off one item. 38D no wire bra...very comfortable too.

Updated on 26 Feb 2017:
I am almost 4 months. I still find myself reading this site all the time. I think I just need to stop as I continually second guess myself . Not sure why I need to keep comparing myself to others.. I need to be happy and enjoy my results and be happy with who I am. I think I am going to sign myself out and take a hiatus, hopefully it works . Good luck to you all. I do appreciate all the support leading up to and after my surgery .

Updated on 11 Mar 2017:
I have been doing really good and not obsessing over this site but am feeling great and wanted to share pics. Happy with my results and only have boob greed occasionally ? still have a little numbness but doing fantastic .

Updated on 16 Apr 2017:
It's been 22 weeks. Time sure files. Feeling good , feeling confident. Not really any boob greed. Sometimes I think maybe I should have gone a touch smaller. I also like them better in clothes rather than naked. Glad I had the surgery , wish I would /could have done it years before .

Updated on 17 Apr 2017:
I just used this after my showers and a few other times when I noticed dry skin. Stopped a while ago when I no longer had dry skin. Did not use anything else on my scars.

Updated on 2 May 2017:
Can't believe it's been 6 months . Happy with the results , feeling good. Still have some numbness on one side but happy I had the surgery. Looking forward to rockin the summer tops.

Updated on 15 May 2017:
Got my after pictures - I feel they look way better than the pictures show.

Updated on 28 May 2017:
I think I would like to find a swimsuit top like this.

Updated on 15 Jul 2017:
I am happy with my results but can't seem to stop buying bras! People should warn us of this expensive side effect to getting a BA?

Updated on 24 Jul 2017:
Had a mammogram today . I had been worried how it would go, worried for nothing . It hurt less than my mammograms before my BA. I had an awesome tech and her compliments didn't hurt either . She told me to always make sure to tell the person doing the mammogram that I have implants as they do the pics different and mine feel so natural that she would not have known . She said I should be very pleased with my results.

Updated on 28 Jul 2017:
Got a phone call today from the Betty Ford breast clinic . I guess a lump showed up on my mammogram . 8mm Lump on the right and asymmetrical density on the left . Have to go back for more mammogram pics and ultrasound next week . They told me to try not to worry, right like I cannot worry. Get real people ! !

Updated on 3 Aug 2017:
Had another mammogram today and ultrasound of each breast . It's all good. Right has a cyst but they don't treat that. Left had some scar tissue. Go back in a year. Glad it is done and I can breathe a sigh of relief.

Updated on 11 Oct 2017:
Time sure flies. Pleased with my results , think they are looking good .

Updated on 21 Oct 2017:
Sometimes when I look in the mirror I am like "WOW they sure do look awesome" other times I am like "ehh their ok I guess". Here are some pic's where I think they look pretty darn great.

Updated on 15 Nov 2017:
One year ago I had my surgery . So happy I made the decision . ..just wish I had done it sooner.

I had a TT 4 years ago with a revision 3 weeks later and it's still not right. I have done much more research for my next procedures and after consulting with 3 other plastic surgeons, I am confident of my choice and am excited to see the final results. He will be revising my TT as well. 3rd times a charm? My first procedure will be the medial thigh lift with incision in the groin area and fixing the extra skin from my previous fleur de lis tummy tuck with a lift in the mons area.

Updated on 25 Apr 2016:
It's a week from today for my preop appointment. I started the nicotine patch 2 weeks ago and have had a couple slips. :( 3 cigarettes in 2 weeks is better than not quitting at all but in still disappointed in myself. I started running regularly again since this Michigan weather has decided to be spring. It feels good and I can already tell a difference in my lungs. I'm excited about my upcoming surgery but getting overwhelmed of everything I need to get done beforehand. I regret telling some friends of my surgery and seeing the judgement on their face. This particular friend doesn't realize that it isn't vanity for me but the desire to look somewhat normal and not look like I'm smuggling old man balls attached to my inner thighs. This is why I am doing my arms last because I don't feel they are as bad as my thighs and I'm not nearly as self conscious about them. Even though they are almost completely covered in stretch mark scars. My surgeon says that I won't need any drains for these procedures and I'm am excited about this! I had 3 with my tummy tuck and breast lift. They were horrible. One of the surgeons I visited said that if I didn't have the vertical incision on my inner thighs that I could possible have a "gaping labia"!!!! Wth? I hadn't even heard of that or that being a concern with the other 2 surgeons I had consults with. I emailed my chosen Dr immediately and asked if I should be concerned. He assured me that is only a possibility if the surgeon didn't properly anchor incision and suture correctly. He has never had a patient with that issue. Thank GOD!!! I have enough body issues and don't want to add to it. Especially a gaping labia. My excess skin claps on chairs when sitting just right and doing other things, I don't really want to whistle while I walk or in strong winds. Lmao!

Updated on 19 May 2016:
Today is the big day and filled with many emotions.

Updated on 21 May 2016:
All went well. The go girl female urinal was the best purchase I made for my recovery. I have made. I should've practiced beforehand because if u don't hold it tight against your body, it leaks. My incisions are covered with a plastic sheeting which helps keep clean. Pain level seems better by the day. Doctor ended up going with the additional vertical incision that goes 3/4 of the way to my knee. I know I am going to live the results. I may have lost my belly button but there was only a pinhole there before that a white creamy stinky substance would come out when pushed. Maybe I will get a tattoo of one. Lol!

Updated on 26 May 2016:
I had my post-op appointment with my doctor. Everything is healing nicely besides the 2 t spots and my belly button. I noticed an odor the day before and hoped that it was from the nasty bandages under the plastic sheeting. Was put on an antibiotic 4 times a day and instructed to put antibiotic ointment and gauze over the 3 spots. Everything else looks great and Dr Rechner did an amazing job. I can't wait to see the final results after all the swelling goes down and incisions are healed.

I was sitting outside and set my cell phone in my lap and it fell right through onto the ground. A bit confused, I put my legs together and tried it again and guess what? It fell right through again. I have never had a gap before EVER!!!! I looked like the crazy lady sitting outside laughing to herself.

Updated on 2 Jun 2016:
I have to keep reminding myself that I am still recovering. My energy level is almost normal. My incision look great and are healing quickly. The right "t" has a small separation but it's getting better everyday. My left "t" is almost completely healed. The vertical scar revision done from previous tummy tuck is a little red but is still healing nicely. My new belly button is way better than what I had previously and less fluid is coming from that everyday. When I walk, it feels like the chaffing you get from your underwear when it's hot and you are overweight. I bought "boy short" undies and they work perfectly. I did try to wear my thong undies today, but they sit right on the incisions along my upper groin area and were uncomfortable. The compression garment that I left my surgery in is great, but I am short and it comes up just under my ribs. I talked with my doctor and he said it was fine if I undid the top clips and zipper. It's easier to breathe now. A week out, I called the their office to see if I could switch to my own running/compression capris instead of the garment. Not because it's uncomfortable, but because I was sweating to death. I still had to wear clothes over the garment and this removed a layer. The nurse told me that would be fine and I do wear it to bed. I am swollen but not as bad as I thought it would be. I will post pictures soon. I am so impress d with my surgeons work. He is amazing!!!! I have another appointment with him next week and I'm hoping that I won't have to worry about compression garments after. Keeping fingers crossed. Did I mention that I did not have any drain tubes????? I was and am so happy for that.

Updated on 21 Jun 2016:
Had another post op visit and ps was concerned of my left thighs redness, swelling and slight hardness. Asked if I was feeling ok and I told him I had gone to the beach 3 days before and made sure I applied sunscreen and sat with my legs together to keep scars out of the sun. That evening my left thigh was bright red and hot. I felt like crap and went to bed early after taking a shower and Motrin. I woke up a few times that night soaking wet with night sweats. I just chalked that up to pre menopausal hot flashes and thought maybe I hadn't been as careful with sunscreen or sun exposure. I put magic marker dots along edge of redness to be sure it didn't spread. The next day I felt better and the redness had lightened up quite a bit. Sunburn it was, I decided. He unfortunately did not agree with my diagnosis. Lol! So back to the compression garment I go ???? And 10 days of antibiotics 3 times a day. I can not compliment my surgeon enough! From day one and now that the surgery is done and paid for, he is very courteous and is genuinely concerned of my health, recovery and end results. He has never made me feel rushed or that his time is worth more than mine. His staff is AMAZING and his nurse Liz is the sweetest lady and checks up on me regularly with phone calls. I am so happy to have chosen this team of medical professions. I will post more scar photos at 6 weeks. All openings have closed up and are healing nicely. I have had many surgeries and by far, my open gastric bypass was the most painful, but my thigh surgery seems to be taking longer to heal and annoyingly sore. Not bad, just annoying at times.

I had gastric sleeve surgery in 2013 and lost 85 pounds. This past December I had a 360 degree tummy tuck and I couldn't be happier. Dr.Rechner and all of his office staff are the best. They are all professional but caring. I always felt like he was focused on my care when in his office. I never felt like he was rushing off to another patient. He removed 7 pounds of skin and I feel great. If I save up enough, I will be back for an arm lift.