David A. Bottger, MD

I found Dr. Bottger through a friend who was equally pleased with her results. As soon as I met him I knew he was the only doctor I needed to consult with. Between his friendly, patient office staff and his clear knowledge and experience Dr. Bottger exceeded my expectations. He immediately made me feel comfortable and listened to my concerns.
The surgery scheduling process was a breeze and his office staff was more than willing to answer any other questions I had. I will absolutely come back to Dr. Bottger again for any future procedures and recommend him to anyone looking for a skilled plastic surgeon.

I was born with big bulges at the top of my thighs. It affected me my whole life. Extra fat and skin. I finally decided to do something about it and researched for over a year. Thighplasty is a really hard surgery and almost no one does it. I had 5 consults along the whole East Coast and this surgeon was my first. He was wonderful from the beginning. He made me feel comfortable and was confident he could help me. I was elated when I left his office. I did more consults bc I felt I should but I kept coming back to Dr. Bottger. I went back for a second consult bc I was torn between him and another surgeon. I had a million questions and again he was awesome. He showed me pics and spent a long time answering every question and he was very honest. I went home and stalked his Instagram. In one pic he was kissing a giraffe. That was my sign. He took me on as his patient and I made the appt. His office staff is excellent. Professional, funny, communicative, supportive. They explained everything. I felt in my heart I would be safe. Fast forward to my surgery. He said recovery wouldn’t be bad. I was nervous he was downplaying the pain. Surgery day comes, I have one day of pain and then like magic all the pain disappears and it’s only soreness. I couldn’t believe it. No drains, no bleeding, no outside stiches, no nothing. I was carefully walking up and down stairs by day 4, driving day 6. Went back to work a week early. I can’t believe how easy this was and I have these new legs. I still can’t believe they are mine. I will be able to walk on a beach without pain. I’m only two weeks out and I feel almost completely normal. There are no cons. There is not one thing I would change. I cannot say enough good things about this surgeon and his office staff. They changed my life and I couldn’t be more grateful. The cost was almost $13,000 and that includes the anesthesiologist, the procedure fee, and the hospital. If you can get to the Philly, PA suburbs, there is literally no reason to go anywhere else but to Dr. Bottger. He’s amazing.

Dr Bottger performed my breast reduction and I could not be happier with the results. He listened to exactly what I wanted and gave me just that! He is unlike other plastic surgeons and actually listens to patients. His staff is so kind and answered all of my questions. I am very grateful!

An amazing experience from consult, through surgery to follow up. As a nurse, it can be really hard to be a patient - we just know too much. Dr. Bottger and his office staff were professional, accommodating, responsive and overall wonderful. My breast augmentation and lift were thoughtfully planned, discussed with me in detail and executed beautifully. I am beyond thrilled with my recovery and results. I couldn’t give a more glowing endorsement - Dr. Bottger perfectly blends the art and science of Plastic Surgery.

Sooo let’s just saying I’m loving my results this far; my surgery was May 13th (2021). I chose Dr.Bottger because I felt soo comfortable after my consultation with him that I knew I wanted to schedule my surgery. His bedside manner is amazing! I arrived day of surgery which was done at a hospital and waited only 5 minutes before being taken back. Everyone was so nice and answered all my questions. The anesthesiologist came and told me what to expect and then Dr. Bottger came and marked me up. I was pretty small every where except the pudge from my two c sections. So he said I was a great candidate got the tummy tuck and wouldn’t need lipo. I needed muscle repair for my diastasis recti and umbilical hernia. I added a breast lift to my surgery to be done all in one swoop. Surgery itself was about 3.5 hours and I woke up with a warm blanket covering me. I was able to go home the same day.

Full transparency, the first week is the worst. Standing up straight is out the question and you can only lay on you back with pillows tucked under your knees. This avoids stretching the abdominal muscles. Having someone to help you move around the first few days is key. So I went back the next day for Dr.Bottger to check my incisions. It was a quick appointment. The biggest hurdle was physically getting to his office. Again help is key!!

Fast forward, I was able to put on my compression garment after a week and I am now finishing my second week and feeling good! The swelling went down from wearing the compression garment constantly: I just came back from another follow up appointment and had a small seroma (fluid build up) under my boobs. Dr.Bottger drained it in less than 5 minutes and I immediately felt better. It wasn’t painful before but I felt lighter after. Haha

I will share more details and time goes by but every day I feel a little better, and can do more. I started driving again around the end of the first week and with the compression garment could stand for longer stints of time to do minor things like light cleaning. Hope this helps someone! To be continued…

Had my surgery this morning. Tummy tuck with breast lift. Super nervous. I couldn't sleep two days before surgery. I would try to eat and my nerves were so bad that I felt sick each time I ate. Arrived at the hospital 6a and had wait till 6:36a to go in. My boyfriend wasn't allowed to be with me due to the COVID-19, which made everything 10x's more scary. I was marked up by 8:30 something and was told they started the procedure around 10:30a. The PAIN woke me up at 1:40p on the dot. Omgs, the pain rushed in like a tsunami. The nurse was very understanding and got me some morphine in through my I.V. , which helped with comfor but not the pain. Its about 7:15 and its time for my 2nd dose of pain meds. I can't get comfortable at all. I'm taking cat naps and the bandage that's wrapped around me hurts just as much as procedure itself. I think its to tight but the doctor knew was he was doing, so I'm not going to complain about it. For right now this is only photo I'm about to take. Its to painful to stand up and take a body photo.

Updated on 19 Jun 2020:
Day 2 and the pain still bad. Today I got my bandages off and seen my body for the first time, it looks amazing! I’m loving the results even though I’m swollen. Walking is my enemy right now. When we arrived at the doctor office I had to use a wheelchair. I told Dr. Bottger about the discomfort and pain I’m having so he up there doses on oxycodone from 1 every four hours to 2 every four hours. He also told me I could take a shower tomorrow, but I can’t even walk upstairs to use the bathroom because of the pain! I been using a cup (don’t judge me) and sleeping on my recliner that I brought off Amazon just for this surgery. My boyfriend gave me a bird bath. He been helping me a lot, I’m blessed that he’s a RN.

Updated on 20 Jun 2020:
Last night I couldn’t sleep. Every time I would fall asleep, I would have a nightmare. So I finally researched the side effects of oxycodone and read that nightmares, and itchiness were one. Today is not a good day. I’m so stiff that I can’t stand up and too sore to try and walk. So you know what that means...I’m still peeing in a cup. Still no bowel movement, which is a great thing since I can’t walk up the steps. I took some pictures last night. I love what I see, even though I’m still swollen. Dr. Bottger did an amazing job!!!

Updated on 21 Jun 2020:
I changed from the recliner to sofa. My back and neck became stiff from just laying down. I’m not able to walk more than 3 minutes tops, and my right foot is swollen. Also, my belly button was bleeding a lot last night.

Updated on 22 Jun 2020:
Let me start off my apologizing to everyone who’s been reading my updates. I been taking oxycodone and noticed I write all my reviews when under the influence. I seen so many mistakes that left me confused. Haha ! Sorry about guys.
Now to the shower. I only washed with the Dove body wash on my arms, legs, and back. I just let the water run on the front part of my body. I was to scared to use soap, I felt like it was too soon. My pain leave today is about a 4 out of 10. But my back, since I’m not standing straight up, the pain from back is about a 9 (only when I’m walking).

Updated on 24 Jun 2020:
Tomorrow mark a week and to me I see no improvement in my walk nor in my standing. I was told to move around as much as possible, but all I want to do is sleep. The oxycodone gave me hives, so I was told to stop taking them. My tummy feel so tight, it seems like I lost all feeling in my stomach and my breast feel like rocks. I'm starting to feel depressed because went in thinking in two days tops I'll be feeling better, slowly moving around the house and not so much depending on kids or my boyfriend for help. But that's not the case. I read reviews on hours on end and see how these ladies standing straight up, taking pictures, and here I'am can't even walk more then 3 minutes at a top. I'm out of breath soon as I sit down for all the baby steps I took from the bathroom back to the recliner. This is worst than my csection in my opinion. I know every body is different when it comes to healing , but I can't but wonder if I'm doing something wrong. I been taking stool-softeners, and still no bowel movement. I can only eat small portion of food at a time, what a drag. I'm more of a independent female . I work 3 jobs and go to school full time online, so for me to sit here needing help every time I need something, and afterwards I need a nap is such a drag! Hopefully two weeks from now I can enjoy my new body. Just being able to walk, and get what I need for myself without asking for help, and clean the house. I know it'll take me a year to fully heal, I just want to see progress now.

Updated on 29 Jun 2020:
Each day bring great progress. I'm not standing 100% up but I will soon. I took a shower today WITHOUT my chair!! Yay!!! Go Jesus!! You wouldn't understand how much I prayed during that stage of depression. I felt discouraged and defeated, but I had to remind myself who I was in God. Whatever your religion, stand Firm in it because I believe that will help you pull through, especially with a procedure like a tummy tuck.
What is my progress like now?
I'm able to comfortably walk up and down the steps
I have these Sharp pain here and there from the TT.
My food proportions are back to normal.
I'm sleeping flat (doctor requested me to)
My breast still hurts though :(
My took my surgical tape off :)
Standing up @ a 75/80 angle :)

Updated on 4 Jul 2020:
I have NOT been getting any sleep lately, not even a nap. I been sleeping on the sofa for about a week now and no luck there. The recliner feels so uncomfortable to me now, so I tried my new Lull mattress, and still no sleep. It’s 5:21a on July 4th and I haven’t been to sleep since July 3rd, 3:30a. My guess is, I cant get comfortable because I’m a side sleeper. Yup, since a baby I been sleeping on my side. “So, I’m going to test the water and see if its warm.” I sleep on my left side therefore, I’m going to use my body pillow and see if that makes a difference in comfort. Well, good night for me and good morning to others :)

Updated on 11 Aug 2020:
Here’s a side by side of before and after! And I have to say, I’m loving it. I’m so glad that I chose him for it. I’m so happy that God kept me throughout my surgery and recovery. That’s everyone for your uplifting messages and prayers, may God bless you all

My TT and bilateral hip liposuction is scheduled for 2/20/20. I can't believe after all these years I'm finally doing this. I'm 38 years old, 5'5 and 144lbs. I have 4 kids, ages 15, 13, 10 and 3. It's been a long time coming but I finally have time off of work (I'm a RN) and it's go time:)

Updated on 7 Feb 2020:
Had my pre-op appointment today. We reviewed and signed the standard consent forms and I had an opportunity to ask Dr. Bottger any lingering questions. I’m very excited but also very nervous. I have never been under general anesthesia before so that worries me the most. I have this beautiful family and kids that need me and I keep imagining worse case scenario happening. The staff in Dr. Bogger’s office did their best to reassure me that I will be in good hands and everything will be fine. I’m trying to stay focused on the prize. Full payment has been made, I received all my scripts and after care instructions so I guess now I just wait........ Here are some pics taken today. Looking at these pics reminds me as to why I’m doing this.

Updated on 20 Feb 2020:
Woke up 5:45am to be at the hospital by 8:15am for 9:30am surgery. The OR was apparently backed up which caused my surgery to start at 11:15am instead. The delay wasn’t ideal because it leaves so much free time to worry and become anxious. I had my surgery at Bryn Mawr hospital. The pre-op nurse I had was basic, nothing to write home about, however, the other nurses in pre-op were very sweet and helpful which I was thankful for. I don’t recall any part of getting to the OR or anything hat happened there. I woke in recovery around 3:30, the nurse said that I had been there since 3:00pm. I was in terrible pain!!!! Apparently I had Exparel, 2 odes of fentanyl and two Percocet and still was in pain!!! I had an amazing nurse in recovery and felt extremely lucky to have her. I urinated, got my D/C instructions and home I went. . I was home by 8:00pm. I have had no nausea, no vomiting and already had a slice of pizza. I do have an alarm set for the next round of pain meds. Tomorrow is my post-op appointment with my surgeon, I’ll post agin then.

Updated on 22 Feb 2020:
Yesterday, which was day 1, was terrible. I had my first follow up with Dr. Bottger. He is located about an hour away from me so the whole process of getting there and back home was painful and exhausting. I did get to see my belly which was exciting. I think it looks good, its hard to tell with the swelling and bruising. I can definitely see the “pleating” that is supposedly common with progressive tension sutures. I did have to call Dr. Bottgers office last night and get a new, stronger script for pain. Once my pain was managed I was able to get up more and move my body Which actually feels very good because from sitting so much your body gets very stiff. I’m walking completely hunched over as expected. I’m adding pics from yesterday’s appointment. Hope everyone else ping through this is well

Updated on 24 Feb 2020:
Thank you so much to anyone who left sweet comments or inspiring messages, the support really helps. My apologies for not updating sooner, it’s been a rough ride so far. I’m still in a lot of pain. My back is primarily where the pain is coming from however my stomach feels like it is constantly having spasms or contractions. My stomach still has a lot of pleating which makes it look cray so that’s very frustrating too. My doctor doesn’t want me to wear anything for compression just yet either. I did shower yesterday- yay for me. Oh and still no bowel movement. I’ll attach new pic from this am.

Updated on 25 Feb 2020:
Not much to update today. Very sore. Still very hunched over. Adding pics from after today’s shower.

Updated on 1 Mar 2020:
I’m finally starting to feel like a normal person again. I’m about 80% upright. Pain is definitely still there but seems to be at it’s worse when I’m changing positions. I’ve slept in my bed the last 3 nights. It’s still not very comfortable and I wake up stiff and it’s difficult to get up... but it’s progress from the recliner. Still have a lot of bruising but it’s definitely healing. I’m beginning to see a really nice shape of my right side, left side is not as progressed. Tons of swelling. My hips are still huge and sore. I have another appointment this coming Wednesday with my surgeon. He wants me to take the steri strips off the night prior. The scar is healing well from what I can see. I love it’s placement. Recovery is definitely a process and I do believe patience is most important. I think about all the RS ladies who are going through this with me and wish everyone well:)

Updated on 22 Mar 2020:
It’s been quite awhile since I’ve last updated. I went back to work after 2 weeks. I’m a nurse and have a stressful job that often requires me to be on my feet quite a bit. My first week back to work I worked over 60hrs which I’m sure set my recovery back. Fast forward to now, almost 5 weeks PO. As of today, I do still feel quite a bit of discomfort and tightness in my abdomen. It takes a minute for me to straighten up after sitting or laying for awhile. My lower back and hips that had lipo are still numb and very sore. Overall my entire mid section is still very swollen. My scar looks ok. My doctor suggested using scar sheets immediately after my 2 week appointment. Unfortunately, I was left with a decent amount of stretch marks in my lower abdomen, a few reaching my navel. So far, I’m pleased. I do wish my recovery would move faster but I knew this was a process prior to starting this journey.

I knew within the first few minutes of meeting Dr. Bottger that I wanted him to do my reduction! I'd seen two other surgeons before, and neither were as professional, understanding, and talented as Dr. Bottger. He made me feel calm about the procedure, in the consultations beforehand and on the day of the surgery. The staff were so kind and helpful, I looked forward getting to see them! The results are better than I ever imagined. I would trust Dr. Bottger with any procedure!

I absolutely love Dr. Bottger. He performed rhinoplasty on my in 2003 and he was so caring and considerate then. He was very conservative with my surgery, which is what I was looking for. Even other plastic surgeons have been surprised when I tell them I had my nose worked on, it looks so natural. I recently went back to him for abdominoplasty and breast augmentation. I could not be more impressed. I had consults with 6 other surgeons, all of whom I liked. However, the moment I consulted with Dr. Bottger, I booked my surgery. He was extraordinarily patient with me and was very sensitive to the extreme anxiety I had about limited verses full incision abdominoplasty and choosing breast implant sizes. His office is beautiful offers many services, but it is a surgeons office, as opposed to a med-spa. Dr. Bottger is passionate about surgery and is an artist. He clearly loves his work and even at 12 days, my results have exceeded my expectations. I must also give credit to his staff, I especially enjoyed my interactions with Mary Jo.

I have had great experiences with Dr B.
I had my breast augmentation and tummy tuck done by him on two seperate occasions. I am going back for a bbl consultation soon. Dr B and his staff are the best. It's always a pleasure speaking with Mary Jo. Looking forward to returning and receiving awesome results once again.