Rebecca Studinger, MD

It’s been 7 months since my surgery. Dr. Studinger and her staff was so attentive. She answered all my questions and phone calls. Her bedside manner is awesome I felt like I was her only person (not for real). She was honest and told me exactly what to expect. My surgery was postponed twice due to COVID but she knew how much pain I was in from my oversized breast and worked diligently to get me scheduled. No longer does my back or neck hurt and I’m no longer embarrassed to stand up straight! Thank you Dr. Studinger and staff.

I, like almost all of you, developed very early and continued to grow and then became increasingly uncomfortable with my size after I had children.
I am very active and even after losing weight, had to wear cumbersome sports bras to keep the floppy ladies from flying out. There was a lot of skin and so I could hide my size by cramming them into 34DDD compression bras. Because I am 5’9”, I was able to hide my size and look fairly proportional. But I was uncomfortable and unhappy.
I met with several plastic surgeons before settling on Dr. Studinger. Right away she made me feel comfortable, understood and that my needs were just as important as anyone else’s.
I am 2 days post op and extremely happy with my results. Of course there is a lot of time for them to change, but so far, so good.

Updated on 11 Feb 2019:
2 days post op. I am very sore, but am able to go off of the heavy meds today. I still haven’t had a BM and am doing everything I know to remedy that. This photo is of me while reclining in the lazy boy so they are a bit spread out. When I feel good enough to take a standing photo I will post it.
Updated on 15 Feb 2019:
This resting thing is so hard for me! I’m done sleeping in the recliner but have 5 more weeks of sleeping on my back and the thought is killing me. I just can’t get comfortable. I feel less and less sore every day and even did some light bra sipping yesterday. Y’all! It’s a WHOLE NEW WORLD!! Applying arnica gel twice a day to help with swelling and bruising.

But when I look in the mirror, it’s hard. With all the bruising and broken blood vessels, I look like a hot mess. I’m noticing that my left nipple is smaller and lower then my right and am surprised at how far she cut under my armpits. Apparently my skin is very soft and the Dr. had to “tack me down” under the breast before pulling the incisions together for the “T” and that is why the bruising is so bad. I’m leaking some yellow discharge from under my right breast, but was told that is normal. All in all I am very happy and can’t wait to see where they end up. Right now I am a 34C which is what I asked for, but will probably be a 34B. That’s what padded bras are for, right?? Never worn one of those before. lol.


Updated on 23 Feb 2019:
Like most have mentioned in their stories, everyday gets better. The main things I struggle with is back sleeping and not reaching with my arms. It doesn’t hurt to reach, but I know it’s not good for the healing process.

I started driving t day 10, only driving short distances and using small motions when moving the wheel.  I get sharp pains from time to time, and at the end of the day I’m a little more sore and tired compared to when I first get up, but for the most part I nearly forget I’ve had surgery.  My 2 week post op is in 3 days. I can’t wait to know when I n work out. I miss that the most out of everything!!



Updated on 24 Feb 2019:
Not sure why photos didn’t get added.

Updated on 17 Apr 2019:
Could not be more happy with my new tiny boobies!! I’ve started working out again me even doing some light jogging. It’s amazing not having large juggs banging on our rib cage and pulling in our neck. I’ve found so many cute dresses and bras and don’t even get me started on bathing suits!!! Wearing my silicone sheets still and using scar gel every day. Don’t love some of the “crinkling” around my inner boob area, but I’ll take it given all the upsides!

Dr. Studinger is wonderful. She is so caring and knowledgable. I can't thank her enough!! I went in to her office with so many questions and concerns and she knew all the answers and was very responsive. The surgery went better than I even imagined! Thank you so much!

I've received Botox and fillers from Dr. Studinger. Her bedside manner is the best I've ever received from any physician, ever. She's extremely honest, sincere, and conservative. She won't do an unnecessary procedure and you walk out feeling calmer and and enhanced version of yourself. I hope to discuss breast lift and slight augmentation with her.

I had a history of cancer and a gene mutation. I also had some lumps that were had been watching.I had my breast surgeon first do the removal of the breast tissue. Then Rebecca came in and did her procedure. She inserted tissue expanders to hold the shape of my breast until I have implants put in. The pros is that I no longer have the risk of cancer and no more 6 month MRI's and Mammograms. I initially was overnight at the hospital and then was discharged the next day. I saw her two days later in her office. The cons are that I did have some nipple tissue that was falling off the left nipple. It was black in color and then very pink, bloody with a little pus. I called and Rebecca saw me the same day. She said that this can happen. I was prescribed some cream to prevent possible infections. It it called silverdene. It seems to be working. I now have a soft scab over the area and it has no more pus but it pink in color. I will see her on Monday for another follow up. I have yet to have any saline added to my tissue expanders but I think this was due to the nipple and how sore I was in healing. Hopefully my progress and healing will continue to be positive and without any more bumps.

Dr. Studinger was my PS for immediate breast reconstruction after nipple sparing mastectomy. Going this route was supposed to be a benefit to me since the main part is done with this step with a potential for just a revision later.

I tried to tell her many times before my surgery what I hoped to get out of the reconstruction and tried to explain to her that my goal is to eventually go up a minimum of one bra size after the reconstruction. She kept brushing me off and saying that it’s too early for this anyway. She never bothered to spend a few extra min to allow me to give input on how I wanted my breast to look!!

I was not happy with the result of the reconstruction, and her rushed follow ups after that first surgery only confirmed my concerns about her standard way of practice — doing what she thinks “fits” rather than consulting with the patient on a very very personal and subjective matter.

I switched to another PS and he advised that I should go back a step and get an expander placed so that he can achieve the results I want. This meant one extra surgery that I had to go through that I wouldn’t have needed if she put the expander right when the mastectomy was done so that my skin can gradually be stretched to fit the final implant size I wanted. Those surgeries are big , invasive and take weeks to recover from. Her lack of communication skills and lack of desire to spend time getting to know the patient’s goal is the reason I had to go through all that.

Do yourself a favor and find someone else. So happy with my new PS and with the final outcome.

I gave her one star for leading me a down a rosey path that she could perform my surgery with no problem. Even after she was informed I had a rare skin disease.winding up leaving me deformed the rest of my life.

Well, I have wanted to have a breast reduction for the last 5-6 years but my constant back and shoulder pain has really pushed me to get help within the last year and a half. It has been a difficult and emotional road to get here. When i started my journey , I had a consultation with a plastic surgeon who I was referred to by my family practice dr and he was horrible and made me feel like crap. He declined to help unless i lost 25 pounds but i tried to explain to him how hard it has been to try to excersise when your boobs are in a 42 J bra. So , needless to say I decided to keep on searching for a dr who had just a little more compassion and understanding. I finally found her and she was Great , so I got really excited and started the process only to be denied by my insurance company (Cigna). According to them , my boobs were not big enough. Well tell that to my back and shoulder pain that keeps me up every night. Or the grooves in my shoulder that can be easily seen through my shirt or the numbness in my arms . I felt devasted and defeated once again. They wanted me to try physical therapy and stronger medication regime. Luckily during this time my husband got a new job and Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance to the rescue. Finally, an approval and a date that is almost 2.5 weeks out. FMLA paperwork completed and now im nervous. I know this is the best thing for me but im so concerned with The recovery process. Any Suggestions would be so appreciated.

I have been contemplating this for many years. Insurance has approved. Going from DDD/E to a B/small C "athletic" build. I am 5'9" and 145 pounds. I have been doing CrossFit for 3+ years, very fit and healthy. I have grooves/back/neck/shoulder pain. Hoping for relief soon! Will post updates after surgery in a week!

Updated on 20 Oct 2015:


Updated on 26 Oct 2015:
Super nervous....but Dr answered all my pre-op questions! I absolutely cannot wait to burn every single giant bra I own!!! Lol trying to keep it light!:)

Updated on 31 Oct 2015:
Well, it's done! Here's my update! The Dr was not able to remove 440 grams from both sides. She was most concerned with maintaining a healthy viable breast tissue. About 350+ from one side and close to 400 from other side. If your Dr has your best interest in mind, they will be conservative in surgery! I am feeling good, only used prescription painkillers thru day two post op. I am taking 800 mg Motrin every 6 hrs, took a Benadryl last night (Dr okay'ed) to sleep through the night. My biggest complaint is back sore from sitting upright 24/7! Tiger balm and ice packs for my back are a big help. I am super anxious to see where I end up, but looking like a nice, perky C cup! My areoles was made smaller. My nipples are reacting and do not have the "flat" look I have seen in many pics. I believe this is because my Dr was most concerned with the nipple pedicle! Be sure to ask these questions! I love my nipples and was willing to have less tissue removed to protect the nipple viability! I'll add a few pics later not feeling up to getting them out just yet!

Updated on 2 Nov 2015:
Today was my post op checkup. My Dr is pleased with the results, and I got my first good look with her. I have normal range of swelling and now very green bruising on their way to being gone. I will now begin massaging, very gently, with Arnica Cream twice a day. I can drive small amounts...I have range of motion exercises to lift arms gently to the sides, regaining slowly lost mobility from a week of non-use/very limited use. I will still not lift anything much. I will continue to sleep in my cozy recliner for another few weeks, then slowly transition back to bed but remain back only sleeping for another five weeks.
Second follow up in 10 days! Ok, now he pics! It's kinda scary to see myself like this but reality is what it is!

Updated on 17 Feb 2016:
Well I can't believe it's been almost four months since surgery. My breasts are "where they are" now. They have completely softened back up, have 100% sensitivity and no pain. The scars are visible but I expected this. The underside are the darkest. I have purchased bras that I love, 34c. I bought and wore a sundress without a bra! The girls are perky and I LOVE it! Everything is easier with way less breast! No regrets!! Would recommend Dr. Studinger for sure!

The total cost also cover a syringe of Juvéderm (_____), NOT just the Botox. The initial visit was March 13th (BOTOX & most of syringe of JUVADERM). I also had a follow-up visit on March 30Th (the remainder of the JUVADERM & a bit of BOTOX). I have a follow-up appointment for May1st. I called the office today, April 8th, just to ask whether the Botox may start to wear off since it'll be almost 2 months/what I read said SOME begins to wear off then (don't want to have to start buying more Botox). The receptionist, J____, said, " YOU'RE NOT GETTING ANY MORE BOTOX!" I found that to be a very rude statement to a patient in a plastic surgeons office. This would not be an acceptable thing to say under any circumstances. The jury is still out on my vote for the TOTAL treatment. The doctor is much more personable :-). More to come

Updated on 22 May 2015:
You asked for a photo so here's an impromptu, "make-upless" photo taken today

Updated on 22 May 2015:
Using dermal fillers & Botox MUST be done slowly. It's SOOO much better to UNDER fill than to OVER fill. Conservatism applies completely when having this kind of work done.

Updated on 23 May 2015:
I'm pretty happy with the outcome and don't think I'm going to be doing any more revisions anytime soon. This is enough for me. The idea is not to look like someone different but a better version of who you already are (and for people to think you look better - but can't put their finger on what you've done, LOL)

Updated on 23 May 2015:
I started with Dr. Studinger but had a less than favorable experience in her office. So I switched to another aesthetic service provider - I was happy we could work together be honest with each other and have someone who listened to me about my concerns (Robyn at Pure Skn, Ferndale). Below is the final product of my three visits with Robyn. She listens very well and is empathetic to the client. Between the two of us, this is what we came up with.

Updated on 9 Oct 2015:
Hi! It's been all summer but of course, things are all healed. (I'm actually due for some Botox shortly.). When I updated my profile picture, that was about as good as it gets. I've been trying to maintain the injections with good skin care products. This picture was taken about 3 to 4 weeks ago, when a friend of mine visited from Florida - so this would really be the most recent picture - i'm obviously on the right :-)

Updated on 9 Oct 2015:
Switched from Studinger to Robyn at PureSkn (Ferndale, MI) - over a 6 week period, I had 3 Voluma syringes, 2 Ultra 3, _____ units of Botox (lost count), & 1 Juvaderm Smile for lips (would like one more of that)...this was taken 3-4 weeks ago. With the use of good skincare products, I think it's holding up pretty good.