Sue-Mi Tuttle, MD

I was diagnosed with LCIS, DCIS & IDC Breast Cancer in October 2020 & told I needed a mastectomy. I was scared & didn't know how to choose a plastic surgeon. An online review helped me choose Dr Tuttle.

I had my bilateral mastectomy December 1st 2020 & my exchange surgery (removal of chest expanders, silicone implants placed & fat grafting) in April 2021. Later than usual by my own choosing, scheduling on my part. I was amazed at how prior to my surgery one side was larger than the other. With surgery she was able to make me look symmetrical!

From the very first time I walked into Dr Tuttle's office and Deb the receptionist noticed the look of fear on my face, came out to the lobby & escorted me back to a private room to every single visit the compassionate care I've received from everyone is amazing! Dr. Tuttle, Tara her PA, Heidi Nurse & Joana Nurse.

In today's extremely busy Healthcare climate of every 15 minute appointments I still feel like they care, they listen & they're only a phone call away if I need something. As a Nurse myself for over 25 years I highly recommend Dr. Tuttle and her staff to anyone needing plastic reconstructive surgery for breast cancer!

Dr. Tuttle was the second doctor I had spoken with about getting a breast reduction, and I have never been happier with a second opinion! Unlike the other clinic, everything about the process was done to make my life easier. Everyone from the receptionist at the front desk, to the nurses, to Dr. Tuttle herself, all were so very professional, clear, and talented. I had expected a far harder recovery for such a drastic, invasive surgery, but it pleases me to say that three months post-op I am almost completely healed! My follow-up appointments have been wonderful, as well, and if there was a grade higher than A+ for Tuttle and her team, they would all be getting them from me.

Dr Tuttle provided me with ample information, listened to my questions and concerns, and was very caring during all my pre-op and post-op appointments. Her PA, Joanne, and the rest of the staff, were also wonderful to work with. They made me feel comfortable, and were very thorough in providing information regarding my breast reduction surgery and possible issues. I am 14 days post op today and am very pleased with the results thus far. I am 53 yo and went from an I cup to a B-C cup.

1st surgery was 5/17/16 to place expanders in after bilateral mastectomy due to breast cancer. Was seen in clinic approximately every two weeks for expansion. Then had final implants placed 9/1/16. I am now done with surgery and could not be happier with the experience and the results. Dr. Tuttle and her entire staff are exceptional.

This doctor is so great! Her personality, her help in explaining what was going to happen, and so far the results of my surgery! I'm only into recovery by 11 days, so I don't know what my breasts will look like when I'm finished healing - but as of right now, I think they are what I expected! I can possibly put some pictures on here later. I want to get the before pictures from my PS first, so I can have before and after.
I will say I don't have nearly as much pain as I expected to, and compression bras are more important than I thought they would be for the first couple weeks after surgery. I have been using my ace bandage to wrap at night.
All in all, I say DO IT! My neck and upper back felt pain free immediately!

Updated on 16 Sep 2016:
Yesterday was my 2 week anniversary of becoming the new me! :) I find myself doing too much one day, and resting the next. This is how I always operate though: I think I feel good, so get all the stuff done but remember not to lift more than 10 pounds! Next day, why do I hurt worse today? Lol
I don't have before pictures yet, but I will upload where I am at in healing as of today. I was a 42 DDD or 40G - when I am done healing up I will probably be a 40C. The lines in my breasts are from my post surgical compression bra. Wearing this during the day, and wrapping with the ace bandage when I sleep at night has really helped with swelling, and getting rid of the sloshing sound! Lol

Updated on 28 Sep 2016:
Healing is moving along nicely! My breasts have started looking more like breasts again since removing the tapes. I was told by my PS that the "boxy" look will go away in favor of a natural breast shape as the stitches dissolve (think about how tight those stitches are holding position). I'm trying to remember to drink a ton of water because it helps the body heal, but some days I don't listen to me. I will update again in a couple weeks!

Dr Tuttle told me to go through my insurance for this procedure, promised me I would not pay more than what I was quoted. The story changed significantly after surgery. Between what they charged me and my insurance, I paid more out of pocket and between all the Health Partners affiliates, they made approximately 3x what my quote was for. Had to go back for an in-office procedure to fix the "dog ears" or points she left on my hips. I commented on the fact that I didn't like that I could hear them scraping and cutting me. She made sure to tell the woman assisting her to get the music back in there for next time. Didn't bother to grab it for me though. I still have a funny looking point on one hip too. Terrible experience. Wouldn't recommend Dr Tuttle or Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeons in Woodwinds Hospital at all.