The eyes can appear tired for a variety of reasons that go beyond a lack of sleep. The facial skin is already susceptible to environmental influences like weather, pollution, and sun damage, but the skin around the eyes in particular can be especially delicate and vulnerable to skin inelasticity, dark circles, puffiness, and under-eye bags, among other factors. In addition to poor sleep, some of…

When it comes to making your desired physique a reality, there are two different types of fat that may be preventing you from achieving your goals. For patients who are within their ideal weight range and who lead a healthy lifestyle, there may still be fullness in the abdominal area causing the belly to bulge or hang outward. This may be due to fat surrounding…

Out of all the post-pregnancy symptoms experienced by patients who have had children, increased back pain often stands out as a major concern. Back pain after childbearing typically stems from reduced support in the core, and can range in severity from mild discomfort to more persistent, lingering body aches. According to studies published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery^® — the official medical journal of the…

There are many reasons why women may elect to get breast implants. From self-consciousness about a small breast size to losing volume after having kids, breastfeeding, or menopause, board-certified Philadelphia plastic surgeon David Bottger, MD understands that the motivation to pursue breast augmentation is personal to each patient. Dr. Bottger knows that a strong understanding of the breast augmentation procedure is the best way to…

The primary goal of mastopexy is to lift and firm the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. Since, in addition to skin, fat and glandular tissue may be removed during breast lift surgery, the procedure begs the question of whether surgery will change a patient’s breast size. In general, a breast lift does not significantly alter volume. That said, mastopexy can…

While liposuction is a fat removal procedure, weight loss isn’t considered a primary goal of the body contouring surgery. The ultimate goal of liposuction is to resculpt the body rather than achieve weight loss; therefore, the best candidates are those who are already close to their ideal body weight, but have localized fat deposits that do not respond well to dieting and exercise. That said,…

Pregnancy, aging, and weight gain can all be detrimental to maintaining your youthful body contours, but a Mommy Makeover has proven to be a highly effective option to help women regain their pre-baby body. As a treatment plan consisting of multiple combined procedures, the recovery period after a Mommy Makeover can be more extensive when compared to other procedures. Knowing what to expect during your…

An arm lift can be an excellent treatment to restore a more defined shape to the upper arms, often correcting the appearance of “bat wings” caused by lax or sagging tissue. While full healing after arm lift surgery and realizing the final results may take up to one year, returning to your normal exercise routine may only take a few weeks. Depending on the exact…

Dr. David Bottger was included in Castle Connolly’s annual roster of Top Doctors^® 2024, marking his seventh consecutive year being recognized. Philadelphia, PA — When it comes to searching for a new doctor, finding reputable, top-quality care is essential. Fortunately, men and women in Philadelphia can narrow down their search for an experienced provider by visiting Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors^® database — a carefully-vetted compilation…

Diastasis recti is a condition in which the abdominal muscles (commonly known as a “six-pack”) spread apart at the body’s midline, often after pregnancy. This abdominal separation typically persists for years (or decades) post-partum, leaving an unflattering bulge in the midsection — even when patients adhere to a strict dieting and exercise regimen. Although a healthy lifestyle can certainly help slim the waistline, no amount…