Meet Dr. David Bottger
A highly respected plastic surgeon and Philadelphia native with over 20 years of experience, Dr. David A. Bottger performs a wide range of cosmetic plastic surgery procedures for the face, breasts, and body. He serves patients from the Philadelphia area, including Newtown Square and West Chester.
Dr. Bottger received his undergraduate degree from Princeton University. He then attended Temple University School of Medicine. Upon earning his Doctor of Medicine, Dr. Bottger completed a general surgery residency at the University of Cincinnati as well as a plastic surgery residency and hand surgery fellowship at the renowned Cleveland Clinic Foundation, where he acquired extensive experience in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures.
Dr. Bottger is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery — the only licensing committee recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties able to award certification to plastic surgeons. As a well-established cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Bottger is a member of multiple professional societies. Most notably, he is active in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the latter of which defines a select group of plastic surgeons who have the highest level of aesthetic surgical training and clinical experience. Dr. Bottger also serves on the surgical staffs at Bryn Mawr Hospital, ChristianaCare Surgery Center at Glen Mills and ChristianaCare Surgery Center at Havertown.
Amazing Doctor!
If you are looking for a professional and skilled doctor, Dr. Bottger is the one! I cannot begin to express how wonderful he is. The staff at his office make the experience that much more enjoyable. Dr. Bottger really cares about you to ensure you get the results you want. He is patient and works with you to understand exactly what you want, not to mention does a beautiful job. I felt very comfortable with the whole procedure and knew I was in the best hands. I am so happy with my results and recommend to anyone!
Board Certifications and Professional Memberships
- Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
- The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
- The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)
Hospital Affiliations
- Bryn Mawr Hospital
- The Crozer Health Surgery Center at Haverford
Top Doctor in Philadelphia Magazine
In addition to his board certification and professional memberships, Dr. Bottger is recognized annually by both local and national publications for his expertise in aesthetic plastic surgery. He is a consistent presence on the prestigious “Top Doctors” list compiled by Philadelphia magazine, which partners with Castle Connoly Ltd. — a national consumer research group — to recognize the most outstanding healthcare providers across Philadelphia County. Not only does inclusion in the “Top Doctors” index speak to a physician’s skill and level of care, it can also signify an unsullied record of patient safety and ethical treatment. Dr. Bottger has been named a Top Doctor by the local news outlet in the field of plastic surgery for many years, solidifying his reputation as one of the best plastic surgeons in the Philadelphia region.
What is a Plastic Surgeon?
A plastic surgeon is responsible for improving the function and appearance of different structures on the face, skin, and body. This surgical reconstruction is often performed for cosmetic purposes, but plastic surgeons also work to treat defects and restore form after burn injuries, trauma, and cancer treatment. As a highly complex branch of medicine, plastic surgery requires a high degree of hands-on training, education, and clinical experience to achieve the best possible outcomes. A number of techniques are used to yield a patient’s desired results, including tissue transfer, endoscopic surgery, and implant placement, among other methods. In addition to the practice requirements expected of general plastic surgeons, those who specialize in cosmetic procedures undergo additional training in the principles of aesthetic enhancement, such as facial rejuvenation, body contouring, and breast surgery.
Why is Board Certification Important for Plastic Surgeons?
Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is considered one of the highest benchmarks of experience that a plastic surgeon can achieve. To be awarded accreditation by the ABPS, a candidate must undertake a rigorous number of continuing education courses that exceed the minimum number required to practice plastic surgery. This advanced education — in addition to extensive clinical experience and completion of written and oral examinations — must be fulfilled in order to become board certified. In turn, board certification often communicates a higher level of proficiency performing cosmetic plastic surgery when compared to practitioners who are not accredited. Dr. Bottger’s ancillary training in aesthetic treatments like liposuction, abdominoplasty, and breast augmentation, among other procedures can give you the confidence of knowing your plastic surgeon is well-equipped to achieve your goals with first-rate results.
Plastic Surgeon vs. Cosmetic Surgeon
There are many doctors in the Philadelphia area offering cosmetic services to help you reverse signs of aging or improve your appearance. Some of these doctors call themselves “cosmetic surgeons,” while others prefer the title of “plastic surgeon.” It’s important to understand that these two terms are not the same. Likewise, the terms “plastic surgeon” and “cosmetic surgeon” are often used interchangeably, but the two disciplines do not equate to the same level of experience. The difference between a plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon lies in the area of specialization a doctor chooses to focus their career.
While all plastic surgeons can also be considered cosmetic surgeons, not all cosmetic surgeons can be considered plastic surgeons. Essentially, the main distinction lies in their experience and area of specialization. Cosmetic surgeons are typically doctors who have chosen to specialize in a different field of medicine — such as dermatology, internal medicine, and gynecology — but decided to expand their practice to offer cosmetic procedures as well. In many instances, a cosmetic surgeon may have only taken a brief training course on how to perform the cosmetic procedures they offer. In order to be considered a plastic surgeon, a doctor must undergo extensive training and specialize in the field of plastic surgery. In addition, you must earn board-certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). The process of becoming a board-certified plastic surgeon is very rigorous. Surgeons must fulfill a series of demanding criteria, including:
- Graduate from an accredited medical school
- Complete a general surgery internship
- Complete a minimum 5 year residency and advanced fellowships in plastic surgery
- Pass rigorous written and oral exams demonstrating their knowledge in the specialization
Needless to say, earning board-certification from the ABPS requires a surgeon to devote years to mastering the craft of plastic surgery. By the time one is board-certified, a plastic surgeon has the extensive experience necessary to understand the sophisticated nuances of each procedure, evaluate the techniques that will achieve the best results for a particular patient, and have the technical skills to deliver beautiful and natural looking results.
When choosing a plastic surgeon to perform your desired procedure, it is important to work with someone who is board-certified. Cosmetic surgeons simply cannot match this level of skill and experience. Dr. David Bottger is a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than two decades of experience. During this time, he has developed a reputation for delivering elegant and natural-looking outcomes. We encourage you to view our before-and-after gallery to get a better idea of what can be achieved with your desired procedure. If you are interested in plastic surgery in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area, please contact Dr. David Bottger today to schedule your initial consultation.
Checklist for Choosing a Top Plastic Surgeon
- Research a plastic surgeon’s experience performing aesthetic surgery. More often than not, a surgeon who has completed board certification and fellowship training is better equipped to achieve optimal outcomes when compared to a plastic surgeon who does not specialize in aesthetic procedures.
- Explore the before-and-after photos in a plastic surgeon’s patient gallery to determine whether the results displayed match what you envision for the ideal outcome of your surgery.
- Read online reviews to learn about a plastic surgeon’s reputation within their community and gain a sense of their ability to achieve high patient satisfaction.
- Make sure you feel comfortable under a plastic surgeon’s care by scheduling an initial consultation. This will allow you to visit the practice, assess the care provided by their office and medical team, and speak personally with your prospective surgeon about your needs, concerns, and overall goals.
- Never let a plastic surgeon pressure or rush you into making a decision about treatment. Your consultation should be an opportunity for you to ask about a surgeon’s experience, qualifications, and your procedure-of-interest so you can make a well-informed decision about your health and appearance.
What Sets Our Plastic Surgery Practice Apart?
Conveniently located in the Newtown Square township of Philadelphia, our aesthetic surgery practice offers a completely patient-focused experience before, during, and after surgery. All of our techniques and protocols are designed to ensure your surgical or non-surgical treatment is as easy, safe, and convenient as possible. These efforts are made to foster a pleasant and professional environment for you to achieve your cosmetic goals.
Aesthetic Technology
We believe keeping abreast of the latest innovations in plastic surgery allows our practice to achieve superior results and provide the least invasive, most efficient treatment possible. The technology utilized by Dr. Bottger and our medical team includes use of Crisalix® 3D imaging and Canfield’s MIRROR™ software, which can both simulate the potential results of your face, breast, or body procedure during the consultation process! This virtual “preview” can help you better articulate your aesthetic goals with Dr. Bottger, allow us to identify possible revisions to your treatment plan, and give you realistic expectations of the potential outcome of your surgery. As an ongoing member of national professional organizations like the ASPS and ASAPS, Dr. Bottger stays up-to-date on advancements in technique and technology within the field of cosmetic surgery.
Surgeon Expertise
Having performed tens of thousands of aesthetic surgery procedures throughout his years as a plastic surgeon, Dr. Bottger is deeply committed to achieving the most authentic outcomes for his patients, whether they hail from Philadelphia or are visiting from out-of-town. Attaining your desired results is as much about precision and safety as it is about balance, symmetry, and respect for each person’s natural proportions. Dr. Bottger has worked with a diverse range of body types, skin types, and aesthetic goals, allowing him to truly personalize treatment rather than applying a “one-size-fits-all” approach to surgery. Dr. Bottger provides a continuum of care throughout the process — from the initial consultation to the final follow-up — so you always have an experienced hand guiding your care.
First-Rate Results
The outcome of a single procedure matters less than how patients look and feel in their day-to-day lives long after they’ve healed. Dr. Bottger knows that achieving lasting patient satisfaction requires careful upfront planning, a thorough understanding of each person’s anatomy, clear communication on goals, and meticulous attention to detail in the operating room. Just as importantly, we believe in setting realistic expectations from the start. Dr. Bottger takes the time to explain what’s achievable for each patient’s unique circumstances so there are no surprises and every result feels like a natural extension of who they already are. This practice philosophy is why so many patients in Philadelphia and beyond entrust our team with their appearance and lifelong goals.
Modern Techniques
The field of plastic surgery is constantly evolving, and we make it a priority to stay ahead of that curve. Dr. Bottger is active in the ASPS, the Aesthetic Society, and other national organizations to ensure his techniques reflect the best and safest practices available today. For patients, this means less invasive procedures when appropriate, more precise surgical methods, and techniques informed by the latest clinical evidence.
Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon
Once you begin the research of selecting the best plastic surgeon for your needs, scheduling a consultation can sometimes be the most intimidating part of the process. That said, your initial visit is an invaluable opportunity to learn more about your procedure-of-interest as well as a prospective surgeon’s level of experience. Dr. Bottger and our friendly medical team are available to answer any questions or concerns you may have about the treatment process. While your questions should, by no means, be limited to the list below, the following can be used as a resource to help guide your consultation:
- How long have you been performing cosmetic surgery?
- Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
- Do you have hospital privileges?
- Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
- How frequently do you perform this procedure?
- Can I see before-and-after photos of previous patients’ results?
- What will the estimated cost be? Do you offer any financing options?
- Do you specialize in any plastic surgery procedures?
To discuss aesthetically enhancing plastic surgery procedures in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area, please contact Dr. David Bottger today! We are now conveniently located in Newtown Square.