Dr. Michael S. Beckenstein

Let’s Get Real About Plastic Surgery

Michael Beckenstein — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:15:43 +0000

Plastic surgery is a very popular option for individuals who want to enhance their appearances, and Birmingham plastic surgery patients have a number of great options. However, it’s important to maintain reasonable expectations about your results.

My staff and I are committed to making sure each person is thoroughly educated about his or her procedure. We begin with a comprehensive consultation that involves a methodical, multimedia approach. We also make ourselves available for client questions and make it our goal to respond with the best answer as quickly as possible.

Ensuring Safe Results

Once you decide to have plastic surgery, it’s important to choose a doctor who operates in hospitals and uses certified anesthesiologists. I operate in hospitals because I know that access to trained nurses and other medical professionals is vital to maintaining the highest standards for safety during any surgical procedure.

Also, hospitals offer access to recovery nurses and an optional overnight stay, to maximize safety. We want each prospective patient to be able to make an informed decision and feel confident in us and in the procedure before proceeding.

Breast Augmentation and Pricing: How Much Should You Pay?

Michael Beckenstein — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 15:10:07 +0000

If you’re researching cost of breast augmentation, you’re likely finding a number of different price ranges. You’ll find that many factors contribute to the variance in price, including where the practice is located. Breast augmentation in Huntsville, AL may have an average price tag that is less than in Birmingham or Mobile, but many patients find it worthwhile to travel for the right surgeon. Granted, cost is important, but focus less on price initially and more on finding a qualified surgeon.

If you save money but end up with poor results, you won’t be satisfied. On the flip side potentially paying a bit more for great results is worth its weight in gold. That’s not to say a qualified surgeon will charge more or that all lower-priced procedures are performed by unqualified surgeons. But if cost is your primary criterion, you might be disappointed with the results.

Look for things like certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery, examples of previous work and references from other doctors and patients. Find a handful of surgeons that you feel confident in; then start factoring in pricing.

You may find that some surgeons offer special pricing, maybe for a first-time patient or for combined procedures. For example, I negotiated fees with certain hospitals in order to offer lower, highly competitive pricing for breast enhancement and other procedures.

How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

Michael Beckenstein — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 05:04:31 +0000

One of the common questions I hear from patients when choosing breast implants in Birmingham is, “How long will my implants last?” Whenever this question comes up, I tell my patients that breast implants do not have an expiration date. The lifespan of breast implants varies from patient to patient based on factors including:

The type of implant you choose
Your overall health and lifestyle

Reasons for Exchanging Implants

I normally tell my patients to exchange their implants only if a complication is present. This could mean implant rupture or another problem, such as capsular contracture. These issues can sometimes be detected by physical changes or through an MRI. I recommend that my patients consider getting an MRI approximately 10 years after their breast augmentation to check the integrity of the implant.

However, a woman may decide that she wants to exchange her implants for a different type or size. This is also an acceptable reason for implant replacement. The myth that your implants must be replaced every 10 years is just that: a myth. As long as you are healthy and happy with your implants, there is no need for another surgery. Some women go several years, even their entire lives, without ever needing a second operation.

Twice as Nice: How Implants Enhance a Breast Lift

Michael Beckenstein — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 06:36:19 +0000

A lot of women who consult with me for breast augmentation in Birmingham are also good candidates for a breast lift. This dual procedure can be beneficial for many reasons and is particularly advantageous for those who have had children. If you have been considering either procedure, here are some reasons why you may want to combine the two:

Restored Volume and Better Breast Position

Usually, women who want breast implants are looking for breasts with added volume. Women interested in a breast lift may have adequate breast size, but their breasts droop or sag. However, the two conditions can exist together – especially in women who have gone through childbirth and breast feeding. A breast lift with augmentation is an ideal procedure for this group of women. It increases breast fullness while also bringing the breasts to a more youthful position.

Enhanced Breast Shape and Improved Projection

Combining a breast lift with augmentation can create a better overall breast shape by removing extra skin through the breast lift procedure, and then filling out the breast contours with implants for improved projection. The nipples can also be resized and repositioned to look smaller and more proportional to the breast.

Plastic Surgery: Not Just for Drastic Changes

Michael Beckenstein — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 05:22:59 +0000

Many people falsely believe that men and women choose plastic surgery as a way to drastically alter their appearance. Although plastic surgery can create significant, worthwhile changes, it can also be used for subtle improvements.

At my Birmingham plastic surgery practice, it’s more common for patients to request small alterations than major modifications. For example, I have noticed that female patients are gravitating towards smaller-sized breast implants. In the past, more women chose larger implants to create noticeable cleavage, but today I see more women who want to look proportional and natural. Minimally invasive facial rejuvenation, such as injectable fillers, is in high demand today. The trend these days undoubtedly fits the description “less is more.”

New Techniques for Natural Results

Modern plastic surgery techniques allow for subtler changes that can be tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy. I always spend time getting to know a patient during her consultation so that I can better understand her desired outcome. I’ve learned in my many years of experience that no two people share the same idea of beauty. Then, after evaluating her physical characteristics, I make a customized plan that will enhance her beauty, rather than change it. This is a more challenging and time consuming approach to surgery, as opposed to a “cookie cutter” method, but the satisfaction of my patients is well-worth it.

A More Comfortable (and Comprehensive) Breast Reconstruction

Michael Beckenstein — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 06:32:47 +0000

In addition to performing plastic surgery for Birmingham patients, I also perform a number of breast reconstruction surgeries. In fact, I developed the Alabama Breast Cancer Institute, a branch of my Breast Surgery Center of Alabama, to provide women facing breast reconstruction with a more comfortable and comprehensive experience.

One-of-a-Kind Care

I expanded my Breast Surgery Center to include a cancer-focused element to provide women facing breast cancer a place where they can receive their initial screening, diagnostics, treatment, and perioperative care under the same roof. The environment is warm and inviting, and has a family-oriented feel. It is my hope that every woman who visits the Alabama Breast Cancer Institute feels safe and well-cared for during this difficult period in her life.

Clinical Services

In addition to performing the actual breast reconstruction surgery, I collaborate with oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons to accurately diagnose patients and create strategic treatment plans. The Institute also hosts a unique blend of counselors, internists, physical therapists, and cardiologists to provide additional support to patients throughout their cancer treatment.

Personal Touches

Nutritional counseling is available, as are a variety of wigs and accessories. There’s even a spa onsite offering cosmetic treatments and relaxation therapies to help put patients at ease and make them feel more beautiful. These small luxuries may seem insignificant, but they make the all the difference in creating an atmosphere of compassion and warmth.

Nipple Areolar Tattooing the Way it Should Be

Michael Beckenstein — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 01:37:35 +0000

Nipple areolar tattooing is the final stage of breast reconstruction. Many plastic surgeons use micropigmentation or tattooing to reconstruct the nipple areolar, where other still use skin grafting to accomplish this. Dr. Michael Beckenstein, a Birmingham breast reconstruction specialist has written several textbook chapters on this subject. ” Micropigmentation creates the most natural appearing nipple areolar complexes. There is no comparison to the pale looking skin grafts. A good artist can recreate the natural texture of the areola by using a basic principle of art known as trompe d’oeil. He adds” This concept creates the illusion of three dimensions using basic shadowing and highlighting in the right areas”. He employs a certified medical tattoo artist who is well versed in this concept and who receives constant input from Dr. Beckenstein. This concept was recently reported in magazines as a new approach.” I have been doing this for over 15 years and have trained many using this approach. Some women do not want a reconstructed nipple and opt for only a tattoo. With our technique you can only tell it is micropigmentation by looking at it up close! With new technology and pigments our results are only getting better.”

Birmingham Plastic Surgeon Provides Only Dedicated Personal Care…Always!

Michael Beckenstein — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 17:21:49 +0000

Imagine waking up, from surgery, and finding out a fellow or resident, who is training with your Birmingham plastic surgeon, actually performed your surgery. Without the presence of the plastic surgeon who you thought was to do the procedure! How would you feel, if you had a question, and when you called your Alabama plastic surgeon, you were speaking with the doctor in training? Would you not want your surgery and and all of your care being rendered by the surgeon you chose to entrust your care with? Be careful when choosing a surgeon to see if he/she has doctors tarining under them. Make sure these doctors only observe or assist in part of your surgery and not performing the majority of, or entire procedure! Make sure when you need assistance, it comes from your surgeon and not those in training. As long as you know these facts in advance and consent to it, it is fine. Universities and training programs have clauses in the consent you sign, explaining the participation of their doctors in training. If you are not aware of this nor consent to it, there are ethical issues in regard to your care.If you do not wish to be under such circumstances, make sure it is known to all parties before consenting to proceed.

Birmingham plastic surgeon, Michael S. Beckenstein, M.D. is the only one who will perform your entire procedure and manage all your care personally. This Alabama plastic surgeon takes all of your calls after hours and personally rounds on you, even on weekends. There are rare times when he goes on vacation, he still takes his patients’ calls. He makes sure a competent, board certifed plastic surgeon can see you if there was an emergency. You will never be cared for by a doctor in training, nurse, or other surrogate.

Think of this when you are choosing a plastic surgeon in Birmingham. If you want this surgeon to be the only one performing your surgery and caring for you, make sure there are no doctors in training who will be involved in a significant part of your surgery and care.

What a Birmingham Plastic Surgeon Does for the Holidays

Michael Beckenstein — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 15:47:05 +0000

“The Holiday Season is a particularly busy time for me” states Birmingham plastic surgeon Michael S. Beckenstein, M.D. “People want to get their plastic surgery completed by year’s end.” Cosmetic surgery, in Birmingham is very busy during this time as patients want to be healed after their holiday breaks and they can return to work or school with their new look. Tummy tucks, breast enhancements and breast lifts are the most common procedures perfromed by Alabama plastic surgeon Michael S. Beckenstein, M.D.

Alabama plastic surgery patients usually have their cases booked with Dr. Beckenstein by November, several scheduling in July and August. “I see a lot of patients in my Birmingham plastic surgery office, right about now, wanting a procedure done by the end of the year. While I try to accomodate them, I often cannot. Most wait until early January”

While he is not like Santa Claus, Birmingham cosmetic surgeon, Michael S. Beckenstein, M.D. feels like him after the holidays as he feels he has worked just as hard. The only difference is Dr. Beckenstein does not have to wait a year for his next job, it starts with the new year, this is when patients seek out this Alabama cosmetic surgeon to seek out their new year’s resolutions of a new body!

A Difference Between Plastic And Cosmetic Surgery? Part I

Michael Beckenstein — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 16:27:03 +0000

The terms “plastic” surgery and “cosmetic” surgery are often interchanged and confused. The field of plastic surgery, that performed by real board certified, plastic surgeons, used to be known as plastic and reconstructive surgery. The name was changed to further alleviate confusion in the field, intended to simplify things. With the evolution of” cosmetic surgeons”, those not truly board certified in plastic surgery, the current confusion has arisen. The public must be aware of these differences when seeking out the right surgeon for them!

Plastic surgery encompasses both cosmetic (aesthetic) surgery and reconstructive surgery. Cosmetic (aesthetic) surgery are elective procedures with the objective of improving apperances. These include facial procedures such as facelifts, rhinoplasty (nose job); body procedures such as breast ehancement, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). Reconstructive procedures are intended to restore form and function that are lost due to injury or surgery. Procedures such as breast reconstruction, following mastectomy, facial reconstruction after an autoaccident are examples of common reconstructive procedures.

Board certified plastic surgeons are certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) to perform both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures of the face and body. Cosmetic surgeons have no ABMS certification to perform any cosmetic procedures on the face or body.

Michael S. Beckenstein,M.D., a Birmingham, Alabama board certified plastic surgeon specializes in both plastic and reconstructive surgery. He is ABMS certified to perform cosmetic surgery on the face and body. He states that there is a lot the public needs to know about the differences in board certification between board certified plastic surgeons and those calling themselves cosmetic surgeons. This wll be discussed in detail in part II of this blog, coming soon.