Your Procedure in 3D
Watch an informative video featuring 3D graphics to learn more about the procedure you want.
View Your Procedure in 3D
Michael S. Beckenstein, MD
800 St. Vincent's Drive
North Tower Suite 610
Birmingham, AL 35205
Phone: (205) 933-9308
Monday - Thursday: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Women from Huntsville, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, throughout the Southeast, some northern states, and from all over the world have sought out Michael S. Beckenstein, MD, as their top choice for breast augmentation surgery in Birmingham, Alabama. He performs breast enlargement for patients who are unhappy with the size or shape of their breasts and have decided to pursue this surgical procedure to improve their appearance.
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Breast augmentation, also called breast enlargement or a boob job, is a breast enhancement procedure that makes the breasts fuller using silicone or saline implants. It has a high satisfaction rate among Dr. Beckenstein’s patients, making it one of the most popular procedures he performs.
Several factors affect the cost of breast augmentation, which is why we can’t put breast augmentation prices on our website. During your consultation, you will be provided with a written price estimate that is personalized for you and accounts for hospital fees, anesthesia, breast implants, and other factors. Silicone implants, a favorite of many patients, are more expensive than saline. While it is necessary to consider cost, be sure to choose a plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery for optimal safety and results.
If you’ve ever wondered “Should I have breast augmentation?” you might be a good candidate. Breast augmentation is well‐suited for women who want larger, fuller breasts with a more attractive shape. You may be a good candidate if you’re interested in:
Women choose Dr. Beckenstein for breast enlargement in Birmingham because of the excellent care he provides and the impressive results he achieves.
Watch an informative video featuring 3D graphics to learn more about the procedure you want.
View Your Procedure in 3DDr. Beckenstein is the only plastic surgeon in Birmingham, AL, to offer Crisalix 3D and 4D imaging, letting you preview your new look before surgery. Visualize your results with realistic previews for breast, body, and face enhancements. This revolutionary technology helps you make informed decisions and feel confident and excited about your transformation.
Explore Crisalix ImagingWhen you meet with Dr. Beckenstein for your consultation, he will provide a great deal of information about the procedure. He will also perform an extensive examination, during which he will analyze your breast dimensions carefully. After discussing your aesthetic goals, BOTH of you will develop a plan for your augmentation—including breast implant type, size, and placement, as well as incision site. Dr. Beckenstein will listen carefully to all your expectations and concerns. He will assist you with the decisions that are necessary to reach your goal of a successful breast augmentation.
Dr. Beckenstein offers many types of breast implants. They are available in a variety of sizes and can be filled with saline or silicone gel, depending on patient preference and needs. Silicone gel implants are available for all women over the age of 22. Based on your current breast dimensions and desired result, Dr. Beckenstein will recommend the appropriate implant to assure a natural‐looking outcome without an obviously “augmented” appearance.
When performing breast augmentation, Dr. Beckenstein offers three options for incision site (see illustration):
At your confidential consultation, Dr. Beckenstein will help you decide which incision is best for you by taking into consideration the type, size, and shape of the breast implants you choose. He also considers aesthetics related to the location of the surgical scars. Each approach has distinct advantages and disadvantages, which Dr. Beckenstein will discuss with you in detail.
After making the incision, Dr. Beckenstein creates a space, called the pocket, for the breast implant. Placement options for the pocket include:
Implant placement largely depends on your natural breast anatomy and desired goals. Dr. Beckenstein prefers the subpectoral approach for the majority of his patients, but he often uses either the dual‐plane or subglandular method for women who have marginal sagging (ptosis) or less skin elasticity. Dr. Beckenstein always strives to achieve a natural appearance.
Dr. Beckenstein is a fellowship-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon whose extensive experience in breast enhancement, body contouring procedures, and reconstructive plastic surgery sets him apart.
Meet Dr. BeckensteinWhile breast augmentation and breast lift surgery are both breast enhancement procedures, they provide different benefits. Here is how they compare:
Breast augmentation adds and restores volume to the breasts. It can also improve the appearance of slightly sagging breasts by filling out the stretched skin.
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surgery corrects significant sagging, lifts the nipples above the breast crease, and restores a youthful breast shape. It does not add fullness and can even make the breasts appear smaller.
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Many women benefit from a combination breast augmentation and lift procedure to enhance breast size and shape.
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During the consultation, Dr. Beckenstein performs a thorough physical examination to determine the most appropriate surgical plan for each patient’s body and cosmetic goals. He provides helpful information about these breast procedures in this blog post.
Dr. Beckenstein performs breast augmentation as an outpatient procedure in one of several area hospitals, which offers important safety advantages over office‐based surgery. This procedure generally takes 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete. Incisions are carefully placed so they’re well concealed, and scars are minimized. For saline implants, the incision is approximately 1 inch in length. Through this incision, Dr. Beckenstein creates the pocket where the implant will be placed. After the implant is in place, incisions are sutured, and your breasts will be supported with a light dressing and surgical bra. Dr. Beckenstein will thoroughly discuss all these details with you during your consultation.
Patients are usually ready to return to work or school in 7 to 10 days, although experiences vary. Here is a general recovery timeline:
Day 1 to 3: Expect to be tired and sore after surgery. Prescription pain medication is typically enough to keep patients comfortable. Have a friend or family member stay with you to help with meals, pets, children, and household chores.
Week 1: Wear a surgical bra at all times except when showering. It is okay to resume driving if you’re not taking prescription pain medication.
Week 2: Nipple sensitivity begins returning to normal. Initially, the nipples can be overly sensitive or lose sensitivity.
Weeks 4 to 6: Resume full activities, including strenuous exercise.
Month 3: Final results are attained as swelling has dissipated, skin and tissues have relaxed, and implants have dropped into a natural position.
Review this blog post for additional recovery information.
Breast augmentation with fat transfer, also referred to as natural breast augmentation, is growing in popularity among Alabama women. Fat harvested from another part of the body can provide a subtle increase in breast size, but not the dramatic results implants create. Fat transfer can be used to enhance breast augmentation results by softening the outline of a breast implant or creating improved symmetry. Dr. Beckenstein has been using fat transfer to enhance the results of breast reconstruction for many years, and he will discuss your options for fat transfer breast augmentation at your consultation.
Dr. Beckenstein safely performs breast augmentation in conjunction with other cosmetic surgery procedures such as a tummy tuck and liposuction. These custom combination procedures are called a mommy makeover because they are popular with women after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Women who wish to reduce their breast size for enhanced appearance and comfort may opt for a breast reduction vs. breast augmentation during a mommy makeover or as a stand alone procedure.
Dr. Beckenstein combines vast experience, refined surgical skills with an artistic eye to deliver beautiful, natural-looking breast enhancement results. There are many reasons to consider him for your procedure, including:
Dr. Beckenstein's glowing patient reviews and inspiring before-and-after photos exemplify his superior care and talent.
Many people ask us, “Are breast implants safe?” The good news is modern implants—whether saline, silicone, or “gummy bear”—have been rigorously tested for FDA approval and are considered safe. There’s no single “safest” option for every person; the safest implant for you will depend on your anatomy, goals, and lifestyle.
Some patients prefer saline implants because the body can safely absorb the sterile saltwater if the implant leaks. Other people choose silicone implants, including highly cohesive “gummy bear” implants, for their low rupture rates. Dr. Beckenstein will review your options in detail and help you select implants that balance safety, aesthetics, and your individual goals.
People often believe that the most natural-looking breast implants are silicone. Still, carefully selected implants—whether saline or silicone—placed by an experienced and skilled plastic surgeon can achieve a soft, natural appearance. Dr. Beckenstein specializes in customizing results that flatter your frame.
While breast implants are not considered lifetime devices, they often last 10 to 20 years — sometimes longer. Factors like implant type, placement, and your body’s natural aging process can influence longevity. Regular monitoring and occasional replacement can help you maintain your desired results for decades.
Gummy bear implants are a type of highly cohesive silicone implant known for their ability to maintain shape and reduce the risk of leakage. They’re part of a broader conversation about the types of breast implants available today, including saline, traditional silicone, and newer structured varieties. During your consultation, we’ll explore which type best suits your body and lifestyle.
In most cases, the answer is yes. Most modern implant techniques place the implant under the chest muscle, minimizing interference with milk ducts and glandular tissue. Dr. Beckenstein will discuss surgical options that help preserve breastfeeding ability if this is a concern for you. Discover some of the factors that affect breastfeeding with implants.
While the answer is personal, most patients report high satisfaction with their breast augmentation results and increased confidence and body image. A thorough consultation and realistic expectations are key to ensuring you feel it was a positive, empowering investment in yourself.
If you would like to learn more about breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty), you can request your comprehensive consultation online or feel free to speak with an office associate at (205) 933-9308. Dr. Beckenstein’s office associates will be delighted to answer any questions you might have and arrange for you to speak with him in person.