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Breast Augmentation

Women throughout the Southeast, some northern states and from abroad have sought out Michael S. Beckenstein, MD, for breast augmentation in Birmingham, AL. He performs breast augmentation 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.

If you would like to learn more about breast augmentation, 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.

Breast Augmentation Candidates

Breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty) 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:

• Increasing the size of breasts that you’ve always felt are too small
• Enlarging and reshaping breasts after having children or losing a large amount of weight
• Balancing the size and shape of uneven breasts
• Feeling more confident and feminine

Women choose Dr. Beckenstein for breast enlargement in Birmingham because of the excellent care he provides and the impressive results he achieves.

Your Options for a Personalized Result

When 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 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.

Breast Implants

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.

Incision Site

When performing breast augmentation, Dr. Beckenstein offers three options for incision site (see illustration):

• Inframammary: This incision is placed beneath the breast, where the new breast crease will form. It is very well concealed and enables the lower curve of the breast to be shaped.
• Periareolar: Implants can be placed through an incision along the lower edge of the areola.
• Transaxillary: This incision is placed in a natural crease in the underarm.

At your confidential consultation, Dr. Beckenstein will help you decide which incision is best for you by taking into consideration factors such as implant size, shape, and placement (above or below the chest muscle). 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.

Breast Implant Placement

After making the incision, Dr. Beckenstein creates a space, called the pocket, for the breast implant. Placement options for the pocket include:

• Subglandular: Above the chest muscle and beneath the breast tissue
• Subpectoral: Beneath the breast tissue and the chest muscle
• Dual‐plane: A combination of the above two techniques

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.

Your Breast Augmentation Surgery

Dr. Beckenstein performs breast augmentation as an outpatient procedure in one of several area hospitals, which offer 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does breast augmentation cost?

During your consultation, you will be provided with a written 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.

What can I expect during recovery after breast augmentation?

You will need to have a trusted adult drive you home the day of your surgery and help you out for the first few days. Most breast augmentation patients are moderately sore for 2 to 3 days and find that prescription pain medication is helpful. Expect your breasts to feel tight for the first week due to swelling and stretching of the breast skin and chest muscles. This varies with each patient’s anatomy and the surgical technique that is used.

Patients usually feel ready for everyday activities, including work, within a week. Most patients will need to wait 4 to 6 weeks before resuming strenuous exercise.

My breasts are different sizes. Can breast augmentation help?

Certainly. Many women choose this procedure because they want their breasts to be the same size. Dr. Beckenstein can enlarge the smaller breast or enlarge both breasts using implants of different sizes.

Can I get a tummy tuck along with breast augmentation?

Dr. Beckenstein can safely perform 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.

Will my enhanced breasts look fake?

It’s a common misconception that it’s obvious when a woman has undergone breast augmentation. In fact, many of the women who visit me in Birmingham for breast augmentation choose this procedure to achieve an enhanced, feminine shape that is not overly large or has that “augmented, fake look.” Placing implants beneath the chest muscle and carefully choosing the right implant size can contribute to a more feminine, but still very natural, look. Choosing anatomically‐shaped gummy bear breast implants can also make the breasts appear more natural. To see results attained by some of my actual patients, view our photo gallery online.

Can breast augmentation improve the look of sagging breasts?

Breast augmentation can improve the appearance of slightly sagging breasts by filling out the stretched skin. Women with more significantly sagging breasts might better benefit from a breast lift, or a combination breast augmentation and lift when fuller breasts are desired. Dr. Beckenstein will perform a thorough physical examination during your consultation to help him recommend the most appropriate surgical plan for your body and cosmetic goals.

Can I breastfeed after breast enlargement surgery?

While actual results depend on a variety of factors, many women are able to successfully breastfeed after breast augmentation surgery. If you plan to breastfeed, be sure to inform Dr. Beckenstein before your surgery so he can minimize any impact to the milk glands.

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