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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.
Breast Reduction in Birmingham, AL
At our Birmingham, Alabama, practice breast reduction ranks number 1 in terms of patient satisfaction. Most women who visit from Huntsville, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, and surrounding areas because of their overly large breasts experience back and shoulder pain, painful grooving from bra straps, and rashes beneath the breasts. These symptoms are usually alleviated right away with reduction surgery. In addition to physical symptoms, some women are self-conscious about their excessive size. Breast reduction surgery performed by Dr. Michael Beckenstein can help restore your confidence as your breasts become more proportional to the rest of your body.
Breast Reduction
Before & After Photos
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Why Choose Dr. Beckenstein for Breast Reduction
Dr. Beckenstein performs around 200 breast reduction procedures each year for women from Huntsville, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, and other Alabama cities. He realizes that a single method might not be suited for every patient. For this reason, he has mastered several techniques and determines which technique is best suited for your individual situation. Most plastic surgeons use a single method and apply this to every patient, which may not yield the best results. With so many breast reduction patients choosing his practice over the years, Dr. Beckenstein and his staff have developed a high level of expertise in caring for you. The hospitals he works at also are proficient in your care, from the operating room through your overnight stay.
Ideal Breast Reduction Candidates
Good candidates for breast reduction surgery experience physical symptoms such as back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain and grooving from the bra straps caused by the size of their breasts. There are often rashes in the folds beneath the breasts as well. This group of symptoms is known as symptomatic macromastia. Some women may not experience any or all of these symptoms and might just feel their breasts are too large for them and want them reduced for cosmetic reasons. Candidates for surgery must be in good health and within 15 to 20% of their ideal body weight. The age range for this surgery spans from 19 to 75 years.
Exceptions to these criteria are made on an individual basis. It is important to note that there are several nuances, side effects, and complications associated with breast reduction. As with all aesthetic or reconstructive plastic surgery procedures, it is essential that you fully understand ALL of these issues BEFORE you move forward with your procedure. Dr. Beckenstein will ensure that you are fully informed during your consultation with him.
Envision Your New Look
Dr. 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 Imaging
The benefits of breast reduction surgery are numerous. It will be easier to find appropriately fitting bras, bathing suits and clothing tops that match bottoms. Most patients experience a new sense of freedom that enables them to engage in activities they were never able to do because of physical discomfort. Many patients find their friends commenting that they look like they’ve lost weight, and many of our middle-aged breast reduction patients regret not having their procedure sooner.
Breast Reduction Methods
Dr. Beckenstein is comfortable using several techniques for breast reduction surgery, and he will find the method most appropriate for your situation. By evaluating you and listening to your desires and expectations, he will work with you to determine the right method of reduction for you.
- The superior or medial pedicle method preserves the pillar of breast tissue, called a pedicle, that is attached to the nipple. This tissue is moved up into the new nipple position. When the pedicle is based on the upper portion (superior) aspect of the breast, it will remain there long term. The aesthetic results are much better than the inferior pedicle method. Dr. Beckenstein uses the superior or medial pedicle method for the majority of his patients.
- The inferior pedicle method uses the tissue from the lower portion of the breast to relocate the nipple. This is the portion of the breast that is the “saggiest.” This tissue will remain saggy, and with long-term follow-up, patients will notice that their nipple position will appear too high as the breast tissue returns to the lower portion of the breast. This is known as “bottoming out.” The majority of plastic surgeons use this method for reduction mammoplasty.
- Short scar methods also are available for the appropriate candidates. These methods retain the vertical scar and the one around the areola. The scar underneath the breast will be shorter or non-existent.
- No vertical scar reduction omits the vertical scar and retains the one around the areola and underneath the breast. This method flattens the breast, diminishing the projection for women desiring this result.
- Free nipple graft/nipple reconstruction is a method used when the distance to move the nipple is so long that there is no way the blood supply could keep it alive. This situation arises in women with extremely large breasts.
- Suction-assisted lipectomy (liposuction) also can be used for breast reduction. This method doesn’t result in the scarring associated with breast reduction surgery; only a limited number of women will be candidates for this method, which is considered experimental by most insurance companies.
Dr. Beckenstein makes sure that every breast reduction candidate has a complete and full understanding of her proposed procedure. He thoroughly educates you on these procedures and ensures you fully understand all the risks, benefits, and alternatives associated with them prior to your surgery. He listens attentively and carefully to your questions and concerns and assists you with your decision-making.
Virtual Consultation
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Virtual ConsultationIs Breast Reduction Covered by Insurance?
Most breast reduction patients have their procedures covered by their insurance carriers. Each company has its own criteria to determine whether you are a good candidate to have your procedure covered. Upon your visit with Dr. Beckenstein, he introduces you to his insurance specialist who consults with you about your insurance coverage. She discusses your benefits and your carrier’s criteria with you. She also sends your carrier all the necessary information to obtain a predetermination for your surgery. With certain carriers, she can obtain instantaneous responses at your first visit.
Premier Breast Enhancement Specialist
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:
- Expertise: Over 30 years of experience performing breast augmentation, lift, reduction, and reconstruction.
- Advanced training: Completed multiple fellowships specializing in breast surgery for superior results.
- Exceptional outcomes: Provides natural-looking, personalized results that help patients feel more beautiful and confident.
- Compassionate care: Delivers superior care with a warm bedside manner and patient-focused approach.
Dr. Beckenstein's glowing patient reviews and inspiring before-and-after photos exemplify his superior care and talent.
Combining Procedures
Other procedures can be performed with a reduction mammoplasty if Dr. Beckenstein believes it’s appropriate. A breast lift is often performed for women with overly large breasts, since breast size tends to create sagging and drooping, especially for older patients. Other commonly performed procedures include liposuction and tummy tuck as part of a mommy makeover.
A lumpectomy also can be performed for select patients during a breast reduction. For women with large breasts who require a lumpectomy, the tumor and an appropriate amount of surrounding breast tissue can be excised, and the reconstruction performed as part of a single surgery. This is known as oncoplastic surgery.
Dr. Michael S. Beckenstein
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. BeckensteinA Reputation Built on Results
6/11/2025…Dr. Beckenstein is truly remarkable! He takes the time to understand every aspect of my case...
Fantastic experience with an amazing surgeon and a great office staff. Everyone is kind and truly the...
Very impressed so far. Great consultation. The billing staff is working with my insurance company. Will...
Frequently Asked Questions
What size breasts qualify for reduction?
There is no universal size that qualifies someone for breast reduction. Candidacy depends more on your physical symptoms—such as back, neck, and shoulder pain, skin irritation, or difficulty with physical activity—rather than cup size alone. During your consultation, your surgeon will assess whether breast reduction is appropriate based on your individual needs.
What BMI do you need for a breast reduction?
There is no strict BMI requirement for breast reduction, but some surgeons and insurance companies have guidelines suggesting a BMI under 30 to 35 for optimal safety and healing. Patients with higher BMIs may still qualify, but individual health factors will be carefully evaluated during the consultation process.
How much weight can a breast reduction take off?
The amount of tissue removed during a breast reduction varies widely depending on your goals and anatomy. Some patients have a few hundred grams (roughly half a pound) removed from each breast, while others may have over a pound per breast reduced. Your surgeon will discuss what to expect during your personal consultation.
What is the alternative to breast reduction?
Nonsurgical alternatives to breast reduction, such as weight loss or chest-targeted exercises, may help minimize breast size for some individuals. However, these methods are usually not sufficient for significant breast reduction, especially when excess glandular tissue or skin is involved. Surgery remains the most effective option for achieving a smaller, lifted breast contour.
Will I have noticeable scars after breast reduction surgery?
All surgical incisions result in scars, but Dr. Beckenstein makes a point to minimize and conceal them as much as possible. For most breast reductions, the incisions are made around the areola and straight down to the breast crease. The nipple/areola complex is lifted higher, and the size of the areola is reduced if necessary, while leaving the blood supply to the nipple intact. Occasionally, when the reduction is minor, incisions around only the areola can be sufficient.
How do people afford breast reduction?
Many patients use plastic surgery financing options to help manage the cost of breast reduction. Financing plans allow you to break up the total cost into affordable monthly payments.
Can I breastfeed after breast reduction surgery?
Many women are able to successfully breastfeed after breast reduction surgery. In order to breastfeed, the milk glands and ducts must remain connected to the nipple, along with their blood supply. Because breast tissue is removed, there can be a reduction in the amount of milk produced. At your confidential consultation, be sure to talk with Dr. Beckenstein about your desire to breastfeed in the future so that he can take it into consideration when planning your surgery.
If you would like to learn more about combination plastic surgery in Birmingham, request a Comprehensive Consultation using the convenient online form. An office associate will contact you promptly. Dr. Beckenstein’s office staff will be delighted to answer any questions you might have and to assist you in any way. Or call us at (205) 933-9308 to schedule an appointment.