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Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery ranks number one in patient satisfaction. Most women with large breasts experience back pain, shoulder pain, grooving from the bra straps and the rashes beneath the breasts – these symptoms can be immediately and permanently alleviated with reduction surgery. Some women are self-conscious about their excessive size and this too will show a dramatic improvement, as your breasts will become more proportional to the rest of your body. It will be easier to find appropriately fitting bras, bathing suits and clothing tops that match bottoms. Breast reduction will give you a new sense of freedom that will enable you to engage in activities you were never able to do because of the discomfort you were experiencing. 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.

Dr. Beckenstein performs between 125 to 150 breast reductions each year and has performed close to 1,000 breast reductions in his Birmingham, Alabama practice. He realizes that one method might not be suited for every patient. For this reason, he has mastered several techniques and will determine which technique is best suited for your individual situation. Most plastic surgeons use one 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.

Dr. Beckenstein understands that you have many choices for plastic surgery in Birmingham, Alabama. That is why he is dedicated to providing you with his Comprehensive Consultation where you will be thoroughly educated about the procedure(s) that interest you. He has developed and offers monthly Breast Reduction Classes which are fun and informative ways to learn all about breast reduction in a classroom setting. You may also have your Comprehensive Consultation during that visit as well! Over 400 women have attended these classes and their consistent favorable responses from their patient surveys proves it is a good experience! Whether you come for a personal visit or attend one of these classes, your visit is hosted in the relaxed, pleasant environment of his new state of the art office in Saint Vincent's North Tower. Feel free to click here if you would like to request a visit for a Comprehensive Consultation with Dr. Beckenstein and learn more about breast reduction.

Candidates for Breast Reduction

Good candidates for breast reduction surgery are those who experience back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain and grooving from the bra straps. 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 aesthetic / cosmetic reasons. Candidates for surgery must be in good health and within 15 - 20% of their ideal body weight. The age range for this surgery spans from 19 - 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 / cosmetic or reconstructive plastic surgery procedures, it is essential that you fully understand ALL of these issues BEFORE you proceed with your procedure. Dr. Beckenstein will assure that you are fully informed during your consultation with him.

Birmingham Breast Reduction Methods

Dr. Beckenstein has performed close to 1,000 breast reduction procedures at his Birmingham, Alabama practice. He utilizes and has become comfortable with several techniques of reduction and will find the method most appropriate for your situation. By evaluating you and listening to your desires and expectations, both of you will determine the right method of reduction for you.

• The superior or medial pedicle method: A pedicle is the pillar of breast tissue that the nipple remains on in a reduction. This tissue is moved up into the new nipple position. When the pedicle in based from the upper portion (superior) aspect of the breast, it will remain up there long term. The aesthetic results are much better than the inferior pedicle method. Dr. Beckenstein utilizes 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 "soggiest." 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 eliminates the scarring associated with breast reduction surgery, but 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 who visits his Birmingham, Alabama plastic surgery practice has a complete and full understanding of her proposed procedure. He will thoroughly educate you on these procedures and make sure you fully understand all the risks, benefits, and alternatives associated with them prior to your surgery. He will listen attentively and carefully to your questions and concerns and assist you with your decision-making.

Insurance Considerations

Most breast reduction patients in Birmingham, Alabama have their procedures covered by their insurance carriers. Each company has their own criteria they use to determine if you are a good candidate to have your procedure covered by them. Upon your visit with Dr. Beckenstein, he will introduce you to his insurance specialist who will consult with you about your insurance coverage. She will discuss with you your benefits and your carrier's criteria. She will send your carrier all the necessary information to obtain a predetermination for your surgery. With certain carriers, she is able to obtain instantaneous responses at your first visit.

Combining Other Procedures with Breast Lift

When deemed appropriate by Dr. Beckenstein, other procedures can be performed along with a reduction mammoplasty. Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), gynecologic and general surgery procedures, or liposuction are some of the commonly performed procedures. 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 Onco-plastic Surgery.

If you would like to learn more about combination plastic surgery in Birmingham, you may schedule a Comprehensive Consultation with Dr. Beckenstein at his office on St. Vincent's Drive. Feel free to speak with an office associate at 866-MSBMD77 (866-672-6377) or request your surgical consultation right here online. 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.