Dr. Michael S. Beckenstein
Staff
Punctuality
Helpfulness
Knowledge
Michael S. Beckenstein, MD
800 Saint Vincents Drive #610 , null
Birmingham, AL, United States
35205
800 Saint Vincents Drive #610 , null
Birmingham, AL, United States
35205
(205) 933-9308
https://www.msbmd.com/
Facility Affiliations
Dr. Michael S. Beckenstein's Credentials
Accepting New Patients
Yes, this doctor is accepting new patients
Biography
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael S. Beckenstein, MD is a fully qualified plastic surgeon with more than ample training in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Now in private practice in Birmingham, AL, Dr. Beckenstein specializes in procedures for the body and breasts.
Languages
- English
Education
- Eastern Virginia Medical School (Grad. 1987)
Other Specialties
Areas of Expertise
- Breast reduction surgery
- Tummy Tuck
- Botox
- Gynecomastia (enlarged breasts in men)
- Breast Augmentation
- Breast Lift
- Face-lift
- Breast reconstruction with breast implants
Insurance accepted by this Doctor
Other patients have successfully used these insurance providers, please call the Doctor's office to find out if your insurance plan is accepted.
Blue Cross / Blue Shield
Medicare
UnitedHealthcare
stitches at the point of the "T" incision came loose (bottom of the breast). They told me not to worry, it would heal. In the meantime, blood poured then seeped from the incision. I was terrified. They eventually closed after a few weeks and they look awful (VERY visible zig-zag pattern). My sutures were not consistent and loose. Large gaps between stiches. They had the appearance of a grade school child sewing their first piece of fabric together. It still looks awful to this day - I even have a large gap that was never stitched properly and catches skin debris similar to a (huge .25 inch) blackhead. I can slip the tip of my pinky into the opening like a belly-button.
My areolas were perfect after the surgery. A few months later, they turned into large ovals and my breasts dropped. I returned to Dr. Beckenstein with my unhappy results (STILL uneven breasts; oval, different size areolas, open gaps between stiches, pinched skin due to bad stitching) and I was told personally that ALL could be fixed for an ADDITIONAL $5K. The offer was only good for a short time, then the price would go up. I had already paid close to $13K for the initial surgery. I could not afford the additional monies in addition to taking time off from work. I though that Dr. Beckenstein would correct the errors at no cost as part of the procedure. I would have agreed to pay to replace the larger implant because I know it must be difficult to guess the size when a patient has an uneven breast, but for me to pay for ALL??? When I tried to express my disappointment and regret, he quickly stopped me and asked his assistant to bring in the "before" photos. I refused to look at them and the conversation ended. I was ushered into the billing office to make arrangements for the corrective surgery. I expressed my concerns to the billing agent who was at least honest with me about the pain involved. She said that the corrective procedure would be "half the pain the original surgery was". I said I would think about it. I was in shock. I couldn't believe that Dr. Beckenstein would charge me so much and take NO accountability. It was clear to me that I wasn't being cared for as a human being, but rather as cash flow.
If I had to do it all again, I would NOT have had this procedure. I can't even wear low-cut clothing because the incisions from below the breast can EASILY be seen! Shopping for bras continues to be an issue due to my uneven breast size - one cup larger than the other. In addition, they are SO uncomfortable (I was a "C" and wanted my breasts to be lifted, as well as increase the size of my smaller breast to "C". I also wanted the appearance of the "teardrop" breast - something the doctor will not talk about. They are all round. I wasn't explained "why" this was when I have had other friends request breast shapes. My clothing doesn't fit right and the difference size is very apparent, I have asked my family and friends and they can see it.
If you are considering this procedure for cosmetic reasons, give your breasts a lift, DON'T do it. It's NOT worth it. All the perfect ratings you see are the lucky ones OR they are filtered to reflect only the positive. Those of us who have had heart-breaking experiences are stuck with our results for a lifetime. It took me over 3 years to post this out of embarrassment and thinking that maybe I was the "only one". Not so. I wish I had never gone through with it and that I had spoken to patients who have had this procedure.
In addition to the awful results and the costly remediation option this physician gave me, I also have lifetime nerve pain. My breasts always hurt (and i do mean always) and my left nipple aches all the time 24/7. It feels as though there are needles poking or pinching. NOTHING helps with the pain. It is also uncomfortable to sleep. Clothing fits funny, uneven. I am in my early 40's, no pre-existing health conditions, have one child, and work. There was little risk that my procedure would have the results explained above. After being told of the risks, I thought, "it won't happen to me". It did. Be happy with what you have, use push-up bra's, anything but surgery. I know it is a personal choice, but I would not want anyone to go though what I have gone through. Good luck in your journey and I wish you nothing but the best.
Submitted April 23, 2021