Breast Surgery Satisfaction Rates Are No Surprise, Surgeon Says

    BIRMINGHAM, AL, August 25, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dr. Michael S. Beckenstein, a board-certified surgeon serving patients at his plastic surgery practice in Birmingham, says the findings of 2 recent studies that indicate high satisfaction rates among breast enhancement patients are unsurprising.

"In our culture, women's identities are so closely tied to their breasts. Plastic surgery can improve not only the appearance of a woman's breasts, but also how she feels about herself," Dr. Beckenstein says.

A recent study published in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that 98.1% of breast augmentation patients report that their results met or exceeded their expectations for the surgery.

"Breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the United States," Dr. Beckenstein says. "The overwhelming majority of my breast augmentation patients in Birmingham report higher self-esteem and sexual satisfaction and an overall increase in their quality of life."

But larger breasts aren't always the key. In August, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons released the results of a study that reveals high satisfaction rates for patients who have undergone breast reduction procedures. Post-procedure, the surveyed patients reported significantly higher satisfaction with their appearances, sexual health, and psychosocial well-being.

"Oversized breasts can cause many women a lot of discomfort and long-term problems, like back pain," Dr. Beckenstein says. "Sometimes they have trouble shopping and exercising, and they often feel uncomfortable during intimacy, which can create a significant amount of emotional distress."

More than 83,000 breast reductions were performed in the United States in 2010, up 6% since 2009.

"I predict that more women will start seeking breast reduction surgery in Birmingham, as well as other parts of the country, as it gains popularity among public figures," says Dr. Beckenstein. Celebrities including Queen Latifah, Drew Barrymore, and Patricia Heaton have all publically confirmed having breast reductions.

Dr. Beckenstein encourages women to pursue breast enhancement surgeries in order to improve the quality of their lives, not to satisfy cultural beauty standards or the desires of loved ones.
"The phrase I hear most often from my breast enhancement patients, whether they've had an augmentation or a reduction, is, 'I wish I had done this sooner.'"

Dr. Michael Beckenstein (www.msbmd.com) is a board-certified plastic surgeon who offers procedures for the breasts, body and face at his practice in Birmingham, Alabama. Dr. Beckenstein earned his M.D. from Eastern Virginia Medical School before studying advanced plastic surgery techniques through several residencies and fellowships. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Beckenstein has authored and co-authored a number of articles in journals and textbooks, and he has been recognized as one of America's Top Surgeons by the Consumer Research Council of America.

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