Plastic Surgeon Comments on Breast Augmentation Procedures Abroad

BIRMINGHAM, AL, July 26, 2012 (Press-News.org) While people are often lured by the romantic idea of combining a vacation getaway abroad with cosmetic surgery, Dr. Michael S. Beckenstein, one of the top plastic surgeons in Birmingham, cautions that there are good reasons for having cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation close to home.

"I'm not saying that doctors in other countries are not qualified to perform safe and successful breast enhancement procedures," Dr. Beckenstein says. "Many foreign doctors are just as skilled and just as experienced as those you'll find in your area. However, there are many other factors to take into account." Those considerations include differing standards of safety for facilities and products in other countries.

He says another important thing to consider is the availability of follow-up care following a surgical procedure.

"After any surgery, it's essential to check in with your surgeon for follow-up visits to make sure that incisions are healing properly and that the recuperation is going as it should," Dr. Beckenstein says. Patients who come to him for plastic surgery in Birmingham can typically expect a call that evening, a visit the next day, and then regular follow ups over the next few weeks and months.

"Regular follow ups help us stay on top of any concerns that may arise. And, in the rare case that something should go wrong, it's reassuring to know that your doctor is nearby and not thousands of miles away."

Dr. Beckenstein acknowledges that patients can sometimes save money by having cosmetic surgery in other countries, but he notes that in some cases, the risks could outweigh the savings.

"Take, for example, the recent revelations about the French PIP breast implants that were filled with industrial-grade silicone," he says. "Thousands of women received those implants during breast augmentation procedures in other countries, and now they are paying the price."

PIP implants were made by a French company called Poly Implant Prosthese. It was discovered that not only did the PIP implants contain impurities but also they had a higher-than-normal risk of rupturing.

"This is why it's important to seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced and up to date on the latest techniques and uses only FDA-approved implants," Dr. Beckenstein says. "When patients come to my practice in Birmingham for plastic surgery, they can be assured that they will be getting not only the best care but also the safest and best implants available."

Dr. Beckenstein applies the same high standards of care and safety to all of his cosmetic surgery procedures, whether he is performing a tummy tuck or liposuction. He and his staff are also dedicated to providing the best service available for patients who come to them for non-surgical treatments, such as injectable fillers and microdermabrasion.

He and his staff are also strong advocates of patient education.

"We believe it is our job to make sure our patients are well-educated about the procedures they are considering," he says. "For this reason, I make sure each patient goes through a thorough and informative consultation process before moving forward with surgery."

Dr. Michael Beckenstein is a board-certified plastic surgeon who offers procedures for the breasts, body and face at his practice in Birmingham, Alabama. He earned his medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School before studying advanced plastic surgery techniques through a series of 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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