According to an embodiment, a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) transducer includes a first electrode, a second electrode fixed to an anchor at a perimeter of the second electrode, and a mechanical support separate from the anchor at the perimeter of the second electrode and mechanically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode. The mechanical support is fixed to a portion of the second electrode such that, during operation, a maximum deflection of the second electrode occurs between the mechanical structure and the perimeter of the second electrode.