Breast Surgery
There are several procedures that can help you transform the appearance of your breasts, whether you’re seeking augmentation, reduction, reconstruction, or correction. At Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center, we address a wide range of concerns with personalized care and exceptional results.
Why Choose Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center for Breast Surgery
Choosing the right plastic surgeon is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning breast surgery. At Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center in Michigan, patients benefit from the skill and experience of Dr. Michelle Hardaway, a board-certified plastic surgeon known for her precision, artistic vision and compassionate approach. With a deep understanding of both form and function, Dr. Hardaway designs each surgical plan around the unique goals and anatomy of the individual.
Our modern facility offers a welcoming, discreet setting where you can feel at ease throughout your treatment. From breast augmentation and reduction to reconstruction or combination procedures, we provide personalized care at every stage, from your first consultation through full recovery, ensuring both safety and outstanding, natural-looking results.
Breast Augmentation: What to know
As one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries nationwide, breast augmentation helps women achieve fuller, more proportionate breasts through carefully selected implants and advanced surgical techniques.
During your consultation, Dr. Hardaway will discuss your options for breast implants, including silicone gel implants that offer a natural feel and saline implants that can be inserted through smaller incisions. She’ll explain the advantages of different implant shapes, sizes, and profiles to help you make informed decisions about your breast augmentation.
The breast augmentation procedure typically takes 1-2 hours under general anesthesia, with most patients returning to light activities within a few days. Dr. Hardaway’s meticulous surgical technique minimizes scarring by placing incisions in discreet locations, such as the inframammary fold (under the breast), around the areola, or in the armpit.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Also known as mastopexy, this surgery addresses breast ptosis (drooping) caused by pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, or the natural aging process. By removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue, Dr. Hardaway repositions the breasts higher on the chest wall, creating a more youthful contour.
During your breast lift consultation, Dr. Hardaway will evaluate the degree of ptosis and discuss the most appropriate surgical technique for your unique anatomy. Depending on the extent of sagging and your desired outcome, she may recommend one of several incision patterns, including periareolar (around the areola), vertical (lollipop), or anchor-shaped.
Many women choose to combine their breast lift with augmentation to address both position and volume concerns simultaneously. This approach can be particularly beneficial for women who have experienced significant changes in their breasts after pregnancy or substantial weight loss.
Breast Reduction
For many women, overly large breasts cause chronic neck and back pain, shoulder grooving from bra straps, skin irritation, and limitations in physical activities—issues that breast reduction surgery effectively addresses.
Dr. Hardaway’s approach to breast reduction focuses not only on removing excess breast tissue but also on reshaping the remaining tissue to create aesthetically pleasing contours. The procedure typically involves making incisions around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease, allowing for removal of excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin.
Many women are surprised to learn that breast reduction may be covered by insurance when performed to alleviate medical symptoms. Our caring staff help patients navigate the insurance requirements, including documentation of symptoms and conservative treatments attempted prior to seeking surgical intervention.
Breast Reconstruction: Restoring Appearance After Mastectomy
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center provides compassionate breast reconstruction services for women who have undergone mastectomy due to breast cancer or preventive measures. Dr. Hardaway works closely with oncology teams throughout Michigan to coordinate reconstruction timing, whether immediate (performed during the same operation as mastectomy) or delayed (performed months or years after cancer treatment).
Dr. Hardaway offers various breast reconstruction options, including implant-based reconstruction and autologous tissue reconstruction using the patient’s own tissue from areas such as the abdomen or back. The breast reconstruction journey often involves multiple stages, potentially including tissue expansion, implant placement, fat grafting for refinement, and nipple-areola reconstruction.
For many women, breast reconstruction plays a crucial role in emotional healing after breast cancer, helping to restore body image and sense of wholeness. Dr. Hardaway takes a thoughtful, artistic approach to breast reconstruction, aiming to achieve results that look natural and help women regain confidence in their appearance after a mastectomy.
Breast Implant Removal and Addressing Breast Implant Illness
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center provides expert breast implant removal services for women experiencing complications or concerns related to their breast implants. With increasing awareness of breast implant illness and other potential complications, Dr. Hardaway offers comprehensive care for patients seeking implant removal, whether due to medical concerns, aesthetic preferences, or lifestyle changes.
For patients experiencing symptoms potentially related to breast implant illness—which may include fatigue, joint pain, cognitive issues, and autoimmune symptoms—Dr. Hardaway offers en bloc capsulectomy when appropriate. This specialized technique removes both the implant and the surrounding capsule of scar tissue intact, which some patients report provides relief from systemic symptoms.
Following implant removal, Dr. Hardaway may recommend additional procedures to address changes in breast appearance, such as a breast lift to correct sagging or fat transfer to restore volume. During your consultation, she’ll discuss these options and help you make informed decisions about your post-explantation care.
Nipple Reconstruction
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center provides detailed nipple reconstruction services that add the finishing touch to breast reconstruction procedures. For many women who have undergone mastectomy and breast reconstruction, nipple reconstruction represents the final step in restoring a natural-looking breast appearance.
Nipple reconstruction is typically performed as a separate procedure after the reconstructed breast has had time to heal and settle into its final position, usually 3-6 months after the primary reconstruction. This outpatient procedure creates a projecting nipple using local tissue flaps from the reconstructed breast, followed by tattooing several weeks later to add color to both the nipple and areola.
While nipple reconstruction is entirely optional, many women find that it provides significant psychological benefits, helping them feel that their breast reconstruction journey is truly complete. The procedure is relatively minor, performed under local anesthesia with minimal recovery time, yet it can have a profound impact on a woman’s sense of wholeness after breast cancer.
Contact Us Today
Ready to explore how breast surgery can boost your confidence? Contact Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center today at (248) 221-1957 to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Michelle Hardaway. Our friendly staff is ready to answer your questions about breast surgery procedures, recovery expectations, and financing options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Surgery
Breast surgery is a complex and personal decision. Here are answers to some of the most common questions patients have when considering breast procedures
What Are The Symptoms of Breast Implant Illness?
Many of the symptoms that have been linked with breast implants fall under a general term called breast implant illness. This consists of a variety of symptoms that could include brain fogginess, joint pain and fatigue to name a few. At the present time, there is no specific test for patients that will inform them if they are at risk for some of these symptoms. The majority of patients that have breast implants do not experience these problems but those that do can have a myriad of symptoms. Large cell anaplastic lymphoma is a rare cancer that had been associated with textured breast implants from a specific manufacturer. Those specific implants are no longer on the market.
Breast implants have not been associated with breast cancer. Anaplastic large cell lymphoma is a rare cancer associated with textured implants. 80% of the world’s cases (presently less than 600), were associated with Allergan textured implants. These implants are no longer on the market.
The FDA has issued a black box warning on breast implant packaging. The health care provider should review the risk and complications that can be associated with breast implants. As with all surgical procedures, the patient should have informed consent and understand possible risks and complications. This FDA black box warning includes a checklist of possible risks and complications associated with breast implants. This is an initial step in helping the patient understand the possible risks and complications.
Breast implant illness is a common concern with breast implants. This term covers a variety of symptoms like joint pain, brain fog, and general arthralgias. There is currently no test or way to determine who will or will not have these symptoms. However, a possible estimate is approximately 10% or less of patients have these symptoms. In some of these patients, some or all of the symptoms disappeared with the removal of the breast implant and capsule. If a patient has a history of collagen vascular diseases (for example, Lupus) breast implant surgery should be avoided.
What Does a FDA Black Box Warning Mean?
The present checklist associated with the FDA black box warning for breast implants is helping the patient become more informed. Also included in the checklist are a list of medical conditions that can be associated with unfavorable outcomes with breast implant placement. This new warning will also stress that breast implants will not last a lifetime which may require future surgery. The rupture rate of breast implants does increase after ten years.
What is the average cost of breast augmentation surgery in Michigan?
The cost of breast augmentation in Michigan typically ranges from $3,500 to $6,500. This includes the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, and operating room charges. The type of implant used also impacts cost.
How long is the recovery after a breast lift?
Patients usually need to take 1-2 weeks off work after a breast lift. Swelling and bruising subsides within 2-3 weeks. Final results are visible after 3-6 months. Patients should avoid strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks post-op.
Does insurance cover breast reduction surgery?
If the breast reduction is deemed medically necessary, insurance may cover part or all of the cost. The criteria includes back pain, shoulder grooves from bra straps, rashes under the breast and inability to participate in physical activity.
What are the risks of breast reconstruction surgery?
Possible risks include bleeding, infection, asymmetry between breasts, loss of nipple sensation and scarring. Choosing an experienced plastic surgeon can help minimize risks. Be sure to discuss your complete medical history.
How do I choose the right plastic surgeon for a breast procedure?
Look for board-certified surgeons who specialize in breast procedures. Review before/after photos, read online reviews, and consult with 1-2 surgeons before deciding. Ask about their training, experience and surgical techniques.
What is the recovery like after breast augmentation?
Patients may experience swelling, bruising and discomfort for 1-2 weeks. Most return to non-strenuous work within 3-5 days. Post-op instructions include wearing a surgical bra and avoiding heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks. Full results are seen after a few months.
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