Are you struggling with excess abdominal skin and weakened muscles that don’t respond to diet and exercise? Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center provides professional tummy tuck procedures in Farmington Hills, MI, delivering natural-looking results that enhance your confidence and comfort.

Why Choose Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center provides expert tummy tuck procedures in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Dr. Michelle Hardaway performs abdominoplasty surgeries using advanced surgical techniques in a QUADA-accredited surgical suite, ensuring patients receive the highest standard of care in a safe, supportive environment.

With over 30 years of specialized plastic surgery expertise, Dr. Hardaway has established herself as a leading board-certified plastic surgeon in the Metro Detroit area. Her extensive credentials include being a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and former Chief of Plastic Surgery at Detroit Receiving Hospital, demonstrating her exceptional qualifications in performing tummy tuck procedures.

Our patient-centered philosophy ensures that each tummy tuck procedure is tailored to your unique body type and aesthetic goals. Dr. Hardaway takes the time to understand your individual needs, developing customized treatment plans that address your specific concerns and deliver the natural-looking results you desire.

Types of Tummy Tucks: Full and Mini Abdominoplasty Options

When considering a tummy tuck procedure, it’s important to understand that there are different types available, each designed to address specific concerns and body types. At Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center, Dr. Michelle Hardaway offers both full tummy tucks and mini tummy tucks to provide tailored solutions for her patients.

A full tummy tuck, or complete abdominoplasty, addresses the entire abdominal area from the pubic region to just above the belly button. This comprehensive procedure is ideal for individuals with significant excess skin and muscle laxity throughout the abdomen. During a full tummy tuck, Dr. Hardaway makes a horizontal incision along the lower abdomen, removes excess skin and fat, and tightens the underlying muscles. The belly button is often repositioned to create a natural-looking result that complements the newly contoured abdomen.

The full tummy tuck is particularly beneficial for patients who have experienced significant weight loss or multiple pregnancies, as these life events can lead to extensive skin laxity and muscle separation (diastasis recti) that affects the entire abdominal wall. The procedure provides dramatic improvement in abdominal contour and can significantly enhance body proportions.

In contrast, a mini tummy tuck focuses specifically on the area below the belly button. This less extensive procedure is suitable for patients with minimal loose skin and muscle laxity in the upper abdominal region. The mini tummy tuck involves a shorter incision compared to a full tummy tuck, resulting in a less noticeable scar. While the recovery time is generally shorter than that of a full tummy tuck, the results are more limited in scope.

The mini tummy tuck is an excellent option for individuals who are close to their ideal weight but struggle with a small pooch or excess skin in the lower abdomen that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise. This targeted approach addresses specific concerns while minimizing surgical intervention and recovery time.

During your consultation, Dr. Hardaway will carefully evaluate your unique anatomy, discuss your aesthetic goals, and recommend the most appropriate type of tummy tuck to achieve your desired results. Her expertise in body contouring procedures ensures that you receive personalized care and optimal outcomes, regardless of which tummy tuck variation is best suited to your needs.

Tummy Tuck Cost in Farmington Hills: What to Expect

The cost of a tummy tuck procedure in Farmington Hills, MI, typically ranges from $6,000 to $12,000, depending on several factors that influence the final price. Understanding these factors can help you make an informed decision about your investment in this transformative procedure.

Several key elements contribute to the overall cost of a tummy tuck. The surgeon’s experience and reputation significantly impact the price, with board-certified plastic surgeons like Dr. Michelle Hardaway, who have extensive experience and a proven track record, often commanding higher fees. This premium reflects their specialized training, expertise, and consistent delivery of exceptional results.

Facility fees are another important component of the total cost. Procedures performed in accredited surgical facilities, such as Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center’s QUADA-accredited surgical suite, may have higher associated costs than those performed in less specialized settings. However, these accredited facilities offer enhanced safety protocols and specialized equipment that contribute to better outcomes and reduced complications.

Anesthesia services, which are essential for patient comfort during the procedure, also factor into the overall cost. The type of anesthesia used and the duration of the procedure will influence this portion of the expense. Additionally, the extent and complexity of the tummy tuck procedure itself will affect the price. A full tummy tuck, which addresses both the upper and lower abdomen and includes muscle repair, typically costs more than a mini tummy tuck, which focuses primarily on the lower abdominal area.

Geographic location plays a role in pricing as well, with procedures in metropolitan areas like Farmington Hills often reflecting the higher cost of living and operational expenses in these regions. Finally, if you choose to combine your tummy tuck with other procedures, such as liposuction or a breast lift as part of a mommy makeover, the overall cost will increase accordingly.

To make the procedure more accessible, many plastic surgery practices offer financing options through patient financing plans or third-party lending services. These options can help break down the cost into more manageable monthly payments, making it easier for patients to afford the procedure without compromising on quality or safety.

While cost is an important consideration, it should not be the sole determining factor when choosing a plastic surgeon. Prioritizing a board-certified, experienced surgeon with a proven track record of safety and successful outcomes is crucial for achieving the best possible results and minimizing the risk of complications. During your consultation with Dr. Hardaway, she will provide a detailed breakdown of all costs associated with your specific tummy tuck procedure, ensuring complete transparency throughout your surgical journey.

Combining Tummy Tuck with Liposuction for Complete Body Contouring

While a tummy tuck effectively addresses excess skin and weakened abdominal muscles, combining it with liposuction can provide more comprehensive body contouring results. This powerful combination allows Dr. Michelle Hardaway to sculpt your entire midsection for optimal aesthetic outcomes.

Liposuction complements a tummy tuck by precisely targeting and removing stubborn fat deposits that may remain after the tummy tuck procedure. While the tummy tuck focuses on removing excess skin and tightening underlying muscles, liposuction addresses the fatty tissue layer between the skin and muscles. This combined approach results in a more defined waistline and smoother overall contour than either procedure could achieve alone.

The strategic combination of these procedures offers several advantages. First, it allows for more comprehensive reshaping of the entire abdominal area, including the flanks (love handles) and lower back, creating a more harmonious silhouette. Second, performing both procedures during the same surgical session means you’ll only experience one recovery period, making the overall process more efficient and less disruptive to your daily life.

Dr. Hardaway’s expertise in both tummy tuck and liposuction techniques enables her to create customized treatment plans that address your specific concerns and aesthetic goals. During your consultation, she will evaluate your unique anatomy and discuss whether combining these procedures would be beneficial for achieving your desired results.

Many patients who choose to combine tummy tuck with liposuction report high satisfaction with their outcomes, noting dramatic improvements in their abdominal contour and overall body proportions. The complementary nature of these procedures allows for a more thorough transformation, helping you achieve the sculpted, toned appearance you desire.

It’s important to note that combining procedures may require a slightly longer recovery period than a standalone tummy tuck, though still shorter than recovering from two separate surgeries. Dr. Hardaway and her team will provide detailed recovery instructions to ensure optimal healing and results from your combined procedure.

Recovery Timeline After Your Abdominoplasty Procedure

Understanding what to expect during your recovery from tummy tuck surgery can help you prepare mentally and physically for the healing process. While individual experiences may vary, most patients follow a similar recovery timeline after their abdominoplasty procedure at Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center.

The immediate post-operative period (days 1-3) is typically the most challenging. You’ll likely experience discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication. Your abdomen will be wrapped in a compression garment to minimize swelling and support the healing tissues. During this time, you’ll need assistance with daily activities and should focus on rest and gentle walking to promote circulation.

During the first week, you’ll continue to wear your compression garment as directed by Dr. Hardaway. Most patients can shower after 48 hours, following specific instructions for wound care. You’ll need to maintain a slightly bent posture when walking to avoid putting tension on your incision. By the end of the first week, many patients report a significant decrease in discomfort, though swelling and bruising remain noticeable.

Weeks 2-3 mark a transitional period in your recovery. Many patients feel comfortable enough to return to light desk work, though physical jobs may require additional time off. You’ll continue to wear your compression garment, but you may be able to switch to a lighter support garment. Swelling and bruising begin to subside, though they won’t completely resolve for several more weeks. During this time, you should continue to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting.

By weeks 4-6, most patients can gradually resume normal daily activities, though strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should still be avoided until cleared by Dr. Hardaway. Swelling continues to decrease, and you’ll begin to see more definitive results of your procedure. Many patients report feeling more comfortable and confident in their appearance at this stage.

At the 6-8 week mark, most patients can return to their full exercise routine, though this should be done gradually and with Dr. Hardaway’s approval. Swelling may still be present, but is significantly reduced. Your incision continues to fade and flatten, though complete scar maturation takes up to a year or more.

For optimal recovery, follow these tips:

1. Adhere strictly to Dr. Hardaway’s post-operative instructions
2. Attend all follow-up appointments
3. Wear your compression garment as directed
4. Stay hydrated and maintain a nutritious diet
5. Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption
6. Get plenty of rest while also engaging in the recommended light activity
7. Avoid sun exposure to your incision site
8. Be patient with your body’s healing process

Remember that complete recovery and final results take time. While you’ll see significant improvements within a few months, subtle changes continue for up to a year after surgery as swelling completely resolves and tissues settle into their new position.

Candidacy for Tummy Tuck Surgery in Farmington Hills

Determining whether you’re a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery is an important first step in your body contouring journey. At Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center in Farmington Hills, Dr. Michelle Hardaway carefully evaluates each patient’s individual circumstances to ensure they’re well-suited for this transformative procedure.

Ideal candidates for tummy tuck surgery are individuals in good overall health who have realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcomes. Being in good health minimizes the risk of complications during surgery and promotes optimal healing afterward. Patients should be non-smokers or willing to quit smoking several weeks before and after surgery, as smoking can significantly impair healing and increase the risk of complications.

Women who have completed their families and are experiencing abdominal changes due to pregnancy often make excellent candidates for tummy tuck surgery. Pregnancy can cause the abdominal muscles to separate (a condition called diastasis recti) and the skin to stretch beyond its ability to retract naturally. A tummy tuck can repair these separated muscles and remove excess skin, restoring a firmer, flatter abdominal profile.

Individuals who have lost significant weight, either through bariatric surgery or lifestyle changes, may also benefit greatly from tummy tuck surgery. Substantial weight loss often leaves behind excess, sagging skin that cannot be addressed through exercise or non-surgical methods. A tummy tuck can remove this redundant skin, completing the body transformation journey and helping patients fully enjoy the results of their weight loss efforts.

Age-related changes in skin elasticity and muscle tone can also make someone a good candidate for abdominoplasty. As we age, our skin loses elasticity, and our muscles may weaken, leading to a protruding or sagging abdomen despite maintaining a healthy weight. A tummy tuck can address these age-related changes, restoring a more youthful abdominal contour.

It’s important to note that tummy tuck surgery is not a weight loss procedure. Ideal candidates should be at or near their target weight and have maintained this weight for at least six months. The procedure is designed to contour the body by removing excess skin and tightening muscles, not to remove significant amounts of fat.

During your consultation with Dr. Hardaway, she will assess your medical history, current health status, and aesthetic goals to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for tummy tuck surgery. She will also discuss alternative or additional procedures that might help you achieve your desired results, ensuring you receive personalized care tailored to your unique needs.

Transform Your Confidence with Dramatic, Natural-Looking Results

A tummy tuck at Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center offers more than just physical transformation—it provides a profound boost to your self-confidence and quality of life. Dr. Michelle Hardaway’s approach to abdominoplasty focuses on creating dramatic yet natural-looking results that enhance your body’s natural contours while addressing the specific concerns that brought you to her practice.

The transformative power of a tummy tuck extends far beyond the physical changes it creates. Many patients report significant improvements in their self-image and confidence after their procedure. The removal of excess skin and repair of weakened abdominal muscles not only creates a flatter, more toned abdomen but also allows patients to feel comfortable in clothing they may have avoided for years. From fitted shirts and dresses to swimwear and activewear, patients often discover a new freedom in their wardrobe choices after a tummy tuck.

Dr. Hardaway’s commitment to natural-looking results means that your transformed abdomen will complement your overall body proportions rather than appearing obviously altered. This balanced, harmonious approach ensures that while the changes may be dramatic, they also look authentic and suited to your unique body type. The goal is enhancement that looks like the best version of you, not an artificial or overly surgical appearance.

Patients frequently share stories of renewed confidence in social situations, increased comfort in intimate relationships, and greater enjoyment of physical activities after their tummy tuck procedures. Many describe feeling as though their outer appearance finally matches their inner vitality and energy, creating a sense of wholeness and alignment that enhances their overall well-being.

The psychological benefits of a tummy tuck can be particularly profound for those who have struggled with abdominal changes after pregnancy or significant weight loss. These life events, while positive in many ways, can leave lasting physical changes that diet and exercise alone cannot address. A tummy tuck can help complete these personal journeys, allowing patients to fully embrace and celebrate their achievements.

Dr. Hardaway’s expertise in creating natural-looking results, combined with her compassionate approach to patient care, ensures that your tummy tuck journey will be both physically and emotionally rewarding. The dramatic yet natural transformation of your abdomen can serve as a catalyst for positive change in multiple aspects of your life, empowering you to move forward with renewed confidence and self-assurance.

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All About Farmington Hills, MI

Farmington Hills is a vibrant community known for its family-friendly neighborhoods, scenic parks, and diverse cultural attractions. The city features a range of educational institutions, well-maintained highways for easy travel, and numerous points of interest that make it an appealing place to live and visit. Below is a structured overview of Farmington Hills’ key features, including highways, colleges, parks, airports, lakes, rivers, points of interest, and neighborhoods.