Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center, Michelle Hardaway M.D., a board-certified plastic surgery practice offering breast augmentation in Farmington Hills, is helping patients cut through the noise on one of the most-searched questions in cosmetic surgery this year: how safe breast implants are in 2026, and what the current FDA data actually shows.

Public interest in implant safety has climbed alongside broader awareness of breast implant illness (BII) and rare implant-associated cancers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration continues to monitor these risks through post-market surveillance and, since 2021, has required a boxed warning and a patient decision checklist that surgeons review and sign with every patient before surgery. That checklist covers implant lifespan, the possibility of future surgery, and conditions such as BIA-ALCL, a rare and treatable cancer of the immune system that is distinct from breast cancer and has been linked primarily to certain textured implants. For patients across Oakland County and the greater Metro Detroit area, understanding those distinctions is the starting point of an informed decision.

"Patients in 2026 are more informed than ever, and that is a good thing. Our approach focuses on a thorough, honest consultation, reviewing the FDA checklist, the real risks and the alternatives, so each patient can decide what is right for her body," said Dr. Michelle Hardaway, M.D., F.A.C.S., board-certified plastic surgeon.

Dr. Hardaway brings over 20 years of experience and dual board certification in plastic and general surgery to that safety conversation. As a former Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Director of the Burn Center at Detroit Receiving Hospital, and an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at Wayne State University, she approaches cosmetic work with a reconstructive surgeon's respect for tissue healing and long-term outcomes. Procedures are performed at the practice's QUAD A-accredited surgical center, staffed by a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. The practice does not accept insurance and offers financing options for qualified patients through CareCredit.

According to the FDA and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, implants are not lifetime devices, meaning some patients may need additional surgery over time, and long-term monitoring is part of responsible care. Both organizations emphasize that informed consent and consistent follow-up help identify rare complications early. Modern advances, including highly cohesive silicone gel and no-touch insertion techniques, are designed to reduce risks such as gel migration and infection, though no procedure is without risk.

Hardaway notes that patient selection and education drive safe outcomes. "The safest result starts with honesty. I walk every patient through the benefits, the risks and the follow-up that implants require, the same standard I have brought to every procedure for over 20 years," she said.

Women in Farmington Hills and throughout Michigan who want to understand breast implant safety, review their options, or discuss monitoring after a prior augmentation can learn about Dr. Hardaway's approach and request a paid, appointment-based consultation at https://michellehardawaymd.com/. All consultations are paid and appointment-based to ensure dedicated time and a personalized plan.

About Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center, Michelle Hardaway M.D.

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center is a board-certified plastic surgery practice in Farmington Hills, Michigan, led by Dr. Michelle Hardaway, M.D., F.A.C.S., a plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. The practice offers surgical and non-surgical procedures, including breast augmentation, body contouring and facial rejuvenation, from a QUAD A-accredited surgical center. Located at 27920 Orchard Lake Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48334. Phone: (248) 221-1957. Website: https://michellehardawaymd.com/

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personal health decisions.

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For more information about Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center, Michelle Hardaway M.D., contact the company here:

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center, Michelle Hardaway M.D.
Michelle Hardaway
+12482211957
contactus@michellehardawaymd.com
27920 Orchard Lake Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48334, United States