How to Choose a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in Michigan

If you’re researching plastic surgeons in Farmington Hills, you’ve probably noticed something confusing: a lot of doctors call themselves “cosmetic surgeons” or “aesthetic specialists,” but their credentials vary wildly.

Some have decades of surgical training. Others completed a weekend course.

This guide will show you exactly how to tell the difference—and why it matters for your safety. We’ll walk through what board certification actually means, how to verify a surgeon’s credentials in minutes, and the seven non-negotiables you should check before booking a consultation anywhere in the Detroit suburbs.

Why Board Certification Matters for Your Safety

Board certification isn’t just a credential to hang on the wall. It’s a signal that a surgeon has completed specific, rigorous training in plastic surgery—and passed comprehensive exams that test both technical skill and ethical judgment.

Here’s what that means in practice.

What Is the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)?

The ABPS is the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties to certify plastic surgeons in the United States. Since 1937, it has set the gold standard for training, examination, and ongoing education in plastic surgery.

When a surgeon is ABPS-certified, they’ve completed at least six years of surgical training after medical school—three of those years focused exclusively on plastic surgery. They’ve passed written and oral exams covering everything from facial reconstruction to body contouring. And they’ve demonstrated ethical decision-making in real-world case reviews.

That’s very different from a physician who took a short cosmetic course after training in another specialty.

How ABPS Certification Differs from Other “Cosmetic” Boards

This is where patients get confused.

Some doctors are certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS), which sounds official but is not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. ABCS certification requires less surgical training and focuses only on cosmetic procedures—not the full spectrum of reconstructive surgery that builds a plastic surgeon’s foundation.

Other physicians may be board-certified in dermatology, general surgery, or even family medicine, then offer cosmetic injectables or minor procedures. That’s not necessarily unsafe, but it’s not the same as training specifically in plastic surgery.

“I’ve seen patients come to me after complications with non-plastic surgeons,” says Dr. Michelle Hardaway, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Farmington Hills with over 30 years of experience. “The issue isn’t always skill—it’s depth of training. When something goes wrong during surgery, you need a surgeon who’s managed thousands of cases across the full body, not just one type of procedure.”

Dr. Hardaway is an ABPS diplomate and Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at Wayne State University. Her facility in Farmington Hills maintains hospital-grade operating rooms and works exclusively with board-certified anesthesiologists.

What Training Does a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Complete?

Let’s break down what it actually takes to earn ABPS certification.

Step 1: Medical School and Residency (10+ Years)

After earning a four-year medical degree, aspiring plastic surgeons enter one of two residency pathways:

• Integrated programs: Six years combining general surgery and plastic surgery training
• Independent programs: Three to five years in general surgery, followed by three years in plastic surgery

Both paths require hands-on experience with reconstructive cases—burn surgery, hand surgery, facial trauma, breast reconstruction—alongside cosmetic procedures. This breadth of training is what distinguishes plastic surgeons from specialists who focus only on aesthetics.

Step 2: Written and Oral Board Exams

Once residency is complete, candidates must pass two exams:

• Written exam: Tests foundational knowledge across all areas of plastic surgery
• Oral exam: Evaluates clinical judgment, complication management, and ethics through live case presentations

Candidates have eight years to pass both exams. The process is intentionally rigorous—not everyone passes on the first attempt.

Step 3: Continuous Certification Every 10 Years

Since 1995, ABPS certification expires every 10 years. To renew, surgeons must complete continuing education, pass self-assessments, and demonstrate they’re staying current with new techniques and safety protocols.

This ongoing requirement ensures that board-certified plastic surgeons don’t coast on decades-old training.

The 7 Non-Negotiables: Your Farmington Hills Surgeon Checklist

Use this checklist to vet any plastic surgeon in the Detroit area. Each step takes less than five minutes and can be done online before you ever book a consultation.

1. Verify ABPS Certification

Visit the American Board of Plastic Surgery website and use their “Find a Surgeon” tool. Enter the surgeon’s name and confirm:

• They hold active ABPS certification
• Their certification is current (not expired)

If a surgeon isn’t listed, ask why. Some may be certified by other boards that sound similar but lack ABPS recognition.

2. Check the Michigan Medical License

Go to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) website and search the physician database. Look for:

• Active, unrestricted license
• No disciplinary actions or malpractice flags
• Verification of their medical school and residency training

This step catches red flags that don’t always show up in marketing materials.

3. Confirm Hospital Privileges

Ask if the surgeon has operating privileges at a nearby hospital. This matters because hospitals vet surgeons independently—they review training, outcomes, and peer references before granting privileges.

Dr. Hardaway maintains privileges at Botsford Hospital in Farmington Hills, which requires ongoing credentialing and quality review.

If a surgeon only operates in their own office and has no hospital affiliation, that’s a warning sign.

4. Look for Membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)

ASPS membership is open only to board-certified plastic surgeons who meet strict ethical and safety standards. Check the ASPS member directory to confirm membership.

This isn’t a substitute for ABPS certification, but it’s a strong secondary indicator of credibility.

5. Evaluate Before-and-After Galleries Carefully

In 2025, it’s easier than ever to manipulate photos with filters, lighting tricks, and even AI edits. When reviewing a surgeon’s gallery:

• Look for consistent lighting and angles (front, side, close-up)
• Check if photos show realistic healing timelines, not just “perfect” final results
• Ask to see cases similar to your body type, skin tone, and goals

Be wary of galleries that look too polished or only show one type of patient.

6. Verify the Facility Is Accredited

If your procedure will be performed in the surgeon’s office (not a hospital), confirm the facility is accredited by:

• The American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF)
• The Joint Commission
• The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC)

Accredited facilities meet strict standards for equipment, staffing, emergency protocols, and patient safety.

Dr. Hardaway’s Farmington Hills facility operates under these standards, with on-site operating rooms equipped for complex procedures and staffed by experienced surgical teams.

7. Ask About Experience with Patients Like You

This is especially important if you:

• Have a higher BMI or have lost significant weight
• Have darker skin (which requires different scar-management techniques)
• Are seeking revision surgery after a previous procedure
• Have medical conditions like diabetes or autoimmune disorders

Not every surgeon has deep experience across all patient types. Ask directly: “How many patients with my profile have you treated, and what were their outcomes?”

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Plastic Surgeon vs. Cosmetic Surgeon: What’s the Real Difference?

Let’s clear up the most common source of confusion.

Training and Certification

Credential	Training Required	Certification	Scope of Practice
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon (ABPS)	6+ years post-MD surgical residency (reconstructive + cosmetic)	American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABMS-recognized)	Full body, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery
Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeon (ABCS)	Varies; often 1–2 years cosmetic training after residency in another field	American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (not ABMS-recognized)	Cosmetic procedures only
Non-Board-Certified Provider	Varies widely; may include weekend courses or online certifications	None, or non-recognized boards	Often limited to injectables, minor procedures

Why the Difference Matters

Plastic surgeons are trained to handle complications. If bleeding occurs mid-surgery, if a patient has an unexpected reaction to anesthesia, or if tissue doesn’t heal as expected, a plastic surgeon has the foundational training to manage it.

Cosmetic surgeons—especially those without surgical residency training—may not.

“I’ve treated patients who developed complications after procedures with non-plastic surgeons,” Dr. Hardaway explains. “In some cases, the original provider didn’t recognize early warning signs or didn’t have the skills to revise the work safely. That’s not about effort—it’s about training.”

Red Flags: Misleading Titles to Watch For

Be cautious if a provider uses vague titles like:

• “Cosmetic surgeon” (without specifying board certification)
• “Aesthetic specialist”
• “Board-certified” (without naming the certifying board)

Always ask: “Which board certified you, and is it recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties?”

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Why Experience with Diverse Patients Matters

Not all bodies respond to surgery the same way. Skin tone, tissue elasticity, scar-healing patterns, and underlying health conditions all affect outcomes.

If you have darker skin, for example, you’re at higher risk for keloid scarring and hyperpigmentation. A surgeon experienced in treating diverse skin tones will adjust incision placement, suturing techniques, and post-op care accordingly.

If you’ve lost 100+ pounds after bariatric surgery, your body contouring needs are different from someone seeking a standard tummy tuck. You may need staged procedures, specialized skin-tightening techniques, and longer recovery planning.

Ask your surgeon:

• “How many patients with my skin tone have you treated?”
• “Do you have before-and-after photos of patients with similar body types?”
• “What adjustments do you make for patients with [specific condition]?”

If the surgeon can’t give specific examples, consider that a gap in experience.

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How to Spot Fake or Misleading Before-and-After Photos

Before-and-after galleries are powerful marketing tools—but they’re also easy to manipulate.

What to Look For

Consistent lighting and angles. Real galleries show patients in the same lighting setup, from the same angles, before and after. If the “before” photo is dim and unflattering while the “after” is professionally lit, that’s a red flag.

Realistic timelines. Healing takes time. Be suspicious of galleries that only show final results at 6–12 months post-op without any images of the healing process.

Variety in patient types. A credible gallery includes patients of different ages, body types, and skin tones—not just one “ideal” type.

Visible surgical details. Look for incision lines, even if faint. If every photo looks airbrushed or perfectly smooth, the images may be edited.

Questions to Ask During Your Consultation

• “Can I see unedited photos of patients with similar goals?”
• “Do you have examples of revision cases or complications you’ve managed?”
• “Can you walk me through what realistic results look like for my body?”

Dr. Hardaway’s practice provides unfiltered galleries organized by procedure type and patient profile, so prospective patients can set realistic expectations before their consultation.

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What Happens If You Choose a Non-Board-Certified Surgeon?

Let’s be clear: not every non-certified surgeon is dangerous. Some have years of experience and excellent outcomes.

But the risk is higher—and the consequences can be severe.

Increased Complication Rates

Studies show that patients treated by non-board-certified surgeons experience higher rates of:

• Infection
• Poor scarring
• Asymmetry or unsatisfactory aesthetic results
• Need for revision surgery

Without comprehensive surgical training, non-certified providers may miss early warning signs of complications or lack the skills to correct issues intraoperatively.

Limited Recourse in Malpractice Cases

If something goes wrong, board certification often serves as a baseline standard in malpractice cases. If your surgeon wasn’t certified, it may be harder to prove they deviated from accepted standards of care—but it also signals that they didn’t meet those standards in the first place.

Facility and Anesthesia Risks

Non-certified surgeons may operate in unaccredited facilities with inadequate emergency equipment or untrained staff. They may also use non-board-certified anesthesia providers, which increases the risk of anesthesia complications.

Dr. Hardaway’s facility is accredited and staffed by board-certified anesthesiologists with hospital-level monitoring and emergency protocols.

Ethical Concerns

The ABPS certification process includes ethics training and case reviews that emphasize patient safety, informed consent, and realistic expectations. Without that framework, some non-certified surgeons may:

• Recommend unnecessary procedures to increase revenue
• Downplay risks or set unrealistic expectations
• Operate on patients who aren’t good candidates for surgery

“I’ve had patients come to me after being told they were ‘perfect candidates’ for procedures they clearly weren’t ready for—medically or emotionally,” Dr. Hardaway says. “Part of my job is to say no when surgery isn’t in someone’s best interest. Not every provider has that training or incentive.”

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How to Verify Dr. Hardaway’s Credentials (Step-by-Step)

Let’s walk through the verification process using Dr. Hardaway as an example.

Step 1: Check ABPS Certification

1. Go to abplasticsurgery.org
2. Click “Find a Surgeon”
3. Enter “Michelle Hardaway” and “Michigan”
4. Confirm her active ABPS certification and diplomate status

Step 2: Verify Michigan Medical License

1. Visit michigan.gov/lara
2. Search the physician database for “Michelle Hardaway”
3. Review her license status, training history, and any disciplinary actions (there should be none)

Step 3: Confirm ASPS Membership

1. Go to plasticsurgery.org/find-a-surgeon
2. Search for Dr. Hardaway
3. Confirm her membership and review her listed specialties

Step 4: Review Academic and Hospital Affiliations

Dr. Hardaway is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at Wayne State University and maintains privileges at Botsford Hospital in Farmington Hills. These affiliations are listed on her practice website and can be verified by contacting the institutions directly.

This process takes less than 10 minutes and gives you confidence that you’re working with a fully credentialed, experienced plastic surgeon.

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Why Hospital Privileges Matter (Even If You’re Not Having Surgery in a Hospital)

Many cosmetic procedures are performed in a surgeon’s private facility, not a hospital. So why do hospital privileges matter?

Independent Credentialing

Hospitals conduct their own background checks, training verification, and peer reviews before granting privileges. They also require ongoing quality audits and complication tracking.

If a surgeon has hospital privileges, it means an independent institution has vetted their credentials and trusts them to operate safely.

Emergency Backup

If a complication arises during an office-based procedure, hospital privileges allow the surgeon to transfer you quickly and continue your care without handing you off to an unfamiliar team.

Peer Accountability

Surgeons with hospital privileges are subject to peer review. If their complication rates are high or their outcomes are poor, the hospital will investigate—and may revoke privileges.

Dr. Hardaway’s privileges at Botsford Hospital reflect her standing in the Farmington Hills medical community and her commitment to maintaining high standards of care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Do Next

If you’re considering plastic surgery in Farmington Hills, start with these three steps:

First, verify credentials. Use the checklist above to research any surgeon you’re considering. Don’t skip this step—it takes minutes and could prevent serious complications.

Second, schedule consultations with at least two board-certified plastic surgeons. Compare their approaches, experience with patients like you, and how they answer your questions about risks and realistic outcomes.

Third, trust your instincts. If a surgeon rushes you, dismisses your concerns, or makes guarantees that sound too good to be true, walk away.

Dr. Hardaway offers thorough consultations at her Farmington Hills facility, where she reviews your medical history, discusses your goals, and provides honest recommendations about which procedures can help you achieve them safely. She’ll answer your questions about recovery, risks, and what realistic results look like for your body.

If you’re ready to take the next step with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has spent three decades building a reputation for safety and natural-looking results in the Detroit suburbs, request a consultation with Dr. Michelle Hardaway.

Every case is unique, and the best way to understand your options is to speak with a qualified surgeon who can evaluate your individual needs.