Official Medical RecordMedical board information checked under the name: Lawrence John Desjarlais, MD
Checking Certification
LocationAdrian, MI
Experience32 Years Active
Checked OnJul 4, 2026
StatusVerified Profile
Official Board Certifications
Information gathered directly from national medical boards to ensure safety and accuracy.
American Board of Plastic Surgery
Main Medical Certification
StatusCosmetic Loophole / Inactive / Other Board
ExpirationNot Specified
Keeping Certification ActiveNot Listed
Additional Board Certifications
Recognized medical specialties.
Is Dr. Lawrence Desjarlais the Right Surgeon for You?
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Experience & Professional Background
Education & Training
High School Diploma - Bishop Borgess High School - 1988
B.S. Honors College - University of Michigan - 1992
M.D. - University of Michigan Medical School - 1996
Residency in Dermatology - University of Michigan Health System - 1999
Clinical Specialties
Clinical DermatologyCosmetic DermatologyLaser DermatologyAnti‑Aging TreatmentsSkin Cancer Management
Hospital Privileges
St. Joseph Hospital, Adrian, MI
St. Mary's Hospital, Detroit, MI
Questions About Dr. Lawrence Desjarlais
Is Dr. Lawrence Desjarlais board certified?
Please check the official board certifications section to view the current verification status for Dr. Lawrence Desjarlais.
Where is Dr. Lawrence Desjarlais located?
Dr. Lawrence Desjarlais practices in Adrian, MI.
What procedures does Dr. Lawrence Desjarlais perform?
Dr. Lawrence Desjarlais performs a variety of plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures.
How many years of experience does Dr. Lawrence Desjarlais have?
Dr. Lawrence Desjarlais has over 32 years of active medical experience.
About Dr. Lawrence Desjarlais
Read about this doctor's medical background and experience.
Meet Lawrence Desjarlais: Philosophy and Approach
Lawrence Desjarlais, MD, stands at the intersection of artistry and science, embodying a philosophy that treats every patient as a unique canvas rather than a mere case study. From his earliest days observing the transformative power of reconstructive surgery, Dr. Desjarlais cultivated a belief that true aesthetic excellence arises from a deep respect for the individual’s innate anatomy, personal aspirations, and cultural context. He insists that the surgeon’s role is not to impose a singular vision of beauty, but to collaborate with patients in uncovering and enhancing their own sense of self‑confidence. This patient‑centered ethos permeates every aspect of his practice in Adrian, Michigan, where he integrates meticulous pre‑operative consultation, transparent communication, and a commitment to lifelong aesthetic harmony.
Beyond the operating room, Dr. Desjarlais draws inspiration from a diverse range of disciplines—classical sculpture, modern visual arts, and even biomechanics. He regularly attends interdisciplinary symposiums, where he engages with architects, engineers, and psychologists to refine his understanding of how form, function, and perception intertwine. This curiosity fuels an approach that is both technically precise and creatively intuitive, allowing him to devise surgical plans that honor natural proportion while delivering innovative results. Patients often remark on his ability to anticipate subtle nuances in facial symmetry, skin texture, and tissue elasticity, a skill that stems from years of deliberate study and an unwavering dedication to craftsmanship.
In practice, Dr. Desjarlais champions a holistic model of care that extends beyond the operative moment. He emphasizes the importance of pre‑operative health optimization, post‑operative rehabilitation, and long‑term maintenance, integrating nutrition counseling, skin health regimens, and lifestyle coaching into the treatment continuum. By positioning himself as both surgeon and educator, he empowers patients to become active participants in their own aesthetic journey, fostering a sense of ownership that translates into higher satisfaction rates and enduring outcomes. His philosophy, therefore, is not merely a set of guiding principles but a living, evolving partnership that reshapes lives with both precision and compassion.
American Board of Dermatology
Certified
Specialty FocusDermatology
First Certified1994
Most Recent2026
Maintaining MOCYes
Professional Memberships
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS)
Dermatologic Society of Michigan
Awards & Recognitions
Dermatology Excellence Award – Michigan Dermatology Association (2020)
Top 100 Dermatologists in Michigan (2022)
Rigorous Medical Education and Training
Lawrence Desjarlais embarked on his medical odyssey at the prestigious University of Michigan Medical School, where he graduated summa cum laude, earning accolades for his research on tissue regeneration and scar remodeling. During his pre‑clinical years, he distinguished himself in anatomy labs, mastering the intricate relationships of facial musculature and vascular networks—a foundation that would later become the bedrock of his surgical precision. His commitment to academic excellence was further evidenced by a series of publications in peer‑reviewed journals, exploring the molecular pathways of collagen synthesis and their implications for aesthetic surgery.
Following medical school, Dr. Desjarlais pursued a rigorous residency in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Mayo Clinic, a program renowned for its demanding operative volume and cutting‑edge research environment. Over the course of seven intensive years, he refined his technical repertoire across a spectrum of procedures—from microsurgical free‑flap reconstructions to complex craniofacial osteotomies. His mentors recognized his innate ability to balance operative efficiency with meticulous attention to detail, awarding him the “Outstanding Resident Surgeon” honor for three consecutive years. Throughout his residency, he also completed a dedicated fellowship in Aesthetic Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic, where he honed his expertise in facial rejuvenation, body contouring, and minimally invasive techniques.
Beyond formal training, Dr. Desjarlais has continuously expanded his skill set through international fellowships and advanced workshops. He spent a year in Paris under the tutelage of Dr. Jean‑Claude Mounier, a luminary in facial aesthetic refinement, where he learned the subtle art of lip augmentation and eyelid rejuvenation. Additionally, he completed a specialized laser physics course at the American College of Surgeons, granting him a deep understanding of photothermal interactions essential for safe laser‑assisted procedures. His commitment to lifelong learning is further reflected in his board certifications, including the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, underscoring his dedication to maintaining the highest standards of clinical competence.
Surgical Expertise
Dr. Desjarlais’s surgical expertise is a tapestry woven from the threads of clinical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, laser dermatology, anti‑aging treatments, and skin cancer management. In the realm of clinical dermatology, he possesses a comprehensive grasp of skin pathology, enabling him to diagnose and treat a broad spectrum of dermatologic conditions that often intersect with aesthetic concerns. His ability to discern subtle dermatoses ensures that any underlying disease is addressed before cosmetic interventions, safeguarding both the health of the skin and the longevity of aesthetic outcomes. This interdisciplinary fluency allows him to seamlessly transition from treating inflammatory dermatoses to sculpting refined facial contours.
Within cosmetic dermatology, Dr. Desjarlais offers a full suite of non‑surgical enhancements that complement his surgical portfolio. He expertly administers injectable neuromodulators and dermal fillers, employing a nuanced, layer‑by‑layer technique that respects the natural vectors of facial expression. His approach to volumizing the midface, redefining the jawline, and softening nasolabial folds is predicated on a deep understanding of facial anatomy and a commitment to achieving results that appear both subtle and transformative. By integrating these minimally invasive procedures with his surgical work, he creates synergistic treatment plans that maximize patient satisfaction while minimizing downtime.
Laser dermatology represents another pillar of Dr. Desjarlais’s practice, where he utilizes state‑of‑the‑art fractional laser technology, intense pulsed light (IPL), and emerging non‑ablative systems to address pigmentary irregularities, vascular lesions, and textural concerns. His mastery of laser parameters—fluence, pulse duration, and spot size—allows him to tailor each session to the unique phototype and healing capacity of his patients, reducing the risk of adverse events and optimizing resurfacing outcomes. In parallel, his anti‑aging regimens combine laser resurfacing with advanced radiofrequency devices, stem‑cell enriched serums, and evidence‑based topical protocols, fostering collagen remodeling and skin rejuvenation that synergize with his surgical rejuvenation techniques.
Skin cancer management is a critical component of Dr. Desjarlais’s comprehensive care model. He employs Mohs micrographic surgery, excisional techniques, and adjuvant therapies to eradicate basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma in situ with maximal tissue preservation. His dual expertise in oncologic excision and aesthetic reconstruction ensures that cancer removal is performed with an eye toward preserving facial harmony, often employing local flaps or grafts that blend seamlessly with surrounding tissue. This integrated approach not only eradicates malignancy but also minimizes the aesthetic impact, reinforcing his dedication to holistic patient well‑being.
Commitment to Patient Safety
Dr. Lawrence Desjarlais’s unwavering commitment to patient safety is reflected in his active involvement with premier professional societies and his receipt of distinguished awards. As a member of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), he adheres to rigorous clinical guidelines that govern procedural standards, infection control, and ethical practice. His participation in AAD’s continuing medical education programs ensures that he remains at the forefront of emerging safety protocols, from sterile technique innovations to peri‑operative risk assessment tools. This affiliation also provides him with a network of peer review, fostering a culture of accountability and shared best practices within his practice.
His affiliation with the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) further cements his dedication to procedural safety and excellence. Through ASDS, Dr. Desjarlais engages in regular peer‑reviewed case conferences, where complex aesthetic and oncologic cases are dissected for optimal safety outcomes. He also contributes to the society’s safety task force, helping to develop consensus statements on the use of emerging technologies such as high‑intensity focused ultrasound and novel laser platforms. By integrating these consensus recommendations into his daily practice, he minimizes adverse events and maximizes patient confidence in the procedures he performs.
Recognition by the Dermatologic Society of Michigan, coupled with the prestigious Dermatology Excellence Award from the Michigan Dermatology Association in 2020, underscores Dr. Desjarlais’s exemplary safety record and clinical acumen. The award, bestowed upon physicians who demonstrate superior patient outcomes, innovative safety protocols, and community outreach, highlighted his implementation of a comprehensive pre‑operative screening system that incorporates genetic risk profiling and advanced imaging. This system enables early identification of patients at heightened risk for complications, allowing for tailored peri‑operative plans that mitigate those risks. Moreover, his inclusion in the Top 100 Dermatologists in Michigan (2022) reflects a peer‑validated acknowledgment of his consistent delivery of safe, high‑quality care across a diverse patient population.
Beyond formal societies, Dr. Desjarlais has instituted a multi‑layered safety infrastructure within his Adrian clinic. He employs a dedicated patient safety officer, conducts quarterly morbidity and mortality reviews, and utilizes a digital dashboard that tracks key performance indicators such as infection rates, readmission frequencies, and patient satisfaction scores. This data‑driven approach facilitates rapid identification of trends, enabling proactive adjustments to protocols before issues arise. In addition, he has instituted a robust informed consent process that incorporates multimedia educational tools, ensuring that patients possess a comprehensive understanding of procedural risks, benefits, and postoperative expectations.
Why Patients Travel to Adrian, MI
Adrian, Michigan, has emerged as a destination of choice for patients seeking the expertise of Dr. Lawrence Desjarlais, largely due to the town’s unique blend of small‑town charm and cutting‑edge medical infrastructure. Situated within a short drive of major metropolitan areas such as Detroit and Toledo, Adrian offers a tranquil environment that promotes healing and reduces the stress associated with travel. The city’s historic downtown, tree‑lined streets, and welcoming community provide patients with an inviting backdrop for recovery, allowing them to relax in a setting that is both supportive and aesthetically pleasing.
The state‑of‑the‑art facility that houses Dr. Desjarlais’s practice is a testament to the region’s commitment to delivering world‑class care. Equipped with the latest surgical suites, advanced laser systems, and a dedicated recovery lounge, the clinic combines the precision of a major academic center with the personalized attention typical of a boutique practice. Patients benefit from a seamless continuum of care—pre‑operative consultations, same‑day surgical preparation, and post‑operative follow‑up—all coordinated by an experienced multidisciplinary team that includes anesthesiologists, dermatopathologists, and rehabilitation specialists. This integrated model eliminates the need for multiple appointments across disparate locations, streamlining the patient journey and enhancing overall satisfaction.
Traveling patients also appreciate the comprehensive support services that Dr. Desjarlais’s team provides. From concierge transportation and lodging assistance to personalized recovery itineraries, the practice anticipates and addresses logistical challenges, ensuring that patients can focus solely on their transformation. Moreover, the clinic’s commitment to transparency—through detailed pre‑operative education packets, virtual tour options, and real‑time communication portals—fosters trust and confidence before patients even set foot in Adrian. These elements, combined with Dr. Desjarlais’s reputation for artistic precision, safety, and compassionate care, make the journey to Adrian not just a trip for surgery, but an immersive experience that redefines the standards of aesthetic medicine.
