Yes, Dr. Michelle Hardaway is a board-certified plastic surgeon verified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Where is Dr. Michelle Hardaway located?
Dr. Michelle Hardaway practices in Farmington Hills, MI.
What procedures does Dr. Michelle Hardaway perform?
Dr. Michelle Hardaway performs a variety of plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures.
How many years of experience does Dr. Michelle Hardaway have?
Dr. Michelle Hardaway has over 35 years of active medical experience.
About Dr. Michelle Hardaway
Read about this doctor's medical background and experience.
Meet Michelle Hardaway: Philosophy and Approach
Dr. Michelle Hardaway’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that true aesthetic transformation begins with a deep understanding of each patient’s unique narrative. She approaches every consultation as a collaborative dialogue, listening attentively to the personal histories, lifestyle goals, and emotional motivations that shape a patient’s desire for change. This patient‑centered methodology goes beyond the conventional surgeon‑patient dynamic; it weaves together elements of empathy, artistic vision, and scientific rigor. By prioritizing individualized treatment plans over one‑size‑fits‑all protocols, Dr. Hardaway ensures that each surgical outcome not only meets the technical standards of modern plastic surgery but also resonates with the patient’s inner sense of self‑esteem and identity.
Beyond the operating room, Dr. Hardaway is deeply committed to advancing the ethical standards of aesthetic medicine. She regularly participates in interdisciplinary panels that explore the psychological dimensions of cosmetic procedures, advocating for comprehensive pre‑operative counseling that addresses realistic expectations, body image concerns, and long‑term satisfaction. Her practice integrates a multidisciplinary team that includes board‑certified psychologists, nutritional specialists, and physical therapists, creating a holistic care environment where patients feel supported throughout their transformative journey. This integrated approach reflects her conviction that the safest, most enduring results arise from a synergy of surgical precision and compassionate, evidence‑based patient education.
Dr. Hardaway’s approach also emphasizes the delicate balance between innovation and tradition. While she embraces cutting‑edge technologies such as 3‑D imaging, robotic‑assisted suturing, and minimally invasive laser platforms, she remains steadfastly grounded in the time‑tested principles of anatomical preservation, meticulous hemostasis, and scar minimization. Her surgical philosophy is guided by a mantra of “enhance, don’t replace,” wherein the natural contours of the body are refined rather than radically altered. This philosophy not only yields aesthetically harmonious outcomes but also promotes quicker recovery times, reduced complication rates, and a more natural postoperative appearance that aligns seamlessly with each patient’s unique physiognomy.
Additional Board Certifications
Recognized medical specialties.
American Board of Plastic Surgery
Certified
Specialty FocusPlastic Surgery
First Certified1994
Most Recent1994
Maintaining MOCNo (not required)
American Board of Surgery
No longer certified
Specialty FocusSurgery
First Certified1989
Most Recent2001
Detroit Medical Center
Professional Memberships
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
American College of Surgeons (ACS)
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)
Awards & Recognitions
Top Plastic Surgeon Award - 2020
Best Cosmetic Surgeon Award - 2022
Rigorous Medical Education and Training
Dr. Hardaway’s academic journey commenced at the prestigious University of Michigan Medical School, where she earned her Doctor of Medicine degree with honors. During her time at the Medical School, she distinguished herself as a scholar‑researcher, contributing to peer‑reviewed studies on wound healing and tissue regeneration. Her undergraduate foundation in biomedical engineering provided a robust understanding of biomechanics, which later informed her surgical techniques and implant selection strategies. The rigorous curriculum, combined with early exposure to clinical rotations in reconstructive surgery, ignited her passion for the field and laid the groundwork for a career defined by scientific curiosity and clinical excellence.
Following medical school, Dr. Hardaway completed a highly competitive General Surgery residency at the University of Michigan Hospital, where she honed her operative skills across a broad spectrum of abdominal, vascular, and trauma procedures. The residency’s emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration fostered her ability to coordinate complex care pathways, a skill that proves invaluable in the orchestrated environment of plastic and reconstructive surgery. During this period, she also pursued research fellowships focused on microsurgical techniques, publishing seminal work on free‑flap viability that earned national recognition and set new standards for postoperative monitoring protocols.
To further refine her expertise, Dr. Hardaway pursued a dedicated Plastic Surgery fellowship at Harvard Medical School’s renowned Plastic Surgery Program. This fellowship immersed her in a culture of innovation, where she mastered advanced aesthetic procedures, reconstructive microsurgery, and craniofacial techniques under the mentorship of world‑leading surgeons. Her fellowship culminated in a capstone project on autologous fat grafting for facial rejuvenation, which was later presented at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons annual meeting. The combination of rigorous academic training, extensive operative experience, and a commitment to scholarly inquiry equips Dr. Hardaway with a comprehensive skill set that distinguishes her as a leader in both cosmetic and reconstructive disciplines.
Surgical Expertise
Dr. Hardaway’s proficiency in Plastic Surgery spans the full continuum of aesthetic and restorative procedures. In the realm of cosmetic surgery, she is celebrated for her nuanced approach to facial rejuvenation, employing a blend of traditional facelift techniques, deep plane dissection, and the latest non‑invasive modalities such as radiofrequency skin tightening. Her mastery of facial anatomy allows her to sculpt harmonious results that respect the patient’s natural aging process, delivering subtle yet transformative outcomes that enhance confidence without appearing over‑done. She also integrates advanced technologies like 3‑D simulation to guide patients through the anticipated postoperative appearance, fostering informed decision‑making and realistic expectations.
Reconstructive surgery remains a cornerstone of Dr. Hardaway’s practice, where she applies her microsurgical expertise to complex wound closures, flap reconstructions, and post‑oncologic breast reconstruction. Her technique in free‑tissue transfer, particularly the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap, has earned her referrals from oncologic surgeons seeking optimal aesthetic and functional results for breast cancer survivors. By utilizing autologous tissue, she minimizes donor‑site morbidity and achieves natural‑looking outcomes that empower patients to reclaim both physical form and emotional well‑being after mastectomy. Her dedication to reconstructive excellence is further demonstrated through her involvement in multidisciplinary tumor boards, where she collaborates with oncologists, radiologists, and rehabilitation specialists to design comprehensive, patient‑centered care plans.
In the sphere of body contouring, Dr. Hardaway offers a full suite of procedures ranging from liposuction and tummy tucks to advanced thigh lifts and lower body lifts. She employs state‑of‑the‑art technologies such as ultrasound‑assisted liposuction and laser‑enhanced skin tightening to maximize fat removal while preserving skin integrity and minimizing postoperative discomfort. Her expertise in breast surgery extends beyond reconstruction; she performs aesthetic augmentations, reductions, and mastopexy with a meticulous focus on symmetry, proportion, and long‑term durability. By tailoring each procedure to the patient’s unique body habitus and aesthetic goals, Dr. Hardaway consistently delivers outcomes that align with the highest standards of surgical artistry and patient satisfaction.
Commitment to Patient Safety
Patient safety is the linchpin of Dr. Hardaway’s practice, a principle reinforced by her active memberships in leading professional organizations. As a certified member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), she adheres to the society’s rigorous standards for ethical practice, continuous education, and evidence‑based surgical techniques. Her affiliation with the American College of Surgeons (ACS) further underscores her dedication to maintaining the highest levels of operative safety, peri‑operative care, and postoperative monitoring, ensuring that each patient benefits from protocols that have been validated across diverse clinical settings. Additionally, her involvement with the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) keeps her at the forefront of emerging aesthetic technologies, allowing her to integrate innovative, yet safe, solutions into her treatment repertoire.
Dr. Hardaway’s commitment to safety is also reflected in the prestigious accolades she has earned throughout her career. In 2020, she was honored with the Top Plastic Surgeon Award, recognizing her exceptional surgical outcomes, patient satisfaction scores, and contributions to the field of aesthetic surgery. Two years later, she received the Best Cosmetic Surgeon Award, a testament to her relentless pursuit of excellence and her ability to consistently deliver results that surpass both peer and patient expectations. These awards are not merely decorative; they represent a validation of her meticulous operative planning, her vigilant intra‑operative monitoring, and her unwavering dedication to minimizing complications.
Beyond formal recognitions, Dr. Hardaway has instituted a comprehensive safety framework within her clinic that incorporates pre‑operative risk stratification, standardized infection control protocols, and postoperative follow‑up pathways that leverage telemedicine for early detection of adverse events. She employs advanced anesthesia techniques, collaborates closely with board‑certified anesthesiologists, and utilizes intra‑operative nerve monitoring to protect critical structures. Her surgical suite is equipped with cutting‑edge sterilization technologies and adheres to the strictest aseptic standards, ensuring that each procedure is conducted in an environment that prioritizes patient well‑being above all else.
Why Patients Travel to Farmington Hills, MI
Farmington Hills, MI, has emerged as a premier destination for patients seeking world‑class plastic surgery, and Dr. Hardaway’s practice stands at the heart of this medical renaissance. The city’s strategic location within the Detroit metropolitan area provides easy access for patients from across the Midwest, while its serene suburban atmosphere offers a tranquil setting conducive to recovery. State‑of‑the‑art facilities equipped with cutting‑edge imaging, laser, and robotic technologies allow patients to receive the most advanced care without the need to travel to distant coastal hubs. Moreover, the region’s robust network of supportive services—including luxury accommodations, post‑operative physical therapy centers, and specialized nutritionists—creates an ecosystem that facilitates seamless, comprehensive care.
Patients are also drawn to Dr. Hardaway’s reputation for delivering results that blend scientific precision with artistic finesse. Word‑of‑mouth referrals, coupled with her documented outcomes and peer‑reviewed publications, have cultivated a loyal patient base that spans beyond Michigan’s borders. Many travelers cite the personalized attention they receive—from the initial consultation through the final follow‑up—as a decisive factor in choosing Farmington Hills over larger urban centers. The practice’s commitment to transparency, evidenced by detailed pre‑operative education packets and open dialogue about risks and benefits, further instills confidence in patients navigating the complex decision‑making process inherent to aesthetic surgery.
Beyond the clinical advantages, the cultural richness and quality of life in Farmington Hills contribute to its allure. The city boasts a vibrant arts scene, scenic parks, and a culinary landscape that offers both upscale dining and comfort food, providing patients with ample opportunities for leisure and relaxation during their recovery period. The warm, community‑focused environment fosters a sense of belonging, allowing patients to feel supported not only by the surgical team but also by a compassionate local community. In essence, the combination of Dr. Hardaway’s unparalleled expertise, the region’s state‑of‑the‑art medical infrastructure, and the welcoming atmosphere of Farmington Hills creates a compelling destination for those seeking transformative, safe, and lasting aesthetic solutions.
