Let me be frank with you—choosing a plastic surgery center is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your body and well-being. I’m Dr. Michael Cohen, and after 20 years in this field, I’ve seen how the right choice can transform lives, while the wrong one can lead to disappointment or worse. Today, let’s talk about what really matters when selecting a plastic surgery center in Hampton Roads, and if you’d like to learn more about our comprehensive services.
You’re probably feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety right now. That’s completely normal. Maybe you’ve been thinking about this for years, or perhaps a recent life change has motivated you to finally take action. Whatever brought you here, I want you to know that your feelings are valid, and your desire to make an informed decision shows wisdom.
The Hampton Roads area, encompassing cities like Newport News, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake, has become a hub for quality plastic surgery. This region offers a unique blend of medical excellence and coastal charm, as detailed in this expert insights resource about the area. But with multiple options available, how do you separate the exceptional from the merely adequate? Let’s dive into what you need to know.
Benefits of Finding the Right Plastic Surgery Center in Hampton Roads
Think of a plastic surgery center like a three-legged stool. Remove any leg, and the whole thing collapses. The three essential components are: board-certified surgeons, accredited facilities, and comprehensive patient care. Let me explain why each matters, and you can explore further to understand our approach to these fundamentals.
Why Board Certification & Accreditation Matter
Board certification isn’t just another diploma on the wall—it’s your assurance that a surgeon has completed rigorous training specifically in plastic surgery. Here’s what many people don’t realize: any licensed physician can legally perform cosmetic procedures. That’s right, your dermatologist or even your family doctor could technically offer liposuction. But would you want them to? Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery means years of specialized training, hundreds of supervised procedures, and ongoing education.
Facility accreditation is equally crucial. Organizations like AAAASF (American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities) set strict standards for surgical centers. They inspect everything from emergency protocols to sterilization procedures. When you see that accreditation certificate, it means independent experts have verified that the facility meets national safety standards, and you can learn about our specific accreditations.
Comprehensive Patient Care
The third leg—comprehensive patient care—is what transforms a medical procedure into a positive life experience. This includes thorough consultations, realistic expectation-setting, detailed pre-operative planning, skilled surgical execution, and attentive post-operative care. It’s the difference between feeling like a number and feeling like a valued individual whose goals matter.
Finding the Right Plastic Surgery Center in Hampton Roads
Let me tell you about one center that exemplifies these principles. The Plastic Surgery Center of Hampton Roads, established in 1995, has built a reputation over nearly three decades, as highlighted in this comprehensive guide. Located at 895 City Center Blvd in Newport News, this AAAASF-accredited facility brings together five board-certified plastic surgeons: Dr. Peter Vonu, Dr. Michael Zwicklbauer, Dr. Randall Blanchard, Dr. Michael Lofgren, and Dr. Michael Cohen.
What strikes me about Plastic Surgery Center at Hampton Roads is the collective experience—over 90 years combined. That’s not just a number; it represents thousands of successful procedures, countless problem-solving scenarios, and a deep understanding of what works. When surgeons work together this long, they develop systems and protocols that benefit every patient, and you can see how this experience translates into patient outcomes.
Wide Range of Surgical Services
Our service offerings cover the spectrum of modern plastic surgery: body contouring for those seeking to refine their silhouette, facial reconstruction for both cosmetic and medical needs, breast surgery ranging from augmentation to reconstruction, and abdomen surgery, including tummy tucks and repairs. This comprehensive approach means patients don’t need to shop around for different procedures—they can develop a long-term relationship with surgeons who understand their overall aesthetic goals.
Having an on-site surgical center, as we do, offers significant advantages. You’re not just another case on a hospital’s busy surgery schedule. The staff knows plastic surgery inside and out, the equipment is specifically chosen for these procedures, and the entire environment is designed for your comfort and privacy. To learn more about our facility features, you can visit our website.
Why Choose Us for Finding the Right Plastic Surgery Center in Hampton Roads
Your consultation tells you everything about whether this relationship will work. Here’s what should happen during a quality consultation, and red flags that should send you running. If you’re interested in scheduling your consultation, you can book now to see our available appointment times.
What to Expect During Your Consultation
First, expect to spend at least 45 minutes to an hour. Any surgeon who rushes through in 15 minutes isn’t giving you the attention you deserve. The consultation should begin with listening—really listening—to your goals. A good surgeon asks questions like: “What specific changes are you hoping to see?” “How long have you been considering this?” “What’s your recovery timeline?”
Next comes the examination. This should be thorough but respectful. The surgeon should explain what they’re looking for and why. For instance, if you’re considering breast augmentation, they’ll assess tissue quality, chest wall shape, and existing asymmetries. Think of it like a tailor taking measurements—precision here determines the final result.
The Importance of Honest Options
The surgeon should then present options, not just one solution. If someone immediately pushes the most expensive procedure without discussing alternatives, that’s a red flag. Honest surgeons will sometimes even recommend against surgery if non-surgical options might better achieve your goals. You can see examples of our patient-centered approach when you explore our patient testimonials.
Computer imaging or before-and-after photos of similar cases help visualize potential results. But here’s crucial advice: make sure you’re seeing that surgeon’s actual work, not stock photos from implant companies. Ask specifically, “Are these your patients?” Our practice maintains an extensive gallery of real patient results, and you can view our work through this detailed analysis of our recent cases.
Getting Started with Finding the Right Plastic Surgery Center in Hampton Roads
Let’s talk about how to make this decision with confidence. Start by verifying credentials. The American Board of Plastic Surgery has an online verification tool—use it. Check if the facility is accredited by AAAASF, AAAHC, or Joint Commission. These aren’t just acronyms; they’re your safety net. For more information about our credentials and certifications, you can learn more on our about page.
The Financial Aspect
Consider the complete financial picture. Quality plastic surgery isn’t cheap, and suspiciously low prices often mean corners are being cut. Ask for a detailed quote that includes surgeon’s fees, facility fees, anesthesia, post-operative garments, and follow-up visits. Hidden costs appearing after surgery strain both your wallet and your trust.
Location matters more than you might think. Post-operative visits are crucial, and you’ll have several. A center 10 minutes away becomes much more appealing than one an hour away when you’re recovering. The Plastic Surgery Center of Hampton Roads’ Newport News location serves the entire Hampton Roads region conveniently, and our secondary location in Williamsburg makes us easily accessible from the entire Virginia Peninsula region, from Middle Peninsula, and even from Richmond and its suburbs.
Trust Your Instincts
Don’t underestimate the importance of gut feeling. After meeting with surgeons and staff, ask yourself: Did I feel heard? Were my questions answered thoroughly? Did anyone pressure me to schedule immediately? Your comfort level with the team directly impacts your surgical experience and recovery. To get a sense of our team’s approach, you can read about our philosophy and meet our staff.
Research the center’s history and reputation. Established practices like those founded in the 1990s have weathered economic changes and evolved with advancing techniques. They’ve built systems that work and have maintained staff who know their jobs inside out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a plastic surgeon is really board-certified?
The American Board of Plastic Surgery maintains a public database on its website: https://www.abplasticsurgery.org/public/verify-certification/VerifyCert?section=SurgeonSearch
Simply enter the surgeon’s name to verify their certification. Don’t hesitate to ask surgeons directly about their credentials—legitimate surgeons welcome these questions. Board certification requires six years of surgical training after medical school, including a specific plastic surgery residency.
What's the difference between a plastic surgeon's office and a surgical center?
A surgical center like the one at Plastic Surgery Center of Hampton Roads is a dedicated facility equipped for operations. It has full operating rooms, recovery areas, and emergency equipment. Office-based procedures might be done in exam rooms with limited equipment. For any surgery requiring general anesthesia or extensive work, you want a true surgical center with proper accreditation.
How much should I expect to pay for common procedures?
Costs vary by procedure complexity and geographic area. In Hampton Roads, breast augmentation typically ranges from $6,000-$8,000, tummy tucks from $8,000-$12,000, and facelifts from $10,000-$15,000. These should include all fees. Be wary of quotes significantly below these ranges—quality surgery requires quality resources.
What questions should I ask during my consultation?
Ask about the surgeon’s experience with your specific procedure, complication rates, recovery timeline, and revision policies. Request to see before-and-after photos of patients with similar anatomy to yours. Inquire about what happens if you’re unhappy with the results. Good surgeons have clear policies and stand behind their work.
How far in advance should I schedule surgery?
Most quality centers book surgeries 4-8 weeks out, allowing time for pre-operative testing, clearances, and preparation. Rushed scheduling is a red flag. You need time to prepare physically and mentally, arrange recovery help, and handle work obligations. Centers that pressure immediate booking prioritize their schedule over your well-being.
Is it worth traveling outside Hampton Roads for surgery?
While some people travel for surgery, consider the logistics carefully. You’ll need multiple follow-up appointments, and traveling while recovering is uncomfortable. If complications arise, being far from your surgeon complicates treatment. The Hampton Roads area has excellent options like the Plastic Surgery Center of Hampton Roads, with combined decades of experience.
What makes AAAASF accreditation important?
AAAASF accreditation means the facility passed rigorous inspections covering everything from infection control to emergency protocols. Inspectors verify proper equipment maintenance, staff training, and safety procedures. Only about 10% of surgical facilities achieve this accreditation. It’s your assurance that the facility meets the highest standards.
How do I know if I'm a good candidate for plastic surgery?
Good candidates are in reasonable health, have realistic expectations, and understand both benefits and risks. Age is less important than overall health. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, or unrealistic expectations might disqualify you. Honest surgeons will tell you if you’re not ready rather than taking your money for likely disappointing results.
Getting Started
Choosing a plastic surgery center isn’t just about picking a place for a procedure—it’s about finding partners in your transformation journey. The right center combines surgical excellence with genuine care for your goals and well-being.
If you’re considering plastic surgery in Hampton Roads, start by scheduling consultations with board-certified surgeons at accredited facilities. Ask the tough questions, verify credentials, and trust your instincts. Whether you choose the Plastic Surgery Center of Hampton Roads or another qualified practice, make your decision based on competence, safety, and comfort.
Remember, this is your body and your choice. Take the time to make it wisely. Quality plastic surgery can enhance not just your appearance but your confidence and quality of life. You deserve nothing less than excellence, and in Hampton Roads, excellence is available. The question isn’t whether you should pursue your goals—it’s simply making sure you pursue them with the right team by your side.
Your journey to a more confident you starts with a single phone call. When you’re ready, reach out to qualified centers, ask your questions, and take that first step. The best version of yourself is waiting.
Written by: Dr. Michael Cohen
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, Plastic Surgery Center of Hampton Roads
About Dr. Cohen
