Dr. Michael Cohen, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast and body procedures, including breast augmentations, lifts, reductions, abdominoplasties, and implant surgeries. With advanced training from prestigious institutions like Harvard and Georgetown, Dr. Cohen brings over seven years of intensive plastic surgery training and a compassionate, personalized approach to every patient he serves in Newport News and Williamsburg.
Meet Dr. Michael Cohen
Dr. Michael Cohen combines a deep commitment to patient-centered care with a rigorous academic and surgical background, having trained at Harvard, Washington University, and Georgetown. His philosophy centers on delivering personalized results that align with each patient’s unique goals, always with compassion and precision. Notably, he was the first medical student in the U.S. to complete fellowships with both the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellowship, reflecting his dedication to innovation and excellence in plastic surgery.
Education & Experience
- Harvard University, Undergraduate
- Washington University School of Medicine, MD
- Prestigious fellowships from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellowship, the first medical student in the U.S. to do both fellowships
- Two years of plastic surgery research under the mentorship of experts like Dr. Keith E. Brandt
- After medical school, trained in plastic surgery at Georgetown University
- Completed an additional year of subspecialty fellowship at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore with Dr. Bernard Chang, one of the pioneers in microsurgical breast reconstruction after mastectomy
- Board Certified in Plastic Surgery
Refined Techniques. Targeted Results.
Dr. Cohen is known for his thoughtful, results-driven approach to body contouring and breast procedures—especially in cases that require precision, personalization, and experience. His practice also includes a highly specialized set of procedures rarely performed with the same level of expertise: Awake Liposuction, Posterior Butt Lift, and Breast Lift with or without Implant Removal. Each reflects his deep experience and commitment to delivering natural-looking outcomes tailored to the unique needs of each patient.
Specialized in Awake Liposuction
Dr. Cohen offers awake liposuction as part of his specialized approach to body contouring. With extensive experience in this technique, he has developed a discerning understanding of which areas respond best and what makes an ideal candidate. He performs this procedure selectively—focusing on patients for whom it offers the most effective, natural-looking results—ensuring a safe, personalized experience from start to finish.
Posterior Butt Lift
Dr. Cohen offers a unique posterior body lift technique tailored to patients who have undergone significant weight loss. Using excess lower back tissue, rather than fat transfer or implants, he reshapes and lifts the buttocks to restore volume and definition. This approach is especially effective for patients with limited donor fat and excess skin, providing a natural, long-lasting result that complements their weight loss journey.
Mastopexy and Implant Removal
For patients choosing to remove their breast implants, Dr. Cohen provides a personalized breast lift (mastopexy) approach that restores natural shape, proportion, and position. Whether motivated by physical symptoms, lifestyle changes, or aesthetic goals, patients benefit from Dr. Cohen’s thoughtful technique—often achieving beautiful, lifted results using their own tissue, without the need for implants or added recovery time.
Awards & Honors
- National Academy of Plastic Surgeons, Top 10 Plastic Surgeons in the State of Washington
- 2022
- American Institute of Plastic Surgeons, Top 10 Best Plastic Surgeons in the State of Washington
- 2017, 2018, 2019
- Consumers’ Research Council of America, America’s Top Surgeons, Plastic Surgery
- 2017, 2018
Patient Testimonials
This is a wonderful practice and I am so thankful that I found Dr Cohen!
He is amazing. I highly recommend.
-D.V.
My first visit - Dr. Cohen and staff were a delight to work with.
Definitely recommend! I am returning.
-W.F.
Personal Life
At 10 years old, Dr. Cohen knew he wanted to be a surgeon after an experience when his closest cousin was saved by a trauma surgeon. It was in medical school that Dr. Cohen developed an interest in plastic surgery, after hearing a woman’s story of her journey with breast cancer reconstruction.
Dr. Cohen’s goal as a plastic surgeon is to bring about a positive change in his patients’ lives. This starts with listening to each patient’s unique goals, which are then brought to fruition through a combination of scientific principles, artistic vision, and technical ability. To him, the most rewarding aspect of being a plastic surgeon is hearing a patient say, “this has changed my life” once they have completed their surgical journey.
Dr. Cohen enjoys playing the acoustic 12-string guitar, and his interests span art and nature photography to outdoor pursuits like hiking and travel. He has traveled the globe, from living in Russia, Italy, and Israel to extensive travels throughout Europe, Northern Africa, and Asia, including Thailand and India. He also dedicates his time to surgical mission trips in the Dominican Republic and has either lived in or traveled to 47 states in the U.S.
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