Dr. Michael Cohen, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast and body plastic surgery. With seven years of dedicated plastic surgery training at leading institutions, including Georgetown University, Dr. Cohen brings an artistic eye and a highly individualized approach to patients in Newport News and Williamsburg. His areas of particular specialization include mastopexy, breast augmentation revision, and breast augmentation.
Meet Dr. Michael Cohen
Dr. Michael Cohen combines a deep commitment to patient-centered care with extensive academic, research, and surgical training. Known for his artistic eye, perfectionism, emphasis on ethics and patient safety, and ability to think outside the box when approaching clinical challenges, he strives to provide each patient with an individualized surgical experience.
Dr. Cohen recognizes that no two patients have exactly the same anatomy, concerns, or goals. He takes the time to listen carefully to each patient’s hopes and goals before explaining the surgical options that may be appropriate. His goal is to develop a personalized plan that balances the patient’s priorities with sound surgical principles and natural-looking results.
Dr. Cohen attended Harvard University and Washington University School of Medicine before completing his plastic surgery training at Georgetown University. During medical school, he became the first medical student in the United States to complete fellowships with both the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellowship.
Education & Experience
- Harvard University, undergraduate degree in biochemistry
- Cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan
- Washington University School of Medicine, MD
- Prestigious fellowships from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellowship, becoming the first medical student in the U.S. to complete both fellowships
- Two years of clinical research in plastic surgery at Washington University School of Medicine under the mentorship of leading plastic surgeons, including Dr. Keith E. Brandt
- Plastic surgery residency at Georgetown University, with extensive training in plastic surgery of the breast
- Co-author of a chapter in Surgery of the Breast: Principles and Art, 3rd edition, edited by renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Scott L. Spear
- Additional year of subspecialty fellowship training at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore with Dr. Bernard Chang, a pioneer in microsurgical breast reconstruction after mastectomy
- Seven years of dedicated plastic surgery training
- Former owner of a successful private plastic surgery practice in Gig Harbor, Washington
- Joined Plastic Surgery Center of Hampton Roads in Newport News and Williamsburg, Virginia, in June 2024
- Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Refined Techniques. Targeted Results.
Dr. Cohen specializes in plastic surgery of the breast and body, with extensive experience addressing both straightforward aesthetic goals and more complex surgical challenges. His background in breast reconstruction has further strengthened his ability to evaluate breast anatomy, tissue quality, symmetry, implant-related concerns, and previous surgical changes.
Specialized in Mastopexy
Mastopexy, or breast lift surgery, is a particular area of specialization for Dr. Cohen. The procedure helps reshape and reposition breasts affected by aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, or changes following weight loss. Dr. Cohen carefully evaluates each patient’s anatomy, skin quality, breast tissue, and desired proportions to develop a surgical plan. Depending on your goals and existing breast volume, mastopexy may be performed on its own or incorporated into a more comprehensive breast procedure.
Breast Augmentation Revision
Breast augmentation revision requires careful evaluation of previous surgical changes, existing implants, breast tissue, skin quality, and the patient’s goals. Dr. Cohen draws on his extensive reconstructive background when treating patients seeking to revise the results of augmentation. Revision may involve replacing implants, changing implant size or position, correcting changes in breast shape or symmetry, or removing implants. For patients who choose implant removal, Dr. Cohen may combine explantation with mastopexy to reshape and lift the breasts.
Breast Augmentation
Dr. Cohen has performed numerous breast augmentations and approaches each procedure according to the patient’s anatomy and goals. Rather than applying the same technique to everyone, he considers factors such as existing breast tissue, chest dimensions, implant selection, desired volume, and body proportions. His artistic eye and extensive breast surgery training guide an individualized approach to create balanced, natural-looking enhancement while maintaining a strong emphasis on patient safety.
Awards & Honors
- National Academy of Plastic Surgeons, Top 10 Plastic Surgeons in the State of Washington
- 2022
- American Institute of Plastic Surgeons, 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
Dr. Cohen was born in a small college town in Siberia in the former Soviet Union to a computer science professor father and a music teacher mother. When he was 10 years old, his closest cousin was saved by a trauma surgeon who was a family friend, an experience that inspired Dr. Cohen to want to become a surgeon.
His family moved from Russia to the Boston area in 1989, when Dr. Cohen was 14. Four years later, he graduated as valedictorian of his high school class and was admitted early to Harvard University. He majored in biochemistry while studying art history, philosophy, religion, linguistics, and the history of medicine. Next, he conducted cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center before enrolling at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
Dr. Cohen’s goal as a plastic surgeon is to make a positive difference in his patients’ lives. That begins by listening to each patient’s goals and combining scientific principles, artistic judgment, technical skill, and ethical patient care to develop a surgical plan.
Outside of plastic surgery, Dr. Cohen enjoys playing acoustic 12-string guitar, art, nature photography, hiking, and travel. He has lived in Russia, Italy, and Israel and traveled extensively throughout Europe and Northern Africa, as well as Thailand and India. His commitment to helping others has also taken him on surgical mission trips to the Dominican Republic. Across his life and travels, he has lived in or visited 47 U.S. states.
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