Dr. Michael F. Zwicklbauer, MD, FACS— “Dr. Z”—is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon at the Plastic Surgery Center of Hampton Roads, where he has served the community since 1997. With extensive training in general, hand, and plastic surgery, Dr. Z is a highly respected specialist recognized as one of Virginia’s top cosmetic surgeons by both his peers and numerous medical publications.
Meet Dr. Zwicklbauer
Dr. Zwicklbauer believes that plastic surgery is a deeply personal and rewarding field, allowing him to help patients achieve both functional and aesthetic goals—whether it’s restoring hand mobility or helping someone feel more confident in their appearance. With a background rooted in excellence, he earned his medical degree from Albany Medical College, where he received the prestigious Charles Eckert Award for surgery, and went on to complete advanced fellowships in microsurgery and plastic surgery. His standout reputation is built on decades of compassionate care, precision, and recognition as a Top Doc in Virginia, reflecting both peer and patient trust.
Education & Experience
- William and Mary, Undergraduate
- Albany Medical College, MD
- University of Massachusetts, General Surgery Residency
- University of Miami, Hand Fellowship, Specializing in Microsurgery
- Medical College of Virginia, Fellowship in Plastic Surgery
- Board Certified in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Awards & Honors
- Coastal Virginia Magazine, Top Docs
- 2014, 2015, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
- Costal Virginia Magazine, Top Docs All Stars (Top Docs for 5 consecutive years or more)
- 2023, 2024, 2025
- Virginia Business Magazine, Top Doctors
- Cosmetic Surgery 2025
- Virginia Living Magazine, Top Cosmetic Surgeons
- 2019, 2020
- Albany Medical College, Charles Eckert Award for Exceptional Achievement in Surgery
- 1989
Patient Testimonials
Dr. Z is amazing and all the staff are so lovely!
I had breast augmentation here a few years ago and I had an amazing surgery, easy recovery, wonderful experience and one of the best things I did for myself! Thank you PSCHR! My results post surgery are fantastic and I couldn’t be happier
-T.M.
My experience was very brief however, I received excellent service.
The environment and staff were extremely pleasant, prompt, and efficient. Dr. Z was kind, patient, and thorough. I would recommend this business to others.
-J.S.
I LOVE TRISH AND DR. Z and the STAFFFF!!!
Everyone is awesome and AMAZING!! I trust everyone, I never have to worry; PEACE OF MIND IS PRICELESS.
-S.T.
Having been a patient for many years, there is simply no place other than PSCHR I would even consider going.
Dr. Zwicklbauer and his staff are so very knowledgeable, welcoming and accommodating. Have now, for the last 2 years, been also seeing Trisha Spence in the MedSpa. The same degree of excellence has been experienced at the MedSpa.
-C.S.
Personal Life
“Dr. Z” describes plastic surgery as a rewarding, gratifying, and intimate occupation because he is able to help his patients obtain a goal. For some, the goal may be functional, such as helping an arthritic patient regain the use of their hands, and for others, the goal may be cosmetic. Dr. Z acknowledges that we are all human and have some degree of vanity. Whether you are 20 or 80, that doesn’t change. Most cosmetic patients say to him, “I am 50, but I feel like I’m still 30.” and through his work, he helps bridge that gap.
Dr. Z grew up in upstate New York and graduated from William & Mary where he played soccer in NCAA Division 1. He and his wife Marianne, enjoy golfing together. Dr. Z is also an active supporter of local college sports at William and Mary and CNU.
