Dr. Neil J. Zemmel – Breast Augmentation Surgeon in Richmond

Neil J. Zemmel, MD, FACS is considered one of the best plastic surgeons in Virginia. In fact, he has been voted “Best of Richmond” in multiple publications and a “Top Doc” by Richmond Magazine, in addition to other accolades. Patients come from near and far seeking Dr. Zemmel’s expertise, and he has become especially well-known in Richmond and the Mid-Atlantic area for his skill in breast augmentation, breast implant revision surgery, and complex breast reconstruction. He sees patients from the surrounding states and even as far as Europe, helping them achieve their ideal outcome through state-of-the-art surgical techniques.

As a board-certified plastic surgeon and the founder of Richmond Aesthetic Surgery, Dr. Zemmel is extensively trained in a wide range of procedures, and he is committed to helping men and women find the most beneficial option for their unique needs. With patients’ best interest at heart, Dr. Zemmel strives to educate patients and address any concerns they may have, ensuring they feel confident about their decision. He is known for providing compassionate care as he helps people achieve their aesthetic goals with the most natural-looking results.

• Education & Professional Background
• Awards & Recognitions
• Media Appearances
• Professional Memberships
• Finding the Best Breast Augmentation Surgeon
• Questions for Your Breast Augmentation Surgeon

Education & Professional Background

A native of Virginia, Dr. Zemmel’s passion for plastic surgery began while in preparatory school at Norfolk Academy. He completed his undergraduate education at the College of William and Mary, studying both chemistry and art history. To pursue his interest in plastic surgery, Dr. Zemmel attended medical school at the University of Virginia, where he studied internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and obstetrics.

After earning his Medical Degree, Dr. Zemmel was selected into a 6-year combined residency program at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center in Richmond. This involved training in general surgery for three years, followed by plastic and reconstructive surgery for the remainder of the program. His last year, Dr. Zemmel was the Chief Resident of Plastic Surgery. Following graduation from the program, he joined the center’s academic faculty, where he taught residents, conducted research, and performed complex surgeries.

Dr. Zemmel then transitioned into private practice in Miami Beach, Florida, performing cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures. In 2007, he returned to Virginia and founded Richmond Aesthetic Surgery. Dr. Zemmel remains an active part of the plastic surgery community and is a published author of numerous medical research papers. He also lectures on such topics as breast reconstruction, facial rejuvenation, and liposuction techniques.

Dr. Zemmel strives to utilize his skills not only at his practice but on mission trips as well. He has traveled to Guatemala as part of the Operation Kids surgical mission team, which visits the country each year to perform such procedures as burn reconstruction, cleft lip, and cleft palate.

While he is experienced in performing a wide range of plastic surgery procedures, Dr. Zemmel has developed a special interest in cosmetic breast surgery over the years. In 2016, he was selected by Allergan along with four other plastic surgeons to participate in a preceptorship under world-renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Charles Randquist in Stockholm, Sweden. Through this educational trip, Dr. Zemmel gained special hands-on training in practicing advanced techniques for cosmetic breast surgery.

Awards & Recognitions

Voted as a top physician by medical professionals as well as those in the local community, Dr. Zemmel stands out for his excellence in plastic surgery. In addition to being chosen as a “Top Doc” by Richmond Magazine, he was named in the “Best of Richmond” issues by Richmond Times-Dispatch, Style Weekly, and Virginia Living. Dr. Zemmel has also been recognized as a Patients’ Choice, Compassionate Doctor, On-Time Doctor, and Top 10 Doctor by Vitals.

Media Appearances

Viewed as an authority on plastic surgery, Dr. Zemmel has been featured in several television stories for his insight and work. He gave an introduction to VASER^® liposuction on NBC 6 News, and discussed the potential of SmartLipo^® on Fox 29 News. Dr. Zemmel was also quoted in The New York Times for his experience using the online tool Zwivel^™. In addition to presenting exciting advancements in the field of plastic surgery, Dr. Zemmel takes pride in sharing his role in patients’ inspiring transformations. This has included a story on The Doctors, in which Dr. Zemmel discussed the body contouring after a patient’s significant weight loss. He was also featured on NBC 12 News for working with a woman who had a ruptured implant due to being a victim of domestic violence.

Professional Memberships

Dr. Zemmel strives to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the medical field, and remains an active member of the medical community. He is a proud affiliate of the following societies:

• American Society of Plastic Surgeons
• American Medical Association
• American Burn Association
• American Physicians Fellowship for Medicine in Israel

How to Find the Best Breast Augmentation Surgeon

Choosing the right plastic surgeon for your breast augmentation can significantly impact your results as well as your overall satisfaction with the procedure. Dr. Zemmel recommends taking some time to carefully research your options. When looking at the credentials of potential plastic surgeons, look for doctors who are board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). ABPS board certification requires physicians undergo at least six years of specialized training, pass a rigorous exam, and retake this exam every ten years to ensure they remain up-to-date with board standards. Dr. Zemmel has earned Diplomate status of the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

In addition to the credentials of the plastic surgeon, before-and-after breast augmentation photos of the surgeon’s previous patients can help prospective patients get an idea of the types of results they can achieve. Finally, patient testimonials can be a useful way to learn firsthand accounts of prior patients’ experiences. Selecting the best plastic surgeon for your breast augmentation is a vital component to achieving your desired results. At Richmond Aesthetic Surgery, we can provide prospective patients from out of town with a virtual consultation as well as travel recommendations.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHOOSING A PLASTIC SURGEON

Questions to Ask Your Breast Augmentation Surgeon

Establishing a connection with your plastic surgeon can provide you with insight into the physician’s experience as well as help you feel comfortable and confident prior to your breast augmentation. During the initial consultation, consider asking these questions to gain a better understanding of your prospective plastic surgeon:

• How frequently do you perform breast augmentation?
• Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
• How will my breast augmentation be customized to achieve my goals?
• What preparations should I make prior to my breast augmentation?
• Where will my breast augmentation be performed? (Make sure the surgical facility is fully accredited if your breast augmentation is not performed in a hospital.)
• What can I expect during my recovery?
• What post-operative care will I receive?

If you feel uneasy about any of the answers provided by the plastic surgeon, consult with additional surgeons until you find one who makes you feel more comfortable and confident in his or her abilities. Open communication and trust can be essential for achieving beautiful results that can meet your expectations.

To schedule your consultation with Dr. Zemmel, please contact our practice.