Meet Howard Levinson, M.D.: The Distinguished Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at The Center for Plastic Surgery at Sentara Princess Anne & Fort Norfolk

Howard Levinson, M.D., is powered by an ambitious goal: excellence, both internal and external. "We define internal excellence as pushing oneself to be the best we can be. External excellence is about ensuring patients are satisfied by their experience and that surgical outcomes are premier compared to other surgical centers," he says. "The most rewarding part of my job is connecting with people in meaningful ways - helping them achieve their goals and improving their lives."

Dr. Levinson is an internationally recognized expert in plastic and reconstructive surgery and the former president of the Plastic Surgery Foundation/American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He's the Clinical Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at The Center for Plastic Surgery at Sentara Princess Anne and The Center for Plastic Surgery at Sentara Fort Norfolk and the Chief of the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS). Dr. Levinson practices in Virginia Beach and Norfolk.

His goal, he says, is to provide world-class care.

The Artistry and Skill of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Dr. Levinson is an expert in plastic and reconstructive surgery. His specialties include cosmetic surgery and procedures that restore form and function to body parts affected by oncology, injury, illness or birth defects. His areas of expertise include:

• Cosmetic breast augmentation, including breast implants, breast lifts and breast reduction surgery
• Breast reconstruction after cancer surgery
• Abdominal wall reconstruction
• Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
• Liposuction of the trunk and back
• Upper and lower extremity tightening and lifts
• Reconstruction following Mohs skin cancer surgery

"Plastic and reconstructive surgery require a combination of creativity, artistry and technical refinement," Dr. Levinson says. Each patient has unique needs and goals, and there is an array of surgical options to choose from. "I enjoy connecting with my patients and building relationships where they can trust and believe in me. By understanding our patients' goals, we find the right approaches together," he adds.

A World-Class Clinical Program at The Center for Plastic Surgery at Sentara Princess Anne & Fort Norfolk

Previously, Dr. Levinson practiced as a surgeon and professor at Duke University. He joined The Center for Plastic Surgery at Sentara Princess Anne & Fort Norfolk in 2023 to build a plastic and reconstructive surgery program grounded in a vision of excellence and national prominence.

"That means excellent clinical care, of course. But it also means advanced research, new product development and excellence in education - we're training world-class plastic surgeons for the future," he says.

Those efforts extend beyond the hospital. Under Dr. Levinson's leadership, the plastic and reconstructive surgery team partners with Operation Smile, an organization providing surgeries and comprehensive care to correct cleft lip and cleft palate in children in developing countries around the world.

Background

Dr. Levinson completed his undergraduate degree in molecular biology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and attended medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. He completed a residency in plastic and reconstructive surgery at Duke University Hospital. He is a member of numerous professional associations and past president of the Plastic Surgery Foundation/American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Plastic Surgery Research Council and World Society for Simulation Surgery.  

As a globally recognized expert in plastic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Levinson is frequently invited to speak at conferences and medical meetings in the United States and around the world. He is also a medical inventor with more than a dozen patents and several commercial products. Dr. Levinson is board-certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery from the American Board of Plastic Surgery.