Michael Zenn, MD, FACS, MBA

Internationally renowned plastic surgeon Michael Zenn M.D. is the director of Zenn Plastic Surgery in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Ivy League Education

Dr. Michael Zenn received his B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, graduating Phi Beta Kappa. He earned his M.D. from Cornell University, earning the distinction of Alpha Omega Alpha. Dr. Zenn then completed a rigorous General Surgery residency at the New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center in New York. After his first residency, Dr. Zenn completed Harvard University’s Plastic Surgery residency at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Elite Training Under Prestigious Plastic Surgeons

Dr. Zenn furthered his training with a prestigious fellowship in Facial and Breast Plastic Surgery at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. During his time in New York and Boston, Dr. Zenn trained with some of the most distinguished plastic surgeons in the country.

View Dr. Zenn's CV Here

An Educator & Leader In The Field

Dr. Zenn is board-certified in Plastic Surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is currently an examiner for the Board, and annually administers oral boards to eligible plastic surgeons. In 1995, Dr. Zenn became an Assistant Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at The University of North Carolina Hospitals in Chapel Hill. In 2000, Dr. Zenn was recruited to the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Duke University Medical Center, where he held many titles over 17 years,

including Professor with Tenure, Vice Chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery, Director of Resident Training and Co-Director of the Facial Reanimation Program. Zenn's unwavering commitment to education and excellence is evident in his globally renowned YouTube series, "How to Suture," with 170,000 subscribers, and his "Basic Suture Video" boasting an incredible 21 million views. His expertise and instructional content have empowered millions of students and physicians worldwide to excel in their suturing skills.

A Reputation For Innovation And Highly Technical Expertise

At Duke, Dr. Zenn’s practice was a mix of intricate reconstructions of the face, breast, and body, and state-of-the-art cosmetic surgeries. It was during this time that Dr. Zenn invented the “Zenn Delay” breast reconstruction procedure.

The Zenn Delay provides patients with a high genetic risk of breast cancer (BRCA) immediate reconstruction with a dramatically improved safety profile. The Zenn Delay is also suitable for patients at any stage of breast cancer. The first study on Dr. Zenn’s revolutionary procedure was published in 2015. Today, the Zenn Delay is used all over the world.

Nationally Recognized For Years

In addition to being named “Best Doctors in America” for many years, Dr. Zenn was voted one of America’s Best Plastic Surgeons by Newsweek in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. He has been named Top Cosmetic Doctor and Top Cancer Specialist by Castle Connolly for many years including 2023 and 2024, whose awardees are nominated and vetted by a body of fellow physicians. Dr. Zenn was also named one of the “Three Best Plastic Surgeons” in Raleigh in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.

A Published Author & In-demand Lecturer

Dr. Zenn has published numerous articles and book chapters, and has lectured around the world on a variety of topics in plastic surgery. His two-volume textbook, Reconstructive Surgery, has become required reading for young plastic surgeons both in the U.S. and around the world. Dr. Zenn is proud to have trained hundreds of plastic surgery residents, many of whom practice in the Raleigh area. View Dr. Zenn’s Books and Publications.

An Active Member Of Various Medical Societies

In addition to serving as Past President of the North Carolina Society of Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Zenn is an active and esteemed member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the American Association of Plastic Surgery, the American College of Surgeons, and the American Medical Association.

An Expert With An Excellent Bedside Manner

Dr. Zenn is well known for his “zen-like” personality and approachability. He enjoys a reputation for making his patients feel relaxed and at ease. Dr. Zenn and his entire staff know each patient by name, and really care about providing them with the best experience possible.

No detail is too small when it comes to client comfort. The Zenn Plastic Surgery office isn’t the typical sterile doctor’s office; instead, it is a serene and aesthetically pleasing oasis. Above all, Dr. Zenn’s unparalleled skill, uncompromising integrity, and stellar results make him the top choice for discerning patients in Raleigh, North Carolina, and beyond.