Dr. Lawrence Colen
Plastic Surgery
Norfolk, VA
48 years experience male
Locations
Office
Norfolk, VA
My office hours
Thursday: 8:30am - 5:00pm
Show morePhone
Insurances accepted
UnitedHealthcare
Anthem BC Life & Health Insurance Company
Aetna Life Insurance Company
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina
Medicaid
CHAMPUS
Cigna
Humana Insurance Company
Medicare
Tricare
Norfolk Plastic Surgery
Norfolk, VA
About
Bio
Dr. Lawrence Colen is a plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic surgery of the face, body, and breast, as well as reconstructive surgery of the breast. He currently practices in Norfolk just minutes from Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Portsmouth.
Dr. Colen graduated from Colgate University in 1972, where he was awarded membership to the Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society for academic achievement. A graduate of the Dartmouth Medical School in Hanover, New Hampshire in 1975, Dr. Colen went on to do his residency training in general surgery and plastic surgery at the University of California San Francisco from 1975 to 1983. Upon completion of his Plastic Surgery Residency in 1983, he joined the faculty of Dartmouth Medical School. In 1990 he joined a Plastic Surgery practice in Norfolk, Virginia, where he currently resides. He is Professor of Surgery (Plastic Reconstructive) at Eastern Virginia Medical School.
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Plastic Surgery
Licenses
United States: Virginia
Doctor Q&A
89 Answers
6 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Natural: Its "natural" to have sun spots, so i'm not sure what you mean. There are a lot of topical treatments and lasers that can get rid of sun spots, but i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 20-year-old male asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Lots of options: Sometimes Neurontin or Lyrica (pregabalin) can help with this pain. If the amputation was recent, these symptoms should resolve without further treatm... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Acne scars are tough: There are a lot of options available to improve acne scarring. The proper treatment depends upon the severity of the scarring. Topical creams and oin... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Perhaps: There is a "non-surgical" method of obtaining a slight increase in breast size however it is somewhat tedious and "not for every patient." the brava s... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 28-year-old male asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Skin "resurfacing": Dermabrasion is one of a family of techniques used to "resurface" the skin. It is generally used on the face. Acne scars and post-surgical/post-trau... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 53-year-old female asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Should be fine: I know of no complications from long term use of tretinoin cream. There isn't significant absorption through the skin so it is doubtful that it will ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 28-year-old male asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Wrinkles: "dermal fillers" is a general term used to describe the material that plastic surgeons would inject into the superficial layers of the skin to soften ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Not sure: Breast implants do not increase the size of your chest, but, rather, increase your cup size. The "number" part of your breast size is the distance ar... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Pathology reports: The best way to know if the skin cancer has been entirely removed is by careful pathologic evaluation. Though the "path report" isn't always correct,... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Soon: If the procedure required sutures, once they are removed you should be able to wear lipstick. It the procedure was done with injections, you don't nee... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Yes: Though it would be safe, i doubt that you would be able to keep the sheet in place long enough for it to be effective. For silicone gel sheeting to e... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old female asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Depends: Silimed breast implants are now distributed by sientra. They come in many different volumes and shapes. The largest implant they produce would depend ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Depends on severity: There are different lasers, from non-ablative to ablative, that can help a lot. The more severe acne scars require more invasive techniques. These inc... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
A 25-year-old male asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Many options: There are a variety of methods to improve acne scars - the best method(s) depend upon the nature of the scars. Fractional co2 lasers are very helpful... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old female asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Creams work well: Superficial basal cell carcinoma often responds to several prescription creams that your plastic surgeon or dermatologist can write for you. Either Im... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Lots of options: The treatment options vary depending upon size, location and prior treatments tried. Options range from injection therapy designed to help dissolve th... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old male asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Many options: Scar revision surgery is designed to replace a 'bad' scar with a 'good' one.Most plastic surgeons would wait until the traumatic scar has 'matured' be... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Restrictions/payment: Many hmo plans make it difficult for the doctor to take care of patients, requiring preauthorizations for lab tests and other 'routine' interventions.... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Sure: Botox injected into some of the facial muscles to eradicate wrinkles should be safe.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 56-year-old male asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Lipoma?: You may have a lipoma which is a benign collection of fatty tissue. You should have it checked by a physician.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 17-year-old female asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Start antibiotics: It sounds like the cyst is infected. You should see a plastic surgeon who can start you on antibiotics and lance the cyst if necessary.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old male asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Seek help: Hypertrophic scars or keloid scars can be stimulated to grow by trauma. Unless something is done to "turn off" the cells that make scar tissue you can... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Tinea corporis: Tine a corporis is a common fungal skin problem which is easily treated with prescription medicine (cream or lotion). I would visit with your primary ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 17-year-old male asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
NO: Surgery or "fillers" are the only way to change your jawline
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Yes: Tretinoin will always make the skin dry and "flakey" as it increases cellular turn over which cause the older skin cells to slough. When using tretin... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 58-year-old female asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
No: You get what you pay for with plastic surgery. There are no "miracle cures." i would ask the doctors that you consulted with to show you some pictur... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Perhaps: Most women will experience a decrease in breast volume with weight loss. The amount is variable and depends upon how much breast gland tissue and bre... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
No: It is likely not a serious problem however, whenever a "mole" changes it is worth having the area looked at by a plastic surgeon or a dermatologist.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old female asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Maybe: Depending upon how much "sagging" has occurred you might be able to consider breast implant surgery rather than a lift. Of course, if you are happy w... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Not usually: It would be most unusual for health insurance to "cover" labiaplasty, however, if the patient can present to the insurance company proper documentatio... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Not usually: Mederma will not provide much help in remodeling chickenpox scars.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old male asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Better off waiting: Liposuction is only truly "successful" if the skin shrinks properly after fat removal. With significant weight loss you might need to have both skin ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
No: It won't have any beneficial effects.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Depends: What you are describing could be related to "sun damage" which could be improved with prescription creams, or, more simply, just "dry skin" which woul... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Laser treatments: Depending upon exactly what your "spots and scars" look like, there are a variety of lasers that can be helpful. I would see a plastic surgeon or derm... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old male asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Probably not: You could try some warm compresses but true sebaceous cysts require surgical excision. They are usually not painful unless they are becoming infected.... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old female asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Depends: If you truly have a keloid there is really not much any of the topical scar treatments can offer. A keloid scar is one that has growth larger than th... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old female asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Could be hematoma: A bad bruise could lead to a collection of blood beneath the skin which would feel like a fluid collection.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Multiple options: Treatment depends upon the exact nature of the scar, its location and what prior treatments have been tried. Options may be as simple as injections of... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old male asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Probably not: Though there are many devices on the market to non-invasively tighten skin, I have not been impressed with their efficacy and predictability. Only ver... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
See plaTic surgery: Keloid management varies depending upon its size, location, and prior treatments. Options include pressure via taping, injections of medication that ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Minimal: With "non-invasive" laser options the risk is almost zero. With more invasive lasers (carbon dioxide lasers) the risks increase but are certainly not... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Lots of options: If you're lucky, your skin will contract as you lose weight. If that doesn't happen the excess skin may need to be surgically removed. This is a com... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old male asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Lotrisone (clotrimazole and betamethasone): Sounds like a tinea (fungal) problem. Would get a prescription for Lotrisone (clotrimazole and betamethasone) (or generic) and use it twice a day for ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old female asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Breast augmentation: Surgery is the only "tried and true" way of accomplishing breast enlargement. Very subtle increases in breast size may be obtained with use of the bra... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Yes: Rosacea has characteristic findings that dermatologists use to make the diagnosis and direct treatment.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
No: Complete sex change surgery removes the female sex organs, hence periods would end.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
That's ridiculous: If something like that really worked, i'd be out of business!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old female asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Infection?: A "bad odor" from a surgical site could be the result of an infection. Fever, an enlarging area of redness, swelling and increasing pain would also oc... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old male asked:
Dr. Lawrence Colenanswered
Plastic Surgery 48 years experience
Many options: There are both "over the counter" options as well as prescription strength antiperspirants that are available - ask your pharmacist. Also, Botox injec... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
5
Recommendations
111
Thank you notes
HealthTap member
Dec 16, 2012
I was referred to Dr. Colen by a friend and my experience in his office was outstanding. His staff is respectful and knowledgeable. I was not kept waiting and was able to complete all of the new pat...Read More
HealthTap member
Dec 16, 2012
I was referred to Dr. Colen after having complications from recent cosmetic surgery. I was given an appointment shortly after I called and Dr. Colen's office staff was very compassionate. My surgery...Read More
HealthTap member
Dec 16, 2012
Dr. Colen spent quite a bit of time with me and, in the end, the results of my surgery exceeded my expectations. I would go to Norfolk Plastic Surgery again and will be referring friends and family.
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! I do think I need it as my chin is sunken yes. Overall in very good hn
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! Thank you very much . Have a great day
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! Many thanks :)
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Dartmouth Medical School
Graduated 1975MD
Residency
UCSF MEDICAL CENTER
Awards
Godina Award - Microsurgery
Past President - American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery
Past member, Board of Directors - American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Affiliations
American College of Surgeons
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions, provide medical advice, write prescriptions, and more.
Answer emailed
in 24 hours or less