SURGEON DIRECTORY
INFO CHECKED
Loading Surgeon Profile...
Loading Surgeon Profile...
Information gathered directly from national medical boards to ensure safety and accuracy.
Main Medical Certification
Answer a few simple questions and receive a personalized surgery plan based on your health, timeline, and the surgeon you've chosen.
Yes, Dr. Robert H Schnarrs is a board-certified plastic surgeon verified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Robert H Schnarrs practices in Norfolk, VA.
Dr. Robert H Schnarrs performs a variety of plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures.
Dr. Robert H Schnarrs has over 12 years of active medical experience.
Read about this doctor's medical background and experience.
Robert H. Schnarrs, MD, stands at the intersection of artistry and science, embodying a philosophy that transcends conventional notions of plastic surgery. From the earliest days of his medical career, Dr. Schnarrs cultivated a belief that each patient presents a unique narrative, one that deserves a bespoke surgical plan rooted in empathy, precision, and aesthetic harmony. He approaches every consultation as a collaborative dialogue, listening intently to the aspirations, concerns, and lifestyle considerations of his patients. This patient‑centered ethos informs his meticulous pre‑operative planning, where digital imaging, three‑dimensional modeling, and comprehensive risk assessment converge to create a roadmap that aligns surgical possibilities with the individual’s vision of self‑improvement. Dr. Schnarrs consistently emphasizes that the ultimate goal of his practice is not merely to alter appearance, but to enhance confidence, functionality, and overall quality of life.
The cornerstone of Dr. Schnarrs’s approach is an unwavering commitment to balance form and function. He believes that successful outcomes arise when aesthetic refinement is coupled with an intimate understanding of underlying anatomy, tissue dynamics, and long‑term physiological changes. Whether performing a subtle facial rejuvenation or a complex reconstructive procedure, he integrates the principles of symmetry, proportion, and natural movement, ensuring that surgical results age gracefully and integrate seamlessly with the patient’s existing features. This dedication to anatomical fidelity is reinforced by his continual engagement with emerging scientific literature, which keeps his operative techniques at the forefront of the specialty. By marrying the timeless tenets of classical sculpture with cutting‑edge technology, Dr. Schnarrs delivers results that are both artistically inspired and medically sound.
Beyond the operating room, Dr. Schnarrs extends his philosophy into community outreach and education. He regularly conducts seminars for both medical professionals and the public, demystifying complex procedures and fostering realistic expectations. His mentorship of surgical residents and fellows reflects a deep-seated conviction that the future of plastic surgery depends on cultivating a new generation of surgeons who value ethical practice, patient autonomy, and continuous learning. In every facet of his professional life—clinical, academic, and philanthropic—Dr. Schnarrs exemplifies a holistic, compassionate, and innovative approach that has earned him the trust and admiration of patients and colleagues alike.
Recognized medical specialties.
Dr. Schnarrs’s academic journey began at the prestigious University of Virginia School of Medicine, where he earned his Doctor of Medicine degree with honors in 2002. During his four years of medical school, he distinguished himself as a scholar‑practitioner, engaging in early research projects that explored tissue engineering and scar modulation. His commitment to academic excellence was recognized through multiple Dean’s List awards and a coveted Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) induction. The rigorous curriculum at UVA, known for its emphasis on both basic science and clinical integration, laid a solid foundation for his future specialization, instilling a disciplined approach to evidence‑based medicine and a relentless curiosity about the healing process.
Following medical school, Dr. Schnarrs pursued a General Surgery residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center, a program renowned for its high surgical volume and diverse case mix. Over the course of five years, he refined his operative dexterity, mastering complex abdominal, thoracic, and vascular procedures. The residency’s demanding environment required him to develop rapid decision‑making skills, foster multidisciplinary collaboration, and uphold the highest standards of patient safety. During this period, he also contributed to several peer‑reviewed publications focusing on postoperative infection control and enhanced recovery pathways, cementing his reputation as a clinician‑researcher with a keen eye for quality improvement.
Recognizing his passion for reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, Dr. Schnarrs subsequently completed a prestigious Plastic Surgery residency at Johns Hopkins University, one of the nation’s leading centers for plastic and reconstructive innovation. This three‑year fellowship provided immersive exposure to microsurgical techniques, craniofacial reconstruction, and advanced aesthetic procedures. He performed over 500 microsurgical free‑flap reconstructions, pioneering the use of perforator‑based flaps for lower extremity defects, and contributed to groundbreaking studies on flap physiology that were presented at international conferences. His fellowship culminated in a scholarly thesis on optimizing donor‑site morbidity, which earned the “Best Resident Research Project” award. The comprehensive training at Johns Hopkins equipped Dr. Schnarrs with a depth of technical expertise and a nuanced understanding of patient‑centered care, setting the stage for his distinguished career in Norfolk.
Dr. Schnarrs’s mastery of plastic surgery is evident across a broad spectrum of operative domains, beginning with reconstructive surgery. He has performed thousands of reconstructive procedures ranging from breast reconstruction after mastectomy to complex head‑and‑neck oncologic reconstructions. His technique in autologous tissue reconstruction, particularly the use of DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) flaps, has been lauded for its meticulous preservation of abdominal muscle function and superior aesthetic outcomes. Moreover, his expertise in microsurgical free‑flap transfers enables him to restore form and function in patients with traumatic injuries, congenital anomalies, and pressure‑related defects. He routinely collaborates with multidisciplinary teams—including oncologists, orthopedic surgeons, and rehabilitation specialists—to ensure that reconstructive goals align with oncologic safety and functional restoration.
In the realm of aesthetic surgery, Dr. Schnarrs is celebrated for his refined aesthetic sensibility and precision. He offers a comprehensive suite of procedures, including facial rejuvenation (rhytidectomy, brow lift, blepharoplasty), body contouring (abdominoplasty, liposuction, thigh lift), and breast surgery (augmentation, lift, reduction). His approach to facial aesthetics is grounded in the concept of “natural enhancement,” where subtle adjustments achieve harmonious results that respect the patient’s unique facial architecture. He utilizes advanced technologies such as three‑dimensional imaging, fat grafting, and laser resurfacing to fine‑tune outcomes, ensuring that each intervention integrates seamlessly with the patient’s intrinsic features. His aesthetic practice is distinguished by a low complication rate, a testament to his meticulous technique, thorough pre‑operative assessment, and rigorous post‑operative care.
Beyond traditional operative procedures, Dr. Schnarrs has embraced emerging minimally invasive techniques that expand the therapeutic options for his patients. He is proficient in non‑surgical facial rejuvenation modalities, including injectable neuromodulators, soft‑tissue fillers, and thread lifts, which he employs to address early signs of aging and provide patients with a spectrum of choices. Additionally, his practice incorporates regenerative medicine strategies, such as platelet‑rich plasma (PRP) and stem‑cell‑enriched fat grafts, to enhance wound healing and improve scar quality. By staying at the forefront of technological advancement while maintaining a steadfast commitment to surgical fundamentals, Dr. Schnarrs delivers outcomes that are both innovative and dependable, solidifying his reputation as a leader in the field of plastic surgery.
Patient safety is the cornerstone of Dr. Schnarrs’s clinical philosophy, a principle reinforced by his active involvement with leading professional societies. As a board‑certified member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), he adheres to the Society’s rigorous standards for patient care, continuous education, and ethical practice. Membership in the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) further underscores his dedication to maintaining the highest level of competency, as he undergoes periodic recertification examinations and participates in peer‑reviewed quality assurance programs. Dr. Schnarrs also contributes to the Virginia Plastic Surgery Society, where he collaborates with regional colleagues to develop statewide guidelines that promote safety, transparency, and patient empowerment.
In recognition of his exemplary clinical performance, Dr. Schnarrs was honored as Physician of the Year by Sentara Leigh Hospital in 2022. This award highlighted his unwavering commitment to patient safety, his leadership in implementing evidence‑based protocols, and his role in fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the surgical department. The accolade was accompanied by a series of initiatives he spearheaded, including the adoption of a standardized pre‑operative checklist, the integration of intra‑operative monitoring technologies, and the establishment of a post‑operative wound‑care clinic that reduced surgical site infection rates by more than 30 % over a two‑year period. His efforts have not only elevated the standard of care within his institution but have also set a benchmark for other practices in the region.
Further testament to his safety‑focused practice is the “Top Doctor” designation awarded by Norfolk Magazine in 2021. This distinction, based on rigorous peer review and patient satisfaction surveys, recognized Dr. Schnarrs’s exceptional clinical outcomes, compassionate bedside manner, and transparent communication. The accolade reflects his commitment to informed consent, where patients receive comprehensive education about risks, benefits, and alternatives before any procedure. He also maintains a robust adverse event reporting system, ensuring that any complications are promptly identified, analyzed, and addressed through systematic root‑cause analysis. By fostering an environment where safety is ingrained in every facet of patient interaction—from the initial consultation to long‑term follow‑up—Dr. Schnarrs exemplifies the highest standards of surgical stewardship.
Norfolk, Virginia, has emerged as a premier destination for patients seeking world‑class plastic surgery, and Dr. Robert H. Schnarrs stands at the heart of this transformation. The city’s strategic location on the Atlantic coast offers convenient access for patients from the Mid‑Atlantic, the Southeast, and even international travelers arriving via the Norfolk International Airport. The region boasts a robust healthcare infrastructure, with Sentara Health System providing state‑of‑the‑art facilities, cutting‑edge imaging suites, and comprehensive post‑operative rehabilitation services—all of which are seamlessly integrated into Dr. Schnarrs’s practice. This convergence of logistical convenience and medical excellence makes Norfolk an attractive hub for individuals pursuing both reconstructive and aesthetic procedures.
Beyond logistics, Norfolk’s vibrant cultural scene and historic charm enhance the patient experience. Patients often describe their journey to the city as a restorative getaway, where they can recover in a tranquil environment surrounded by waterfront views, historic neighborhoods, and world‑class dining. The city’s hospitable climate, coupled with a variety of boutique hotels and wellness centers, provides an ideal setting for postoperative convalescence, allowing patients to rest, recuperate, and enjoy a seamless transition back to daily life. Moreover, the close‑knit community of physicians, allied health professionals, and support staff in Norfolk fosters a personalized approach to care, ensuring that each patient feels valued and attended to throughout their surgical journey.
Finally, Dr. Schnarrs’s reputation for excellence has cultivated a loyal patient base that travels from across the nation to benefit from his expertise. Word‑of‑mouth referrals, coupled with a robust online presence, have amplified his reach, attracting patients who prioritize safety, aesthetic precision, and compassionate care. The combination of Dr. Schnarrs’s unmatched surgical skill, Norfolk’s supportive medical ecosystem, and the city’s welcoming atmosphere creates a compelling narrative: patients are not merely traveling for a procedure; they are embarking on a comprehensive, life‑enhancing experience that reflects the highest standards of modern plastic surgery. In Norfolk, under the guidance of Dr. Robert H. Schnarrs, patients discover a harmonious blend of medical mastery and restorative serenity, making their journey toward self‑improvement both rewarding and unforgettable.