A woman in a white doctor's coat holding a paper, with text indicating she is from the Department of Surgery specializing in Plastic Surgery. She has dark hair and is wearing pearl earrings, standing in a bright room with large windows.

Leslie E. Cohen, MD, FACS

Board-Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon

Co-Director of Breast Reconstruction | Weill Cornell Medicine

Reconstructive surgery demands more than technical excellence—it requires judgment, empathy, and an unwavering respect for the person behind the diagnosis. Dr. Leslie Cohen is known for her ability to combine advanced microsurgical expertise with a thoughtful, aesthetic approach to care, helping women restore not only form, but confidence and peace of mind.

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SURGICAL EXPERTISE & PHILOSOPHY

Dr. Leslie E. Cohen is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in advanced breast reconstruction and microsurgical techniques. She is nationally recognized for her expertise in autologous (tissue-based) reconstruction, implant based reconstruction and currently serves as Co-Director of Breast Reconstruction at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City.

Her approach blends technical precision, aesthetic judgment, and deeply patient-centered care.

PHILOSOPHY OF CARE
Reconstruction is both a technical and emotional journey. Dr. Cohen believes exceptional outcomes begin with listening—understanding each patient’s goals, concerns, and sense of self.

Using the most advanced surgical techniques, she focuses on restoring form, function, and confidence while ensuring patients feel supported, respected, and informed at every stage of care.

CLINICAL FOCUS

  • Microsurgical breast reconstruction (DIEP, PAP, SGAP/IGAP flaps)

  • Implant-based breast reconstruction

  • Nerve preservation and resensation techniques

  • Revision and secondary breast reconstruction

  • Cosmetic procedures of the face and breast

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Current Roles


  • Co-Director of Breast Reconstruction, Weill Cornell Medicine

  • Associate Program Director, Plastic Surgery Residency

  • Assistant Professor of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College

  • Adjunct Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University

  • Assistant Attending Surgeon, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

  • Attending Surgeon, Hospital for Special Surgery

Education & Training


  • Stanford University — Bachelor of Arts, Presidential Scholar

  • Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — Doctor of Medicine

  • Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Residency —
    Weill Cornell / Columbia / NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

  • Microsurgery Fellowship —NYU Langone & Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Recognition


  • Castle Connely Top Doctor in Plastic Surgery 2022-2026

  • New York SuperDoctor (Top 5% of physicians in NY)

  • Dicran Goulian Award for Academic Excellence in Plastic Surgery

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“Using the most advanced surgical techniques with technical precision and attention to detail, I strive to provide the highest quality reconstructive and aesthetic surgery that enhances each patient’s quality of life.”

-DR. LESLIE E. COHEN

EXPERIENCE CARE THAT feels DIFFERENT