Michael Svestka, MD, FACS is a board-certified general surgeon and the founder of Virginia Hernia, a specialty practice dedicated exclusively to hernia repair surgeries. With advanced training in complex hernia reconstruction and years of experience, he provides highly personalized, evidence-based treatment tailored to your anatomy, symptoms, lifestyle, and long-term quality of life.
Education & Training
A native of Northern Virginia, Dr. Svestka graduated from St. Albans School at Washington National Cathedral and completed his undergraduate studies at the College of William & Mary, where he earned dual degrees in Economics and Comparative Religion. He earned his medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School in 2013, and completed a five-year general surgery residency at Stony Brook University Hospital. During residency, he developed an interest in complex hernia surgery and abdominal wall reconstruction. He also served as Administrative Chief Resident and received five teaching awards in recognition of his dedication to surgical education.
After residency, Dr. Svestka trained for six months in abdominal wall reconstruction at the Cleveland Clinic Comprehensive Hernia Center, one of the nation’s leading hernia programs. There, he trained directly with the team that developed and advanced the Transversus Abdominis Release (TAR) technique, an important innovation in abdominal wall reconstruction. He specializes in open, minimally invasive, and reconstructive hernia techniques, including treatments for recurrent hernias, large abdominal wall defects, mesh complications, and revisional surgery.
Professional Affiliations & Awards:
- American Board of Surgery: Board Certified in General Surgery
- Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
- American Hernia Society
- Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES)
- Recognized as a Washingtonian Top Doctor in 2022, 2024, and 2025
- Recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor in 2026
Research & Publications
Dr. Svestka has participated in research and academic presentations related to hernia surgery throughout his training and early career, including presenting at the national level. He has also contributed to surgical education through academic teaching appointments.
From 2022 through 2026, he served as Assistant Professor of Medical Education at the University of Virginia School of Medicine – Inova Campus, where he worked part-time with surgical residents. In addition, Dr. Svestka serves as a peer reviewer for the journal Surgical Endoscopy, helping evaluate surgical research and academic publications within the field.
Programs & Leadership
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Svestka has played a significant leadership role in advancing hernia care within large healthcare systems. From March 2024 through March 2026, he served as the Founder and Medical Director of the Inova Comprehensive Hernia Program, where he developed and led a multidisciplinary hernia program across Inova’s five-hospital system.
In this role, he worked alongside more than 25 surgeons, focusing on evidence-based surgical practices, patient education, quality improvement, and community outreach. He helped develop a prehabilitation pathway for patients undergoing complex hernia reconstruction. This program emphasized optimizing patients before surgery through nutritional support, medical care, physical conditioning, and risk-reduction strategies to improve surgical outcomes.
Philosophy of Care
Dr. Svestka believes hernia care should never feel rushed or impersonal. Every patient receives a comprehensive evaluation focused not only on the hernia itself, but also on how symptoms affect daily life, work responsibilities, physical activity, and long-term function.
New patient consultations are intentionally scheduled for thirty minutes to allow time for detailed discussion, education, and shared decision-making. Dr. Svestka carefully reviews your medical and surgical history, prior imaging, symptom progression, and quality-of-life concerns before discussing whether surgery is truly necessary and, if so, the most appropriate approach.
One of the most distinctive parts of his practice is his commitment to patient education. Each patient receives a customized PowerPoint presentation that explains their diagnosis, anatomy, surgical options, risks and benefits, recovery expectations, and long-term considerations. This helps you fully understand your condition and feel confident in every decision about your care.
Life Beyond the Office
Outside of medicine, Dr. Svestka values quality time with his family. Much of his time away from work is spent with his wife and two children. He also enjoys playing chess and guitar, interests that reflect the same patience, discipline, and focus he brings to patient care every day.
Schedule a Consultation With Dr. Svestka in Fairfax, VA
Dr. Michael Svestka is a board-certified general surgeon dedicated exclusively to hernia and abdominal wall care. Through advanced reconstructive training and highly personalized patient education and care, he provides comprehensive care focused on long-term function, recovery, and quality of life. Every consultation gives you the time, clarity, and guidance to make confident decisions about your care. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Svestka in Fairfax, VA, today.
