Dr. Rian A. Maercks

Dr. Rian Maercks has a unique philosophy that he applies to his practice and incorporates into every procedure he performs, 'histiocentricity,' strictly defined tissue centered or tissue focused. What this means is precise surgery maintaining minimal tissue invasiveness with thoughtful design to maximize results and minimize swelling, complications and recovery. Using this principle he has designed radically new techniques in the subspecialties of facial aesthetics, breast aesthetics, craniofacial reconstructive surgery and reconstructive microsurgery.

The MAERCKS-lift, for example, is a face lift based on the principles of many of Dr. Rian Maercks’ mentors including Dr. James Stuzin, Dr. Fernando Ortiz-Monasterio, Dr. Fernando Molina and others, but modified with a histiocentric approach. The SMAS, a deep structural layer that defines and supports the face is not completely elevated. The entire blood supply is maintained but through three thoughtfully designed vectors (directions of pull) the natural aesthetically beautiful convexities and concavities of the face are created in their aesthetically ideal locations.

This means there is no need to pull on the skin, creating the unnatural stretched appearance that has become stigmata of a facelift in today’s media. A naturally beautiful deep structure is overlayed by relaxed redraped skin with no tension and subtle positional differences. Even the incisions are hidden and placed so the stigmata of face-lifting (abnormal skin folds, ear deformities, hairline displacement and scars in the hair bearing scalp) are not evident.

The Art of Beauty Part I. from WARHON on Vimeo.

Medical Education and Training

Dr. Rian Maercks' medical training was at the prestigious Duke University School of Medicine where he entered the extremely selective Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). Through the NIH-funded MSTP, Dr. Rian Maercks concurrently trained as an M.D. and PhD. As he became consumed in his work in vascular biology and tissue engineering he realized that the gratification of patient care and direct human contact was missing from his life. Dr. Rian Maercks concluded this work, successfully defending a Masters in Science at Duke University completing his final clinical training at Duke, focused on channelling his energies into a plastic surgery FL practice.

In reality, Dr. Rian Maercks dedication and training in plastic surgery started long before the Duke years. As a young child he was fascinated with and volunteered with charitable organizations that helped children. He encountered plastic surgical missions that he found inspiring. As a high school student he discovered his artistic talent and was able to enter the elite AP art studio at Coral Gables Senior High School, bypassing the prerequisite arts training. A productive year yielded a portfolio that earned a perfect score and collegiate credit.

Dr. Rian Maercks continued his fine arts education at the newly designed Workshop for Arts Research and Practice while continuing other academic pursuits. Focusing on drawing and painting as fine arts major he also explored psychology, cultural anthropology and philosophy. Finishing his four year degree he focused on virtue based ethical theory and beauty, the most basic manifestation of Plato’s form of the good. Dr. Rian Maercks followed these interests to Lancaster University, England, where he studied contemporary neoaristotileanism and wrote a comparative thesis bridging the concepts of Plato and Aristotle to the modern ethical treatise of Spinoza and others, incorporating beauty, aesthetics, ‘the good’ and virtuous action. He earned a bachelor’s of arts in Philosophy at the University of Florida and continued his dream to become an artist, scientist and caring physician at Duke University School of Medicine

Dr. Rian Maercks entered a residency program rich in the diversity of his field, a program where he further developed his love for restoring the beauty of human form. He gained extensive pediatric surgery and advanced craniofacial training at the world renowned Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Concurrently he trained in the Cincinnati Shriner’s Hospital for Children, the Veteran’s Administration Hospital, as well as private hospitals and clinics. He gained unparalleled experience in complex reconstructive surgery of the face and body treating patients from across the globe at Cincinnati Shriner’s Hospital, an international referral center for complex reconstructive care. From the University Hospital and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center he continued to develop his love for research, creation and innovation. In private clinics and his own resident aesthetics clinic he developed his own techniques for treating facial aging and breast aesthetic concerns. In the position of clinical instructor he followed his passion for learning and sharing the joys of his chosen field. He completed his residency program as chief resident with numerous national and international presentations and publications under his belt and was well on his way to contribute to the field of plastic surgery.

Whether Dr. Rian Maercks is administering Botox neuromodulation and fillers, rejuvenating a face with unique thoughtful techniques or creating a new face, breast or body in complex reconstruction, his dedication, insight and passion for his work shines through. With the eye of a trained artist he is result focused. As an experienced plastic surgeon he is patient and safety focused. As a teacher, he is education focused. These qualities are apparent in every interaction as exemplified by patient testimonials. Dr. Rian Maercks spends time to ensure patients understand all available options and their potential risks and benefits and moves forward skillfully with his patients' decisions grounded in his knowledge, judgment and experience