Dr. Rian A. Maercks

Dr. Rian A. Maercks is an internationally recognized plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. He is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and trained in plastic and reconstructive surgery at Duke University Medical Center, one of the nation’s premier programs.

Dr. Maercks’ background as a fine artist and philosopher positions him as uniquely able to combine scientific precision with artistic sensibility. Since opening The Maercks Institute in 2009, his practice has become well-known for its emphasis on the preservation of individuality and identity; Dr. Maercks guides each of his patients toward results that are subtle yet transformative.  

Dr. Maercks has changed the lives of thousands of patients over the years with specialties in:

Patients travel from around the globe to receive world-class care from Dr. Maercks here in Miami and East Hampton, where they can expect to achieve unparalleled, elegant results through fully customized facial rejuvenation, body contouring, and non-invasive procedures.

The Maercks Institute has a certified surgical suite, as well as an overnight recovery suite for optimized patient care.

Training Among the Best and Brightest

Following an integrated plastic and reconstructive surgical residency at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital — a top-ranked U.S. craniofacial pediatric center — and the University of Cincinnati Hospital, Dr. Maercks completed fellowship training in Europe and Central and South America with some of the most prominent figures in plastic surgery to date.

This extensive training included an elite fellowship with esteemed craniofacial pioneer Dr. Fernando Oritz-Monasterio and other masters of craniofacial and aesthetic surgery.

Dr. Maercks continues to stay connected with international leaders in his field, and also travels worldwide to discuss ideas and innovations, such as gender reassignment surgical training at places such as Helsinki Hospital in Finland and at Vu Medical Center in Amsterdam.

See Dr. Maercks’s digital resume

Signature Techniques and Innovations

The MAERCKS Lift™

The MAERCKS Lift™, Dr. Maercks’ signature deep-plane facelift technique, provides natural midface support with minimal downtime, avoiding the “operated” look common with conventional procedures. Using his concept of histiocentric or “tissue-focused” surgery, he minimizes dissection while maximizing lift in critical areas such as the midface and corners of the mouth.

Cold-Subfascial Breast Augmentation©

Dr. Maercks employs Cold Subfascial Breast Augmentation© to create natural cleavage while avoiding common complications of traditional techniques, such as bottoming out, animation distortion, or lateral displacement.

Cold Subfascial Breast Augmentation provides exceptional support and long-term control of breast shape. It is considered the most natural-looking approach to breast augmentation; Dr. Maercks learned the merits of subfascial placement of breast implants from the internationally renowned Dr. Ruth Graf.

Aesthetic Facial Balancing©

Dr. Maercks was the first to coin the phrase ‘Aesthetic Facial Balancing©,’ which refers to using hyaluronic acid fillers or fat grafting to restore symmetry and harmony to the face. This method remains a cornerstone of The Maercks Institute, with long-lasting, natural-looking results.

Dr. Maercks demonstrated this phenomenon through his own documented transformation; in 2012, he created a mini-documentary in which he applied these principles to his own face, showcasing Aesthetic Facial Balancing in real time. Six years later, without any additional treatment, he appeared notably more rejuvenated at 42 than at 36.

Aesthetic facial balancing requires exceptional skill to deliver custom filler interventions that combine art, aesthetic sensibilities, and anatomical knowledge. Dr. Maercks assesses each patient’s features to design a bespoke treatment that brings out the individual’s unique beauty.

Pain-Free Surgery

The Maercks Institute utilizes EXPAREL, an advanced, long-acting numbing agent applied through a tumescent technique. This approach allows virtually all procedures, including facial, breast, body, and genital surgeries, to be performed with zero pain, no opioids, and shorter recoveries.

Expertise in Revisionary Surgery

The Maercks Institute is recognized worldwide as a center of excellence for complex revisionary procedures. Dr. Maercks specializes in correcting previous surgeries that resulted in unnatural expressions, visible scarring, or other undesirable outcomes. Patients come not just for correction but to reclaim confidence, dignity, and their sense of self. Every revisionary plan is highly individualized, ensuring a respectful, patient-centered approach that addresses both emotional and aesthetic needs.