With a primary interest in how cosmetic surgery is moving in the direction of becoming minimally invasive, Dr. Marco Ellis is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face and body. After completing his training with the doctors that revolutionized face transplant surgery, Dr. Ellis went on to lecture at national and international symposia on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, as well as, to co-author several publications and abstracts in premier scientific journals and contribute to a book on breast reconstruction, eyelid and craniofacial surgery. Haute Beauty by Haute Living caught up with the surgeon who divulged his most memorable patient reactions, his most requested procedures, and what he’s most excited about in the future of plastic surgery.

My greatest achievement…

is family-related. Within the last two years, I have married and welcomed a new son, Cameron.

The future of my field is…

in minimally-invasive cosmetic surgery. Patients are increasingly prioritizing a short recovery over more traditional components like cost and longevity.

The biggest misconception about my field is…

that plastic surgeons only perform cosmetic surgery. The average plastic surgery textbook is only 15% cosmetic surgery and medicine. The primary focus is reconstruction of complex deformities of the head/ neck, trunk and extremities.

My most requested procedures are…

rhinoplasty, face and neck lift surgery, blepharoplasty.

What surgical advancements are you most excited about?

I’m excited about the future of plastic surgery. We continue to innovate with less invasive solutions every day. The latest innovations are nano-fat grafting and minimally invasive skin lifting with suture threads.

What are you best known for?

My academic interest in plastic surgery focuses on scalp reconstructive surgery. I have published an innovative procedure that helps with wound healing after previous complications.

What is your most memorable patient reaction?

I once performed a rhinoplasty on an older woman who fell and severely fractured her nose. After removing the splint, the patient was tearful about her results. She no longer had to hide her face.

What sets my practice apart is…

my staff. My nurse, Erica, and office manager, Karin, have untiring patience. They are well-informed and compassionate.

What I love most about my profession is…

the variety of patients I treat. While I focus on facial cosmetic surgery, a third of my patients require surgery related to breast cancer, facial deformities, and gender reassignment.

Career defining procedure?

In addition to cosmetic surgery, I perform complex reconstructive microsurgery. Weekly, I treat patients with severe deformities related to cancer and trauma. My most interesting surgery has been a 20-hour cancer surgery where I reconstructed a patient’s cheek, eye-socket and skull.

What new services are you excited to offer?

Our med spa offers a variety of non-surgical solutions for patients. Our latest focus has been on scar reduction and camouflage. We provide multi-modal care incorporation laser skin resurfacing, dermabrasion, and microneedling.

What is your philosophy for approaching plastic surgery?

My aim is to combine your goals with my experience and knowledge of anatomy to deliver on your expectations.

What is your primary goal when performing plastic surgery?

My goal is to develop a customized solution for each patient. I prioritize his/ her goals and expectations to guide our treatment plan.

What is your favorite procedure to perform?

Facelift surgery is the most rewarding cosmetic procedure I perform. It’s rewarding to see patients transformed with improved self-confidence.

What’s the best piece of personal advice you ever got?

Always analyze your postoperative results. Details and improvements can come from both excellent outcomes and complications. Your surgical technique should evolve with time, producing more consistent results.