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culture. Much of my patient base came from places where my emphasis on proportion, harmony, and subtlety was more readily embraced - New York, Los Angeles, Europe, South America. But something remarkable shifted in the post-COVID migration. As more people relocated to Miami - many of them from design-forward, cosmopolitan cities - I saw a rapid rise in patients who were already aligned with my aesthetic philosophy. These are patients who don’t just want change - they want meaningful, intelligent, nuanced transformation. What’s unique about Miami, though, is that even these discerning patients often have dynamic, high-visibility lifestyles. They’re attending galas, hosting events, dining out, living on camera. So my practice evolved not only to uphold high aesthetic standards, but to meet the demands of a fast-paced, image-driven culture. This is one of the reasons I’ve devoted so much time to refining techniques like the Cold-Subfascial Breast Augmentation, MicroLyft, and the MAERCKS Lift. These procedures deliver profound, yet natural-looking results - but equally important, they allow patients to return to their lives almost immediately, without the downtime or “tells” typically associated with surgery. Practicing in Miami has also pushed me to expand options for younger patients. I’ve developed strategies to deliver age-appropriate refinement - enhancements that preserve the patient’s unique beauty rather than overwriting it. This includes advanced non-surgical interventions and surgical techniques that are truly preventative, not reactive. These younger patients don’t necessarily want to “fix” anything - they want to stay ahead of aging without sacrificing their individuality. So yes, Miami has shaped my journey. Not by changing my values, but by challenging me to refine them - to stand firm in my belief in beauty that endures, while designing treatments that speak to the lifestyle and aspirations of this bold, global city. ML: With your intense surgical schedule and high-profile practice, how do you personally stay inspired, grounded - or just unwind - in a city like Miami? Any favorite local spots or routines that help you recharge? Dr. Maercks: I feel genuinely fortunate that my practice doesn’t feel clinical or transactional - it often feels more like a series of living room conversations or dinner party catch-ups. Many of my patient interactions evolve into something more personal, even familial. That human connection is one of the most energizing aspects of my work. When I sit down with someone for a consultation and we truly align - when I understand what they’re seeking and can exceed that in ways they didn’t think were possible - it’s incredibly fulfilling. That connection, and the opportunity to surprise people with subtle, life-enhancing transformation, is honestly fuel for my soul. Of course, maintaining the level of precision and thoughtfulness I demand from myself - especially in complex or revisional surgeries - requires a tremendous amount of focus and energy. It can be draining, mentally and physically. That’s why I rely heavily on nature and creativity for balance. Water has always been a powerful, grounding force in my life. I’m out on the boat as often as possible - usually early in the morning with my dog, watching the sunrise before the day begins. Sometimes I’ll break away in the afternoon for a quick grill-out and swim in the middle of the bay. There’s something incredibly centering about being surrounded by water, removed from the speed of everything else. I also decompress through cooking, which has become a kind of creative ritual for me. I love refining a dish until it’s just right - last night it was a new interpretation of au poivre that I’d been thinking about for weeks. It’s not so different from the surgical process in that sense: it’s all about refinement, balance, and sensory intuition. For a more passive kind of reset, I’ll retreat to The Standard. I’ve kept a membership there for almost as long as I’ve been a surgeon - it’s one