Cutting In: Local Plastic Surgeon's Perspective

Seeking plastic surgery, whether reconstructive or cosmetic, can be a worrisome task, and trepidation over the outcome is common.

The overwhelming number of celebrities who have openly or presumably gone under the knife has raised awareness. But has that educated the viewer on what is realistic or fostered a healthy outlook on the process? And what about what to expect afterward?

“I’ve always found the combination of beauty and wellness to be a goal of mine rather than just stopping at the point when the stitches are removed,” said Dr. Patrick Marasco, North Andover plastic surgeon.

Trending Tucks

So what are patients having done in North Andover? Marasco said he continues to see breast augmentation and rhinoplasty as his top requests. Tummy tucks and liposuctions are also popular.

And a comprehensive approach to care is in fashion. Marasco, who is is currently moving his office and consultation space to the East Mills on High Street, is anxious to extend his aftercare to a more pampering level -- essentially blending his science with art in the form of massage or holistic medicine or even make-up and hairstyling. He hopes to work together with his East Mill neighbors to bring yoga and spa treatments into his aftercare program.

“My desire from the beginning is for the patient to feel good,” said Marasco, “By doing some of these adjunct services it contributes to the person’s full beauty and wellness.”

Current trends in the field to keep an eye on include adjustable implants which allow for greater control over the end result as well as advances in stem cell research and fat injections that have a rejuvenating quality.

Marasco’s practice combines both the reconstructive and cosmetic elements of plastic surgery, and his newest innovation and business endeavor is called Pulsecare Medical -- a new method of treating patients suffering from chronic wounds.

“We are looking to help the patient feel better about themselves,” said Marasco.

Military Roots

Modern plastic surgery is an evolving field with a rich history.

“If you put plastic surgery in a historical context, it really gives you a more in depth view versus the 21^st century quick sound bite,” Marasco said.

Dating back to World War I, many British, French and American soldiers suffered severe facial injuries. Early plastic surgery practices arose as military surgeons with dentistry specialties began to reconstruct the facial damage left behind from their injuries.

The realization that if a nose could be reconstructed it could also be re-shaped would then lead to the development of the art form of cosmetic plastic surgery. 

Proceed With Caution

Marasco cautions the consumer on the flood of marketing that may be seen on the topic of plastic surgery.  “There is always this cliché of buyer beware,” he said.

And having a board-certified surgeon is key. Board-certified plastic surgeons like Morasco are more likely to have the surgical roots to allow them to look at all cosmetic surgeries with a reconstructive eye.

‘We understand the basic shape of a nose, the basic fundamental structure of the nose, the architecture of the skull,” said Marasco. “We understand all those features before we decide on doing something cosmetic.”

And he said he recognizes the symptoms of a patient who may not be a good candidate for surgery. He and his colleagues are tuned into issues such as body dismorphic disorder and pay close attention to clients who show signs of depression and are not in the proper state of mind to move forward with a plastic surgery procedure.

Dr. Patrick Marasco, M.D. is currently located at 200 Sutton St., Suite 120. 978-687-0020. For more information on his wound healing technique visit www.pulsecaremedical.com.