Transforming Lives: The Art of Merrick Plastic & Hand Surgery
For nearly two decades, Dr. Merrick has been a cornerstone of healthcare in the Chippewa Valley, and he’s just taken his mission to a whole new level. In mid-2023, he unveiled a state-of-the-art clinic on the vibrant south side, designed to provide patients with an unrivaled concierge-level experience. With a spacious new operating room at his disposal, Dr. Merrick can now perform around 50% of procedures right in-house—saving you both time and money while ensuring you receive the best care possible.
“Our mission is simple: to deliver proven techniques and procedures for common health concerns at the most budget-friendly prices,” he explains.
The dream of becoming a physician ignited in Merrick’s heart back in high school. After earning his medical degree from the prestigious Washington University in St. Louis, he completed a rigorous surgical internship, followed by a general surgery residency and an integrated plastic surgery training program at the University of Kentucky. His passion for hand surgery led him to a specialized fellowship at The Kleinert Institute in Louisville, Kentucky, where he honed his skills.
Dr. Merrick reveals that the term “plastic surgery” comes from the Greek word “plastikos,” meaning to mold or shape—a fitting descriptor for a field that goes beyond the surface. “Plastic surgery literally refers to the shaping and molding of tissue,” he says. This specialty is as diverse as it is fascinating; it encompasses everything from head to toe, treating patients of all ages, from infants to centenarians. “This variety keeps us on our toes and fuels a constant thirst for knowledge,” he adds.
Staying ahead in this dynamic field requires dedication. Dr. Merrick immerses himself in numerous medical journals each month and attends national conferences to discover the latest techniques and equipment. One of the standout features of his practice is the use of Sciton lasers, which he confidently rates as “the best aesthetic lasers in the world.” With two of these incredible machines at his clinic, he and his expert team have traveled across the nation to master their use. “What we’re doing here is groundbreaking—our Sciton representatives have told us, ‘Nobody in the Upper Midwest is doing this,’ ” he shares proudly. “The deep resurfacing procedures we offer are truly unique.”
“People come in here and they feel like they’re part of our family.”
Dr. Merrick also stands at the forefront of innovation with AdiPrep, a groundbreaking technique involving adipose-derived stem cell therapy. This revolutionary approach utilizes a patient’s own abdominal fat and blood to ease arthritic pain, potentially postponing the need for joint-replacement surgery. Despite being a skilled surgeon, he emphasizes, “I prefer to keep patients out of the operating room whenever possible.”
But that’s not all—Dr. Merrick’s clinic is a hub of talent, employing three skilled aestheticians for skincare, two nurse injectors for neurotoxin treatments, and a laser specialist. The aesthetic side of the clinic offers an impressive array of services, including skincare, breast surgery, tummy tucks, liposuction, facelifts, and so much more.
Recently, Dr. Merrick was honored to be appointed as the medical director of Chippewa Valley Technical College’s new aesthetician program—an opportunity for him to share his wealth of knowledge through lectures and hands-on training for students visiting his clinic.
What truly sets Dr. Merrick apart is his extensive knowledge, rich experience, and heartfelt approach to patient care. “People come in here and they feel like they’re part of our family,” he expresses. “I give all my patients my cellphone number. It’s an experience they simply haven’t encountered anywhere else.”
