Philosophy of care.It is our goal to offer patients personalized, quality care in a private and confidential manner, in order to meet their specific needs. We believe that the essence of quality in plastic surgery is a combination of expert surgical judgment, technical competence, innovation, and continuing education to give each patient the best possible result.We expect patients to do research and reading to become knowledgeable because with knowledge they will be realistic towards their expectations. Plastic and reconstructive surgery:Our specialty, plastic and reconstructive surgery, is a surgical discipline that seeks to heal and restore patients with injury, disfigurement, or scarring resulting from accidents, disease or birth defects. Contrary to common belief, the work "plastic" means molding or giving form, and does not refer to the synthetic plastic materials which are sometimes used. It also includes aesthetic or cosmetic surgery to correct or recontour facial and bodily features not pleasing to the patients. Fundamentally, most facial and bodily changes from aging that are corrected with cosmetic surgery are the result of declining hormones, thus the importance of replacing the needed hormones of youth. Our Anti-Aging program addresses that need. Dr. William D. Merkel has been providing cosmetic and reconstructive surgery since 1975. Giving people a new positive perspective in their life is his goal. He likes to establish a comfortable rapport with his clients and feels that having a close relationship ensures a successful result. Surgery facilities:We have a state-of-the art in-office surgery facility. Almost all out patient and aesthetic surgery is conveniently performed in our in-office operating room that is nationally accredited by the Joint Commission of Accreditation of Health care Organizations (JCAHO). We perform major surgery requiring general anesthesia at Community Hospital and the First Choice/Same Day Surgery Center, both in Grand Junction.Our office also holds the Medical Spa Skin Care and Laser Center offering the latest in aesthetic facial and body laser treatments and a full range of professional skin care products.Zerona - Targets stubborn fat areas & painlessly melts fat from the neck, arms, back, bra line, waist, hips, thighs and knees.Velshape II - Combines 4 technologies (radio frequency, infrared light, vacuum and tissue manipulation) to reduce the volume and appearance of fat tissue and help tighten skin.SmartSkin Fractional CO2 Laser® - for the ultimate skin rejuvenation. Smooth deep wrinkles, tighten skin and even out skin color from forehead to upper chest, including eyelids, lips and jowls. All with a topical numbing cream. Accent XL® – Totally non-invasive fat reduction, skin tightening and cellulite treatment. SmartLipo MPX® (dual laser) – Newest fat destruction method without traditional liposuction all under local anesthesia. Ideal for non-surgical sculpting for the on-the-go male or female!Vaser Liposelection® – Sate-of-the-art ultrasound technology for effective fat destruction without traditional liposuction. Ideal also for men’s abdomen, breast, flanks and neck.Liquid face lift using injectables: Botox®, Restylane, Radiesse, Juvederm, Evolence, Perlane and Cosmoplast.Stem cell face Lifting and rejuvenation using your own adipose tissue!Latisse, the new lash lengthener. It really works!