Today we’d like to introduce you to Zachary Willis.
Hi Zachary, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in Iowa, where my interest in medicine began early. I pursued my undergraduate studies in pre-med at Iowa State University. From there, I attended medical school at A.T. Still University in Kirksville, Missouri. After earning my medical degree, I completed a five-year residency in general surgery at St. Luke’s Des Peres in Missouri. During my residency, I gained extensive experience performing various general surgery procedures, including weight loss surgeries.
My passion for cosmetic surgery was ignited during my time working with bariatric patients. Witnessing the transformative power of this field, I was deeply moved. I observed that many patients, even after achieving their weight loss goals, still grappled with body image issues due to excess loose skin. This profound realization fueled my desire to specialize in cosmetic surgery, where I could help patients complete their transformation and truly feel confident in their bodies.
To ensure the highest level of expertise, I undertook a rigorous two-year fellowship specializing in body contouring, skin removal, liposuction, and advanced skin tightening techniques. This comprehensive training, split between Atlanta, Georgia, and Joplin, Missouri, has equipped me with a diverse skill set and extensive knowledge in the field of cosmetic surgery.
In 2024, I established Willis Cosmetic Surgery on Manchester Road in Ballwin, Missouri. My goal was to bring advanced cosmetic procedures to the St. Louis area, focusing on personalized care and the latest technologies. Our practice offers various services, including the innovative Morpheus8 treatments by InMode, which provide non-surgical skin tightening and rejuvenation.
Through dedication to my patients and a commitment to continuous learning, I have built a practice that emphasizes quality, safety, and outstanding results. It’s been a rewarding journey, and I’m excited to continue serving the St. Louis community with cutting-edge cosmetic solutions.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Every journey worth taking is never entirely smooth, and mine has been no exception. While there have been many rewarding moments, I’ve also faced several challenges along the way. Balancing the demanding schedule of a medical student and, later, a resident was often overwhelming. Transitioning from general surgery to specializing in cosmetic surgery required extensive training and practice. Starting my practice, Willis Cosmetic Surgery, brought logistical challenges such as finding the right location, building a team, and establishing a patient base. Naturally, there have been a few “unique personalities” in aesthetics. Some individuals have felt threatened by our success and tried to throw a wrench in our progress. Their efforts have been more entertaining than effective. Our innovative techniques, recent extensive training, and strict safety protocols have made quite an impression. But instead of getting caught up in the drama, I take the high road, focusing on what truly matters – delivering the best results and outcomes for our patients.
Despite these obstacles, the supportive aesthetics community in St. Louis has been a tremendous help. Most of us in this field are dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for our patients, and we stick together, support each other, and foster a collaborative environment. This camaraderie has made my journey to owning a cosmetic surgery practice and med spa even more rewarding. Overall, the road hasn’t sometimes been challenging, but it’s been gratifying, and I’m grateful for every step of the journey.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Willis Cosmetic Surgery is a small, family-owned cosmetic surgery practice and medspa in Ballwin, Missouri. Our practice offers a comprehensive range of full-body cosmetic surgery procedures, emphasizing body surgery. In addition to our surgical offerings, we have a medspa run by myself and our nurse practitioner, providing services such as Botox, fillers, lasers, chemical peels, microneedling, Morpheus8, cellulite reduction, medical-grade skincare, and more.
We pride ourselves on treating our patients like family or friends at Willis Cosmetic Surgery. We present all available options and recommend what we believe will deliver the best results for each individual. Our commitment to achieving optimal outcomes in the safest way possible is paramount. Education is a cornerstone of our practice for our patients and staff. We stay at the forefront of the latest products and procedures to provide the best care possible.
We also pride ourselves on treating all patients with respect and dignity, welcoming people of all backgrounds, cultures, sexual orientations, religions, and identities. As a gay man, Dr. Willis is deeply committed to LGBTQ rights and ensuring everyone who walks through our doors feels valued and respected. Inclusivity is HUGE in our practice; the only thing we don’t tolerate is hate and disrespect.
Our newest additions include a CO2 laser, a CoolPeel device, and a cellulite treatment called Aveli. These advancements allow us to offer cutting-edge treatments that deliver exceptional results.
Dr. Willis is also a national trainer in liposuction and the latest skin-tightening technologies. He travels 1-2 times monthly to train other physicians nationwide in these advanced techniques, ensuring they are performed correctly and safely. This dedication to education and excellence sets us apart from others in the field.
Additionally, we have built a significant online presence, particularly on TikTok, with over 110,000 followers. This platform allows us to share our expertise, educate the public, and connect with a broader audience. We are most known on TikTok for incredible tummy tucks with muscle repair and abdominal contouring. We are also one of the only providers who perform awake arm lift procedures, allowing patients who have lost significant weight and now have loose skin on their arms to have an arm lift surgery without the downsides of general anesthesia. We want your readers to know that at Willis Cosmetic Surgery, we are dedicated to providing top-notch care, utilizing the latest technologies, and fostering a warm, inclusive environment. Whether you’re looking for surgical or non-surgical cosmetic enhancements, we are here to help you achieve your aesthetic goals with safety, respect, and excellence at the forefront.
Please talk to us about happiness and what makes you happy.
Knowing that my staff and I are making a real impact on people’s lives makes me the most happy. Hearing how much we’ve helped transform their lives and outlook brings me immense joy. Many of my patients have worked incredibly hard to lose weight, have had multiple pregnancies, or have faced other life circumstances that led them to seek a consultation. Often, this can be a very vulnerable place to be in. It makes me happy knowing that people can feel safe and comfortable here and that we can help them feel even more happy and confident after their procedures.
Fostering an inclusive and respectful environment at Willis Cosmetic Surgery is a significant source of happiness for me. We welcome people of all backgrounds, cultures, sexual orientations, religions, and identities. Creating a space where everyone feels valued and respected is hugely important to us and brings great fulfillment. Being part of the supportive aesthetics community in St. Louis also contributes significantly to my happiness. Most of us in this field are dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for our patients, and the camaraderie and mutual support within our community make the journey even more rewarding.
On a personal note, I find immense joy in spending time with my husband and our three dogs. We love to travel, especially to Europe, and I am obsessed with all things plants. Gardening and caring for my collection of indoor exotic plants are some of my favorite pastimes. Overall, knowing that we are making a positive difference in people’s lives, fostering an inclusive and respectful practice, and being part of a beautiful community are the things that make me truly happy.
Pricing:
- Botox is 12.00 per unit, most people need 40-50 units.
- The consultation fee is $200 to see Dr. Willis, but that fee is applied to your surgery if booked.
- For any other pricing needs, feel free to contact us (it is unnecessary to include if it doesn’t fit).
Contact Info:
- Website: www.williscosmeticsurgery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/williscosmeticsurgery/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/williscosmeticsurgery/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@williscosmeticsurgery?lang=en
