Merisa L. Piper

MD

Plastic and reconstructive surgeon
Baker and jigsaw puzzle lover

Dr. Merisa L. Piper is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon who specializes in breast reconstruction and general reconstruction, with expertise in all methods. With the goal of restoring appearance after partial or complete breast removal, she focuses particularly on microsurgery and free tissue transfer, using skin, fat and muscle from another part of the body.

Piper's research focuses on improving outcomes after breast reconstruction, particularly after microsurgery and oncoplastic surgery, which combines tumor removal with reconstruction. She is interested in how the timing of breast reconstruction and various interventions may affect the development or prevention of capsular contracture (the body naturally encapsulates a synthetic implant, and the capsule sometimes shrinks and causes discomfort). She also studies how to improve outcomes in patients who have had tumor removal in combination with breast reconstruction.

Piper earned her medical degree from the University of California, Irvine. She completed a combined general surgery and plastic surgery residency at UCSF. During her residency, she spent one year investigating breast reconstruction outcomes and developing a phase II clinical trial, a study that examines a treatment's efficacy and safety. She then completed a fellowship in microsurgery at the University of Pennsylvania.

Piper has authored more than 25 papers and presented her work nationally and internationally. She is a breast section editor for Annals of Plastic Surgery and a guest reviewer for four scientific journals.

In her free time, Piper enjoys running, swimming, baking and being with her husband and two kids.

  • Education

    UC Irvine School of Medicine, 2011

  • Residencies

    UCSF, General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2018

  • Fellowships

    University of Pennsylvania, Microsurgery, 2019

  • Academic Title

    Assistant Professor

I feel incredibly lucky because I love what I do, the relationships I build and the feeling I get from helping patients through a challenging time.

Where I see patients (2)

    My reviews

    4.9

    Overall Experience
    150 Ratings
    About our process
    Jun 28, 2023
    Excellent
    Apr 19, 2023
    Saw the care provider for 5 minutes and all was well.
    Mar 31, 2023
    Dr Piper is outstanding!
    Mar 29, 2023
    I have recommended Dr. Piper to many women. The surgery she did has reduced my pain by removing the implants. It's substantially improved my life. I'm grateful for her.
    Feb 10, 2023
    Dr Piper and her whole staff are amazing
    Dec 02, 2022
    Dr Piper provided adequate care. Didn't demonstrate the best bedside manner. She was 40 min late for our appt then curt/brusque during our very short visit together. It was fine but not a warm experience.
    Oct 26, 2022
    Dr. Piper is a great listener and she also listen to my non-health related concerns and was able to provide support.
    Oct 19, 2022
    Dr. Piper has a very good 'bedside' or clinical manner. No problems or concerns whatsoever.
    Oct 12, 2022
    I am so fortunate to have Dr. Piper as my surgeon. Aside from her incredible expertise (she did an amazing job with my breasts following the lumpectomy and lymph node biopsy) she always takes the time to explain in very simple terms very complicated and nuanced considerations. I am very grateful for the time she has taken to help me understand and weigh the pros and cons of the various options for my next step in my breast cancer surgical treatment/prophylactic strategies. Thank you so much!
    Sep 22, 2022
    Overall Very Good professional care.
    Sep 14, 2022
    Dr Piper and her staff are the best! Thank you for everything you do for your patients you are the true heroes
    Jul 20, 2022
    Dr. Piper is always very courteous and answers all my questions and concerns.
    May 04, 2022
    Provider provided information but she was just slightly aloof.
    May 01, 2022
    Thank you Dr Piper for taking the time to clearly explain the procedure setting expectations which alleviated a lot of my anxiety and answering all of my questions. Seeing pictures of patients' outcome at different stages so helpful. I also appreciate her caring and compassion and know I'm in excellent hands.
    Apr 20, 2022
    Over all things have been vague but I'm sure things with be clearer once I get closer to the procedure.
    Mar 26, 2022
    I was left with the feeling and knowledge that Dr. Merisa Piper is an excellent physician/surgeon and I will definitely be in the best of hands.
    Feb 09, 2022
    Dr.Piper is the most knowledgeable I ever known. She is very patient and has lots of respect and kindness to her patients. She talks very clear about all procedures follow up and risks. I am so happy with the result of my DIEP FLAP surgery. My breasts look so natural.
    Jan 27, 2022
    Disappointing experience working with this plastic surgeon. She lacks the experience the expertise the interest working with challenging cases and most of all showed indifference regarding the outcome of her work on the expense of the patient health.
    Jan 12, 2022
    Piper & staff excellent
    Dec 21, 2021
    I couldn't imagine having anyone else as my provider. Dr. Piper is my "Hero".
    Dec 06, 2021
    Staff is very helpful and professional. Great office flow.
    Oct 04, 2021
    My experience with Dr. Piper has always been excellent. She is engaging professional and what I believe is very important patient a good listener and warm.
    Sep 27, 2021
    Merisa Piper and her colleagues are the best

    Selected research

    See all research
    Decorative Caduceus

    Microbiome and Association With Implant Infections

    The feasibility of success in obtaining samples from breast tissue will be measured as a binary outcome (successful or not successful) over time (intra-operatively, week 1, week 2, week 3, and week 4). The investigators will asses...

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    Impact of Topical Tranexamic Acid in Breast Reconstruction

    Presence of hematoma in 30 day period from time of application in the operating room will be reported

    Recruiting

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