Gaia Marniga

I am an aesthetic physician and general surgeon specialized in aesthetic regenerative medicine. I previously worked in the liver transplant unit at the University of the Sacred Heart in Rome, before going on to do aesthetic medicine. Five years ago, I came back to Lugano and set up my own private practice, where I work today. I also work with a plastic surgery team in a private hospital.

My passion. I like making my patients feel happier and better about their bodies. I like teaching them to take care of and protect their skin. I’m also driven by my hunger for knowledge.

My career path. The key moment in my career was when I decided to go to Seoul for a few weeks to learn about a specific aesthetic treatment called treads, which was invented by Korean physicians. This has guided me through my work every day since then.

Aesthetic medicine is often considered to be a little commercialized and unscientific. But that’s not entirely true. There are many good doctors who are involved in clinical research every day, like I am. So I do what I can by taking the time to explain this to my patients and to other people I meet.

A DOWNSIDE OR OBSTACLE ? Surgery and medicine are still considered male professions. And there aren’t many women in my field. Surgery, in particular, is thought of as a male profession because it involves long hours in the operating room and requires a lot of physical strength and endurance. But with the development of laparoscopic and robotic surgery, that’s changing.

My strong point is my love for medicine. I never gave up despite the many challenges I faced due to health problems.