We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gina Maccarone a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Gina, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
I’m often the only female surgeon in a room full of men—and the only one in pink. I’m blonde, I love fashion, and yes, I bring sparkle into the OR. Some people underestimate me before I speak. That’s fine. I’ve learned to let my skillset do the talking and my results do the convincing.
I don’t blend in; I stand out—intentionally. My presence proves that expertise comes in many packages, and mine just happens to come with pink scrubs and meticulous surgical technique.
Being the “only” has never been a disadvantage. It’s been my superpower. And every time I walk into that room as my full self, I’m making sure the next woman knows she can walk in exactly as she is, too.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a cosmetic surgeon offering a full range of procedures for the face, breast, and body. I have triple board certifications in general surgery, surgical critical care, and cosmetic surgery. I’ve always had a passion for both art and science. My love of science brought me through medical school and surgical training, while my joy in art has led me to the field of cosmetic surgery. I truly enjoy helping patients be able to present their best selves. My main goal with every patient is to build confidence by enhancing features instead of radically changing them. I love helping patients showcase their best selves through my precise surgical techniques and exceptional outcomes.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, the three qualities that have most shaped my journey are:
Resilience. Surgery is a field where setbacks and challenges are inevitable—whether it’s mastering a complex skill, navigating professional biases, or running a business. Resilience kept me moving forward when things didn’t go perfectly the first time.
Advice: Treat every obstacle as a lesson. You don’t have to enjoy the hard moments, but you do have to learn from them.
Confidence with authenticity. As a woman in a male-dominated specialty, I learned early on that confidence commands respect, but authenticity builds trust. I never hid my personality or my style, and that became part of my professional signature.
Advice: Don’t dilute what makes you unique. Hone your skills until your work speaks for itself, and let your personality be the thing that makes you unforgettable.
Adaptability. From shifting surgical techniques to changing patient expectations, success means being willing to evolve. My ability to adapt has allowed me to keep my practice at the forefront while staying true to my vision.
Advice: Stay curious. Seek new learning opportunities even when you’re comfortable—it’s the fastest way to stay relevant and exceptional.
For anyone early in their journey: Master your craft, know your worth, and never let anyone else define your lane. The combination of skill, self-belief, and flexibility will take you further than you can imagine.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is someone who is seeking cosmetic surgery as an act of empowerment, not as a solution to please someone else. They have realistic expectations, a healthy sense of self, and see surgery as one piece of a bigger journey toward confidence and self-expression.
They value collaboration—trusting my expertise while feeling comfortable sharing their vision and concerns. They understand that the best results come from both artistry and medical precision, and they’re committed to the recovery process as much as the transformation itself.
Ultimately, my ideal client is ready to invest in themselves, inside and out—someone who wants to look in the mirror and feel that their reflection aligns with the strong, vibrant person they already are.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thesurgeonista.com
- Instagram: @thesurgeonista
- Facebook: @drginamaccarone
- Linkedin: @thesurgeonista
Image Credits
Aaron Conway
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