Selecting the Right Doctor for Your Cosmetic Surgery

When deciding what kind of surgeon will be best suited for your desired procedure, remember to ask questions and do your research.  Ask about his or her training and experience and if he or she is a fellowship trained surgeon. A fellowship-trained surgeon means your surgeon has advanced and specialized training in specific procedures beyond residency.  Ask about the surgeon's area of expertise and how many procedures he or she has performed in your desired procedure. Ask to see before and after photos.  Verify the surgeon's board certification(s), education, and license.

Dr. Ryan Diepenbrock is a facial cosmetic surgeon in Fort Wayne, IN.  According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, cosmetic surgery is a unique discipline focusing on enhancing one’s appearance through surgical and non-surgical techniques. Cosmetic surgery is the "surgery of appearance."

The educational background of facial cosmetic surgeons typically includes medical school, a surgical residency, followed by a fellowship program. Because of their expertise and in-depth training in surgical management of the face, jaws, and neck, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are also eligible for facial cosmetic fellowships and board certification.

Surgeons with significant experience in cosmetic surgery may become certified by the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery (ABFCS), and/or the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) to acknowledge their experience and proficiency in cosmetic surgery.  It is important that the public understand the no specialty is an expert of the face, and significant exposure, experience, and training in facial cosmetic surgery is rarely obtained in any residency program.  Formal fellowship training in facial cosmetic surgery provides unprecedented training focusing solely on rejuvenation of the face, head, and neck.  Facial cosmetic surgery is not limited to one specialty, but is a unique surgical discipline comprised of surgeons from multiple specialties.  Facial cosmetic surgery is often performed by surgeons with backgrounds in oral and maxillofacial surgery, ENT and facial plastic surgery, oculoplastic surgery, plastic surgery, and dermatology.

You can learn more about the the training and education of a cosmetic surgeon at the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery website.  It’s important to note that board certification is critical in determining a surgeon's unique and specialized qualifications. Each certifying board has a set of highly specific requirements that a surgeon must meet in order to become board certified. Board certification, education and patient safety are at the very core of  cosmetic surgeons.

Dr. Diepenbrock holds double board certifications from both the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery (ABFCS).  ABFCS is a multi-specialty board that awards certification to facial cosmetic surgeons who are uniquely qualified via training, credentials, and experience to perform cosmetic surgery of the face, head and neck. ABFCS Diplomates also complete nonsurgical aesthetic treatments to the face, such as Botox®, Dysport™, Xeomin®, Jeveau, Lip Fillers, Lip Injections, Juvederm®, Restylane®, Kybella™, Chemical Peels and Microneedling with PRP.  From treatment of the skin with products such as Obagi Nu-Derm Skin Care, to surgical treatment of the underlying tissues, and the facial skeleton, Diplomates of the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery have an understanding of the underlying anatomic cause of each individual's cosmetic concern and are able to provide appropriate care and treatment. Some of the more common surgical cosmetic procedures that patients request include a Face Lift, Neck Lift, Eyelid Lift or blepharoplasty, Eyebrow Lift, Brow Lift, Forehead Lift, Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty), Fat Transfer,  Autologous, Ear Surgery, Otoplasty, Facial Implants, Chin Augmentation, and/or Cheek Augmentation.

It is also noteworthy that due to the influence of multiple medical specialties, The American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery offers a unique advantage to other boards comprised of only one specialty: The ABFCS allows multi-disciplinary dialogue, discussion, and educational opportunities where the breadth of experience from each core specialty is utilized to expand the knowledge of other members.

Facial cosmetic surgeon Dr. Ryan Diepenbrock serves the following Indiana and Ohio communities with expertise in facial cosmetic surgery:  Fort Wayne, Warsaw, Elkhart, South Bend, Lafayette, Indianapolis, Lima, Findlay, Bowling Green, and surrounding counties.