How Do You Actually Choose a Facial Surgeon for Your Cosmetic Journey?

There are many specialties which routinely perform facial rejuvenation surgery.  Common specialties include Maxillofacial, Facial Cosmetic, Facial Plastic, General Plastic, Oculoplastic, Otolaryngology, and Dermatologic surgeons.  Many patients may become confused and overwhelmed by all the surgeons that perform these surgeries.  While board certification is extremely important, reviews and before-and-after photos matter too. 

What Does “Board Certified” Actually Mean?

Board certification is extremely important in deciding which surgeon is best for you.  Board certification is a testament to a surgeon’s determination to meet the standards set forth by their accrediting body in order to promote highly qualified surgeons who are capable and safe. Board certification tests the candidates on the full scope of his or her specialty or subspecialty.  This may include trauma management, pathology, burns, infections, or procedures on the body. Surgeons who complete fellowship training focus on one aspect of their specialty as a whole.  For example, The American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery only focuses on facial aesthetic procedures such as facelifts, laser resurfacing, rhinoplasties, eyelid and brow surgery, fillers, neurotoxins, and other cosmetic procedures. The exam consists of both a didactic exam as well as an oral exam section reviewing multiple procedures and management of complications.  The American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is another example of a certification established specifically to examine surgeons on expertise in facial procedures.  This in no way discredits other board certifications.  There are many amazing surgeons across many specialties. When you ask, “Are you board certified?” the more useful follow-up question is, “Which board?” because that answer tells you whether the certification was built around the face at all or whether facial work is simply one part of a much broader surgical practice. 

Does It Matter If a Surgeon Treats Only the Face?

It matters more than most patients expect, because facial anatomy is dense with nerves, muscles, and structures that behave differently than tissue elsewhere in the body. A surgeon who splits their practice across breast, body, and facial procedures is by definition performing facial surgery less often than one whose entire caseload lives in the face and neck. Dr. Ryan Diepenbrock is a Facial Cosmetic Surgeon and Maxillofacial Surgeon, meaning his training and daily practice concentrate specifically on the muscles, nerves, and bone structure of the face and jaw rather than the whole body. That focus tends to translate into finer judgment of subtle asymmetries and a more refined sense of what a natural result looks like on a specific face, which is exactly the kind of precision facial procedures reward. It also means the surgical team around him, from scheduling to post-operative care, is built around facial recovery specifically rather than general surgical recovery.

How Many Consultations Should You Have Before Deciding?

Most patients benefit from at least one unhurried consultation where questions are answered in detail rather than rushed, and a second opinion is reasonable if anything about the first conversation felt vague or incomplete. A consultation that spends most of its time discussing your specific anatomy, your goals in your own words, and a realistic timeline for results and recovery is a good sign. One that leans heavily on a sales pitch or pressures same-day booking is worth being cautious about, regardless of how polished the office or the presentation might be. Our earlier guide on choosing the right surgeon for eyelid surgery specifically covers several of these same questions in the context of one particular procedure, which can be a useful comparison point regardless of which facial procedure you are considering, since the underlying questions about training and judgment stay the same.

Where Dr. Diepenbrock Sees Patients

Because technique and experience vary widely among providers, it is worth understanding the surgeon’s specific background before committing to a procedure, whether that procedure is a facelift or something else entirely. Dr. Diepenbrock is a Facial Cosmetic Surgeon and Maxillofacial Surgeon, certified by the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery and the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, who sees patients at the Fort Wayne office, the Dupont Circle location, and the Warsaw location. Each office can be found on Google Maps as well: Fort Wayne, Dupont Circle, and Warsaw.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I verify a surgeon’s board certification?

A: You can check directly with the certifying board’s website, since most maintain a public directory of current diplomates. Asking the surgeon which board certified them, and then verifying it independently, only takes a few minutes.

Q: Are before and after photos important?

A: Absolutely!  You should look at as many photos as you want.  You should ask the time between the before and after pictures.  It is best to view photos taken at least 9-12 months after surgery.

Q: Should I choose a surgeon based on price?

A: Price should never be the deciding factor on its own, since a lower price can sometimes reflect less experience, a less accredited facility, or corners cut on anesthesia staffing. Cost is a legitimate consideration, but it belongs after certification, experience, and facility safety, not ahead of them.

Q: What if I feel pressured during a consultation?

A: That is a legitimate reason to seek a second opinion elsewhere. A surgeon confident in their work generally does not need to pressure a same-day decision.

You May Find These Articles Helpful

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