How do I choose the right surgeon that I can trust? The first and most important step in selecting a surgeon you can trust is to make sure is that he is a member of American Board of Plastic Surgeons.
By choosing an ABPS (American Board of Plastic Surgeons) member surgeon, it ensures that you have selected a physician who:
Has completed at least five years of surgical training with a minimum of two years in plastic surgery.
Is trained and experienced in all plastic surgery procedures, including breast, body, face and reconstruction.
Operates only in accredited medical facilities.
Adheres to a strict code of ethics.
Fulfills continuing medical education requirements, including standards and innovations in patient safety.
Is board certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. *
* Look for the ASPS Member Surgeon logo.
* Dr. Gregory Diehl has met all of the above criteria.
Secondly, choose the surgeon who is a good listener. By doing so you are ensuring that he understands your needs and will be able to fulfill your goals. He should take the time to inform you of the options that are available, as well as make sure that you understand them.
Lastly, review the Dr.'s before and after pictures. This will help you visualize yourself whether you like his results.
How does Dr. Diehl ensure the safety of his patients?
Dr. Diehl looks after your safety from the very start of the surgical process. A thorough medical history is reviewed to determine that you are in optimal health. Preoperative testing is then performed prior to surgery. Once surgery is scheduled, patients are seen again for a pre-operative visit. This is an important step so that you may review the surgical plan with Dr. Diehl, and your questions are thoroughly answered. Before and after surgical instructions are also reviewed with you.
Dr. Diehl takes all measures to provide you with only the best care. The surgical facility is certified annually by the AAAASF. During surgery you will be cared for by a Board Certified Anesthesiologist. Dr. Diehl is a very hands-on doctor. He does not operate with a co-surgeon and does not employ a physician's assistant. He takes pride in his attention to all details of your care.
Is my consultation complimentary? What can I expect to happen during my consultation? Yes, your initial cosmetic consultation is complimentary. Your cosmetic consultation will be approximately 20- 30 minutes. Dr. Diehl will discuss the surgery in detail and answer your questions. You will also review Dr. Diehl's before and after photos of the surgeries that he has performed. By the end of your consultation you will have a clear idea if the surgery is right for you and be able to make the right decision for yourself. Once the decision is made to have the surgery, Dr. Diehl's staff will help you coordinate the scheduling for your upcoming surgery.
Is cosmetic surgery affordable? Do you offer financing?"
Yes and Yes! For your convenience we accept all major credit cards, and Care Credit financing has been quite successful in helping my patients achieving their goals. With low monthly payments even major surgeries are now affordable. You can log on to Care Credit to see sample monthly payment plans.
Is anesthesia performed by a Board Certified M.D. Anesthesiologist or a nurse anesthetist?
In my office anesthesia is always provided by the best skilled and experienced Board Certified M.D. Anesthesiologists for all of my patients.
When to choose a plastic surgeon vs. a dermatologist?
Dermatologists specialize in skin, but the plastic surgeon has other important roles of the treatment of benign and malignant tumors of the skin. The skills of a plastic surgeon are especially needed when large areas of the skin must be removed and repaired, especially when these areas are in highly visible areas such as the face. Plastic surgeons also perform non-surgical procedures that can help you look younger by treating the face with chemical peels, skin resurfacing, Botox, facial fillers such as Radiesse, Juviderm and Restylane.
What is the difference between a Cosmetic surgeon and a Plastic surgeon?
There is a significant difference between the terms “plastic surgeon” and "cosmetic surgeon". All plastic surgeons have at least two, and more often three, years of training dedicated to both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. “Cosmetic surgeons”, on the other hand, are doctors that have trained in other than plastic surgery i.e., OB/GYN or internal medicine.
The term Board Certified needs to be clarified as well. “Board Certified Plastic Surgeon” is recognized by the ABMS (The American Board of Medical Specialties) and has undergone rigorous and extensive training to warrant this distinction. Cosmetic surgeons (who are not plastic surgeons) are NOT recognized by the ABMS, and do not have the same training requirements. They require no prerequisite training in plastic surgery.
To verify a physician's board status, contact the American Board of Plastic Surgery at (215) 587-9322. You may also contact the American Board of Medical Specialties at 1(800) 776-2378 or www.abms.com.
If a surgeon uses the term "cosmetic surgeon" or "aesthetic surgeon", they are likely not a plastic surgeon.
