New York June 17, 2011 - Forgive Dr. Theodore Diktaban if he seems a little on the testy side these days. The Manhattan-based plastic surgeon is a proud practitioner of his profession and is fed up with the ever increasing number of “pseudo-plastic surgeons” who are giving it a bad name.

“I have been a plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist in New York City for 32 years. I am a firm believer that plastic surgery should always enhance one’s appearance, not change it to the extent that it becomes unnatural, artificial.” says Dr. Diktaban.

Unfortunately, as plastic surgery for reconstructive or cosmetic reasons has become more technically advanced, more affordable, and more acceptable; unsuspecting patients are falling victim to unqualified and possibly unscrupulous doctors.

“I know it sounds self-serving,” says Dr. Diktaban, “but no one should ever have a procedure performed by any doctor who is not Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). And if the surgeon is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), all the better.”

Board Certification ensures that the doctor has the training required to master plastic surgery procedures. The ASPS requires members to remain current in technologies and techniques through continuing education. Relying on doctors who do not have these credentials could put patients at risk of having their surgeries done by unqualified physicians. That only increases the chance of a botched or unsatisfactory result.

Dr. Diktaban also decries the practice of some doctors who yield to a patient’s demand for extensive surgeries that go well beyond the bounds of normal enhancements. Citing celebrities with over-endowed breasts and distorted facial features, he says “I believe that ‘natural’ is the operative word. Enhancing someone’s appearance realistically, aesthetically and safely is what it’s all about.”

All forms of plastic surgery are on the rise for both men and women. Last year, there were over 1.6 million procedures done in the US. Of these, the top five were breast augmentation, nose reshaping, eyelid surgery, liposuction, and tummy tucks. All five showed marked increases over the previous couple of years.

As Dr. Diktaban says, “There are an awful lot of people in New York and everywhere else getting plastic surgery. I think that’s fantastic. They’ll look better and feel better. But they need to be aware of the realities of surgery and they need to choose their doctor carefully.”

About Dr. Theodore Diktaban

Dr. Diktaban, M.D., F.A.C.S., is frequently listed by Castle Connolly as one of the “Best Plastic Surgeons in New York,” in New York’s “Best Plastic Surgeons: New York Magazine”; and The New York Times’ “SuperDocs of New York.” He has been listed in “Who’s Who in America” and is often interviewed about cosmetic surgery by reporters and journalists in print and television.

Dr. Diktaban received his undergraduate degree from New York Medical College. He completed his residency training at Lenox Hill Hospital and Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, followed by a fellowship in microsurgery at the University of Louisville. He has been a plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist for 32 years and treats patients from all over the world.

Contact:

Theodore Diktaban, M.D., F.A.C.S.
1016 Fifth Avenue New York,
New York 10028
Phone 212.988.5656
Fax 212.988.5654
http://www.drdiktaban.com