We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr, Diana Ponsky a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dr, Diana , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the best advice you ever gave to a client? How did they benefit / what was the result? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)

I love my job and making people feel better about themselves – which is the ultimate form of self-care. I take a very natural approach to plastic surgery, and in the end, I haven’t changed anything about my clients – maybe just balanced things a bit and enhanced their sense of self-confidence.

As the owner of Ponsky Facial Plastic Surgery in Beachwood, Ohio, I am double board certified in both facial plastic and head and neck surgery, certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, as well as the American Board of Otolaryngology. The double certification allows me to provide functional solutions as well as appearance treatments; my work includes everything from rhinoplasties to neck lifts, to injectable fillers.

I value getting to know my clients, and when consulting them, I view my role as a confidante, friend, and mentor as I walk them through different surgeries, procedures, and services, providing honest and thorough assessments. Owning my practice allows me to better listen and learn from my patients because they know their bodies best. For example, I had a patient who was in for a consult on a rhinoplasty; and when I was spending time with her, she mentioned that her nose “clicked”. When I was operating, I learned that her septum was too long – and recalling the conversation, I was able to use that information to make the right adaptations.

Another patient expressed gratitude after several trips to other providers left him feeling uncomfortable and discouraged, unsure if he wanted to go forward with surgery to correct his breathing problems and make some changes to his nose. Additionally, he was also concerned about the potential and inaccurate ‘stigma’ associated with men and plastic surgery. Ultimately, the patient went forward with the operation. Reflecting on the surgery, he felt the differential was personal care, consistent phone calls, and an overall smooth procedure, citing that not only was the journey easy, but the results made him feel more comfortable

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Opening my own practice was not only something that I desired but needed to do for the style of medicine that I wanted to practice. My concierge approach to patient care allows me to get to know my patients and spend time empowering them to become the best version of themselves.

I left my former job largely because of bureaucracy. When you are in a larger system, you tend to feel like a very small cog in the wheel. I never had the opportunity to advocate for myself, and often didn’t even get to practice my specialty to the level that I desired. I did not feel in control – and wanted to add personal care to my patients. For example, I can see my patients post-op, and give them the TLC that they need – which differs from patient to patient.

I also wanted to own my practice so I could achieve a better work-life balance. I have three daughters, and because of my practice, I have been able to adapt my schedule so that I don’t have to miss any of their events.

Part of building my practice was building a team and the right people to enhance my brand and relay it to others. One thing about being an entrepreneur is knowing what you do well; and what you need to rely on other professionals to do at the same level that you require.

Additionally, owning my practice allows me to get involved in the community, which includes lectures and mentorship opportunities.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My story parallels any Horatio Alger novel. I rose from childhood poverty. My family left Vietnam seeking political asylum and spent a year in a refugee camp before immigrating to the United States. My family and I lived in a one-bedroom apartment with four other siblings in the Lower East Side of New York City while both my parents worked to make ends meet. This childhood experience left me with a desire to learn, to grow, and to make a meaningful difference in the world.

I attended New York University on a full scholarship supplemented by a National Merit scholarship, then continued to earn my Doctor of Medicine degree at Georgetown University School of Medicine, where I stayed for my residency in otolaryngology. I came to University Hospitals (UH) as a fellow in Plastic Surgery, and after over a decade of service in reconstructive facial plastic surgery, I left to pursue a private practice where I feel that my talent could be better supported and have the flexibility to be a mother to my three children and a wife to my husband. For several years, I have been nominated by my peers for a Castle-Connolly Best Doctors Award as well as Cleveland’s Best Doctors.

My love for science started in my youth, inspired by a dermatologist I met in high school, who eventually became my first mentor. She never pushed me into medicine, but rather, she would invite me to work for her as a secretary while I was a student at Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan,

I was also encouraged by my parents to pursue a love of learning, which included math and reading. I had a love of math and reading and would take part in science fairs as a student.

Other mentors created a pipeline throughout college and eventually medical school, by people who I wanted to emulate personally and professionally. While there were not many women in my chosen field at the time, many male colleagues helped foster and develop my residency, offering professional guidance, explaining technical aspects, and teaching through honesty and integrity. These relationships were not just instrumental in your success, but they helped me have the impact in the world of medicine and beyond.

As a result of the many mentors who helped me along my journey, I am very passionate about mentoring young women reach their full potential. I also give back to the community through organizations including FACE TO FACE, an organization that provides cosmetic surgery to those who have experienced domestic abuse. I also aim to give back to the next generation of doctors and young professionals, working with residents as a teacher and mentor.

My journey is not just about the successes I’ve achieved, but about the purpose that has driven each step – inspiring and empowering others to achieve their dreams and make a difference in the world. I love to inspire the next generation, especially young women, to go into the math and science fields because I think there’s a lot of potential there.. In the medical arena, we’re also seeing many more women take on more leadership roles; not just as physicians, but as CEOs of the hospitals.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

My authentic approach to my work has helped me earn the respect of others in the community. My reputation in the aesthetic facial surgery field is deeply rooted in my commitment to building customized plans for the nose, entire face and neck that bring out the unique features of each individual. It celebrates their individual beauty and it’s about fostering confidence and self-empowerment. For the past two years, I’ve had the honor of being recognized as the Face of Aesthetic Facial Surgery and Self-Empowerment in Cleveland Magazine. My work goes beyond just technical surgery; it’s about helping clients embrace their unique features, celebrate their individuality, and showcase their newfound confidence.

I have been referred to as a compassionate mentor and role model. My office is run by people who emulate my values. My staff and team’s goal is to make people feel they are not a number.

Being a compassionate mentor and an inspiring role model is important to me. Whether it’s impacting a patient, a student, or my daughters, my ultimate goal has always been to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. This personal touch and dedication to individual empowerment is what truly sets our practice apart in the market.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://drdianaponsky.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/clevelandmagazine/3267802778855684882
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrDPonsky/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdianaponsky/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/drdianaponsky?lang=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-QAgLEpez8jClmT9BBaJ9g
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/diana-ponsky-facial-plastic-surgery-beachwood