Cosmetic surgery is rapidly evolving into a very specialized medical discipline. There are numerous sub-specialists within the field with varied backgrounds in training, ranging from specialists in general, facial, nasal, ophthalmic, and dermatologic or body plastic surgery. This trend within cosmetic surgery reflects the general trend in medicine and surgery of the super-specialist. It stands to reason that nose jobs (rhinoplasty) should be performed by those trained in nasal surgery, or that breast augmentation should be performed by plastic surgeons with specific training in this area. Similarly, cosmetic eyelid surgery should be performed by ophthalmic plastic surgeons (board certified ophthalmologist with separate subspecialty training in cosmetic surgery of the forehead, eyebrows, eyelids and middle face (cheeks).
The eyes may be the most distinguishing feature of a person’s face. The goal of good cosmetic surgery, first and foremost, is to maintain health and function; and then to provide an improved and natural appearing outcome. Too many times cosmetic eyelid surgery results in an “operated look” or with visual problems.
The best way to reduce the risk of these occurrences is to have surgery performed by the best-trained and most experienced surgeon. In this area it is clearly and ophthalmic plastic surgeon.
