Eyelid surgery - Plastic surgeon or oculoplastic surgeon?

Should I choose a plastic surgeon or oculoplastic surgeon?

Eyelid surgery is a very specialised area of surgery. In all National Health Hospitals in London and UK the surgery of the eyelids is generally undertaken by oculoplastic surgeons who are eye doctors and not plastic surgeons.

Oculoplastic surgeons are ophthalmologists who have undertaken training focused entirely on the eyes, the eyelids and the surrounding structures. They are specialised in plastic surgery of the eyelids and the area around the eyes and eye socket. Oculoplastic surgeons are able to examine the eye, treat eye disease and have an awareness of how any surgery in this are can affect the eyes.

Whilst plastic surgeons may be competent in eyelid surgery they are unable to assess the eye as they generally have had no training in ophthalmology. Oculoplastic surgeons tend to have carried more eyelid procedures in their training and career than plastic surgeons. In the unlikely event of there being an eye problem following surgery oculoplastic surgeons are well positioned to manage this whilst a plastic surgeon would have to refer you on to someone who is able to manage this.

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty and lower eyelid blepharoplasty are not straightforward procedures and it is important to choose a surgeon who is very familiar with the delicate anatomy of the eyelid.

In conclusion...

In the medical enclave of Harley Street you will find a number of plastic surgeons, ENT surgeons general surgeons and dermatologists that may offer blepharoplasty and eyelid surgery. By choosing a private oculoplastic surgeon who may work in an eye clinic you know you are getting a specialist in this area withe extensive training in the field.