Question 1

What is an oculoplastic surgeon?

Accepted Answer

An oculoplastic surgeon (also called an oculo-facial surgeon) is a medical doctor who first trained as an ophthalmologist and then completed an additional 1–2 year fellowship in plastic and reconstructive surgery of the eyelids, orbit (eye socket), tear drainage system, and face. ASOPRS (the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery) is the specialty society that accredits these fellowships.

Question 2

What does an oculoplastic surgeon treat?

Accepted Answer

Oculoplastic surgeons treat both cosmetic and medical conditions. Cosmetic: blepharoplasty (eyelid lift), brow lift, facial fillers, botulinum toxin, skin rejuvenation. Medical: ptosis (droopy eyelid), eyelid malposition (ectropion, entropion), thyroid eye disease, orbital tumors, blocked tear ducts (DCR surgery), eyelid skin cancer, orbital trauma, facial nerve palsy (lagophthalmos), blepharospasm, and congenital eyelid and orbital conditions.

Question 3

What is the difference between an oculoplastic surgeon and a plastic surgeon?

Accepted Answer

A plastic surgeon performs surgery across the entire body. An oculoplastic surgeon's training begins with ophthalmology — full knowledge of the eye, cornea, retina, and visual system — then adds plastic surgery training specifically focused on the eyelids, orbit, and periocular face. For anything involving the eyelids or eye socket, an oculoplastic surgeon's combined expertise is unmatched. They understand the functional consequences of surgery on the eye itself, not just the cosmetic appearance.

Question 4

What is ASOPRS?

Accepted Answer

ASOPRS stands for the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. It is the specialty society for oculoplastic surgeons in North America. ASOPRS fellowship training requires completion of an accredited ophthalmology residency followed by a 1–2 year fellowship at an ASOPRS-approved program. Board certification through ASOPRS involves a written and oral examination. All surgeons in the EyePlastics directory are ASOPRS fellowship-trained.

Question 5

How do I find an oculoplastic surgeon near me?

Accepted Answer

The EyePlastics.net directory lists ASOPRS fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeons across the United States, searchable by name, city, and state. The ASOPRS website (asoprs.org) also maintains a member directory. When choosing a surgeon, confirm they have completed an ASOPRS-accredited fellowship and are board-certified in ophthalmology.

Question 6

Does insurance cover oculoplastic surgery?

Accepted Answer

Many oculoplastic procedures are covered by insurance when medically necessary. Ptosis repair is covered when the drooping lid obstructs the visual field. Upper eyelid blepharoplasty may be covered with a qualifying visual field test. Thyroid eye disease treatments, orbital decompression, blocked tear duct surgery (DCR), eyelid cancer removal, orbital trauma repair, and treatment of eyelid malposition (ectropion, entropion) are typically covered. Cosmetic procedures (lower blepharoplasty, fillers, botox for cosmetic purposes) are not.

Question 7

What is the difference between oculoplastic surgery and cosmetic eyelid surgery?

Accepted Answer

Oculoplastic surgery is the broader specialty encompassing all surgical and non-surgical procedures of the eyelids, orbit, and tear system — both medical and cosmetic. Cosmetic eyelid surgery refers specifically to procedures performed for aesthetic improvement, such as blepharoplasty, brow lift, and rejuvenation treatments. An oculoplastic surgeon performs both.

Specialist	Core Training	Best for
Oculoplastic Surgeon	Ophthalmology + ASOPRS fellowship	Any surgery of eyelids, orbit, tear ducts, or periocular face — functional or cosmetic
Plastic Surgeon	General surgery + plastic surgery residency	Body, breast, full facelift, rhinoplasty; less specialized knowledge of the eye itself
Dermatologist / Mohs Surgeon	Dermatology residency ± Mohs fellowship	Skin cancer removal; eyelid reconstruction typically referred to oculoplastics
General Ophthalmologist	Ophthalmology residency (no oculoplastic fellowship)	Medical eye disease, cataract surgery; complex eyelid/orbital cases typically referred

What Is an Oculoplastic Surgeon?

Training & Credentials

Oculoplastic Surgeon vs. Plastic Surgeon vs. Dermatologist

Conditions & Procedures

Frequently Asked Questions

Find an Oculoplastic Surgeon Near You