There are many factors to consider when selecting a surgeon for cosmetic eyelid or facial surgery. Important factors to consider include personal recommendations from friends and family, the surgeon’s reputation in the community and your personal impression of the surgeon during your consultation.

Another important factor to consider is the surgeon’s training and experience.

If you are contemplating cosmetic eyelid surgery you should ask yourself the following questions:

Is the doctor fellowship trained in Oculofacial Plastic Surgery? This subspecialty combines the best of plastic surgery and ophthalmology. The oculo-facial plastic surgeon focuses on both the cosmetic and functional concerns of the eyelids and eyebrows as well as the health of the eye as it relates to recovery after eyelid surgery.

Is your surgeon a Board Certified Ophthalmologist and therefore trained to care for the eyes themselves? This is particularly important during the recovery phase after eyelid surgery.

Is the doctor a member of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS)? Admission to this exclusive society is restricted to surgeons who are both board certified in ophthalmology and who have done fellowship training in Oculofacial Plastic Surgery. In addition members must do research, submit a thesis and pass rigorous examinations in this specialized field.

Has the surgeon done thousands of eyelid operations or does he/she do an occasional eyelid surgery? Oculofacial Plastic Surgeons are considered eyelid experts and solely dedicate their practice to cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the eyelids and face.

Do his/her cases include routine surgeries as well as complex, unusual, and difficult ones?

Do patients seek this surgeon out when they are unsatisfied with procedures performed elsewhere?

Do other doctors hold them in such high regard that they select them to do their eyelid surgery?

These are critical factors to consider when selecting your surgeon.