Ophthalmologist vs. Plastic Surgeon: Who Do I See for Blepharoplasty?
Many patients come to Monterey County Eye Associates for their vision care needs, but our doctors offer much more. In addition to ophthalmology and optometry, our offices in Monterey, Salinas, and King City, CA, offer oculoplastics to treat the eyelids and eye area. Our oculoplastic services include blepharoplasty (cosmetic eyelid surgery), which can help you look years younger.
Many people ask if they should see a plastic surgeon or an ophthalmologist for surgeries involving the eyelids. There are pros and cons to each, but there’s a chance you may benefit more from seeing an ophthalmologist who performs oculoplastic procedures.
Let’s explore this in more detail below.
Why Some Would Pick a Plastic Surgeon for Eyelid Surgery
Plastic surgeons understand aesthetics in a way that other doctors may not. This is because of their training in cosmetic treatments and knowledge of how surgical procedures can address the needs of patients.
For eyelid surgery in particular, it’s not uncommon to visit a facial plastic surgeon since they focus on the appearance of the face and how facial features complement each other.
Why Some May Pick an Ophthalmologist for Oculoplastics
Let’s break this topic down by first defining “oculoplastics.”
Oculoplastics refers to procedures that treat cosmetic issues involving the area around the eyes. This includes the upper and lower eyelids. In addition, oculoplastics can help address vision obstructions caused by structures of the eye.
Oculoplastic surgeons and ophthalmologists – like the ones here at Monterey County Eye Associates – understand your eyesight as well as the orbital region, eye, and eyelids. This gives eye doctors with oculoplastic training a unique understanding of the aesthetics of the eyes as well as how various structures of the eye area interact and affect your vision.
Benefits of Seeing an Ophthalmologist Instead of a Cosmetic Surgeon
If you have droopy or sagging upper eyelids, it’s a great idea to see an ophthalmologist and an oculoplastic surgeon. This is especially true if your upper eyelid obscures part of your visual field. An oculoplastic surgeon will know how to best restore your field of vision while achieving aesthetically pleasing results.
Even for the lower eyelids, an oculoplastic surgeon has a keen understanding of the structures of the eyes and can ensure great-looking results in a way that does not negatively alter your vision.
Other Options Beyond Surgery
An oculoplastic surgeon may recommend other cosmetic treatments for the eye area that can serve as an alternative to cosmetic eyelid surgery. For instance, we also offer BOTOX® Cosmetic injections for lines around the eyes caused by muscle movements.
Which Type of Specialist Is Right for Me?
Obviously you have a final say in who you want to see for your blepharoplasty. That said, we do encourage you to reach out to us at Monterey County Eye Associates if you need eyelid surgery to improve your field of vision.
During your consultation with us, we can review your surgical options and answer any questions you may have about the blepharoplasty procedure and the recovery process.
Contact Our Office to Discuss Your Treatment Options
If you live in the greater Monterey or Salinas area and are interested in cosmetic eyelid surgery, contact Monterey County Eye Associates. Our experienced team of doctors can help you look great and see clearly.
