Board certified in Ophthalmology vs board certified plastic surgery for blepharoplasty?

Question

I am looking to get a "upper blepharoplasty" in Boston- looking for the best surgeon for thisprocedure, but not looking to be ripped off and pay $7000 for a surgery where the "average" is $4000 (even in Boston). (Consulted with a couple and not happy. One at BWH, another private practice in Back Bay ) Would an ophthalmic plastic surgeon/ oculoplastic surgeon (board certified in ophtalmology), but NOT on the American Board of Plastic Surgery be suitable for a upper blepharoplasty? If not, why?

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Irrespective of training background, surgeons vary in their aesthetic skills.  Oculoplastic surgeons have the most in-depth training in eyelid anatomy and reconstruction.  However when it comes to artful cosmetic eyelid surgery, no single specialty will assure you that you are with the "best" surgeon.  Overall, I think that the most artful blepharoplasty are performed by a handful of thoughtful, experienced aesthetically oriented oculoplastic surgeons.  These are rare individuals and you are likely going to need to travel to find them.  Generally, yes, the charge more for their work and likely more than even your $7000 that you have deemed a rip off.  Be careful what you look for.  You might decide after the fact that the extra money might have been worth it to get the result you were hoping for.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

The fact that one has a board certification does not guarantee you a good result.  Plastic surgeons have been doing blepharoplasty for years and you would be best served by finding a board certified plastic surgeon and carefully reviewing the before and after photos of their work.  This will give you a good idea of the persons aesthetic sense and direct views of their results.  Cost of an upper blepharoplasty done under local anesthesia, in my practice, is $2800.  Best wishes.

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

Either specialty can do this procedure. There probably more difference in individual surgeons. I would recommend you look at before and after photos to help guide your choice to get the result you would like. Good luck.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.   Both types of board-certified surgeons are trained to do this surgery and you will be able to find a good surgeon.  It is very
important that you thoroughly research your surgeon before committing to
surgery. It is a good idea to research your surgeon's educational background,
online reviews, before & after pictures, and speak with anyone who you may
know who has had surgery with that surgeon. During your consultation, make sure
that you don't feel rushed and make sure that you have adequate time with your
surgeon and not just their patient coordinator or nurses. If the majority of
your consultation is spent with someone other than the surgeon, this is usually
not a good sign. The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are
comfortable with. Cost varies based on geographic region and surgeon expertise.  I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified
board-certified expert surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

J. Marshall Green, III, DDS · Answer

Hello, 
    Thank you so much for your question! The answer may not be what you expect in that it really all depends! No training or certification ensures your surgeon is “the best”. In my opionion the top boards for cosmetic surgery of The face are the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery. These are sub-specialty boards attained in addition to specialty training boards which require submission of before and after case photos and an extensive written and oral examination. The idea is to ensure those certified will represent the Board well and consistently provide safe and superior outcomes to their patients! At the end of the day: Meet your prospective surgeon, check out their facility, review their photo galleries either in the office or online and lastly if you feel the need speak to their prior patients. I always have patients willing to tell prospective patients about their experience in my care. I hope that helps and best wishes on your upcoming proceedures!
Dr G

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

The only three types of surgeons you should go to for this type of surgery are a plastic surgeon, a facial plastic surgeon, or an oculoplastic surgeon.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

All three  board-certified surgeons can accomplish an upper blepharoplasty procedure. It is important to shop price, but more important to shop results, since your eyes are the central/ Focal point  of your face.  Study your prospective surgeon's before and after blepharoplasty photo gallery, and make sure it's extensive with natural results.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

A board certified ophthalmologist who has completed Fellowship training and oculoplastic surgery should be able to do your upper blepharoplasty.  However not all board-certified plastic surgeons are comfortable doing blepharoplasty surgery.  If she research plastic surgery websites he should be able to find a plastic surgeon who does a lot of oculoplastic surgery and blepharoplasty.  To learn more please read the local

Sara A. Kaltreider, MD (retired) · Answer

Board Certification does not guarantee a meticulous procedure and beautiful results. Training and test-taking are just one small aspect of the final capabilities of a surgeon. Ophthalmic plastic surgeons specifically have training in microsurgery with fine instrumentation. They also have experience in and around the eyes which should afford you the assurance that the lid-eye interface will remain healthy. The aesthetic perspective is not defined by the Board Certificate either - so you will see some great (and perhaps some not-so-great) results from both general facial plastic surgeons and oculoplastic surgeons. Remember that oculoplastic surgeons spend virtually all of their time on eyes and face - unlike general plastic surgeons who work elsewhere on the body. Narrow your search to those who specialize or limit their practice to the face. Be sure that you are comfortable with your personal discussions with the surgeon, answers to your questions, before and after photographs, surgeon accessibility after surgery, and willingness to see you through the entire healing process. You will probably be able to determine if your safety and satisfaction are top priority after face time with that surgeon. Best wishes.

Board certified in Ophthalmology vs board certified plastic surgery for blepharoplasty?

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