Who is recommended for eyelid surgery? An ophthalmologist who performs this procedure or a plastic surgeon?

I'm biased but I recommend seeking an oculoplastic surgeon who has a background in ophthalmology but also extensive fellowship training in plastic surgery around the eyes and face.  Oculoplastic or oculofacial surgeons typically perform more blepharoplasty procedures than any other type of doctor and have the highest level of expertise in this area.  ASOPRS.org is a good resource to find a fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon near you. 

The short answer is that either of these surgeons can do a great job with eyelid surgery. The key is which surgeon that you see has extensive experience in performing eyelid surgery - many in either specialty do not. Look for a lot of before and after eyelid photos in the office and make sure you get a good feel for the doctor's experience when you go on consultation.

Hello, eyelid surgery is best accomplished by an oculoplastic surgeon (with an ophthalmology background) or plastic surgeon. 

A lot depends on proper training and experience and expertise. An oculoplastic surgeon has done 1-2 fellowship in performing eye plastic procedures (both reconstructive and cosmetic) after ophthalmology residency. Recommend seeing the surgeon's training and before/after photos. Goal should be to use minimally invasive procedures with quick recovery and natural results.

Dr. Kotlus is wrong, in that 'oculoplastic' surgeons may not necessary perform more blepharoplasties than anyone else.The most important thing is to chose a surgeon with excellent results and a lot of experience. Look at his in office photos and speak with his patients.Watch out for danger signs of an 'operated look':-loss of almond shape of the eye, with rounding-'smaller' looking eyesHope this helps,Leland Deane MD FACSNYC and Garden City

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  I always recommend basing this decision on the individual surgeon and their results rather than just their specialty.  The answer to your question will be influenced based on the specialty of the person answering (plastic surgeons will say plastic surgeon and ophthalmologists will say ophthalmologist).  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. Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon