When researching eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) or brow lift procedures in Westchester, you’ll notice that many surgeons include eyelid surgery among their services. Yet not all surgeons have the same level of training, background, or expertise in this delicate and highly specialized area of the face.
Dr. Anaïs Carniciu is uniquely qualified to speak on this subject. As one of fewer than 750 surgeons worldwide certified by the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS), she has dedicated her entire career to the eyes and face. Her practice, New York Eye & Face, is built on transparency, patient education, and subspecialized care.
This article explains the key differences between an oculoplastic (or oculofacial) surgeon and a general plastic surgeon, so patients can feel informed and confident when choosing the right expert for their eyelid and brow procedures.
What Is an Oculoplastic Surgeon?
An oculoplastic surgeon is a physician who has completed:
- Medical school and residency in ophthalmology (specializing in the eyes)
- Additional fellowship training in oculofacial plastic surgery, accredited by ASOPRS and the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology (AUPO) Fellowship Compliance Committee
ASOPRS fellowship training is considered the gold standard in eyelid and periorbital surgery. Fewer than 750 surgeons worldwide hold this elite certification. To earn it, surgeons must:
- Perform thousands of eyelid and oculoplastic procedures during training
- Complete two sets of rigorous written and oral board examinations
- Publish original research and contribute to advancing the field
- Receive multiple letters of recommendations from established ASOPRS member surgeons
An oculoplastic surgeon dedicates years to mastering the eyelids, brows, orbit, and surrounding facial structures, achieving unmatched precision and artistry in these areas.
How Is That Different From a General Plastic Surgeon?
General plastic surgeons are trained to perform a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, often including:
- Breast surgery (augmentation, reduction, reconstruction)
- Body contouring (liposuction, tummy tuck, body lift)
- Facial surgery (facelift, rhinoplasty, etc.)
While plastic surgeons are highly skilled in their field, their eyelid surgery training is limited. During residency, they typically perform only a handful of supervised blepharoplasties — compared to the thousands of eyelid and orbital procedures required during an ASOPRS oculoplastic fellowship.
Training requirements also differ. For example:
- General plastic surgeons complete one set of board examinations
- ASOPRS-certified oculoplastic surgeons must pass two rounds of rigorous written and oral testing focused solely on eyelid and facial procedures
While a general plastic surgeon may excel in body or breast procedures, they may lack the same expertise in the delicate and high-stakes anatomy of the eyelids and surrounding structures.
Why Specialized Training Matters
The eyelids are essential for protecting your vision. Even slight surgical errors can impact function, comfort, and appearance.
By choosing an ASOPRS-certified oculoplastic surgeon, you benefit from:
- Greater safety during surgery on the eyes and brows
- Natural-looking outcomes that preserve your unique facial harmony
- Advanced reconstructive skills for complex conditions such as ptosis, thyroid eye disease, or skin cancer repair
- Revision expertise when prior eyelid surgery performed elsewhere has led to unsatisfactory results
Many of Dr. Carniciu’s patients come to her for revision blepharoplasty, often saying, “I wish I had found you first.” Specialized training helps avoid those regrets.
Why Choose Dr. Anaïs Carniciu at New York Eye & Face
Dr. Anaïs Carniciu is:
- Board-certified in oculofacial plastic surgery
- ASOPRS-certified (one of fewer than 750 surgeons worldwide)
- President of the Westchester County Medical Society
- Educator and faculty member at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai
Her practice is dedicated solely to the eyelids and face. She does not perform body plastic surgery or general ophthalmology procedures, concentrating entirely on the specialized field of oculoplastics. Patients can trust that they are receiving care from a surgeon whose entire career has been focused on eyelid surgery, brow lifts, and facial rejuvenation.
Experience Exceptional Care Provided by a True Eyelid Specialist
Choosing the right surgeon is one of your most important decisions on your aesthetic journey. For eyelid surgery in Westchester, selecting an oculoplastic specialist ensures that your vision, safety, and results are in the best hands.
If you are considering blepharoplasty, revision eyelid surgery, or other eyelid and brow procedures, we encourage you to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Carniciu. She will take the time to answer all your questions, evaluate your unique anatomy, and create a personalized plan to help you achieve your goals.
References
- American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. (n.d.). ASOPRS fellowships. Retrieved September 2025, from https://www.asoprs.org/asoprs-fellowships
- American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. (n.d.). Entrance examinations. Retrieved September 2025, from https://www.asoprs.org/entrance-examinations
- American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. (n.d.). External pathway. Retrieved September 2025, from https://www.asoprs.org/external-pathway
- Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology Fellowship Compliance Committee. (n.d.). Oculofacial plastic surgery fellowships. Retrieved September 2025, from https://aupofcc.org/fellowship-programs-residentssubspecialties/oculofacial-plastic-surgery
