Your eyes are central to how you look, see, and express yourself. Procedures around the eyelids and brows demand extraordinary precision and a deep understanding of the surrounding anatomy. While both oculoplastic surgeons and general plastic surgeons are highly trained, their education and surgical experience differ significantly.
This difference is significant if you are considering eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) or brow lifts. At our practice, Dr. Carniciu brings the advanced, fellowship-level training of an ASOPRS-certified oculoplastic surgeon performing every surgical and non-surgical treatment herself. That direct, expert care sets her apart.
What Is an ASOPRS Oculoplastic Surgeon?
Oculoplastic (or oculofacial plastic) surgeons are ophthalmologists who complete additional fellowship training specifically in plastic and reconstructive surgery of the eyelids, orbit, tear ducts, and face. Certification comes through the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS).
To achieve ASOPRS certification, surgeons must:
- Complete an accredited ophthalmology residency (already with thousands of eye surgeries)
- Complete a rigorous two-year oculoplastic fellowship
- Perform several hundred to thousands of eyelid procedures under supervision
- Pass two sets of written and oral board examinations focused solely on oculoplastic and facial procedures
- Publish original research contributing to the field
- Receive multiple letters of recommendation from established ASOPRS member surgeons
This pathway ensures unparalleled expertise in the fine, high-stakes anatomy of the eyelids and surrounding structures.
How General Plastic Surgery Training Differs
General plastic surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), complete training that covers the whole body—breast, body, hand, and face. Their exposure to eyelid surgery is comparatively limited.
Typical training requirements for general plastic surgery residents include:
- Completing hundreds of breast augmentations, body contouring procedures, and reconstructions
- Performing just 2-20 supervised eyelid and brow surgeries during residency (varies by training program)
- Passing one set of board examinations covering a broad range of plastic surgery
While these surgeons may excel in breast and body procedures, their eyelid experience is less extensive and specialized.
A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Training Requirement | ASOPRS Oculoplastic Surgeons | General Plastic Surgeons (ABPS) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Residency | Ophthalmology | General Surgery + Plastic Surgery |
| Fellowship | 2 years, Oculofacial Plastic Surgery (eyelid/orbit/face focused) | Optional (not eyelid-specific) |
| Required Eyelid/Brow Surgeries | Hundreds to thousands primary cases before board eligibility | 2–20 (combined assistant and primary cases) |
| Breast Surgery Requirement | None | 80 (reconstructive and aesthetic) |
| Board Exams | Two sets (oculoplastics-focused written + oral) | One set (broad plastic surgery written + oral) |
| Research Requirement | Original publication required | Not required |
Why This Matters for You
The difference in training translates directly into outcomes. Eyelid surgery is not simply “removing extra skin.” The anatomy involves:
- Tiny muscles that lift the eyelid
- Tear ducts and glands critical to eye health
- Blood vessels and nerves essential for vision and expression
Because ASOPRS surgeons dedicate years exclusively to this region, they are uniquely prepared to handle both routine eyelid rejuvenation and complex cases—including revision surgery or procedures complicated by prior trauma or medical conditions.
Am I a Good Candidate for an Oculoplastic Surgeon?
If you are considering:
- Upper or lower eyelid blepharoplasty
- Brow lift surgery
- Treatment for droopy eyelids (ptosis repair)
- Revision of prior eyelid procedures
—then working with an ASOPRS-trained oculoplastic surgeon gives you the confidence that your surgeon has performed thousands of these operations, not just a handful.
Why Choose Dr. Carniciu?
Beyond her ASOPRS fellowship-level oculoplastic training and certification, Dr. Carniciu distinguishes herself by:
- Personally performing all surgical and non-surgical treatments, never delegating procedures to others
- Combining medical and aesthetic expertise to achieve results that are both functional and natural-looking
- Providing a patient-first experience designed to make you feel comfortable, informed, and empowered every step of the way
Choose Specialized Expertise for Delicate Anatomy
Your eyes deserve nothing less than a surgeon who has devoted their career to mastering eyelid and facial surgery. If you are exploring eyelid rejuvenation, ptosis repair, or brow lift procedures, schedule your consultation with Dr. Carniciu today.
