Oculoplastic surgery is a specialized field that combines the best of both plastic surgery and eye surgery. Oculoplastic surgeons have the most advanced training in eyelid, eyebrow, and surgery of the upper face. This includes the eye socket, known as the orbit. The training to be an oculoplastic surgeon begins with 4 years of medical school, an internship year, and a 3 year residency in ophthalmology. Following this, 2 years is spent solely doing eyelid surgery and surgery of the upper face. Those who have done an accredited fellowship then complete a written and oral exam, as well as a written original thesis, before they are allowed to become a member of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (www.asoprs.org). If you are considering eyelid surgery and looking for the most trained surgeon in that part of the body, they can be found on that website.
As an eyelid specialist, the oculoplastic surgeon is often asked to fix complications from eyelid surgery. Dr. Iyengar regular fixes complications referred from plastic surgeons in the area and has operated on several physicians themselves who have had these complications. At San Diego Eyelid Specialists, we believe there is no substitute for appropriate training and expertise that comes from doing something everyday. As the oculoplastic surgeon for most of San Diego, we are unique in that we perform eyelid surgery everyday in our office or in the operating room.
