While many of the services provided by oculoplastic surgeons are also performed by plastic surgeons, there are significant differences in the training for these two specialties. Consequently, seeking care from an oculoplastic surgeon can be highly beneficial when exploring these treatments. Oculoplastic surgeons must complete an ophthalmology residency. This training provides a very detailed and robust background in the anatomy of the eyelids, eye, and surrounding facial region. A significant portion of this training focuses on ophthalmic surgery, giving oculoplastic surgeons in-depth knowledge of the delicate structures that comprise the human eye. Following this residency, oculoplastic surgeons complete a fellowship focusing on the cosmetic aspects of eyelid and orbital plastic surgery, including treatment of tear duct obstruction and orbital surgery. This makes them more adept at managing all periocular and intraocular surgeries and the complications arising from them.

Plastic surgeons begin their specialized training with a general surgery residency that provides a broad surgical background covering nearly every area of the body. This is then followed by a plastic surgery fellowship focusing on the cosmetic aspects of the surgical process. The primary difference in these backgrounds lies in the level of expertise related to the eye.