Introduction

Ptosis, commonly known as droopy eyelid, is a condition that can have both functional and cosmetic implications. It can be present at birth or develop over time due to various factors such as aging, trauma, or neurological disorders. For individuals in New York City seeking ptosis correction, finding a hospital or doctor with a good track - record is crucial. In this article, we will explore some of the top hospitals and doctors in New York City for ptosis correction, as well as understand the causes, symptoms, and treatment options available.

Best Hospitals and Doctors for Ptosis Correction in New York City in 2025

What is Ptosis?

Ptosis is the medical term for drooping upper eyelids. This condition can affect one or both upper eyelids. When the eyelid descends, it may block the upper field of vision. The severity of ptosis can vary from mild, where the lid partially covers the pupil, to severe, where the lid completely covers the pupil and obscures all vision. Ptosis that is present from birth is called congenital ptosis.

Causes of Ptosis

In Children: The most common cause is improper development of the levator muscle, which is the primary muscle that lifts the upper eyelid.
In Adults: Ptosis may occur as a result of aging, trauma, or muscular or neurological disorders. The tendon that attaches the levator muscle to the eyelid stretches over time, resulting in a low eyelid position which covers part of the eye. It is also more common after trauma or eye surgery, including cataract surgery.

Symptoms of Ptosis

Difficulty keeping the eyes open.
Eye strain and headaches from the increased effort needed to raise the eyelids.
Fatigued eyes, especially when reading.
In severe cases, the need to tilt the head back or lift the eyelids with a finger to see under the drooping eyelid.

Associated Conditions

Children with ptosis may also have a lazy eye, known as amblyopia.
In adults, ptosis may be the first sign of myasthenia gravis, a disorder in which the muscles become weak and tire very easily. It may also be present in numerous other neurological conditions.

Hospitals and Doctors in New York City for Ptosis Correction

NYU Langone Health

NYU Langone is a well - known medical institution in New York City that offers comprehensive treatment for ptosis. Their highly trained ophthalmologists work with oculoplastic specialists to diagnose and treat people with ptosis. Doctors and surgeons offer the latest treatment techniques to restore eyelid function, improve vision, and increase self - confidence.

Treatment at NYU Langone

Ptosis Surgery: Surgery to elevate the eyelid can correct ptosis in most people. Physicians at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone, who treat children with ptosis, may recommend surgery to prevent further vision complications, including amblyopia or astigmatism. Surgeons offer several corrective outpatient procedures, each of which takes about an hour. The eye specialist decides which surgery may be most effective for the patient based on the results of diagnostic tests that reveal the strength of the levator muscle.

Types of Surgeries at NYU Langone

Surgery Type	Description	Recommended For	Anesthesia	Side Effects
External Approach (Levator Advancement)	The oculoplastic surgeon makes an incision in the skin of the eyelid and repositions the attachment of the levator muscle by stitching it to the tarsus. The incision is made in the eyelid crease, so the scar is usually hidden.	People with ptosis who have strong levator muscle function.	Sedation (patient can still respond to the doctor)	Generally well - tolerated, but some mild swelling and bruising in the initial days.
Internal Approach	The surgeon turns the eyelid inside out and shortens either the levator muscle or Mueller’s muscle from the inside of the eyelid. When less of the eyelid needs to be elevated, Mueller’s muscle is typically shortened, and the levator muscle is shortened when more lifting is required.	People with strong levator muscle function.	General anesthesia or sedation (doctor decides based on patient's condition)	Swelling and temporary discomfort.
Frontalis Sling Fixation	A surgeon attaches the upper eyelid to the frontalis muscle (the muscle just above the eyebrows) using a small silicone rod passed through the eyelid under the skin. This allows the forehead muscles to elevate the eyelid.	People with ptosis and poor muscle function (most often caused by congenital ptosis, occasionally neurogenic or myogenic ptosis).	General anesthesia	A common side effect is an inability to completely close the eye after surgery, which usually resolves in two to three months. Eye drops and ointment are given to prevent dryness and related issues.

Top Ptosis Surgery Doctors in New York City

There are many highly experienced doctors in New York City specializing in ptosis surgery. Here are some of them:

Doctor Name	Specialty	Years of Experience	Location	Patient Reviews
Jessica Lattman, MD	Oculoplastic surgeon, board - certified in ophthalmology	26 years	115 E. 61st St., New York, New York	Patients have had positive experiences, such as after a previous surgery to remove the lacrimal gland, they were satisfied with her care.
Samuel Baharestani, MD, FACS	Oculoplastic surgeon, board - certified in ophthalmology	16 years	520 Franklin Ave., Garden City, New York	Patients have thanked him and his staff for a wonderful experience.
Brett S. Kotlus, MD, MS, FACS	Oculoplastic surgeon, board - certified in ophthalmology	19 years	20 E. 66th St., New York, New York	Patients trust him and consider him a skilled doctor.
Amiya Prasad, MD	Oculoplastic surgeon, board - certified in ophthalmology	29 years	633 3rd Ave. (between 40th and 41st st.), New York, New York	Patients have had multiple procedures done with him and are satisfied.
David A. Schlessinger, MD	Oculoplastic surgeon, board - certified in ophthalmology	31 years	75 Froehlich Farm Blvd., Woodbury, New York	Patients were extremely happy with the results of their upper lid surgery.
Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS	Board - certified plastic surgeon	40 years	112 - 03 Queens Blvd., Forest Hills, New York	Patients who were initially scared were put at ease by his patient, kind, and caring approach.
Debra M. Kroll, MD	Oculoplastic surgeon, board - certified in ophthalmology	20 years	40 West 72nd st., New York, New York	Patients were satisfied with her ptosis surgery results.
Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS	Board - certified plastic surgeon	30 years	114 E. 71st st., New York, New York	Patients had an amazing experience with him.
Basil Pakeman, MD	Oculoplastic surgeon, board - certified in ophthalmology	28 years	240 E. 64th st., New York, New York	Patients had a wonderful experience and found him a dedicated doctor.

Other Reputable Doctors on Healthgrades

Healthgrades lists many doctors who treat drooping eyelids (ptosis) in New York. Here are some of the highly - rated ones:

Doctor Name	Rating	Location	Affiliation
Dr. Thierry Hufnagel, MD	4.70 out of 5 stars	185 Madison Ave fl 2, New York, NY 10016	-
Dr. Brian Campolattaro, MD	4.50 out of 5 stars	30 E 40th st rm 405, New York, NY 10016	-
Dr. Norman Saffra, MD	4.50 out of 5 stars	902 49th st, Brooklyn, NY 11219	-
Dr. Kyle Kovacs, MD	5.00 out of 5 stars	156 William Street 12th floor, New York, NY 10038	New York - Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center
Dr. Mhd Mahrous, MD	5.00 out of 5 stars	1305 York Avenue 11th floor, New York, NY 10021	New York - Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center
Dr. John Paddock, MD	-	36 Worth street, New York, NY 10013	New York - Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center
Dr. Valerie El Malem, MD	4.80 out of 5 stars	77 Worth st, New York, NY 10013	-
Dr. I Rodgers, MD	4.30 out of 5 stars	229 E 79th st, New York, NY 10075	-
Dr. Dominick Golio, MD	4.20 out of 5 stars	1 Brookdale plz ste l, Brooklyn, NY 11212	-
Dr. Neil Nichols, MD	4.40 out of 5 stars	114 E 27th st, New York, NY 10016	-
Dr. Leonard Bley, MD	4.30 out of 5 stars	160 E 56th st ste 900, New York, NY 10022	-
Dr. Boaz Lissauer, MD	5.00 out of 5 stars	1036 Park Ave, New York, NY 10028	-
Dr. Benjamin Levine, MD	4.30 out of 5 stars	1305 York ave fl 12, New York, NY 10021	-

Dr. Brian Brazzo

Dr. Brian Brazzo is a qualified oculoplastic surgeon with extensive training in ophthalmic plastic surgery. He has completed several thousand ptosis repairs and has written books and lectured other doctors and residents around the country on the most recent advances.

Treatment Approach of Dr. Brazzo

Congenital ptosis is treated surgically, and the operation is determined based on the severity of the ptosis and the strength of the levator muscle. In adults, nearly all ptosis surgeries involve tightening or reattaching the levator muscle to its proper location. The goal of ptosis surgery is to elevate the upper eyelid to improve vision and obtain an excellent appearance of the eyes and eyelids. Ptosis surgery is usually performed in the office under local anesthesia, but in some conditions, it needs to be performed in the hospital with intravenous sedation.

Risks and Complications

Following the procedure, there is minor bruising and swelling of the eyelid which lasts for up to one week. The incision is placed in the normal eyelid crease and therefore tends not to be noticed after the healing takes place. Dr. Brazzo always places absorbable sutures, so the sutures do not need to be removed after surgery. Bleeding and infection are very uncommon; discomfort is minimal and is usually managed with one dose of Tylenol on the evening after the surgery.

Dr. Casian Monaco

At the clinic of Dr. Casian Monaco in New York City, they specialize in ptosis repair surgery. Dr. Monaco, a renowned plastic surgeon in the upper east side of NYC, addresses ptosis with precision and artistry, ensuring results that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Ptosis Repair Surgery with Dr. Monaco

The surgery involves adjusting the muscles or tendons responsible for lifting the eyelid. This meticulous procedure requires a deep understanding of the delicate structures of the eyelid and an artistic eye to ensure a natural, symmetrical result that complements the patient's facial features.