Ranking and price overview of well - reputed plastic surgery for upper eyelid ptosis repair in New York City!

Introduction

Upper eyelid ptosis, the drooping of the upper eyelid, can not only affect a person's appearance but also potentially impair vision. In New York City, a hub of medical excellence, there are numerous plastic surgeons offering high - quality upper eyelid ptosis repair surgeries. This article aims to provide a comprehensive ranking and price overview of well - reputed plastic surgery for upper eyelid ptosis repair in New York City, incorporating insights from various reliable sources.

Understanding Upper Eyelid Ptosis

Eyelid ptosis refers to the sagging of the skin of the eyelids, which can occur in a single eyelid or both. Many people often experience age - related ptosis as they get older. It can also occur as a result of muscle disease, nerve issues, or congenital issues. The severity of ptosis can range from not interfering with your vision to partially covering vision to completely covering the entire eye. For example, as people age, the upper eyelid muscles may weaken, leading to a gradual drooping of the eyelid.

Upper Eyelid Ptosis Repair Surgeries in New York City

Types of Surgeries

There are several surgical options for upper eyelid ptosis repair. Two common techniques are conjunctival - Mueller’s muscle resection and levator muscle resection. Most mild to moderate degrees of eyelid ptosis (droop) can be corrected by tightening the posterior Mueller’s muscle. When a greater degree of ptosis is present, then tightening the anterior levator muscle is preferred.

Popular Surgeons

1. Dr. William Lao: A double - board - certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Lao is widely recognized as one of the best upper eyelid surgery and Asian eyelid plastic surgeons in New York. He can utilize his immense technical precision and a sharp eye for facial aesthetics to deliver results that look amazingly natural and beautiful. He has performed numerous upper eyelid blepharoplasty procedures at his New York office and can provide outstanding care and results. He offers both incisional and non - incisional blepharoplasty, tailoring the procedure to the patient's needs.
2. Dr. Joel Kopelman: A top eyelid plastic surgeon with offices in both New York City and New Jersey. He has performed hundreds of cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid surgical procedures for over 35 years, published numerous articles on eyelid surgery, and his expertise in blepharoplasty is sought out by colleagues and patients across the east coast. He understands that every patient presents with a unique set of characteristics, both with respect to their anatomy and the degree of surrounding tissue laxity, and can assess the condition of the eyelids to help patients achieve both functional and cosmetic improvements.
3. Dr. John E. Sherman: A board - certified plastic surgeon with over 40 years in the field. He specializes in facial rejuvenation and can use his skill and eye for facial aesthetics to ensure blepharoplasty results look as natural as possible. He offers both upper - eyelid surgery and lower - eyelid surgery for patients in New York City. He has expertise in transconjunctival blepharoplasty, which is ideal for younger patients with puffy eyelids.
4. Dr. Philipp Franck: A board - certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who completed his training at two prestigious Ivy League university hospitals. He is an expert in facial plastic surgery, including advanced blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). Named one of New York’s rising star surgeons by the New York Times Magazine since 2023, he also serves as a clinical assistant professor at Cornell University Hospital in New York. His dedication to patient - centered care and consistently excellent surgical outcomes have earned him a place in Castle Connolly’s list of top doctors nationwide.

Ranking of Surgeons

Newsweek Rankings (2022)

According to Newsweek's rankings of America's best plastic surgeons for eyelid surgery in 2022, several New York - based surgeons made the list:

It's important to note that these rankings are from 2022, and the situation may have changed since then. The rankings were based on a survey of over 2,000 skin healthcare professionals, taking into account factors such as the number of recommendations, a quality assessment (from the peer survey), and relevant certifications.

Patient Ratings

Healthgrades.com found 1171 doctors who perform eyelid surgery in New York, and some of the highly - rated ones for eyelid surgery are:

Price Overview

The cost of upper eyelid ptosis repair surgery in New York City can vary widely depending on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, anesthesia costs, and surgeon fees.

Average Cost

The average cost of upper eyelid surgery in New York City typically starts at $3,000 and can range up to $10,000 or more. For example, an upper blepharoplasty at lm medical nyc starts at $10,000, but pricing varies depending on the complexity of the case and whether the patient needs an upper blepharoplasty, a lower blepharoplasty, or both.

Factors Affecting Cost

• Complexity of the Procedure: If the ptosis is severe and requires more extensive surgery, such as combined levator muscle resection and skin removal, the cost will be higher compared to a simple Mueller’s muscle resection for mild ptosis.
• Anesthesia Costs: The type of anesthesia used (local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia) can impact the cost. General anesthesia usually costs more due to the need for an anesthesiologist and more monitoring during the procedure.
• Surgeon's Reputation and Experience: Highly - reputed and experienced surgeons may charge more for their services. For instance, a surgeon like Dr. William Lao, who is well - known for his upper eyelid surgery expertise, may have higher fees compared to a less - experienced surgeon.

Insurance Coverage

If the drooped eyelids impair vision and can impede daily activities, the ptosis repair may be “viewed” as a functional impairment, and the insurance carrier may cover the procedure. However, eyelid ptosis must be differentiated from excessive laxity of upper eyelid skin. If both eyelid muscle and skin laxity exist together, then a ptosis repair and cosmetic procedure can be performed at the same time, but unfortunately, the cosmetic component is not covered by medical insurance.

Benefits of Upper Eyelid Ptosis Repair

Functional Benefits

One of the primary functional benefits is the improvement of vision. When the upper eyelid droops, it can obstruct a patient’s superior field of vision, similar to an overhanging awning. Ptosis repair can restore lost vision by tightening the internal eyelid muscles that open the eyelids, allowing for a wider field of view.

Aesthetic Benefits

Ptosis repair can also have significant aesthetic benefits. A droopy eyelid can make a person look older, tired, or bored. By correcting the ptosis, the eyes appear more open, alert, and youthful. It can also enhance the overall facial appearance and boost self - confidence.

Pre - surgery Considerations

Choosing a Surgeon

It is crucial to choose a board - certified plastic surgeon with experience in upper eyelid ptosis repair. Research the surgeon's reputation, read patient reviews, and look at before - and - after photos of their previous patients. For example, you can check online platforms like Healthgrades.com or RealSelf to find reviews and ratings of surgeons.

Medical Evaluation

Before the surgery, the surgeon will conduct a comprehensive medical evaluation. This may include an assessment of your eyelids, a review of your medical history (including any existing eye conditions, medications, or previous surgeries), and in some cases, a clearance from an ophthalmologist. For patients under 45, a complete blood count, hepatitis B and C antibodies, and an HIV test may be required. Patients between 45 and 65 may need the same tests, along with a clearance letter from their own doctor and an EKG, and patients over 65 may also need a chest x - ray.

Lifestyle Changes

If you are a smoker, it is essential to stop smoking in the weeks leading up to your surgery and throughout the recovery period. Nicotine can impair healing and increase the risk of complications. You may also need to discontinue certain medications, such as blood thinners and supplements, as instructed by your surgeon to minimize the risk of excessive bleeding during and after the procedure.

What to Expect During the Surgery

Upper eyelid ptosis repair surgery is usually performed under intravenous sedation with local anesthesia. The specific technique used will depend on the severity of the ptosis. If the posterior Mueller’s muscle is tightened, the patient can be in a “twilight” sleep and no cooperation is necessary. However, if the patient has a greater degree of ptosis and levator muscle surgery is required, the patient must be able to open and close their eyelids during the procedure to precisely titrate the degree of eyelid elevation and restore the contour of the eyelid, so only light sedation with local anesthesia is performed.

The surgeon will first make markings on the eyelids to determine the areas for correction. Then, an incision will be made, either in the natural crease of the upper eyelid or other appropriate locations. The excess skin, fat, and in some cases, muscle will be removed or repositioned. Finally, the incisions will be closed with fine sutures.

Recovery Process

Immediate Post - surgery

After the surgery, swelling and minor bruising are expected. Initially, the swelling can be minimized by the frequent application of ice compresses (using zip - lock bags). The patient may also need to wear thin, sticky strips called sutures to support the eyelids. Pain is usually minimal and can be controlled with plain Tylenol.

Short - term Recovery

Most people take around one week off of work to allow time for a majority of the bruising and swelling to go down. Sutures are typically removed from 5 - 7 days following surgery. It is important to keep the head elevated and avoid strenuous activities for about two weeks. Some patients may experience mild redness, swelling, and sensitivity to harsh light, which can be managed with cool compresses and keeping the eyes clean with prescribed oil.

Long - term Recovery

The final results of the surgery will become more apparent as the swelling diminishes. Full healing can take a few months, but changes are noticeable much sooner. In some cases, the results of upper eyelid ptosis repair can be long - lasting, but natural aging will still continue, and some patients may choose to have a minor touch - up procedure in the future.

Conclusion

Upper eyelid ptosis repair in New York City offers both functional and aesthetic benefits for those suffering from droopy eyelids. There are many well - reputed plastic surgeons in the city, each with their own areas of expertise and unique surgical techniques. The cost of the surgery can vary depending on multiple factors, and insurance coverage may be available in some cases. When considering upper eyelid ptosis repair, it is essential to do thorough research, choose a qualified surgeon, and follow all pre - and post - surgery instructions.

If you are interested in learning more about upper eyelid ptosis repair in New York City, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a reputable plastic surgeon. This will give you the opportunity to discuss your specific concerns, ask questions, and get a personalized treatment plan. Share this article with others who may be interested in upper eyelid ptosis repair to