Unveiling the Hospitals for Upper Eyelid Ptosis Repair in New York City
Upper eyelid ptosis, a condition where the upper eyelid droops, can have a significant impact on both the appearance and functionality of the eyes. In New York City, there are several renowned hospitals and medical facilities that offer top - notch upper eyelid ptosis repair services. This article will provide an in - depth look at these establishments, the procedures they offer, and what you can expect during your treatment journey.
Understanding Upper Eyelid Ptosis
Before delving into the hospitals, it's crucial to understand what upper eyelid ptosis is. Ptosis occurs when the muscle that raises the eyelid stretches or loosens too much, causing the eyelid to droop. This can partially or completely block the vision and give the eyes and face a tired, sleepy appearance. It can affect people of all ages, with different causes in children and adults.
Causes of Upper Eyelid Ptosis
- In Children: In children, the most common cause is improper development of the levator muscle, which is the primary muscle responsible for lifting the upper eyelid. For example, some children are born with congenital ptosis due to genetic factors affecting the development of this muscle.
- In Adults: 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 can stretch over time, especially with age. Long - term contact lens use, previous eye surgery, or medical conditions such as oculomotor nerve palsy, diabetes, strokes, Horner syndrome, brain tumors, and myasthenia gravis can also contribute to the development of ptosis.
Symptoms of Upper Eyelid Ptosis
People with ptosis often experience difficulty keeping their eyes open. This can lead to eye strain, headaches from the increased effort needed to raise the eyelids, and fatigue, especially when reading. In severe cases, patients may need to tilt their head back or lift the eyelids with their finger to see out from under the drooping eyelid.
Hospitals for Upper Eyelid Ptosis Repair in New York City
ColumbiaDoctors
Columbia's ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive physicians are well - known for their expertise in treating various oculoplastic conditions, including upper eyelid ptosis repair. They offer a multidisciplinary approach, working with other services across Columbia to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.
Treatments and Services
- Ptosis Repair: This procedure is aimed at correcting a droopy upper eyelid, restoring its proper function and improving the appearance of the eye. The surgeons at Columbia are trained to use different techniques depending on the severity of the ptosis.
- Other Related Procedures: In addition to ptosis repair, they also perform blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery to remove excess skin and fat), eyelid retraction repair, eyelid trauma surgery, and eyelid tumor surgery, among others.
Why Choose ColumbiaDoctors
- Expertise: The oculoplastic experts at Columbia specialize in the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the eyelids, nasolacrimal system, and orbit.
- Minimally Invasive Options: They offer several minimally invasive surgical treatments, keeping the individual patient's needs in mind to achieve the best results.
To make an appointment, patients can call 212 - 305 - 9535.
LM Medical NYC
LM Medical NYC offers ptosis or droopy eyelid repair surgery at its state - of - the - art facilities in Manhattan. Dr. Lesley Rabach, a double - board certified facial plastic surgeon, specializes in performing cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid procedures.
Ptosis Repair at LM Medical NYC
Ptosis repair surgery at LM Medical NYC is designed to restore the proper function of the upper eyelid and improve the appearance of the eye. It may resemble an upper blepharoplasty but can be more complex, as it focuses on restoring the function of the eyelid in addition to its cosmetic appearance.
Benefits of Choosing LM Medical NYC
- Experienced Surgeon: Dr. Lesley Rabach has the expertise to handle different cases of ptosis and provide personalized treatment options.
- Consultation Process: Patients can schedule an informative consultation with Dr. Lesley to discuss their concerns and explore the best options for droopy eyelid correction.
Patients interested in learning more can contact the clinic to schedule a consultation.
Dr. Joel Kopelman
Dr. Joel Kopelman is a top eyelid plastic surgeon with offices in both New York City and New Jersey. He has over 35 years of experience performing hundreds of cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid surgical procedures, including ptosis repair.
Approach to Ptosis Repair
Dr. Kopelman understands that each patient has unique anatomical characteristics and varying degrees of surrounding tissue laxity. He offers two main techniques for ptosis repair: conjunctival - Mueller’s muscle resection and levator muscle resection.
Technique | Description |
---|---|
Conjunctival - Mueller’s muscle resection | Most mild to moderate degrees of eyelid ptosis can be corrected by tightening the posterior Mueller’s muscle. The patient can be in a “twilight” sleep during the procedure. |
Levator muscle resection | When a greater degree of ptosis is present, tightening the anterior levator muscle is preferred. The patient must be able to open and close their eyelids during the procedure under light sedation with local anesthesia. |
Recovery and Aftercare
After ptosis repair, swelling and minor bruising are expected. Ice compresses can be used initially, followed by warm compresses after two days. Sutures are removed 5 - 7 days after surgery, and minimal discomfort can be controlled with plain Tylenol.
Insurance Coverage
Dr. Kopelman will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine if ptosis is present alone or concurrently with lax upper eyelid skin and bulging fat. If the drooped eyelids impair vision and are considered a functional impairment, the insurance carrier may cover the ptosis repair procedure, but the cosmetic component may not be covered.
Dr. Joseph Rousso
Dr. Rousso offers correction of ptosis or droopy upper eyelids. His extensive knowledge and experience in facial cosmetic and reconstruction surgery enable him to create a balance of beauty and function required for this delicate procedure.
Ptosis Repair Surgery
Ptosis can occur at any age for various reasons, and its effects can diminish the beauty and expressiveness of the eyes and face and impact vision. Dr. Rousso's surgery can transform the upper eyelid, opening the eye for both aesthetic and functional purposes.
Consultation Process
Patients who are constantly asked if they are tired or sad due to a droopy upper eyelid, look older, or have vision issues due to ptosis can contact Dr. Rousso's office in Manhattan to schedule a consultation to explore the options in droopy eyelid repair.
Hudson Face & Eye
Highly - trained oculofacial plastic surgeon Dr. Yogita Kashyap and her team at Hudson Face & Eye, located in Central Park South, correct droopy eyelids with ptosis repair surgery.
Ptosis Repair Procedure
Dr. Kashyap performs ptosis repair at the office while the patient remains sitting up. She uses a local anesthetic and gentle sedation to ensure the patient feels no pain. The surgery involves tightening the loose tendon around the eyelid with permanent internal sutures and takes 1 - 2 hours.
Candidate Evaluation
To determine if a patient is a good candidate for ptosis repair, Dr. Kashyap will meet with the patient for a consultation, thoroughly examine the eyes, review the medical history, and listen to the patient's concerns. Most healthy people are candidates, but those with a dry eye condition may be recommended to seek treatment for that before the ptosis repair procedure.
Recovery
Patients can go home the same day but need someone else to drive them. They may experience mild discomfort for a few days and minor swelling and bruising that resolves in 1 - 2 weeks.
Patients interested in learning more can call 347 - 788 - 1841 or book an appointment online.
Dr. Edmund Kwan
Dr. Edmund Kwan, MD, is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon in NYC who provides a way to address a drooping eyelid to improve the appearance of the face and vision. He understands that a drooping eyelid can be caused by various factors and offers surgical solutions to correct it.
Approach to Ptosis
Dr. Kwan focuses on tightening the upper eyelid and the muscles that control it, specifically the levator and Mueller’s muscles. This can help patients with ptosis have less interference with their vision and better control of their eyelids.
Additional Services
In addition to ptosis repair, Dr. Kwan offers a myriad of other cosmetic and restorative services through his state - of - the - art facility. Patients interested in improving their appearance can schedule a consultation with him to explore all available options.
Dr. Amiya Prasad
Dr. Amiya Prasad is an oculoplastic surgeon who is an expert in eye and cosmetic eye surgery, including eyelid ptosis surgery. He takes a specialized approach to ptosis correction, recognizing that it is a high - precision surgery operating on the often unpredictable levator muscle.
Surgical Techniques
Dr. Prasad has his patients sit up during surgery to ensure the eyelid height is correct under normal gravity. This has enabled him to perform ptosis surgery only once close to 100% of the time.
Special Considerations
He also notes that people with congenital ptosis may require multiple surgeries throughout their lifetime. In childhood, surgery is often needed for proper visual development, and additional surgeries may be required during adolescence for aesthetic reasons and later in life due to aging.
Before - and - After Cases
Dr. Prasad has many success stories, such as the case of a 10 - month - old baby born with congenital ptosis who was at risk of permanent vision loss. After bilateral ptosis surgery with frontalis sling using fascia lata, the patient now has good vision and open eyes.
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 is well - known in New York City for his expertise.
Treatment of Ptosis
In children, congenital ptosis is treated surgically 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.
Risks and Complications
Following the procedure, there may be minor bruising and swelling of the eyelid that lasts for up to one week. The incision is placed in the normal eyelid crease, and Dr. Brazzo uses absorbable sutures, so there is no need for suture removal. Bleeding and infection are very uncommon, and discomfort is minimal and can be managed with one dose of Tylenol.
Preparing for Upper Eyelid Ptosis Repair
Initial Consultation
During the initial consultation with a surgeon, patients should expect a thorough examination of their eyes. The surgeon will measure the degree of ptosis, assess the strength of the levator muscle, and evaluate the patient's overall eye health. They will also review the patient's medical history to check for any underlying conditions that may affect the surgery.
Questions to Ask the Surgeon
- What technique will be used for the ptosis repair?
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
- How long is the recovery period?
- Will the procedure be covered by insurance?
- Can I see before - and - after photos of previous patients?
Lifestyle Adjustments
Before the surgery, patients may need to make some lifestyle adjustments. This may include stopping the use of certain medications that can increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin, for a specified period. They should also arrange for someone to drive them to and from the surgery and to stay with them during the initial recovery period.
Recovery and Aftercare
Immediate Post - Surgery
After the ptosis repair surgery, patients will experience some swelling and bruising around the eyes. Ice compresses can be used to reduce swelling, and it is important to keep the head elevated to minimize swelling as well. Patients may also experience some mild discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication prescribed by the surgeon.
Long - Term Recovery
Swelling and bruising usually subside within 1 - 2 weeks. Sutures are typically removed 5 - 7 days after surgery. Patients should avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks to allow the eyes to heal properly. They may also need to use lubricating eye drops to keep the eyes moist during the healing process.
Follow - up Appointments
Regular follow - up appointments with the surgeon are essential to monitor the healing process. The surgeon will check the position of the eyelid, the condition of the incision, and the overall eye health. They may also provide further instructions on aftercare based on the patient's progress.
Conclusion
In New York City, patients with upper eyelid ptosis have a range of excellent options for treatment. Whether it's the expertise of the surgeons at ColumbiaDoctors, the personalized approach of Dr. Lesley Rabach at LM Medical NYC, or the high - precision surgery techniques of Dr. Joel Kopelman, there is a solution for every patient. Each hospital and surgeon offers unique advantages, from minimally invasive procedures to comprehensive aftercare. If you are struggling with upper eyelid ptosis, don't let it affect your quality of life. Reach out to one of these esteemed medical professionals and take the first step towards restoring the functionality and appearance of your eyes.
We encourage you to share this article with others who may be dealing with upper eyelid ptosis. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about a specific hospital or surgeon, feel free to leave a comment or contact us. Take action today and start your journey to better eye health.