Ptosis Repairin New York City

Eyelid ptosis is commonly caused by a slippage of the upper eyelid muscles that normally raise the eyelids. Dr. Kopelman compares eyelid anatomy to the structure of a house – a droopy eyelid or “ptosis” is like a weak foundation of a house where excess loose redundant upper eyelid skin is akin to loose shingles falling down.

The disinsertion of muscle attachments which lead to ptosis occurs most commonly as an age related change but can also occur at birth and in middle aged patients who have worn hard contact lens for long periods of time. Like an overhanging awning this downward droop leads to an obstruction of a patient’s superior field of vision.

Ptosis Repair Before & After

These Ptosis before and after pictures represent actual patients from Dr. Kopelman. They will help you to set realistic goals for your own surgical outcome. Click on a patient to learn more about their Ptosis surgery.

“I first met Dr. Kopelman when I was diagnosed with a condition called Ptosis which causes dropping eyelids. He performed surgery to correct the problem and the results were outstanding. Dr. Kopelman is a caring, kind physician who treats his patients with respect. In addition, I can’t imagine finding a more skilled doctor.”

~ Gwen McCarthy ~

Ptosis Surgery in NYC with Dr. Joel Kopelman

Dr. Joel Kopelman is a top eyelid plastic surgeon who will help address your eyelid ptosis. He has 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 continues to sought out by colleagues and patients across the east coast. Dr. Kopelman understands that every patient presents with a unique set of characteristics, both with respect to their anatomy and the degree of surrounding tissue laxity. Dr. Kopelman’s extensive experience as an oculoplastic surgeon will allow him to assess the condition of your eyelids helping you to perfect both functional and cosmetic improvements.

Ideal Ptosis Candidate

Laxity of neck skin
Excess fat below your chin
Wrinkling of your skin

Ptosis Benefits

Removal of excess skin
Tightening of muscles of the neck

Ptosis Techniques

Conjunctival-Mueller’s muscle resection
Levator muscle resection

Dr. Kopelman's approach to ptosis repair will help you restore your vision and will create a more youthful appearance to your face

Ptosis Eyelid Procedure

Ptosis is easily corrected by tightening internal eyelid muscles which open the eyelids. There are two internal muscle groups, the levator and Mueller’s muscles that raise the eyelid. 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.The surgery is typically performed under intravenous sedation with local anesthesia.

If the posterior Mueller’s muscle is tightened the patient can be in a “twilight” sleep. No cooperation is necessary. However, if the patient has a greater degree of ptosis then levator muscle surgery requires the patient to open and close their eyelids during the procedure. In order to precisely titrate the degree of eyelid elevation and restore the contour of the eyelid, the patient must be able to raise their eyelids during the procedure. Because the patient takes an active role during the surgery, only light sedation with local anesthesia is performed.

Ptosis Recovery

Swelling and minor bruising is expected following eyelid ptosis repair. Initially this swelling can be minimized by the frequent application of ice compresses (using zip-lock bags). After two days of ice compresses, Dr. Kopelman suggests that you switch to warm compresses which will help to accelerate the resolution of bruises. Minimal discomfort is typically experienced which is commonly controlled with plain Tylenol. Sutures are removed from 5-7 days following surgery.

Frequently asked questions
about Ptosis

Is ptosis repair covered by my insurance?

Because the drooped eyelids impairs your vision and can impede your daily activities it is “viewed” as a functional impairment. Your insurance carrier may cover the procedure. However, eyelid ptosis must be differentiated from excessive laxity of upper eyelid skin.

An eyelid droop must be differentiated from a laxity of the upper eyelid skin that can hang down and impinge on your field of vision. When skin hangs down and fat bulges appear then an upper eyelid blepharoplasty, a cosmetic procedure, is necessary to remove excess skin and protruding fat. At the time of your visit, Dr. Kopelman will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your drooped eyelids. He will determine if ptosis (drooped upper lid) is present alone or whether it exists concurrently with lax upper eyelid skin and bulging fat. If both eyelid muscle and skin laxity exist together then a ptosis repair and cosmetic procedure can be performed at the same time in order to achieve an optimal rejuvenated appearance. Unfortunately, the cosmetic component is not covered by your medical insurance.

Frequently asked questions
about Ptosis

Is ptosis repair covered by my insurance?

Schedule a Consultation

For Ptosis Eyelid Surgery

CALL TODAY 212-831-8333

To schedule a private consultation with Dr. Kopelman,

please call the office or request an appointment online.

1112 Park Ave #1a, New York, NY 10128

REVIEWS

Dr. Kopelman is an outstanding surgeon and a wonderful person. He definitely gives you a lot of confidence to give you a fresh, youthful appearance! I highly recommend Dr. Kopelman and I personally would only use him!!!

I have known Dr. Kopelman for more than 20 years. He is an extremely competent & talented surgeon. I had a facelift and my eyes done and really feel younger. I would recommend him to anyone who is in need of either cosmetic or reconstructive surgery.

I have known Dr. Kopelman for fifteen years and would not trade him for any other plastic surgeon. He has been there when I needed help with cuts to my face and sunken cheeks. Never too much, always aesthetically gentle and well balanced. He is an artist with a great depth of skills and knowledge and an easygoing manner. He is a treasure in a world of plastic surgery, where so much can go wrong!

I was so happy to have found Dr. Kopelman. He really made me feel very comfortable in his hands, his bedside manner is top-notch, and his staff were wonderful too. I am truly happy with the fabulous results from my blepharoplasty and browlift. I could not thank him enough!

Ptosis Repairin New York City​