Restore your vision and youthful appearance with
eyelid ptosis surgery
in the NYC Tri-State area

Open your eyes to ptosis

“Ptosis,” which quite literally refers to “drooping,” is a common condition that affects the eyelid. Dr. Kwan has treated a diverse range of patients with droopy eyelids. Some children are born with ptosis, and the drooping may affect either one eye or both lids. Dr. Kwan frequently treats patients whose ptosis has occurred later in life, as the result of the natural aging process which tends to stretch and weaken the skin and muscles of the eyelids. Furthermore, older patients may undergo ocular surgeries. These surgeries can lead to ptosis, due to the use of instruments that keep the eyes open and, in turn, stretch tissues.

The levator palpebrae superioris and the Müller’s muscle are primarily implicated in the development of ptosis, with the frontalis muscle in the forehead deemed an “accessory” muscle, which plays a comparatively modest role in elevating the upper lid. The former levator and Müller’s muscles are critical to the proper function of the upper eyelids. If the levator muscle becomes stretched-out or loosens up, as is the case among aging patients, some degree of ptosis will arise. Levator muscles may also have limited movement, particularly among Asian patients, which can contribute to ptosis. Müller’s muscle also helps to lift the upper eyelids. Some patients’ muscles naturally don’t contract or maintain proper eyelid position, whereas others may encounter problems with drooping over time due to aging or weakened muscles. Some forms of ptosis are caused by specific medical or nerve problems, such as Bell’s palsy, muscular dystrophy, or diabetes.

Since Dr. Kwan treats so many different types of patients, across ethnic and multi-cultural backgrounds, he can get to the cause of ptosis. An accurate understanding of the nature of your symptoms leads to effective treatment and helps you to avoid many of the side effects associated with ptosis, including blocked or blurry vision, and amblyopia (“lazy eye”).

See your youthful eyes, clearly

After consulting with you and evaluating your condition, Dr. Kwan may recommend surgical repair. During your consultation, he’ll show you a 3-dimensional image of your face via the advanced Vectra imaging system. In this way, you can compare the “before” model of your face to the image of your face “after” surgery. This technology allows you to see exactly how surgery can repair the appearance of your eyes, and help you regain healthy vision. Results are viewed even before the surgery is scheduled!

Generally, surgery for ptosis is performed by numbing the area to be treated. Edmund Kwan MD is also equipped to safely offer various types of sedation for the ultimate in comfort. The procedure itself largely involves:

• Accessing the muscles responsible for ptosis via a small, well-camouflaged opening in the skin of the upper lid
• Tightening and advancing the levator or other muscles needed to properly raise the eyelid
• Closing the incision in a way that minimizes visible scarring; many patients appreciate Dr. Kwan’s skill in this area!

Surgical repair and muscle tightening can also be performed from underneath the eyelid, which means no incision is required. Ptosis can be improved markedly with this muscle tightening, and surgery has the added benefit of restoring healthy lid function. Sometimes, the crease of the eyelid can be affected by ptosis. By repairing the underlying muscle, that crease no longer looks overly large or out of proportion with the rest of the eye. Depending on your needs, surgery may be done on one or both eyes.

We see better vision and a vibrant appearance in your future!

Edmund Kwan, MD understands the strain ptosis places on your eyes and your life in general. When the tissues around your eyes droop, due to natural aging or congenital conditions, it requires much more effort to focus on day-to-day tasks – from reading to simply walking to the closest subway line. Blurry or limited vision threatens your safety and wellbeing. Board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Edmund Kwan, helps you to reclaim your confidence, independence, and quality of life.

Eyelid ptosis surgery in NYC at Dr. Kwan’s Manhattan, Flushing, or Fort Lee NJ offices is tailored, and generally involves tightening the slack muscles responsible for ptosis through small incisions hidden in skin folds. Dr. Kwan is happy to show you the results from treatment before the day of your surgery – yes, it’s possible with the Vectra 3-D imaging system! Additionally, he understands the anatomical differences among his diverse patients. So, your unique features are celebrated, courtesy of abundant skill (without the sky-high costs associated with the 10028 ZIP code).