Cosmetic Surgeon Archives - Jessica Lattman, MD

The Different Types of Ptosis

Jessica Lattman, MD — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 23:26:01 +0000

What Are the Different Types of Ptosis?

When the upper eyelid begins to droop lower than normal, it can affect not only your appearance but also your vision and eye comfort. This condition, known as ptosis, is more common than many people realize, and it can occur at any age.

As a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon in New York City, Dr. Jessica Lattman specializes in all types of ptosis repair, from mild to complex. Understanding the different types of ptosis is the first step in determining the right treatment and restoring both function and symmetry to the eyes.

What Is Ptosis of the Eyelid?

Ptosis (pronounced toe-sis) refers to a drooping of the upper eyelid caused by weakness, stretching, or damage to the muscles and tendons responsible for lifting the lid. The condition can affect one or both eyes and may develop gradually or appear suddenly.

Common signs and symptoms include:

One eyelid sitting noticeably lower than the other
A tired, heavy, or asymmetrical appearance in photos
Partial obstruction of vision or a “shadow” in the upper field
Habitually raising the eyebrows or tilting the chin to see more clearly

The Main Types of Ptosis

Ptosis can result from a variety of underlying causes, each requiring a different approach to diagnosis and treatment. Below are the most common types of ptosis Dr. Lattman sees in her practice.

1. Aponeurotic Ptosis (Age-Related Ptosis)

The most common form of eyelid drooping in adults is aponeurotic ptosis, sometimes called involutional ptosis. It occurs when the levator aponeurosis (the tendon-like structure that connects the levator muscle to the eyelid) stretches or weakens over time.

This age-related change can happen naturally with aging or after years of contact lens use, rubbing the eyes, or prior eye surgery.

Key features include:

Gradual onset in adulthood
Drooping that worsens later in the day
Normal eye movement and pupil function
Excellent response to surgical correction

Dr. Lattman performs a delicate repair that reattaches and tightens the levator muscle, restoring the lid to its proper height and symmetry. The result is a natural, refreshed appearance.

2. Congenital Ptosis

Congenital ptosis is present at birth and results from an underdeveloped or weakened levator muscle. The eyelid may cover part of the pupil, causing vision obstruction or the need for a compensatory head tilt in children.

Common signs include:

One eyelid drooping since infancy
The child raising their eyebrows or lifting their chin to see
Possible differences in eyelid crease height

Early evaluation is important because congenital ptosis can affect visual development. Dr. Lattman carefully assesses each child’s muscle strength and eye health before planning surgery. 3. Neurogenic Ptosis

Neurogenic ptosis occurs when a problem in the nerves controlling the eyelid muscles prevents normal lifting. Conditions such as Horner’s syndrome, third cranial nerve palsy, or myasthenia gravis can lead to this form of drooping.

Typical signs:

Sudden eyelid drooping, sometimes with double vision
Unequal pupils or decreased eye movement
Fatigue that worsens throughout the day

The first step is identifying and treating the underlying neurological condition. Once the cause is stabilized, surgical or nonsurgical correction may be considered. As both an oculoplastic surgeon and trained ophthalmologist, Dr. Lattman is uniquely qualified to evaluate these complex cases safely and comprehensively.

3. Mechanical Ptosis

In mechanical ptosis, the eyelid droops because of excess weight or obstruction, such as from a tumor, inflammation, swelling, or heavy skin and fat.

Symptoms include:

Eyelid heaviness or fullness
Reduced ability to open the eye
Visible mass or swelling above the lid

Dr. Lattman’s approach focuses on removing or treating the underlying cause, whether that means excising a benign lesion, addressing inflammation, or performing an upper blepharoplasty to lift excess skin. Once the mechanical weight is removed, eyelid position and function usually improve dramatically.

4. Traumatic or Myogenic Ptosis

Traumatic ptosis can occur after direct injury or previous eyelid surgery, damaging the muscles or tendons that lift the eyelid. Myogenic ptosis, on the other hand, stems from a disease or degeneration of the levator muscle itself, such as in muscular dystrophy or chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia.

These forms of ptosis often require highly customized surgical repair to strengthen or reposition the affected muscle. Dr. Lattman tailors every procedure to the patient’s unique anatomy to ensure safety and symmetry while preserving natural eye movement.

Diagnosing the Different Types of Ptosis

Proper diagnosis is crucial, as each type of ptosis has different causes and treatments. During your consultation, Dr. Lattman performs a detailed evaluation that includes:

Eyelid height and symmetry measurements
Assessment of levator muscle function
Pupil examination and eye movement testing
Review of medical and surgical history

This precise analysis allows her to identify not only which type of ptosis you have but also why it developed, ensuring that your treatment plan addresses both form and function.

Treating Ptosis: Restoring Balance and Vision

Treatment for ptosis is almost always surgical, but the approach varies depending on the cause and muscle strength. In some mild cases, nonsurgical options, such as prescription eye drops (Upneeq®), may provide temporary elevation.

For most patients, however, ptosis repair surgery provides the best long-term correction. Dr. Lattman performs these procedures in her state-of-the-art accredited surgery center on East 64th Street in Manhattan and uses the most advanced, minimally invasive techniques to restore the eyelid’s normal position and contour.

Her goal is simple: to deliver exceptional results, preserve the health and function of the eyes, and ensure every patient feels comfortable and cared for at every step.

Why Choose Dr. Jessica Lattman for Ptosis Surgery in NYC

Ptosis repair requires not only surgical precision but also a deep understanding of eye anatomy and function. As a fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon with over 25 years of experience, Dr. Lattman combines medical expertise with an artistic eye for balance and symmetry.

Patients trust her for her calm, compassionate approach and her commitment to achieving results that look natural and feel effortless. She personally performs every consultation and surgery, and she fosters a standard of care that is rare to find at any other practice.

Ready to Get Started? Contact Our NYC Practice Today

Call (212) 832-5456 or contact us online to schedule your private consultation at her Park Avenue practice. Dr. Lattman and our friendly team of experts look forward to hearing from you soon.

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Podcast: Eye Rejuvenation with Dr. Jessica Lattman

Jessica Lattman, MD — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 15:53:12 +0000

Expert Insights on Eye Rejuvenation with Dr. Jessica Lattman

A new episode of eHealth Radio is live, featuring renowned oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Jessica Lattman, a board-certified specialist with over 25 years of experience in cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid surgery. Based in New York City, Dr. Lattman brings her signature blend of surgical precision and artistic vision to a thoughtful conversation on how the eyes age—and what modern treatment options can do to help.

In this episode, Dr. Lattman breaks down the differences between cosmetic and functional eyelid surgery, explains how she customizes treatment plans for each individual, and walks listeners through today’s approach to lower eyelid blepharoplasty with fat transfer. She also offers valuable guidance for anyone considering eye rejuvenation but feeling hesitant about where to begin.

Tune in as host Eric Michaels explores:

How the eyes naturally change over time
How surgeons determine the right surgical or non-surgical approach
When cosmetic vs. functional blepharoplasty is appropriate
What to expect from modern lower eyelid blepharoplasty with fat transfer
Encouraging advice for first-time patients seeking a refreshed, natural look

Don’t miss this insightful conversation with one of Manhattan’s leading oculoplastic surgeons.

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Virtual Consultations – what to expect

Jessica Lattman, MD — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 09:18:30 +0000

For new patients it is a time when we can get to know each other. I can visually examine the eyes and face and offer my suggestions. I can explain my aesthetic sense and surgical approach. Most patients come with a list of questions that I go over and answer for them. After the remote visit, if the patient decides to proceed with surgery, or would like to meet in person, my office makes all that happen.

Now that we are living in this new age of Zoom meetings and Facetime, remote visits are a great opportunity for me to see how my patients look on a screen. I offer suggestions for surgical and non-surgical interventions to improve their appearance on the screen.

It is my great joy to educate my patients about cosmetic eyelid surgery, botox, fillers and eyelid skin treatments. Remote visits allow me to talk about what I love 7 days a week! For established patients and post-ops, I can see how they are healing and offer reassurance and medical advice.

While the remote visit will never replace personal interactions, it has been a fantastic addition to my practice. Hope to see you all on the screen soon.

Call us at (212) 832-5456 or request online that we call you back by submitting our online request form here.

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How do I know if I have chosen the right surgeon? What questions should I be asking?

Jessica Lattman, MD — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 08:15:48 +0000

Posted November 28th, 2016

A: Your choice of a surgeon should depend on many factors. Not all surgeons are good at every procedure. You should choose a sub-specialist trained in the specific procedure you want to have done. Make sure your surgeon is board certified and ask them how long they have been performing the specific procedure. Ask to see before and after photos of previous patients they have operated on and to speak with former patients.

Make sure you are comfortable with your surgeon’s personality, because communication is important before, during and after surgery. All your questions should be answered before surgery. Also, make sure your goals and those of your surgeon are the same regarding the final result you wish to achieve. If your doctor tries to push additional procedures or seems to have an agenda of their own you may want to reconsider your choice of surgeons.

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