Medical Archives - Jessica Lattman, MD

Xanthelasma – What is it and what can I do about it? – What is it and what can I do about it?

Jessica Lattman, MD — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 21:38:31 +0000

Xanthelasmas are yellow growths that typically show up on the inner corners of the eyelids. They are cholesterol deposits that build up in the skin. Systemic conditions such as high cholesterol, diabetes and thyroid abnormalities can be associated with these growths.

If you notice a new growth on your eyelid, you should have it looked at by an oculoplastic surgeon as soon as possible. Eyelid growths are easier to remove when they are small, given the delicate nature of the eyelid skin.

The best way to remove xanthelasmas is through surgical excision. This needs to be done by a highly trained eyelid specialist. The contours of the eyelid skin, and the functional properties of the eyelids must be preserved when any lesion is excised on the eyelids.

In the hands of a specialist, eyelid skin heals extremely well, my patients are always very happy to have these lesions removed.

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What Is Ocular Rosacea?

Jessica Lattman, MD — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Ocular rosacea is chronic inflammation that causes redness, burning and itching of the eyes. It often develops in people who have rosacea, a chronic skin condition that affects the face.

Rosacea on the face can cause your cheeks to flush. You may also develop what looks like acne on your nose, cheeks, chin or forehead. Ocular Rosacea can be uncomfortable.

Signs and symptoms of Ocular Rosacea are:

Red, burning or watering eyes
The feeling like there is something in your eye
Redness and swelling of the eyelids especially at the base of the eyelashes
Chronic styes or chalazion
Clogged oil glands of the eyelids

Ocular Rosacea Treatment

While there is no cure for ocular rosacea, symptoms can be controlled.

Treatments for eye symptoms include:

Steroid drops and ointments to reduce redness and swelling.
Antibiotic pills, drops or ointments to treat inflammation.
Artificial tear drops to help keep eyes moist.
Eyelid scrubs to keep your oil glands open and free of infection.
Punctal plugs to help keep the eyes moist.

If you are suffering from any of the above symptoms, it may be due to ocular rosacea. There are many great treatments so that you can be comfortable and keep your eyes healthy.

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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What is a Chalazion and how do I treat it?

Jessica Lattman, MD — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 20:37:22 +0000

A chalazion is a small lump or swelling on the eyelid. Chalazia are caused by a blockage in a meibomian gland on the eyelid. It can develop on the upper or lower eyelid. Some people are more prone to get chalazions than others.

Risk factors for chalazia include acne, rosacea, blepharitis or any long-term inflammation of the eyelid. In my experience, life factors such as stress, travel and big life events can bring on an episode.

I will typically diagnose a chalazion by simply examining the eyelid. I may also look under the eyelid also to see the full extent. I will also examine the meibomian glands. If there is any associated blepharitis or dry eye I will offer treatments for those conditions as well.

Treatments for chalazia include, warm compresses, topical antibiotic drops and oral antibiotics. In the office I may also inject the area with steroid (Kenalog) to help the chalazion shrink. In some cases, I will surgically drain the chalazion. The surgical drainage is also done in the office.

Most chalazia will eventually go away on their own, although this can take many months. Medical treatments help to shorten the course of the chalazia.

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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Choosing an Oculoplastic Surgeon In NYC

Jessica Lattman, MD — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 21:37:12 +0000

New York City has one of the largest concentrations of oculoplastic surgeons in the country. How do you choose the best oculoplastic surgeon for you?

Your first stop should be the surgeons web page. The web page is a reflection of the surgeon’s aesthetic sensibility and personality. Read through the description of their philosophy of beauty and see if this aligns with your goals. Also on the web page you can see how long the surgeon has been practicing and their training. These are both important factors. I would also look at the before and after gallery. This is a great way to see the surgeons work first hand.

I would next look online and read reviews from several different websites. This will allow you to get an overall impression of what other patient’s experiences have been.

Next step would be to schedule a consultation. Here you can experience the doctor and their office first hand. Again, how an office runs is a direct reflection of the surgeon. It is important that you feel comfortable and welcomed by both the staff and the doctor.

Lastly would be to discuss your specific concerns and the surgeons surgical plan. It is important to discuss your specific goals and what the recovery time will be.

Hopefully this is a helpful guide to finding the best oculoplastic surgeon in NYC for you!

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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What Are Xanthelasmas?

Jessica Lattman, MD — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 21:52:17 +0000

Xanthelasmas are yellowish, soft, flat skin lesions that grow on the inner corners of the eyelids. They are deposits of cholesterol in the skin. They grow slowly over time and may start out as several small growths and then combine into a larger lesion. The growths usually cause no pain or discomfort, so my patients will likely request removal for cosmetic reasons.

What Causes Xanthelasmas?

A xanthelasma is sometimes a symptom of a more serious underlying condition, such as dyslipidemia, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, liver disease, or diabetes.

Anyone developing cholesterol deposits around the eyes should be seen by a doctor.

How Are Xanthelasmas Treated?

The best treatment for Xanthelasmas is surgical removal. This can easily be done in the office with local anesthesia. I see many patients with Xanthelasmas and the results of surgical excision is often life changing!

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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Oculoplastic Surgery – Look Your Best and See Your Best!

Jessica Lattman, MD — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 16:30:30 +0000

Oculoplastic surgery is a specialized field of medicine that brings together two diverse sources of knowledge—plastic surgery and ophthalmology. The training to become an oculoplastic surgeon is what makes me a true eyelid expert. After four years of premedical education at Cornell University, I earned an MD degree at New York University School of Medicine. Next, I completed a one-year internship and then a three-year residency in ophthalmology and general eye surgery at the Manhattan Eye Ear and Throat Hospital. Finally, I completed a fellowship in ophthalmic plastic, reconstructive, and orbital surgery.

As an oculoplastic surgeon, I perform a range of procedures around the eyes. The most common are cosmetic blepharoplasty, ptosis repair, endoscopic brow lift and treatment of skin cancers on the eyelids. With my depth of training and experience, I comfortably treat and operate on a full range of conditions that occur around the eyes.

The most common cosmetic office procedures I perform are Botox injections, filler treatments, and laser resurfacing. I also treat styes and chalazions, dry eye, and biopsy suspicious skin growths on the eyelids.

I pay special attention to how the eyelids function and interact with the surrounding facial structures. My goal is always to improve both how the eyelids look, and how they function. The ultimate goal is to have all my patients looking and seeing their best.

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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What is a Chalazion?

Jessica Lattman, MD — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 17:04:43 +0000

A chalazion occurs when a small oil gland in the eyelid becomes blocked. The secretions from the gland leak out into the surrounding eyelid tissue and cause redness and inflammation.

Some common symptoms of a chalazion are:

A lump on the eyelid
Swelling of the eyelid
Soreness or discomfort
Redness
Blurry vision
A droopy eyelid

Certain conditions can make you more likely to get a chalazion. These include blepharitis and rosacea. Very rarely a skin cancer on the eyelid can cause a chalazion to form.

At the first signs of a chalazion developing, the most important thing to do is begin warm compresses to the affected area 4–5 times a day. This will help open up the blocked gland and also help the body to heal the surrounding inflamed tissue.

If the warm compresses do not help, then it is important to come into the office for an evaluation. Topical medication, oral antibiotics, injections into the area and possible surgical drainage may be necessary.

After I treat your chalazion, I will evaluate your eyelids for the associated conditions—blepharitis and rosacea—and suggest some easy ways to prevent recurrence. Learn more about Chalazion

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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What is an oculoplastic surgeon and what do they treat?

Jessica Lattman, MD — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 07:49:06 +0000

Posted December 14th, 2017

The field of oculoplastic surgery combines the precision and microsurgery of ophthalmology with the aesthetic and reconstructive concepts of plastic surgery. Oculoplastic surgery is a small, highly selective subspeciality of ophthalmology. Oculoplastic surgeons complete a residency in ophthalmology and then a fellowship in Oculoplastic surgery.

Cosmetic Oculoplastic Surgery

Oculoplastic surgeons are focused on the cosmetic concerns around the eyes, upper face and eyebrows. They have extensive training handling the delicate structures around the eyelids.

Typical reasons for cosmetic consultations with an oculoplastic surgeon include

Drooping, or tired, upper eyelids
Excess eyelid skin
Eyelid bags
Wrinkles
Hanging or low eyebrows

Treatment Options

Blepharoplasty
Endoscopic Brow Lift
Botox
Facial and eyelid rejuvenation with fillers
Laser skin resurfacing

Typical Medical eyelid disorders treated by and oculoplastic surgeon include

Ptosis (drooping eyelids)
Congenital malformations
Trauma (lacerations)
Tumors (skin cancer)
Malpositions such as entropion (turned in eyelid) and ectropion (turned out eyelid)
Styes (chalazia)
Blepharospasm
Eyelash abnormalities

Tearing issues treated by an oculoplastic surgeon include

Nasolacrimal duct obstruction (blocked tear duct)
Punctal malposition or stenosis (abnormal tear drain)
Lacrimal system trauma
Tumors
Unexplained tearing
Dry eye

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