Cosmetic Pterygium Surgery

Q: Will my insurance cover this surgery?

Standard pterygium removal may be covered, but our cosmetic upgrade is an elective enhancement not typically reimbursed by insurance. We offer convenient financing options.

Q: How long does the surgery take?

The procedure typically takes about 20–30 minutes per eye. Recovery is remarkably fast, with many patients resuming normal activities within a day or two.

Q: Does it eliminate most of the pain?

Yes. We significantly reduce post-operative discomfort by using tissue adhesive instead of stitches and minimizing trauma to the surrounding tissue. Most people report little to no pain after surgery.

Q: Will the eye look normal right away?

In many cases, yes. Most patients are surprised to see how white and clear their eyes appear, even the day after surgery, without the redness or scarring often seen with older techniques.

Q: Can this surgery improve my vision, too?

Yes. In addition to cosmetic improvements, we perform astigmatic keratotomy during the procedure to help reduce vision distortion caused by the pterygium. Many patients experience both cosmetic and functional benefits.

Experience a virtually scarless, no-stitch procedure that allows you to look your best and see better immediately.

Premium Pterygium Care That Prioritizes Your Comfort and Clarity

At Cohen Eye Institute, we don’t just remove pterygium; we restore confidence, comfort, and clarity. Our signature no-stitch technique is the choice of discerning patients and physicians, delivering a virtually scarless, low-pain recovery and astigmatism correction in one elegant procedure. With cosmetic-grade outcomes and recurrence rates of less than 1%, our premium approach far exceeds the results of traditional, insurance-covered options. You're in the right place if you're ready for clear vision and a bright, white eye that looks as good as it feels.

What Is a Pterygium?

A pterygium (pronounced “tuh-RIJ-ee-um”) is a benign, wedge-shaped growth of tissue on the white part of the eye that can gradually extend onto the cornea. Often triggered by chronic exposure to sunlight, wind, dust, or dry environments, this growth can start as a mild cosmetic concern, but left untreated, it may cause persistent redness, irritation, a gritty sensation, or even distorted vision. While pterygia are medically non-cancerous, they often carry a frustrating emotional burden.

Many patients are bothered by their appearance, typically a raised, red, or fleshy bump that disrupts the eye’s natural clarity. In more advanced cases, the growth can pull on the cornea, worsening astigmatism and impairing visual sharpness. That’s why an expertly performed, vision-conscious approach to removal is about more than just comfort—it’s about preserving your confidence, clarity, and long-term eye health.

Traditional vs. Cosmetic Pterygium Surgery
What Sets Our Approach Apart

Choosing the right pterygium surgery can make a profound difference, not just in your healing process, but in how confident you feel with your eyes afterward. Here’s how our advanced technique compares to standard procedures:

Feature	Traditional Surgery	Cosmetic Surgery
No stitches (uses adhesive instead)	❌	✅
Minimal discomfort & fast healing	❌	✅
Virtually scarless results	❌ (Often leaves visible redness or scarring)	✅ (Eyes often look clear the next day)
Vision correction included (Astigmatic Keratotomy)	❌	✅
Low recurrence rate	❌ (15–40%)	✅ (<1% recurrence with our technique)
Cosmetic/visual enhancement focus	❌	✅
Insurance coverage	✅	⚠️ (Premium elective upgrade—partially out-of-pocket)

Why Choose the Premium "Cosmetic" Route?

Lasting Confidence: Our advanced "no-stitch" technique has shown a recurrence rate of less than 1%, compared to up to 15–40% with traditional methods, so you can move forward without worry.
Faster, More Comfortable Recovery: Most clients experience minimal discomfort and return to daily activities quickly, often the very next day.
Naturally Clear Appearance: Once healing is complete, your eye appears bright, white, and scar-free, unlike the lingering redness or scarring common with standard surgery.
Life-Changing Visual & Emotional Results: Besides improved vision and reduced astigmatism, restoring a natural-looking eye often leads to greater self-esteem and makes future treatments like LASIK more accessible.

Understanding the Out-of-Pocket Cost

Traditional pterygium removal is typically covered by insurance, but our advanced cosmetic approach goes far beyond basic removal. This premium technique is designed to eliminate the growth, enhance cosmetic appearance, and reduce vision distortion, resulting in a more comfortable recovery and a clearer, whiter eye.

What’s Included in Our All-Inclusive Package:

You’ll receive one transparent flat-rate fee, which covers:

Advanced surgical materials like fibrin glue and an optional amniotic membrane
The procedure itself, performed with a specialized focus on scar-free healing and cosmetic excellence
Post-operative care and follow-up visits to ensure a smooth, successful recovery
Astigmatic keratotomy, an additional step that helps correct vision distortions caused by the pterygium for improved visual outcomes

Flexible Financing & Payment Plans

We offer monthly payment options through medical lenders like CareCredit, making investing in lifelong clarity and confidence easier. Ask our team about flexible plans that fit your budget and timeline.

A One-Time Investment with Lifelong Benefits

Unlike older methods, which often result in visible scarring or repeat surgeries, our cosmetic approach is designed to be a one-time solution. Many patients tell us it’s more than worth the investment to avoid years of discomfort and self-consciousness because their eyes deserve to look and feel their best.

Who Is a Candidate?

Adults (18+ years) with pterygium who want the best cosmetic and clinical outcome
Those who've had a recurrence from standard surgery and want a more definitive solution
Individuals concerned about scarring, redness, or a painful recovery with the traditional method
Patients wanting to boost their eye appearance for personal or professional reasons
Patients who want better vision after the surgery

Note: If you have severe ocular surface disease, advanced glaucoma, or other specific conditions, our doctors will evaluate whether this technique suits you.

What to Expect: Step-by-Step

Pre-Op Consultation

We conduct a thorough eye exam, measurements, and discuss your goals/concerns
You’ll receive an overview of the procedure, aftercare, and cost details

The Procedure

It’s performed under local anesthesia, so you’ll be comfortable and relaxed
We remove the pterygium and the extensive underlying tissue that causes recurrence
We use fibrin glue instead of stitches, plus an amniotic membrane and/or mitomycin C as needed to prevent regrowth

Recovery

Most patients report less pain post-surgery, compared to traditional surgery
Many see a white, clear eye in a few weeks, whereas traditional surgery can take months to heal fully
Eye drops and protective measures (like sunglasses) are recommended for optimal healing

Why Choose Cohen Eye Institute for Pterygium Surgery?

Trusted by Experts: More than 1,000 physicians—including top eye surgeons—have personally chosen Dr. Ilan Cohen for their vision procedures. His leadership in advanced anterior segment surgery is recognized nationwide.
80,000+ Procedures Performed: With a deep surgical volume spanning decades, Dr. Cohen brings rare precision and insight to every case.
Innovative, No-Stitch Technique: We use advanced tissue adhesives for a suture-free experience, minimizing pain, enhancing healing, and delivering cosmetic clarity from day one.
Recurrence Rates <1%: Compared to traditional methods with recurrence rates of 15–40%, our method sets a new standard for reliability and long-term peace of mind.
Vision-Correcting Bonus: Unlike most surgeons, Dr. Cohen includes astigmatic keratotomy to improve vision and not just remove growth.
Cosmetic and Functional Excellence: Clients report feeling, seeing, and looking better, showcasing how pterygium surgery positively impacts overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions Cosmetic Pterygium Surgery

Will my insurance cover this surgery?

Standard pterygium removal may be covered, but our cosmetic upgrade is an elective enhancement not typically reimbursed by insurance. We offer convenient financing options.

How long does the surgery take?

The procedure typically takes about 20–30 minutes per eye. Recovery is remarkably fast, with many patients resuming normal activities within a day or two.

Does it eliminate most of the pain?

Yes. We significantly reduce post-operative discomfort by using tissue adhesive instead of stitches and minimizing trauma to the surrounding tissue. Most people report little to no pain after surgery.

What if it comes back?

Recurrence is extremely rare (<1%) with our advanced technique. If it does return, we're committed to helping you achieve a clear, comfortable eye and can discuss retreatment policies during your consultation.

Will the eye look normal right away?

In many cases, yes. Most patients are surprised to see how white and clear their eyes appear, even the day after surgery, without the redness or scarring often seen with older techniques.

Can this surgery improve my vision, too?