Cosmetic Pterygium Surgery

Q: Is pterygium surgery covered by insurance?

Insurance usually covers the basic, medically necessary removal. Our premium upgrade offers cosmetic and refractive optimization for those who want the best possible outcome.

Q: What does recovery feel like?

Most patients report minimal pain with our cosmetic approach. Older techniques can leave the eye scratchy and uncomfortable for 1–3 weeks.

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: What if it comes back?

Our cosmetic technique was uniquely developed and tested in over 1,000 patients and has shown less than 1% recurrence when paired with proper aftercare.

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 (Eye Growth)?

A pterygium—sometimes called an eye growth, eye web, surfer’s eye, or even a “film over the eye”—is a fleshy bump that begins on the white part of the eye and can extend onto the cornea. It may cause visible redness, a raised area on the eye, and in some cases, blurry vision or astigmatism. Common signs patients may notice:

A red or pink bump on the white of the eye, often near the nose
A web-like growth slowly extending toward the clear part of the eye
Irritation or a gritty, uncomfortable feeling
Changes in vision, distortion, or new astigmatism

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
Goal	Remove the growth	Remove the growth, restore natural white appearance, & optimize vision
Cosmetic outcome	Redness or visible scarring may remain	Natural-looking white eye with minimal visible signs
Vision	May leave a rough surface and astigmatism	Smoother surface → sharper vision and less astigmatism
Recurrence risk	25–40%	Less than 1% with our cosmetic technique
Comfort	Eye often scratchy & uncomfortable for 1–3 weeks	Minimal pain and a more comfortable recovery
Cost	Insurance-covered removal	Insurance + premium upgrade for cosmetic & refractive optimization

Why Cosmetic Results Matter

Traditional pterygium surgery focuses on removing the growth. Many patients are left with persistent redness, visible scarring, and a rough corneal surface that can blur vision. Recurrence with older methods can be as high as 25–40%, and the eye may feel scratchy and uncomfortable for 1–3 weeks after Surgery.

Our Premium Cosmetic Pterygium Surgery approaches this differently. We aim to remove the eye growth, restore a natural white-eye appearance, smooth the corneal surface for sharper vision, and make recovery far more comfortable.

What are the Benefits?

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.

Traveling to NYC for Eye Growth Removal?

Many people travel for cosmetic pterygium (eye growth) surgery. We offer:

Virtual consultations
Streamlined scheduling (evaluation, surgery, and recovery support in one visit)
Concierge assistance with hotels and transportation

Insurance + Premium Upgrade

Insurance typically covers the medically necessary removal of a pterygium (eye growth).

For the best cosmetic and refractive results, we offer a premium upgrade that includes advanced techniques, cosmetic closure, and enhanced aftercare.

“My eye always looked red and bumpy. After cosmetic eye growth removal, it looks white again and my vision is sharper. I finally feel confident.”

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 an autograft combining your own conjunctiva and stem cells. This technique results in the lowest recurrence rates without using dangerous materials like mitomycin C.
We use fibrin glue instead of stitches

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

Is pterygium surgery covered by insurance?

Insurance usually covers the basic, medically necessary removal. Our premium upgrade offers cosmetic and refractive optimization for those who want the best possible outcome.

What does recovery feel like?

Most patients report minimal pain with our cosmetic approach. Older techniques can leave the eye scratchy and uncomfortable for 1–3 weeks.

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?

Our cosmetic technique was uniquely developed and tested in over 1,000 patients and has shown less than 1% recurrence when paired with proper aftercare.

Will the eye look normal right away?