Health

What is Ptosis and How is it Treated?

Published

4 years ago

October 31, 2021

Ptosis is droopiness of the upper eyelid margin where the lashes come out and hit the colored part of the eye or the iris. Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery specialists assess ptosis in Peoria by measuring the upper eyelid margin and comparing its relationship to the pupil or the black part of the eye.

What causes ptosis?

Some children infants are born with droopy lids. A significant part of the population may be born with mild congenital ptosis that may need to be corrected early. Most adults with this condition seek treatment mainly to improve their appearance.

What is the treatment of ptosis?

A doctor may perform a frontalis suspension to correct ptosis. This treatment involves attaching a silicone band to the connective tissue of the eyelid and then securing that to the frontalis or forehead muscle. When the child elevates their brow, it helps lift the lid. However, that procedure is reserved primarily for people with congenital ptosis, young children with poor muscle function, an inherited disorder.

The grand majority of ptosis repaired droopy eyelid surgery is performed in older patients where the connective tissue that holds the eyelid up stretches out. A specialist can make an incision in the folded crease of the upper eyelid, find that muscle, advance it, and then put stitches in it to shorten the length of the tendon, which in turn raises the lid.

Does blepharoplasty help correct droopy eyelids?

Ptosis treatment is commonly employed in conjunction with blepharoplasty and brow surgery because when specialists elevate the lid, it causes a redundancy or a fold in the skin. Therefore, to avoid that redundancy, it is not uncommon to move some excess eyelid skin simultaneously.

What is the importance of ptosis physical examination?

Your doctor needs to perform a thorough evaluation that will help determine what treatment will best suit a patient in terms of recovery for a ptosis correction. If an incision line is completed in the lid crease of the upper eyelid, your doctor may use absorbable sutures. However, permanent sutures sometimes also work.

What should you expect after ptosis treatment?

The sutures will require removal in one to two weeks following surgery. Moreover, patients that undergo ptosis correction can expect to have bruising and swelling for approximately two to three weeks following surgery. Sometimes your doctor may not know the final height of the eyelid for about six weeks following surgery because there can be some internal swelling. Therefore, postoperative visits are essential to ensure that the incision is healing correctly and that the patient has attained their desired results.

Although ptosis treatment is straightforward, care personalization is essential to ensure that patients get specific results. Droopy eyelids can negatively impact a person’s self-esteem, and finding the proper treatment for you might be what you need to improve your appearance. Contact Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery to learn more about ptosis by scheduling an appointment with your doctor.

Health

Choosing the Right Pilates Reformer: A Practical Buyer’s Guide

Published

2 days ago

December 22, 2025

Michelle Langton

Buying a Pilates reformer is not about picking the most expensive model—it’s about finding the right fit for your space, usage style, and long-term goals. Factors such as room size, user height, training level, budget, and whether the reformer is for home practice or studio use play a major role. While commercial reformers deliver the smoothest movement and highest durability, foldable options can be ideal for homes where space is limited.

Top Choice for Professional Studio Performance

For those seeking premium, studio-grade quality, the PersonalHour Nano Elite Plus stands out as a leading option. Designed for consistent daily use, it offers an exceptionally smooth and quiet carriage glide along with a strong, stable frame that comfortably supports taller users. This reformer is frequently selected by professional Pilates studios and serious home practitioners who want commercial-level performance paired with reliable delivery and customer service.

Established Names in Commercial Pilates Studios

The Balanced Body Allegro 2 has long been a staple in Pilates studios worldwide. Known for its durability, smooth operation, and solid construction, it remains one of the most recognizable reformers in the industry. Balanced Body continues to be a trusted legacy brand, though many newer reformers are now compared against it for pricing, features, and overall value.

A Balanced Option for Home and Professional Use

The Merrithew SPX Max is often recommended for users who want professional-grade equipment without paying top-tier studio prices. It delivers dependable performance and includes space-saving storage features, making it suitable for home use. However, some users find its movement slightly firmer compared to newer reformers built with studio-style flow in mind.

Best Space-Saving Reformer Without Compromising Quality

When floor space is a concern, the PersonalHour Janet 2.0 is one of the strongest folding reformers available. Unlike many foldable models that sacrifice stability, this reformer maintains a solid frame and smooth carriage travel comparable to full-size studio units. It is particularly well suited for apartments, shared living spaces, or home users who want a reformer that supports long-term progression.

Best Folding Pilates Reformer for Small Spaces

Beginner-Friendly and Budget-Conscious Alternatives

Entry-level and compact reformers, such as AeroPilates models, can be a good starting point for beginners or those practicing occasionally. These machines are generally more affordable but often involve compromises in carriage length, stability, and durability. As a result, they may not be ideal for advanced exercises or long-term use.

What to Look for Before You Buy

Before choosing a Pilates reformer, it’s important to evaluate the following aspects:

Carriage performance: Smooth, quiet movement with balanced spring tension
Available space: Full-length reformer versus folding or stackable designs
User fit: Longer frames provide better comfort for taller users
Adjustability: Footbars, jump boards, and accessory compatibility
After-sales support: Clear warranty coverage and responsive service

Final Takeaway

If your goal is studio-level performance, the PersonalHour Nano Elite Plus is a standout choice. For homes with limited space, the PersonalHour Janet 2.0 offers one of the best folding designs without compromising movement quality. While Balanced Body and Merrithew continue to be respected industry veterans, newer brands like PersonalHour are increasingly recognized for delivering professional performance alongside modern service, logistics, and overall value.

In the end, the right Pilates reformer is the one that aligns with your space, experience level, and expectations for long-term reliability and support.