Schlessinger Eye & Face represents a pinnacle of specialized care in the realm of oculofacial plastic surgery, blending advanced medical expertise with an artistic approach to aesthetics. Located in the heart of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, the practice has become a destination for patients seeking refined, natural-looking results for both functional and cosmetic concerns involving the eyelids, orbit, and surrounding facial structures. Here's the thing — at the helm of this distinguished practice is Dr. David A. Schlessinger, a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained oculofacial plastic surgeon whose reputation is built on precision, safety, and a deep understanding of the delicate anatomy of the eye region And it works..
The Philosophy of Specialized Care
The eyes are often the first feature noticed during human interaction, serving as the focal point of expression and communication. Consider this: because the skin around the eyes is the thinnest on the body and the underlying structures are incredibly complex, treating this area requires a surgeon with a unique dual perspective. Plus, dr. Schlessinger’s background in ophthalmology provides him with an intimate knowledge of ocular health, tear film dynamics, and orbital anatomy—knowledge that is critical when performing surgery millimeters away from the globe of the eye Small thing, real impact..
This specialized training distinguishes an oculofacial plastic surgeon from a general plastic surgeon or dermatologist. While general plastic surgeons operate on the entire body, Dr. And schlessinger dedicates one hundred percent of his surgical practice to the eyelids, orbit, and lacrimal (tear drain) system. But this hyper-specialization translates into a higher level of safety for procedures like blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), ptosis repair (droopy eyelid correction), and orbital fracture repair. Patients at Schlessinger Eye & Face benefit from a surgeon who prioritizes the preservation of vision and ocular comfort above all else, ensuring that aesthetic enhancements never come at the cost of eye health.
Dr. David A. Schlessinger: Credentials and Background
Dr. David A. Schlessinger’s academic and professional trajectory reflects a commitment to excellence. He earned his medical degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (now Rutgers New Jersey Medical School). Following his internship, he completed a rigorous residency in Ophthalmology at the prestigious Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, consistently ranked among the top eye hospitals in the nation.
His pursuit of mastery led him to a highly competitive fellowship in Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). This fellowship is widely regarded as one of the premier training programs in the world for this subspecialty. During this time, he honed his skills in complex reconstructive surgery, cosmetic eyelid surgery, orbital oncology, and lacrimal surgery under the mentorship of global leaders in the field.
Dr. Practically speaking, schlessinger is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a member of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS). In real terms, membership in ASOPRS is the gold standard credential for oculofacial plastic surgeons, requiring rigorous written and oral examinations as well as the submission of a surgical log demonstrating extensive experience in the field. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Beyond his clinical practice, he serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, educating the next generation of physicians Small thing, real impact..
Easier said than done, but still worth knowing Most people skip this — try not to..
Comprehensive Surgical Services
The scope of services at Schlessinger Eye & Face is extensive, covering the full spectrum of functional reconstruction and aesthetic rejuvenation But it adds up..
Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty remains one of the most requested procedures at the practice. Upper blepharoplasty addresses excess skin and fat that create a hooded, tired appearance or, in severe cases, obstruct peripheral vision. Dr. Schlessinger utilizes a conservative, tailored approach, removing or repositioning tissue to restore a defined eyelid crease without creating a "hollow" or "surprised" look. Lower blepharoplasty targets under-eye bags, puffiness, and laxity. Techniques may include a transconjunctival approach (incision inside the eyelid) to remove or reposition fat without a visible external scar, often combined with laser resurfacing or chemical peels to improve skin quality.
Ptosis Repair
Ptosis, or drooping of the upper eyelid margin, is distinct from excess skin (dermatochalasis). It involves a weakening or stretching of the levator muscle responsible for lifting the eyelid. Dr. Schlessinger performs advanced ptosis repair, often utilizing an internal approach (Müller’s muscle-conjunctival resection) or an external levator advancement, depending on the severity and cause. The goal is symmetric eyelid height, optimal contour, and preserved blink function Small thing, real impact..
Brow and Forehead Rejuvenation
A low or heavy brow can exacerbate upper eyelid hooding. Dr. Schlessinger offers both endoscopic brow lifts and direct brow lifts. The endoscopic technique uses small incisions hidden within the hairline to elevate the brow vertically and laterally, opening the upper face. For patients with specific anatomical needs, a direct brow lift (incision just above the brow) may be preferred. These procedures are frequently combined with blepharoplasty for comprehensive periorbital rejuvenation That's the whole idea..
Lacrimal (Tearing) Surgery
Excessive tearing (epiphora) can significantly impact quality of life. Causes range from punctal stenosis (narrowed drain opening) to nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Dr. Schlessinger performs minimally invasive procedures such as punctoplasty, stenting, and dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)—creating a new drainage pathway from the lacrimal sac into the nose. He utilizes both external and endoscopic endonasal DCR techniques, boasting high success rates in resolving chronic tearing.
Orbital Surgery and Thyroid Eye Disease
The orbit is the bony cavity housing the eye. Dr. Schlessinger manages complex orbital pathologies, including thyroid eye disease (Graves’ disease), orbital tumors, and trauma. Orbital decompression surgery for thyroid eye disease creates space in the orbit to relieve pressure on the optic nerve and reduce proptosis (bulging eyes). This requires meticulous three-dimensional planning to protect the optic nerve and extraocular muscles while achieving cosmetic improvement.
Facial Reanimation and Paralysis
Facial nerve paralysis results in an inability to close the eye (lagophthalmos), leading to corneal exposure, dryness, and vision threat. Dr. Schlessinger performs gold weight implantation in the upper eyelid, lower eyelid tightening (tarsorrhaphy or canthoplasty), and brow lifts to protect the ocular surface and restore symmetry.
Non-Surgical Aesthetic Enhancements
Recognizing that not every patient requires or desires surgery, Schlessinger Eye & Face offers a solid menu of non-invasive treatments designed to complement surgical results or serve as standalone maintenance It's one of those things that adds up..
- Neuromodulators (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin): Expertly injected to soften dynamic wrinkles (crow’s feet, frown lines, forehead lines) and provide a subtle brow lift. Dr. Schlessinger’s anatomical precision ensures natural movement is preserved.
- Dermal Fillers (Hyaluronic Acid based): Used for tear trough correction (hollowing under the eyes), cheek augmentation, and lip enhancement. The periorbital area is high-risk for vascular complications; an oculofacial surgeon’s knowledge of vascular anatomy makes them the safest injector for this zone.
- Laser and Energy-Based Devices: The practice utilizes fractional CO2 laser resurfacing for skin tightening, wrinkle reduction, and improvement of skin texture and pigmentation. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy treats vascular lesions and rosacea, common concerns around the eyes.
- Medical-Grade Skincare: Curated regimens featuring retinoids, antioxidants, growth factors, and s
