Osheru Secures Funding to Advance its Device for Eyelid Surgery

Osheru has completed a $4.7 million funding round to accelerate the development and commercialization of its Ziplyft device for blepharoplasty surgery.

Individuals and family offices lent financial support, including Nike Co-Founder Phil Knight. Other investors were Oregon ToughTech BreakThrough Fund managed by ONAMI for Business Oregon, and SOPHINCAP, the corporate venture fund of Laboratorios Sophia, an international ophthalmology company and leader in research and innovation.
 
“This $4.7 million funding marks a pivotal moment for Osheru,” CEO Patricia Buehler, M.D., said. “It demonstrates the strong confidence in Ziplyft from both the medical community and investors, validating our vision to revolutionize blepharoplasty with cutting-edge technology.”

The Ziplyft device is designed to address challenges associated with conventional blepharoplasty procedures, including extended recovery times and risk of complications such as wound dehiscence and asymmetry. Leveraging Drs. Patricia and Knute Buehler’s extensive surgical expertise and product development experience, Ziplyft promises reduced downtime and enhanced aesthetic outcomes through its proprietary design.

According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), an estimated 1.7 million eyelid surgeries were performed worldwide last year, representing a 24% increase compared to 2022. Blepharoplasty, a procedure aimed at rejuvenating the appearance of the eyelids, remains one of the most sought-after cosmetic surgeries in the United States, particularly with the increase in video calls and selfies. Traditional methods, unchanged for decades, have spurred demand for safer, less invasive alternatives like Ziplyft. Osheru intends to commercialize the device in 2025. 

“Despite the challenging fundraising environment for startups today, Osheru’s success in securing this funding round highlights their perseverance and the compelling value proposition of Ziplyft,” ONAMI President Skip Rung stated. “We are enthusiastic, about the potential of the technology to positively impact patient outcomes.”

Patricia Buehler, a renowned eye surgeon, gained acclaim earlier this year when Ziplyft clinched the Eyecelerator People’s Choice Award for its advancements in blepharoplasty techniques. The previous year she won The Winning Pitch Challenge for best early-stage company at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS), the largest U.S. society dedicated to anterior segment surgeons. 
 
Besides publicizing its latest funding round, Osheru also appointed John Garland as chief commercial officer. A veteran executive in the ophthalmology industry, Garland brings decades of experience in medical device innovation and commercialization, having managed global operations in 70 countriess. His strategic leadership and passion for improving the surgeon and patient experience will be pivotal as Osheru accelerates its commercialization efforts, according to company executives.
 
“Joining Osheru to launch Ziplyft is an exciting opportunity,” Garland said. “This technology addresses key challenges in blepharoplasty, promising improved outcomes for patients and enhanced capabilities for surgeons. I’m eager to drive its growth and advance the field of eyelid surgery.”
 
Osheru is a forward-thinking medical device company specializing in skin surgery solutions. Founded by Drs. Patricia and Knute Buehler, Osheru aims to redefine standards in blepharoplasty through its Ziplyft device, designed to enhance surgical precision and patient recovery.