Plastic surgeons can address eye-related issues like droopy eyelids, blocked tear ducts, or excessive tear production.
When is eye surgery beneficial?
Eyelid surgery, also called an eye lift or blepharoplasty, is helpful in removing excess skin in the general eye area.
Upper eyelid surgery removes loose or sagging skin and excess fatty deposits that create redundant folds or disturb the natural contour of the eyes. Lower eyelid surgery removes excess skin and fine wrinkles, tightens the skin and muscle, sculpts deep bulging tissues, and removes the excess fat that causes droopiness or “bags” under the eyes.
People with tear duct obstructions—which may be caused by aging changes, infection, inflammatory disorders, medications, and tumors—may suffer from excessive tearing, mucous discharge, irritation, swelling, pain, and infection. Tear duct surgery can alleviate these issues.
Ptosis (pronounced “toe-sis”), also called droopy eyelids or heavy eyelids, refers to the lowering of the upper eyelid margin, with the eyelid obstructing part of the pupil. Ptosis can be corrected through droopy eyelid surgery, which tightens the levator muscle.
How is eye surgery performed?
A variety of different procedures can be performed to fix or bypass the tear ducts, depending on the severity, source, and extent of a tear duct blockage.
A dacryocystorhinstomy (DCR) surgery is the most common, and is performed to bypass the blocked nasolacrimal duct and create a new passageway from the lacrimal sac to the nose. Partial nasolacrimal duct blockages can be treated by dilating the duct and placing a temporary stent through the system.
Tear duct surgeries are performed as an outpatient procedure, and patients generally have minimal bruising or swelling and notice an improvement in their tearing within one to two weeks.
What results can I expect?
Depending on the type of eye surgery, results either achieve smoothness in the eye area, normal tear drainage, or better eyelid muscle function and improved visual field. Following your surgeon’s instructions is essential to the success of your surgery.
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