Tear Duct Surgery, Thyroid Disease and Facial Paralysis

In addition to the most common reconstructive surgery procedures (blepharoplasty, eyelid ptosis repair, ectropion repair, and entropion repair), Dr. Lo is uniquely qualified and specially trained in advanced techniques for tear duct surgery, thyroid disease and facial paralysis (Bell's Palsy).

Tear Duct Surgery

One of the common complaints heard from people middle-aged and older is "my eyes water constantly". This usually results from a blockage in the tear ducts draining the eyes, the cause of which may be infection, trauma, surgery, chemotherapy, glaucoma or anti-viral eye drops, or unknown. Fortunately, there is a treatment, and it is successful in 90% of patients. Tear duct surgery is performed to bypass the blockage so that the tears can drain into the nose. It can be performed via a small incision next to the nose, or inside the nose with the use of an endoscope (small microscope). At the other extreme, some patients complain of dry eyes. There are many treatments for this, including blocking the tear ducts with small plugs to increase moisture in the eyes.

Thyroid Disease

An overactive thyroid can cause problems around the eyes. It makes the tissue around the eye swell, causing the eyes to bulge forward and the eyelids to retract. The bulging of the eyes leads to drying of the cornea, double vision, irritation, tearing, redness, and possible vision loss. The treatment involves enlarging the eye socket to decrease the bulge of the eyes. The eyelids can also be restored to their normal level to allow the eye to close.

Facial Paralysis / Bell's Palsy

Facial paralysis is a devastating problem for the patient. The eyelids cannot close to moisturize and protect the eye, leading to corneal dryness, irritation, and tearing. The paralyzed side of the face is expressionless and drooping. It can be caused by tumor, trauma, surgery, infection, inflammation, stroke, or Bell's palsy. Eyelid procedures available to help correct this problem include placing a gold weight in the upper eyelid and tightening the eyelids to assist in closure. The face and midface can also have suspension surgery done with the midface lift or Russian threads to decrease drooping and improve symmetry.

About Faces Cosmetic Surgery is located in Tucson, Arizona. Our facility is renowned for its state of the art cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery procedures. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact us.