Are you considering getting tear duct surgery but have some questions? You’ll get accurate answers from the best oculoplastic surgery provider in Flint, Michigan.
It’s natural to have questions about the procedure and what you can expect afterward. Tear duct surgery is a significant procedure, so it’s important to know what to expect. Perhaps you’re seeking answers to these frequently asked questions:
- How long does it take to heal?
- When can I return to my normal activities?
- Does it hurt?
- Are there any risks?
Our expert ophthalmic surgeons at Eyelid Pros answer your questions. We encourage you to contact us to learn more about tear duct surgery.
What to Ask About Your Tear Duct Surgery
It’s good to ask questions about any surgical procedure, especially tear duct bypass surgery. The good news is that advancements in this procedure have helped reduce the risks and shorten the healing time.
Despite the advancements, this is still a surgery, which means there are things you should know before having the procedure. Here are some of the questions you should ask about tear duct surgery during your consultation with an ophthalmic surgeon:
1. How Long is the Recovery Period?
You need to know this because you’ll have to take time off work. If you’re getting tear duct surgery, you can expect your recovery time to be about one to two weeks. It’s typical to experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort around your nose and eyes. Your surgeon should provide you with detailed post-operative instructions and schedule follow-up visits.
2. When Can I Return to My Normal Life?
Two weeks is the minimum recommended recovery time for most tear duct surgery operations. During this time, try to avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and other activities that increase your blood pressure. If you work a desk job, it’s normal to return to work within a week or less. It all depends on your individual comfort level.
3. Does Tear Duct Repair Hurt?
Do you feel anxious about having tear duct surgery? If so, you might be glad to know that this procedure is done under anesthesia. After your operation, it’s normal to feel some discomfort and soreness. It’s typically managed with prescriptions or over-the-counter pain medication.
4. Does Tear Duct Surgery Have Potential Risks?
This is a good question to ask, and the best surgeons offer transparency with their answers. Like all surgeries, a dacryocystorhinostomy has potential risks. These include bleeding, infection, and, in rare cases, a recurrence of the blockage. Your ophthalmic surgeon will review your health history to help mitigate these risks.
Questions for Your Ophthalmic Surgeons
Before getting your tear duct surgery, it’s a good idea to learn more about the surgeon performing the procedure. What should you ask to get the answers you need? If not, here are a few things you should ask to learn more about the surgeon’s credentials:
- Are you Board Certified in Ophthalmology? This helps confirm comprehensive medical and surgical training of the entire eye, needed for tear duct repair.
- Did you complete an ASOPRS Fellowship? This is the highest level of specialization offered by the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
- Does your practice specialize only in the face and eyes? Surgeons dedicated to oculoplastic surgery mean they routinely perform tear duct operations.
These are important questions to ask because they’ll help you make sure your surgeon is a specialist. You want to be sure the person performing your tear duct surgery has the advanced expertise needed for this procedure.
Tear Duct Surgery: Schedule Your Consultation with Eyelid Pros
You’ve asked the right questions about tear duct surgery; now it’s time to get answers from the best. At Eyelid Pros, we’re the authority in oculoplastic surgery serving Flint, Michigan, and Genesee County.
Now, you’re ready to partner with a surgeon to get the highest level of specialized care. Call 810-733-3556 or contact us today to schedule your consultation.
