A blocked tear duct might not pose a significant threat to your overall well-being, but it can still be a frustrating and uncomfortable condition. Let the experts at Elite Plastic Surgery help you find relief from tear duct blockage.
in Phoenix & Chandler, AZ
Introduction
While you might not think too frequently about your tear ducts or the role they play in your everyday bodily function, a blocked tear duct is certainly something you’ll notice. Blocked tear ducts can cause a variety of frustrating symptoms and are often due to factors ranging from internal to external. If you think that you might be experiencing a blocked tear duct, the only way to be certain is to consult with one of the experts at Elite Plastic Surgery.
When you visit us at our Chandler or Phoenix locations, you’ll work directly with a highly experienced facial surgeon who can help you understand your condition and develop a treatment plan to relieve the discomfort associated with a blocked tear duct. Are you interested in learning more about how Elite Plastic Surgery can help? Contact our offices to speak with a staff member and schedule your initial consultation today.
We typically think of our eyes as producing tears when we cry, but the truth is that our eyes are constantly producing tears to keep our corneas lubricated and protected. Your eyes have very small openings that drain tears into a very small tube that leads to the lacrimal sac. This sac collects tears, which then flow into your tear duct and into a cavity near your nose.
A blocked tear duct can cause issues such as excessive tearing and eye discharge, as well as pain at or near the tear duct or in the surrounding area. In many cases, the cause of a blocked tear duct is unknown, but the condition can be caused by issues like chronic sinus or nasal infections, trauma to the nose, conjunctivitis, and more. Once we’ve diagnosed your blocked tear duct, we can help you find the relief you deserve.
You may be a good candidate if you experience persistent tearing, frequent eye infections, discharge, or discomfort near the inner corner of the eye. Treatment is often recommended when symptoms do not improve with conservative care.
A consultation at Elitre Plastic Surgery is necessary to confirm the diagnosis and determine the best treatment plan.
Treating a blocked tear duct helps restore proper tear drainage, reducing constant tearing, discharge, and irritation. Our patients often experience improved comfort, fewer infections, and clearer vision once excess tearing is resolved.
Addressing the blockage also helps prevent recurrent inflammation and protects the eye’s long-term health.
According to the specifics of your blocked tear duct, your surgeon will employ one of two surgical techniques to remedy the issue. During your in-person consultation, your surgeon will explain the procedure in detail, answer any questions you might have about the operation itself, and give you a clear idea of what you can expect both before and after the day of your surgery.
For this treatment, your surgeon will create an opening to pass a small, inflatable balloon into the blocked tear duct. Using a guide wire will help him carefully insert the balloon before inflating it for about 90 seconds. This helps dilate the tear duct and address any obstruction. A stent will also be placed to help keep the passage open after the procedure so that you can enjoy lasting relief.
This procedure can be performed externally or endoscopically and involves creating a small opening between the lacrimal sac and the nasal cavity. By doing this, your surgeon can bypass the tear duct blockage and place a small tube to keep the new duct open. The external method involves an incision just under the eye and next to the nose, while the endoscopic method is performed through the nose without an external incision.
During your consultation at Elite Plastic Surgery, your surgeon will review your symptoms, medical history, and examine your tear drainage system.
Imaging or diagnostic testing may be discussed to confirm the location and severity of the blockage. Based on what’s found, a personalized treatment plan will be recommended.
Your Guide to Post-Blocked Tear Duct Care
Most patients in the Phoenix and Chandler area experience mild swelling or nasal congestion initially, which typically improves within the first one to two weeks. Tear drainage often improves soon after treatment, with continued improvement as healing progresses.
If stents are placed, they will be removed during one of your follow-up visits once the duct has healed.
The cost of blocked tear duct treatment in Phoenix and Chandler varies depending on the procedure performed, surgical complexity, and facility fees. Since this condition is often medically necessary, insurance might cover some of the cost.
A detailed estimate will be provided to you during your consultation at Elite Plastic Surgery.
Elite Plastic Surgery in Phoenix and Chandler, AZ, is a strong choice for blocked tear duct treatment because the team routinely works in and around the eye, not just the face.
The Torabi surgeons combine plastic surgery and ophthalmic training, which is critical when the goal is to restore proper tear drainage without disrupting eye function.
Each blocked tear duct is assessed to determine the most appropriate solution, with an emphasis on long-term relief and a smooth recovery.
Discover Elite Results
If you’re experiencing a blocked tear duct—or other conditions related to the eyes—you can trust the team at Elite Plastic Surgery to help you find the relief you need to enjoy your fullest possible quality of life once more. Our expert surgeons are board-certified and have extensive training, so you can look forward to a truly elevated experience when visiting our clinic. To learn more, contact our Phoenix or Chandler office and speak with a member of our support team to schedule your initial appointment.
Chandler | Call us at (480) 535-9867
Phoenix | Call us at (480) 500-6332