Patient Education
Common questions about oculoplastic surgery, Dr. Kathleen M. Duerksen's practice, and what to expect before and after treatment.
An oculoplastic surgeon is a board-certified ophthalmologist who has completed additional fellowship training in plastic, reconstructive, and cosmetic surgery of the eyelids, orbit (eye socket), and lacrimal (tear duct) system. Kathleen M. Duerksen, MD, FACS is a fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon and member of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASOPRS) — the gold-standard credentialing body for this subspecialty, with fewer than 600 active members worldwide.
Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery of the Eyelids, Orbits and Tear Ducts is located at 5979 E Grant Road #115, Tucson, AZ, 85712. Contact us at 520-751-8030.
Call our office at 520-751-8030 to schedule a consultation. We welcome new patients.
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin, muscle, and/or fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids. Upper blepharoplasty addresses heavy, hooded upper lids that may impair vision; lower blepharoplasty reduces under-eye bags and puffiness. Good candidates are adults in general good health with realistic expectations. Kathleen M. Duerksen performs a thorough in-person evaluation — including photography — to confirm candidacy and discuss your goals.
Ptosis (TOE-sis) is drooping of the upper eyelid caused by weakness or stretching of the levator muscle — the muscle responsible for lifting the lid. Blepharoplasty removes excess skin and fat but does not repair the levator muscle. Many patients have both excess skin and ptosis simultaneously, and both can often be corrected in a single operation. Kathleen M. Duerksen specializes in distinguishing between these conditions and choosing the right approach for each patient.
Excessive tearing can result from overproduction (triggered by dry eye, allergies, or irritants) or from obstruction in the drainage system — including punctal stenosis, canalicular obstruction, or nasolacrimal duct blockage. Kathleen M. Duerksen performs a complete lacrimal evaluation to identify the precise level of obstruction before recommending treatment.
A DCR is a surgery to create a new drainage pathway between the lacrimal sac and the nasal cavity, bypassing a blocked nasolacrimal duct. It can be performed externally (through a small skin incision) or endoscopically (through the nose, with no external scar). Success rates exceed 90%.
Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) is an autoimmune condition associated with thyroid disorders — most commonly Graves' disease — that causes inflammation of the tissues behind the eye. This can produce eye bulging (proptosis), double vision, eyelid retraction, and in severe cases, optic nerve compression threatening vision. Kathleen M. Duerksen evaluates and treats all stages of thyroid eye disease, including referral for Tepezza (teprotumumab) infusion therapy.
Orbital tumors are masses that develop within the bony eye socket (orbit). They range from benign lesions (dermoid cysts, cavernous hemangiomas, lymphomas) to malignant tumors. Evaluation typically involves MRI or CT imaging. Treatment depends on the type, size, and location — ranging from observation to surgical excision.
Yes. Kathleen M. Duerksen evaluates and removes a wide range of eyelid lesions, including benign growths (cysts, chalazia, papillomas) and malignant tumors (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, sebaceous carcinoma). When cancer is suspected, tissue is sent for pathology. Reconstruction is performed as part of the same procedure to preserve normal eyelid function and appearance.
A chalazion is a painless inflammatory bump on the eyelid caused by a blocked Meibomian gland. Small chalazia often resolve with warm compresses applied for 10 minutes, 4 times per day, over several weeks. Persistent ones are treated with a simple in-office drainage procedure performed through the inside of the eyelid — leaving no external scar.
A referral is not required for a consultation, though many patients are referred by their optometrist or ophthalmologist. If your insurance requires a specialist referral, please obtain one from your primary care provider before your appointment.
Kathleen M. Duerksen specializes in oculoplastic and reconstructive surgery including: Blepharoplasty, Brow Lift, Fillers, Lasers, Ptosis, Anophthalmos, Blepharoplasty Recovery, Blepharoplasty vs Facelift. Contact our office for a consultation to determine which treatment is right for you.
Please bring: a photo ID, your insurance card, a list of current medications and allergies, any relevant records or imaging (CT/MRI), and a referral if required by your insurance. Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow time for paperwork.
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Functional blepharoplasty (when excess upper eyelid skin obstructs your vision) and ptosis repair are often covered by insurance when visual field testing demonstrates a significant visual field defect. Cosmetic procedures are self-pay. Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery of the Eyelids, Orbits and Tear Ducts staff will help verify your coverage and obtain any required pre-authorization before scheduling.
Most patients experience swelling and bruising for 1–2 weeks. Sutures are typically removed at one week. Most patients are comfortable returning to work within 7–10 days and resuming full activity — including exercise — within 2–3 weeks. Final results are generally visible within 6–8 weeks.
Ectropion is an outward turning of the lower eyelid, exposing the inner surface and causing tearing, irritation, and redness. Entropion is an inward turning, causing the lashes to rub against the cornea — leading to pain and potential corneal scarring. Both conditions are surgically correctable with a high success rate in a brief outpatient procedure.
