Ectropion

Out-turning of the eyelid is called ectropion, and can lead to redness, irritation, watery eyes, infection, crusting, vision impairment, and damage to the cornea (surface of the eye). This almost always affects the lower eyelid only, and can result from facial aging, injury, tumor, or Bell’s Palsy. Repair of the supporting structures of the eyelid by an oculoplastic surgeon easily corrects this problem.

Surgical Technique:
The out-turned lower eyelid and the lax tissues need simple tightening of the supporting structures, performed through a small incision at the outer corner of the eyelids (Lateral canthoplasty).

Surgical Time and Recovery:
Eyelid Surgery is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia and takes about 45 minutes. Discomfort is minimal, and stitches are removed in 5-7 days. Most patients are back to light work within a week. Minimal bruising may persist for 1-2 weeks.

Caution:
Severe cases of Bells Palsy may need additional medial canthoplasty, or supporting fat grafting in the lower eyelid. Ectropion surgery may be combined with medial canthoplasty, or lower eyelid dermis fat graft.

Insurance:
Health insurance will cover the costs of ectropion surgery, since it is a functional surgery.

Other Procedures:
Other commonly performed reconstructive procedures include correction of Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty), Entropion, Eyelid Drooping, Eyelid and Skin cancer reconstruction, Facial Spasms, Facial Paralysis, Watering Eyes, Thyroid Eye Disease, Orbital Surgery, and Trauma and Maxillofacial Surgery.