Ectropion Treatment in Richmond
What Is Ectropion?
Ectropion is a condition where the lower eyelid sags and rolls outward. The eyelids protect the eye from air and debris. When the eyelid sags downward or rolls outward, this can cause the eye and eyelid to feel dried out and irritated. Some patients also experience redness, mucous build-up, and tearing. Ectropion may also make it difficult for the eyelids to fully close.
What Causes Ectropion?
Lower eyelid ectropion is most commonly caused when the eyelid stretches out with age. Trauma, scarring, previous surgery, sun damage, muscle weakness, and nerve damage can also cause the eyelid to pull downward.
Ectropion Repair Before & After
What Is the Treatment for an Ectropion Like?
Treatment of ectropion depends on the severity of the condition and how much the patient is bothered by their symptoms.
Mild ectropion with symptoms of mild dryness can often be managed with artificial tear drops and lubricating gels or ointments. If symptoms continue after lubrication or if the severity of the ectropion is such that it is causing damage to the eye, surgical treatment is typically recommended.
Most cases of lower eyelid ectropion typically slowly worsen over time and do not improve on their own. One exception is that ectropion caused by temporary muscle paralysis (such as Bell palsy) may improve if muscle strength returns. If ectropion is caused by trauma, scarring, or prior surgery, sometimes injections to soften the scar combined with massage can improve eyelid position without further surgery.
Techniques for Ectropion Repair
When surgery is required, the techniques used are chosen to repair the underlying cause of the ectropion. If the ectropion is caused by laxity (similar to a hammock that is too long and hangs too low), surgical tightening of the eyelid can resolve the ectropion. For cases caused by a lower eyelid skin that is too tight and pulls the eyelid downward, the surgeon may use a skin graft or a midface lift. Skin grafts using skin from the upper eyelid are an excellent match and typically blend nicely over time. Other sources of skin include behind the ear, in front of the ear, and the clavicle region. Your surgeon may recommend injections or laser treatments to soften the graft and improve its appearance.
Overview of Recovery and Aftercare
Surgery to treat ectropion can usually be performed in the office or an outpatient surgery center using either local anesthesia alone or sedation. After surgery, it is normal for the eyelid to feel tight and squinty for the first few weeks. It is essential to follow the post-operative instructions. You may not rub the eye or try to stretch it open for 3 weeks. It is important to wear the eye shield provided or another method of eye protection when you sleep for 3 weeks to avoid rubbing it or rolling on your side when you sleep. Side sleeping must be avoided for a minimum of 3 weeks, and long-term avoidance of side sleeping will help you maintain your result. While the eyelid may feel sore immediately after surgery, patients typically experience an immediate improvement in sagging, dryness, irritation,
and tearing.
When Should I Consider Undergoing Treatment for an Ectropion?
Initial symptoms can be managed with lubrication. However, you should seek the care of an oculofacial plastic surgeon if your symptoms of dryness, tearing, mucous discharge, pain, or irritation are decreasing your quality of life. Severe cases can cause corneal damage, permanent scarring, and vision loss. You should consider evaluation for treatment of ectropion if:
- Your eyelid is visibly turned outwards
- You experience redness, eye irritation, or pain on a daily basis
- Mucous is being discharged from your eye(s)
- Your eyelid is easily pulled downward and doesn’t return to a normal position without blinking it back into place.
Seeing Brow Lift Results: Timeline & Duration
Patients can expect to see initial improvement in wrinkles and eyebrow position immediately. At the end of the 2 week down-time period, much of the swelling and bruising should have faded, allowing you to see the tighter, repositioned appearance of your forehead. However, the full result can take a few months to appear. As you continue to heal, the forehead’s tissues will continue to settle into their new position, and residual swelling will resolve. Even minor swelling can impact how your results look, even if the swelling itself is not obvious.
In one sense, patients can expect permanent results from a brow lift. The tissues will maintain their new position for years on end. However, since aging and gravity continues, patients may begin noticing new wrinkles or signs of aging after about 10 to 12 years. Minimizing excess sun exposure and avoiding lifestyle factors that age skin will be key in prolonging your results and maintaining a youthful appearance.
Schedule Your Consultation
Learn more about ectropion repair in Richmond and begin working with a leading surgeon when you schedule your consultation. Meet one-on-one with Dr. Langelier to assess your situation and receive a tailored, effective, and safe path forward.