Eyelid Surgery to Correct Ectropion

Ectropion is characterized by outwardly-turned lower eyelids. It can be either a congenital condition, or one acquired through age and the weakening of tissues. The condition can make patients feel self conscious about their appearance. Fortunately, these patients can seek eyelid surgery treatment to restore a normal appearance to the eyelids.

Causes of Ectropion

A person can be born with this condition, or it can be caused by:

• Age
• Weakening of the eyelid tissues
• Physical traumas and scarring (from trauma, or previous surgery)
• Severe allergic reactions
• Nerve damage

Surgical Treatment

Treatment for ectropion depends on its individual cause. General anesthesia or alocal anesthetic and sedation will be usedto keep the patient comfortable during surgery. The goal of the surgical procedure is to correct any discomfort that occurs with ectropion and improve overall appearance of the lower eyelid.  

For age-related ectropion: The surgeon will likely remove a small part of the skin from the lower eyelid around the outer edge of the lower lid. The eyelid is then stitched back together, tightening the tendons and muscles. This corrects the laxity of the skin and it’s superficial appearance, restoring a normal appearance to the lower eyelid.
For scar tissue:  Scar tissue correction often involves grafting skin from another part of the patient’s body to provide more support to the lower lid and improve its pliability. These cases tend to be more complicated and complete correction may require multiple surgeries, particularly if the scarring is very extensive or the patient suffers from paralysis of the eyelid.

Insurance Coverage

Because ectropion affects the function of the sufferer’s eye, and his or her comfort level, it is possible that insurers will cover the costs of this procedure, at least in part. All patients should ask their plastic surgeon to fill out the necessary paperwork before proceeding with the surgery.

Before the Surgery

For some candidates, the prospect of surgery is very daunting. There are things a patient can do before going in for a procedure that may reduce their stress level.

Overall Health: Surgical candidates are advised to keep their health at an optimum level before undergoing any kind of surgical procedure. This includes a balanced diet, no smoking for two weeks before and after surgery, avoidance of alcohol, plenty of rest, and moderate exercise. Vitamin supplements are usually fine to take, though vitamin E and Ginko Biloba supplements can thin the blood and could cause excess bleeding during or after surgery. 

If patients have any questions or concerns, they should express them to their doctor immediately so that any confusion can be cleared up. Any and all prescriptions should be filled ahead of time.

After the Surgery

Patients should expect some swelling and possible bruising after surgery. Some patients are required to where an eye patch for a day. Usually, patients are given an antibiotic ointment or a steroid ointment, or both, which should be applied as directed. Patients are also encouraged to avoid blood-thinning painkillers like aspirin and ibuprofen, since they increase the risk of bleeding. For pain, icepacks and acetaminophen can help keep patients as comfortable as possible.

If you have ectropion, contact Jefferson Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options.