Ectropion Repair
Ectropion is a medical condition where the eyelid, usually the lower one, turns outward, leaving the inner eyelid surface exposed and prone to irritation. Ectropion primarily affects the elderly population due to tissue laxity, but it can also result from trauma, skin diseases, previous surgeries, or congenital factors. Dr. Jennifer Murdock is a board-certified ophthalmologist in Miami, FL who specializes in eyelid surgery, including ectropion repair.
Types of Ectropion
The surgical options that Dr. Murdock may discuss with you about performing an ectropion repair varies depending on the type of ectropion and the cause of the eyelid malposition.
Involutional Ectropion: The most common type of ectropion, occurring due to age-related eyelid laxity. A loose, floppy eyelid can start to sag downward, with an outward malposition of the eyelid margin.
Cicatricial Ectropion: Caused by scarring or skin shortening. This is often seen by lower eyelid blepharoplasty complications, skin cancer, previous surgery in the eyelid or cheek that results from excessive scarring, trauma, aggressive skin resurfacing procedures, and burns.
Paralytic Ectropion: Occurs when the facial nerves are damaged, and the eyelid closure muscle does not work properly.
Mechanical Ectropion: Caused by external factors like tumors or problems with the midface that weigh down the eyelid or push the eyelid outward and away from the eye.
Congenital Ectropion: Rare disorder, present at birth due to developmental issues.
Mechanical Ectropion: Caused by external factors like tumors or problems with the midface that weigh down the eyelid or push the eyelid outward and away from the eye.
Congenital Ectropion: Rare disorder, present at birth due to developmental issues.
Ectropion Symptoms
While the outward turning of the eye may look unsightly, an ectropion can also affect the health of the eye. The eyelids are meant to protect the eye, clear debris from the eye, and direct the tears towards the nasolacrimal system. When the eyelid is not in its proper position, patients may experience redness, irritation, tearing, foreign body sensation, and even discharge. If the ectropion is left untreated, it can lead to dry eyes, increased risk of infection, further damage and inflammation of the eyelids, corneal scarring, and even vision loss. Ectropion repair is crucial for ocular health as it aims to restore eyelid function, protect the eye, and alleviate symptoms.
Surgical Techniques for Ectropion Repair
Different causes of ectropion are treated in different ways. During your consultation with Dr. Murdock, she will explain the individual problem and her recommendations for each specific ectropion repair. Some common approaches include:
Eyelid Tightening – Most commonly due to eyelid laxity, ectropion repair involving eyelid tightening is the standard treatment to correct this issue. A lateral tarsal strip, wedge resection, or tightening of the inner corner at the medial canthal tendon may be incorporated in this approach to ectropion repair. This procedure involves shortening the eyelid and reattaching the tendon to the orbital bone.
Rotational Procedures – Different techniques that involve excision of tissue, use of cautery, tarsal fracture, or suture placement to rotate the eyelid back to a normal position may be used in an ectropion repair.
Skin Grafting – For cicatricial ectropion, or ectropion from excessive scarring or inadequate tissue on the face, a skin graft may be necessary to restore a normal eyelid shape and position.
Eyelid Closure – Botox or a small procedure called a tarsorrhaphy may help to close the eye, especially for temporary relief for paralytic ectropion.
Ectropion repair is an outpatient procedure that can be performed in the office with local anesthesia or surgical center if larger grafts and flaps are involved. Like most eyelid surgeries, the risk of bleeding and other complications can be minimized by holding blood thinners, controlling any underlying diabetes or inflammatory conditions, and avoiding smoking and alcohol before the surgery that can slow wound healing.
Ectropion repair is an outpatient procedure that can be performed in the office with local anesthesia or surgical center if larger grafts and flaps are involved. Like most eyelid surgeries, the risk of bleeding and other complications can be minimized by holding blood thinners, controlling any underlying diabetes or inflammatory conditions, and avoiding smoking and alcohol before the surgery that can slow wound healing.
Expectations After Ectropion Repair
Dr. Murdock and her staff will provide you with specific post operative instructions to make sure that you achieve the best results after ectropion repair. The more compliant you are with these instructions, that faster and easier your journey after surgery will be. The most important aspects of the post operative instructions include:
Cold Compresses – Constant cold compresses with small bags of frozen peas over the affected eyelids for 48 hours will significantly help with bruising and swelling. Always keep the area moist, and a fresh wet paper towel around each cold compress is recommended for this. The more cold during this crucial time, the better.
Warm Compresses – After 48 hours, warm compresses with rice in a sock or a warm wet washcloth will help increase circulation to the area so that the bruising and swelling may start to clear.
Lubrication – An eye ointment will be prescribed to use at least 3 times each day for the first week to use both inside of the eyes and on all of these incisions. You may also supplement with artificial tear drops in the eyes if they start to feel dry or irritated.
Recovery after an ectropion repair varies based on the surgical technique and other medical issues that can affect healing. Most patients can resume normal activities after 1 week. However, complete recovery can take several weeks.
Ectropion repair is a straightforward surgical procedure that restores eyelid function and ocular health. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Murdock, the eyelid specialist in Miami and Broward, who can provide relief from symptoms and an improved quality of life.
