Ectropion Repair Surgery
Ectropion, or out-turning, of the eyelid usually involves the lower eyelid. The lower eyelid pulls away from the eye and visibly appears to sag down.
Causes
Most of the time, ectropion occurs along with the general aging changes in the skin. The lower eyelid can become looser, and eventually pull away from the eye by gravity. Bell’s Palsy, or a temporary paralysis of the side of the face, can suddenly make these normal aging changes much worse, and the eye can become severely dry due to ectropion. Other conditions lead to scarring of the skin under the eyelid, which pulls the eyelid away from the eye.
Symptoms
Symptoms include irritation, swelling, and redness of the eyelid, tearing, and irritation and redness of the eye. The lower eyelid is usually pressed flush against the eye and keeps the eye bathed in lubricating tears. When the eyelid sags away, so do the tears, and the eye can become severely dry. Tearing occurs if the opening in the eyelid which drains tears away becomes separated from the eye. Thus, tears have no way to drain away except onto the face. Dryness of the cornea can lead to a scratchy sensation, redness of the eye, pain, and blurred vision. Sometimes the cornea can become infected.
With ectropion, the eyelids are turned out and so they don’t close or function properly. Normally when you blink, your eyelids move tears across the surface of your eye to the little openings – called puncta – at the inner part of your eyelids. These tears then drain through the puncta into the nose. With ectropion, your eyelids aren’t flush against the surface of your eye, so they can’t move tears to the puncta as effectively as they should. Tears pool in the corners of your eyes and instead of lubricating your eyes, they flow over your lid onto your cheek.
Also, because your eyelids are turned out, they don`t properly protect your eyes. As a result, the inside of your eyelids and surface of your eyes are exposed to air and can become dry, irritated and inflamed. Rubbing your eyes in an attempt to relieve symptoms can lead to further irritation, mucous discharge and encrusted eyelids.
The eyelids are meant to protect the eyes and to preserve vision, and they are unable to do so if there is ectropion. The real concern for patients with ectropion is loss of transparency of the cornea and subsequent loss of vision if the eyelid malposition is not corrected in a timely fashion.
Treatment
While lubricating drops and ointments can provide temporary relief, eyelid surgery is usually necessary. The ectropion repair procedure is usually performed as an outpatient (there is usually no need for hospitalization). Local anesthesia, which numbs the eyelid, is combining with light sedation so there is little, if any, pain during or even after the procedure.
Final Reminders
To effectively treat ectropion requires a special understanding of the anatomy and pathophysiology of the eyelid. It is in your best interested to keep in mind that although General Plastic Surgeons are trained to do certain types of procedures, such as a tummy tuck, they have not been trained in eyelid anatomy or pathophysiology. You should choose to have this procedure done by a Doctor who is a fully fellowship trained Oculofacial Surgeon. Fellowship in the American Society of Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery assures that the plastic surgeon has every piece of specialized training and expertise in this sub-specialty.
If you have ectropion, please contact us at the Tampa Bay Cosmetic Surgery Center where Dr. Kass, with over 3 decades of experience in this matter, would be more than happy to assist you.
Entropion Repair Surgery
Entropion, or in-turning, of the eyelid can involve the upper or lower eyelid. Symptoms occur due to the scratching of the eye by the inwardly pointing eyelashes (trichiasis). Usually numerous eyelashes are involved, and it is impractical to pull all of them. This condition can occur due to generalized aging, which can cause changing in the eyelid with a gradual rotation inward. Other cases are caused by scarring, either from trauma, infection, or an inflammatory condition such as shingles of the eyelid.
Entropion can cause irritation to the eyelid and the eye. This can result in excessive tearing, crusting of the eyelid and mucus discharge, a feeling that something is in the eye, irritation of the cornea and impaired vision. Damage to the cornea (the clear part of the eye that allows light to enter the eye), including infection and scarring, may develop due to the chronically turned-in eyelid.
These are important reasons for having this condition repaired before permanent damage occurs to the eye. The eyelids are meant to protect the eyes and to preserve vision, and they are unable to do so if there is entropion. The real concern for patients with entropion is loss of transparency of the cornea and subsequent loss of vision if the eyelid malposition is not corrected in a timely fashion.
Medical Management
In the case of acute spastic entropion, the treatment is directed to the provoking stimulus e.g. in growing eyelashes, blepharitis, dry eye. Although a bandage contact lens or botulinum toxin injections may improve symptoms temporarily, these are rarely justified. The use of lower lid tape can be advised for use in primary care while the patient is waiting to be seen by an oculo-facial specialist.
Treatment
While lubricating drops and ointments can provide temporary relief, eyelid surgery is usually necessary. The entropion repair procedure is usually performed as an outpatient (there is usually no need for hospitalization). Local anesthesia, which numbs the eyelid, is combining with light sedation so there is little, if any, pain during or even after the procedure.
Final Reminders
To effectively treat entropion requires a special understanding of the anatomy and pathophysiology of the eyelid. When choosing a Plastic Surgeon to take care of this procedure, it is important to make sure they are a fully trained fellowship Oculofacial Surgeon, such as Dr. Kass.
If you have entropion, please consult with Dr. Kass at The Tampa Bay Cosmetic Surgery Center who is fully trained to treat this problem and has been in practice in St. Petersburg & Clearwater for over 30 years.
What to Expect After Ectropion and Entropion Surgery
Many patients tell us that recovery from ectropion or entropion repair surgery is straightforward and well-tolerated. You might notice some mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness around the eyes for a few days. Our skilled team at Tampa Bay Cosmetic Surgery Center provides clear post-operative care instructions to ensure your healing goes smoothly. Most patients can resume normal activities within a week, but it’s important to avoid strenuous exercise and eye rubbing during the initial healing phase. Regular follow-up visits allow us to monitor your progress and address any concerns promptly. If you have questions or experience discomfort, don’t hesitate to contact us at (727) 522-3223 - St. Petersburg Office or (727) 522-3223 - Clearwater Office .
FAQs
Q: What is ectropion and how does it affect the eye?
A: Ectropion is a condition where the lower eyelid turns outward, causing it to pull away from the eye. This can lead to symptoms like dryness, irritation, excessive tearing, and potential damage to the cornea because the eyelid no longer properly protects or lubricates the eye.
Q: What causes entropion and what symptoms should I look for?
A: Entropion occurs when the eyelid turns inward, causing eyelashes to rub against the eye. This can result from aging, scarring, or inflammation. Symptoms include irritation, redness, tearing, crusting, and a sensation of something in the eye. Untreated entropion can damage vision due to corneal injury.
Q: Is surgery the only treatment option for ectropion and entropion?
A: While lubricating drops and ointments can provide temporary relief, eyelid surgery is usually necessary to correct the underlying eyelid malposition and prevent permanent eye damage. Non-surgical options may help temporarily in some cases but do not offer a long-term solution.
Q: What should I expect during recovery from ectropion or entropion surgery?
A: Recovery is generally straightforward. Patients may experience mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness around the eyes for a few days. Most can resume normal activities within a week but should avoid strenuous exercise and rubbing their eyes. Follow-up visits are important to monitor healing.
Q: How do I choose the right surgeon for ectropion or entropion repair?
A: It is important to choose a surgeon who is fully fellowship-trained in oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery. This specialized training ensures they understand the complex anatomy and pathophysiology of the eyelid, providing safer and more effective treatment. Dr. Kass at Tampa Bay Cosmetic Surgery Center has over 30 years of experience in this field.