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Ectropion Repair

Eyelid ectropion occurs when the eyelid is turned out and the lid no longer works effectively to clear the tears from the eye. This can occur due to a variety of conditions, however, stretching of the eyelid tendons from age is the most common reason ectropion occurs. Common symptoms of ectropion include redness of the eye, tearing, and eye irritation.  

 

Ectropion repair involves surgical rotation of the eyelid to return to the normal resting position on the eye. Ectropion surgery can be done by various techniques. Often, tightening of the stretched tendons in the lower and upper lids can assist in correction of the underlying problem. Dissolvable sutures are placed to hold the eyelid into position, which are broken down as the body takes over supporting the weight of the eyelid.

Ectropion repair can be done in the office surgical suite under light sedation. Patients can return home immediately after the procedure and resume nearly all normal daily activities the very next day.

Ectropion repair is usually covered by all insurances. Dr. Sweeney will evaluate you for the degree of ectropion and perform standardized photography to help decide if you meet the criteria of your insurance company for an insurance-covered surgery.

Dr. Sweeney are fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeons – the only specialty in medicine focused on eyelid surgery. They have each done thousands of eyelid surgeries and perform ectropion repair multiple times on a weekly basis. With this level of experience comes increased skill. Trust your eyelids to the experts and see an oculoplastic specialist for your eyelid surgery.

After ectropion repair, the eyelids may be bruised and swollen for 2 weeks. A small amount of swelling may last up to 6 weeks. Patients can return to their usual daily routine the day after surgery but should avoid lifting heavy items and submerging the wound in water for 2-3 weeks. There may be a small amount of pain or irritation on the eyes from the surgery which can be alleviated by taking the medications prescribed for you during your preoperative visit. You will be asked to use an antibiotic/steroid ointment after surgery. Ensuring to avoid rubbing the eyelids after surgery is very important.