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Eyelid Malpositions (Entropion/ Ectropion)

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What are Eyelid Malpositions (Entropion/ Ectropion)?

Description
  1. In addition to drooping of the upper eyelid (ptosis or dermatochalasis), the upper or lower eyelid can also turn inwards (entropion) or outwards (ectropion). These various lid malpositions can be due to a variety of factors such as laxity of the eyelid, scarring, trauma, and/or aging. 
  2. Entropion
    Entropion can be very uncomfortable for a patient as the eyelid is turned inwards causing the lashes to rub on the eye. In addition to the discomfort, this puts the patient at risk for infections of the eye. 
  3. Ectropion
    Ectropion is the eyelid turning outwards away from the eye. Although not as uncomfortable as entropion, it can still lead to eye irritation due to increased exposure of the eye or the poor blink caused by an ectropion
Procedure

Entropion or ectropion repair is an outpatient procedure that can be performed in the office or in the operating room with light sedation. Correction of these eyelid malpositions is usually accomplished by tightening the loose eyelid. With entropion, an additional step may be necessary to also advance the muscle that keeps the eyelid from turning in (capsulopalpebral fascia). 

Recovery

There should be minimal to no pain after the procedure. Instead, itching and tightness on the outer corner of the eyes is the most common symptom both of which resolve with time. Driving may be resumed after 3-5 days. Strenuous physical activity is resumed 10-14 days after surgery. Makeup may be used again 2 weeks after surgery. There will be mild to moderate bruising and swelling after the procedure that typically takes approximately 2 weeks to resolve; however this timeframe does depend on the patient’s health, age, medications, and adherence to postoperative instructions. In approximately 2 weeks, you should be presentable in public.

FAQs

Since ectropions and entropions have the potential to compromise your eye health, insurance will cover the procedure in most cases.

You will have some bruising after the surgery that can take about 2 weeks for most of it to resolve. Itching is a common symptom after surgery due to the wounds healing. You may also notice tightness on the outer corner of your eyes as this is where the eyelid is typically tightened. These symptoms will go away with time. Most patients can drive as early as 3-5 days and make-up can be applied at about 10-14 days after the procedure. Strenuous physical activity can be resumed also at about 10-14 days after the procedure.

Fortunately the risks are fairly low with ectropion and entropion procedure. With entropion procedure, the success rate is over 90%, if not higher, with nearly immediate relief of the foreign body sensation from the eyelashes rubbing on the eye. With the ectropion procedure, the lid will be better positioned and tighter creating a stronger blink. However, patients may have other diagnoses such as dry eye syndrome that needs to be addressed for optimal outcome

Most patients will say there is minimal to no pain after the surgery. Itching and tightness sensation is the most common symptom after surgery that resolves with time

Dr. Patel is an awesome surgeon that goes over and beyond for his patients. I was originally supposed. to have a skin graft under my lower eyelid. He knew I wouldn’t be satisfied with the appearance and he explained everything to me so he tried something totally different during surgery. I’m definitely glad he was able to correct my lower lid. I just had surgery on my upper lid for a scar revision and everything looks nice. It’s hard coming across a doctor that’s willing to make you satisfied and correct the issue vs just correcting the issue. I can’t thank Patel enough for correcting my issues.
Shakeima S.
Dr. Patel gets my highest recommendation for reconstructive surgery on my lower eyelid, which had 60% of my lower eyelid, including a nickel sized piece of skin, removed underneath the eye, due to cancer. Now, my eyelid looks just like the other eyelid and he did it without a skin graft!. Most people comment, “You would never know you had reconstructive surgery.” Dr and I were very pleased with the results. Dr. Patel was very professional, is talented in his field, and thorough in explaining the procedure and follow-up instructions. He was understanding and sensitive to my concerns about my face. He also had humor, which helped when I was anxious.
Colleen H.
Dr. Patel and his staff were wonderful to work with. I had DCR surgery (Dacryocystorhinostomy) to create a new tear drain. Dr. Patel is friendly, kind, knowledgeable, and easy to understand. The staff assisted me greatly in scheduling surgery and with followup appointments. I am so happy with a perfect outcome of my new tear drain. No more tears constantly running down my face.
Diana M.