Ectropion - Eyelids that Turn Out
New York City Ectropion Treatment Dr. Brian Brazzo
What is ectropion?
An ectropion is an outward-turning or sagging lower eyelid, which leaves the eye exposed and dried. As a result, excess tearing is common with this condition. If not treated, the condition can lead to a crusting of the eyelid, mucus discharge and irritation of the eye. A serious inflammation could result in damage to the eye. Ectropion can be diagnosed with a routine eye examination.
What are the causes?
Generally the condition is the result of tissue relaxation with aging, although it may occur as a result of Bell’s palsy or facial nerve paralysis, trauma, scarring or other surgery.
What are the symptoms?
The moist inner conjunctival surface of the eyelid becomes exposed and visible. Normally the upper and lower eyelids close together and protect the eye from damage and prevent tear evaporation. If the edge of one eyelid turns outwards, then the upper and lower eyelids do not meet properly and tears cannot spread over the eye. This condition may lead to irritation, burning, excess tearing, discomfort, visible outward turning of the eyelid, and redness of the eyelid and conjunctiva.
What are the treatments?
The irritation can be temporarily relieved with artificial tears and ointments, which lubricate the eye. However the best treatment is usually surgical intervention. In most cases of ectropion, the surgeon will shorten and tighten the lower eyelid to return it to the normal position. This is typically completed with a small incision on the skin at the outer corner of the eyelid. The underlying muscle and eyelid tissue are reattached to the normal structures of the orbital bones. The scar is minimal and after several weeks can usually not be visualized.
The surgery to repair ectropion is usually performed in the office under local anesthesia. Eye drops are placed in the eye and ointment is placed on the wound several times a day following the procedure. Vision usually returns to normal immediately after the procedure.
What are the risks and complications?
In addition to removal of the sutures, minor bruising and swelling is expected and will likely go away in one or two weeks. Bleeding and infection, which are potential risks with any surgery, are very uncommon.
Who should perform the surgery?
A superb New York ophthalmic plastic surgery provider, Dr. Brazzo has performed thousands of these surgeries on New York City ectropion patients and is considered an expert in this type of repair. He has lectured other physicians and residents around the United States and has written extensively on this topic.
Dr. Brazzo has years of training and experience in cosmetic and reconstructive eye surgery and offers New York City blepharoplasty patients various eyelid procedures, including ptosis treatment. As a highly sought after oculoplastic surgeon in NYC, he also provides facial fillers and is trusted by Botox New York City patients seeking non-surgical anti-aging solutions.