Ectropion/Ectropion (Lid Malpositions)

What are ectropion and entropion?

Ectropion and entropion are conditions in which the eyelid turns outward or inward respectively, disrupting the delicate relationship between the eyelid and the surface of the eye. Both conditions are highly treatable with a straightforward surgical procedure, and most patients experience significant relief very quickly after their operation.

Ectropion/Entropion Surgery at a Glance

Duration

20–30 minutes per eyelid

Location

Hospital – day case (no overnight stay)

Anaesthetic

Local anaesthetic only

Longevity

Long-lasting surgical correction

Downtime

1–2 days

Return to work

1–2 weeks

Return to driving

Approximately 2 weeks

Ointment course

1 week post-operatively

Dr. Janice Brady

Consultant Oculoplastic Surgeon

MB BCh BAO BMedSc MSc MRCOphth FRCSI(Ophth)

Pricing

Common Symptoms

Ectropion – outward-turning eyelid

Ectropion occurs when the lower eyelid loses its normal tension and sags away from the eye, turning outward. The inner surface of the lid becomes exposed and inflamed, and tears overflow down the cheek as the drainage point pulls away from the eye.

COMMON CAUSES

Age-related laxity · Previous facial palsy · Scarring or skin changes · Previous eyelid surgery · Sun damage

Entropion – inward-turning eyelid

Entropion occurs when the lower eyelid folds inward, causing the eyelashes and skin of the lid to rub directly against the surface of the eye. This continuous contact causes significant discomfort and can damage the cornea if left untreated.

COMMON CAUSES

Age-related laxity · Spasm of lid muscles · Scarring · Post-inflammatory changes

What to expect during your procedure

Eyelid surgery is usually performed as a day case under local anaesthetic.
You should arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
On arrival you will be prepared by the nursing team, and local anaesthetic will be injected around the eyelid to ensure the area is completely numb.
You will be awake but comfortable throughout. The surgery itself typically takes 20–30 minutes per eyelid.
Fine sutures are used to reposition and tighten the eyelid
A small dressing or pad may be applied to the eye afterwards
Rarely some cases may involve a more extensive procedure with a skin graft - the surgical plan will have been discussed with you at your initial consultation with Ms Brady.

After Before

DAY 3-5

Early results visible

DAY 10-14

Full effect

3-4 MONTHS

Duration of results
(varies individually)

FOLLOW-UP

Review offered at 2-3
weeks for new clients

Immediate aftercare & ointment

In the first days after surgery, some swelling, bruising, and tightness around the eye is expected and will settle over one to two weeks.
You will be prescribed an antibiotic ointment to apply to the wound and the surface of the eye for one week following surgery. This helps prevent infection and keeps the incision line soft and comfortable as it heals.

Apply prescribed ointment as directed — typically two to four times daily for one week
Keep the area clean and dry; avoid rubbing or touching the eye
Cold compresses applied gently to the closed eyelid can help reduce swelling
Avoid swimming, saunas, and strenuous activity for two weeks
You may shower normally, taking care not to direct water onto the face
Avoid driving until swelling has settled and vision is comfortable — typically around two weeks

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Post-operative review & suture removal

You will be seen back in clinic one to two weeks after your surgery for your post-operative review. At this appointment the wound will be examined and your sutures will be removed — this is a quick and painless procedure.

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