Eyelid malpositions
Ectropion & Entropion
The eyelids need to be in a normal position to allow for good tear production and drainage and to allow the eyelids to close properly during each blink. When the lids are malpositioned, they can be very irritating to the eye and result in tearing, pain, and even infections. The lower lid positions can change with age, trauma, sun damage, or prior surgery. They can either be turned out (referred to as an ectropion), turned in (referred to as an entropion) or can be retracted or notched.
There are various ways a surgeon can go about repairing lower lid malpositions and it depends on the type of problem and what the etiology (or cause) is. Dr. Zoumalan will sit down with you and carefully discuss with you the options available after reviewing your history and performing a full examination.
What are the symptoms of ectropions and entropions?
The lower lid positions can change with age, trauma, sun damage, or prior surgery. They can either be turned out (referred to as an ectropion), turned in (referred to as an entropion) or can be retracted or notched. The eyelids need to be in a normal position to allow for good tear production and drainage and to allow the eyelids to close properly during each blink. When the lids are malpositioned, they can be very irritating to the eye and result in tearing, pain, and even infections.
This patient had a right lower eyelid that was turning inward and resulting in significant discomfort, tearing, and eye pain. He had an entropion, where the eyelid is turned inward. Entropion repair was performed to help fix the lid malposition.
She had a left lower lid entropion, which was resulting in her left lower lid to turn inward and continuously rub onto her eyeball. This is usually acquired with age and should be repaired as it can result in constant irritation and pain to the eye. Patients are also at risk for an infection in their eye if this is not repaired. She underwent an entropion repair and you can see how better positioned the left lower lid is. This is quite evident when the patient looks up as seen in these photographs. You can see the improvement in the left lower eyelid position after surgery.
Preoperative Diagnosis: Bilateral lower lid ectropions resulting in tearing. Note that the left is more severe than the right.
Procedure performed: Bilateral lower lid ectropion repair, left lower lid midface resuspension (midface lift). The midface resuspension allows for better support for her lower lid position and to help prevent it from recurring months or years after surgical repair.
Preoperative Diagnosis:Right lower lid ectropion.
Procedure performed: Ectropion repair, right lower lid. She underwent a right lower lid ectropion repair and using a special resuspension and tightening technique referred to as a canthoplasty. Her symptoms have resolved and now also has a normal appearing right lower lid.
Disclaimer:
*Individual results may vary
All before and after pictures displayed are real patients who have consented to having their pictures published on our site. Individual results will vary with each patient and Dr. Christopher Zoumalan does not guarantee any outcomes of procedures shown. All pictures are meant for reference and illustrative purposes only.
Common Questions and Answers
- What should you expect at your preoperative visit for your upcoming revisional eyelid surgery?
- What should you expect on the day of your revisional eyelid surgery?
- What should you expect after your revisional eyelid surgery in terms of recovery and pain control?
- What are the risks and complications to revisional eyelid surgery?
Dr. Christopher Zoumalan is a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, specializing in aesthetic and reconstructive oculoplastic surgery. Dr. Zoumalan is passionate about helping patients reach their ideal aesthetic and restore functionality with the leading cosmetic eyelid surgery, reconstructive eyelid surgery, and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Dr. Zoumalan has been featured on several television shows and has traveled the world as a trusted oculoplastic specialist. Browse the video gallery below to learn more about oculoplastic procedures and treatments.
