Eyelid malposition, including ectropion (outward turning) and entropion (inward turning), affects the lower and, rarely, the upper eyelid. Ectropion may result in redness, dryness, and increased white showing below the iris, often caused by aging, surgery, or facial nerve paralysis. On the other hand, entropion causes eyelashes to irritate the eye, leading to discomfort, foreign body sensation, and tearing, commonly due to aging or surgical scarring.
These conditions can cause discomfort, aesthetic concerns, and functional issues with the eyes. At Eyelid Center of Utah, Dr. Kian Eftekhari offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment for eyelid malposition to restore optimal eyelid function and appearance.
Eyelid Malposition Procedure Details
Dr. Kian Eftekhari specializes in outpatient surgical correction of eyelid malposition. In some cases, the severity allows for an office procedure under local anesthesia. The surgery typically involves tightening the lower eyelid at its outer corner, addressing laxity contributing to the malposition. Dr. Eftekhari may anchor the eyelid to the bone through minimal openings in rare instances. The incision strategically hides in the natural crease, ensuring aesthetic outcomes.
Recovery Process
Following eyelid malposition surgery, Dr. Eftekhari recommends a two-week application of antibiotic eye ointment on incisions and the use of artificial tears 4-6 times daily to alleviate irritation. Bruising and swelling may persist for 1-2 weeks post-surgery. Dissolvable stitches eliminate the need for removal, contributing to a smoother recovery process.
Causes and Risk Factors
Eyelid malposition can occur due to various factors, including:
- Aging: As the skin loses elasticity with age, it can lead to eyelid laxity and drooping.
- Genetics: Some individuals may inherit predispositions to certain eyelid malposition conditions.
- Trauma: Injury to the eyelids or surrounding structures can cause malposition.
- Previous Surgery: Complications from previous eyelid surgeries can result in malposition.
- Conditions like Bell’s palsy
Understanding these causes helps tailor the corrective approach to each patient’s unique situation.
Symptoms of Eyelid Malposition
Symptoms associated with eyelid malposition may include:
- Excessive tearing
- Redness and irritation
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty closing or opening the eyes
Recognizing symptoms early is crucial. Dr. Eftekhari assesses these symptoms to determine the appropriate course of action for eyelid malposition correction.
Types of Eyelid Malposition
There are several types of eyelid malposition, including:
- Ectropion: Outward turning of the eyelid margin, causing exposure of the inner eyelid surface.
- Entropion: Inward turning of the eyelid margin, leading to eyelashes rubbing against the cornea.
- Ptosis: Drooping of the upper eyelid, often obstructing vision and creating a tired appearance.
Ectropion Repair
Ectropion is a condition where the lower eyelid turns outward, causing irritation, redness, and excessive tearing. It can affect one or both eyes and is often due to aging, previous surgery, or facial nerve paralysis. Ectropion repair is a surgical procedure performed to correct the position of the eyelid and restore its proper function and appearance.
Understanding Ectropion
Ectropion occurs when the muscles and tendons that hold the eyelid in place weaken or become lax. This allows the eyelid to sag away from the eye, leading to exposure of the inner surface of the eyelid and the conjunctiva. Besides aging and previous surgery, other factors like facial nerve damage, trauma, or skin cancer can contribute to ectropion development.
The Ectropion Repair Procedure
Ectropion repair surgery aims to tighten and reposition the lower eyelid to its normal position. During the procedure, Dr. Kian Eftekhari will make incisions along the natural creases of the eyelid to access the underlying muscles and tissues. The weakened tissues are then tightened and reattached to the bone to support the eyelid in its correct position. In some cases, additional procedures may be performed to address underlying causes, such as addressing facial nerve damage or skin cancer removal.
Candidates for Ectropion Repair
Candidates for ectropion repair are individuals experiencing symptoms of ectropion, such as eye irritation, excessive tearing, and redness. They should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure. Dr. Kian Eftekhari will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for each patient.
Recovery and Expectations
After ectropion repair surgery, patients may experience mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising around the eyes. These symptoms typically resolve within a few weeks, and patients can usually resume normal activities within a week or two. Dr. Kian Eftekhari will provide specific post-operative instructions to promote proper healing and minimize the risk of complications.
Entropion Repair
Entropion occurs when the eyelid turns inward, causing discomfort, irritation, and potential damage to the cornea. This condition can result from age-related changes, scarring, or muscle weakness. Entropion repair surgery aims to correct the eyelid’s position and alleviate symptoms.
Causes of Entropion
Entropion may develop due to various factors, including:
- Age-related changes in eyelid anatomy
- Scarring from injury or previous surgeries
- Weakening of eyelid muscles or tendons
- Congenital abnormalities
Entropion Repair Procedure
During entropion repair surgery, Dr. Kian Eftekhari meticulously corrects the eyelid’s position to prevent it from turning inward. The procedure typically involves tightening or repositioning the eyelid tissues to restore proper alignment. Depending on the severity of the condition, surgery may be performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting.
Candidates for Entropion Repair
Candidates for entropion repair are individuals experiencing discomfort, irritation, or visual disturbances due to inward-turning eyelids. They should be in generally good health and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure.
Recovery and Expectations
After entropion repair surgery, patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which typically subside within a few days to weeks. Dr. Kian Eftekhari provides post-operative instructions to promote proper healing and minimize complications. Full recovery may take several weeks, during which patients should avoid strenuous activities and follow-up with scheduled appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions about Eyelid Malposition
Eyelid malposition, like ectropion or entropion, may result from aging, previous surgeries, conditions like Bell’s palsy, or scarring. Dr. Eftekhari assesses the specific cause during consultation.
Symptoms include redness, irritation, tearing, discomfort, or changes in eyelid appearance. Early recognition is crucial for timely evaluation and intervention by Dr. Eftekhari.
While eyelid malposition can cause discomfort and affect vision, timely treatment by a qualified oculofacial plastic surgeon like Dr. Kian Eftekhari can help address the issue effectively.
While some causes are unavoidable, adopting eye-healthy practices, protecting against trauma, and seeking prompt treatment for related conditions can help prevent eyelid malposition.
Dr. Eftekhari conducts a thorough consultation, assessing symptoms, medical history, and performing a physical examination to determine the type and severity of eyelid malposition.
Treatment options for eyelid malposition include surgical repair, Botox injections, and non-surgical measures like artificial tears.
In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct eyelid malposition and restore optimal eyelid function and appearance.
After surgery, patients may experience bruising and swelling for 1-2 weeks. Antibiotic eye ointment and artificial tears aid in healing, with stitches dissolving on their own.
Ectropion can be caused by aging, previous surgery, facial nerve damage, trauma, or skin cancer.
Ectropion repair surgery involves tightening and repositioning the lower eyelid through incisions along the natural creases of the eyelid.
Ideal candidates for ectropion repair are individuals experiencing symptoms of ectropion and are in good overall health.
Patients may experience mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which typically resolve within a few weeks. Specific post-operative instructions will be provided by Dr. Kian Eftekhari.
Patients can expect to see improvements in eyelid position and symptoms within a few weeks after surgery, with full results becoming apparent as healing progresses.
The duration of entropion repair surgery varies depending on the severity of the condition and the specific techniques used. On average, the procedure can take approximately 1 to 2 hours.
Local anesthesia is typically administered to ensure patient comfort during the procedure. Some discomfort and mild pain may be experienced during the initial recovery period, but this can be managed with prescribed medications.
While entropion repair is generally safe, potential risks and complications may include infection, bleeding, scarring, asymmetry, and recurrence of the condition. Dr. Kian Eftekhari discusses these risks during the pre-operative consultation and takes measures to minimize them.
Patients are typically advised to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and vigorous rubbing of the eyes for several weeks following entropion repair surgery. Dr. Kian Eftekhari provides personalized recovery guidelines based on individual circumstances.
Contact Us for Your Personalized Consultation
Individualized evaluation is essential for devising an effective treatment plan. During the consultation, Dr. Eftekhari examines the patient’s eyelid malposition, discusses concerns, and outlines a personalized approach for optimal outcomes. Contact our office today to embark on the journey to improved eyelid health and appearance.