Ectropion Repair
Idaho Falls and Rexburg
What might appear as even a minor eyelid concern at first can develop into a larger issue. From cosmetic changes to putting your eye’s health at risk, ectropion can lead to numerous results. That is why we recommend consulting with Dr. Cutler Peck to learn about our options for ectropion repair in Idaho Falls and Rexburg. Call our office today or use our online form to set up a visit and receive a personalized consultation.
What Is Ectropion?
Ectropion is a medical condition in which the lower eyelid droops or turns outward in varying degrees. This can cause the eye to become dry, irritated, and sensitive to light over time. In some cases, ectropion may also lead to recurrent infections around the eyes due to inadequate tear drainage. But it also presents a cosmetic concern, often affecting how a patient feels about their appearance overall. In some cases, it may appear gradually, slowly worsening over time until a patient begins to experience more noticeable changes. In other cases, such as with injury or trauma, it may appear more suddenly due to changes in the eyelid structures due to the injury.
Risk Factors for Ectropion
Anyone can develop ectropion, but some patients may prove more prone to it, due to a few factors. Aging is one of the most common risk factors for developing ectropion, as the eyelid muscles tend to weaken over time and cause changes in the structure of the eye. In some patients, this may result in ectropion. In others, eyelid changes may lead to droopy or loose eyelids, a condition called ptosis. Other potential risk factors include burns, scarring from previous surgery, or tumors around the eye.
"IF THE PATH BE BEAUTIFUL, LET US NOT ASK WHERE IT LEADS. "
Anatole France
Dr. Cutler Peck is recognized as the region’s foremost eyelid surgery specialist.
Dr. Cutler Peck is a double board-certified plastic surgeon focused on Oculofacial
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Dr. Cutler Peck is a double board-certified plastic surgeon focused on Oculofacial
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Benefits of Treating Ectropion
Treating ectropion can have several benefits that patients can expect to see. The most noticeable one is restoring the appearance and health of your eye and eyelid, relieving you from the discomfort that comes with ectropion. It can also help prevent recurrent infections and protect your vision by restoring the natural structure of the eyelid and improving tear drainage.
Why Choose Dr. Peck for Ectropion Repair
When regarding ectropion repair in Idaho Falls, Dr. Peck has an outstanding record in helping patients overcome the condition. She takes the time to get to know each patient and works closely with them to provide personalized treatments that allow them to see optimal results with each procedure she performs. Every procedure, large or small, demands her full attention and effort, ensuring you leave her practice feeling and looking your best.
Options for Treating Ectropion
If the ectropion is mild, your oculofacial plastic surgeon may recommend that you use lubricating eye drops and apply cold compresses to help relieve symptoms. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the condition, restoring the appearance and health of the affected eye and eyelid. In most cases, the procedure itself can be quite straightforward and is almost always a full success. The result is a more aesthetically pleasing eyelid position that also reduces or eliminates all the symptoms associated with ectropion. That is, your eyelid will both look and feel better.
What Is the Procedure Like?
During a surgical ectropion repair, Dr. Peck will make small incisions in the affected eyelid to tighten and reposition the affected tissues. Depending on your condition, she may also need to remove excess skin from around the eye. This entire procedure is typically completed under local anesthesia within about one to two hours, depending on the patient’s individual situation. Patients should not feel any pain throughout the entire process, and we take every step to ensure your experience is as positive as possible. Once the surgery has been completed, you can return home right away as long as someone drives you.
Recovery and Results for Ectropion Repair
Following a successful ectropion repair, your eyelid should return to its normal position and function immediately. Improvement in any discomfort or irritation may be noticed within days after the procedure and should fade within a week or two. Some mild swelling is expected during the initial recovery phase, but this should diminish quickly as you heal. In some cases, patients may need to wear an eye patch for a few days to prevent the site from being irritated. Once the swelling has fully gone down around the eyelid, the patient can see their full results. Any symptoms should be gone or gradually improve, and the eyelid’s position should be in balance with your features.
Options for Treating Ectropion
If the ectropion is mild, your oculofacial plastic surgeon may recommend that you use lubricating eye drops and apply cold compresses to help relieve symptoms. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the condition, restoring the appearance and health of the affected eye and eyelid. In most cases, the procedure itself can be quite straightforward and is almost always a full success. The result is a more aesthetically pleasing eyelid position that also reduces or eliminates all the symptoms associated with ectropion. That is, your eyelid will both look and feel better.
Schedule Your Consultation
At Dr. Cutler Peck’s center for oculofacial surgery, we strive to provide successful and satisfying treatment for ectropion repair in Idaho Falls and Rexburg. That is why Dr. Peck offers personalized consultations to discuss your options and decide which approach best fits your needs and goals. Call our office today or use our online form to set up your consultation with a leading oculofacial surgeon.
BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS
84-year-old male had significant sun exposure during his life, which caused the thin lower eyelid skin to tighten and this in turn caused his right lower eyelid to pull away from his eye. This was repaired by taking the extra skin from his left upper eyelid and grafting it into his right lower eyelid, just below the eyelashes. There is a small black scab which will fall off. This is the only visible sign that he has had a skin graft. Once the scab falls off, it will be very difficult to tell that he had any procedure.
This wonderful 94-year-old gentleman had a severe ectropion of his left lower eyelid. This was leading to tearing that made his vision blurry. It was difficult for him to see all the time. His eye was also irritated, red and felt dry. Dr. Peck repaired his ectropion with a full thickness skin graft. He has healed beautifully, which is typical of this surgery. His eye feels better, his tearing has resolved, and he can see better.