Ectropion Repair in St. Louis & St. Peters MO
If you are experiencing eyelid discomfort, irritation, or drooping, ectropion repair at Ophthalmic Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, Inc. could be an effective solution. This reconstructive surgery will restore comfort and function.
Led by Dr. John B. Holds, a nationally recognized ophthalmic plastic surgeon and clinical professor at Saint Louis University, our team is committed to delivering the highest quality care. We proudly offer a combination of experience, compassion, accessibility, and fairness at our three Missouri locations.
What is Ectropion?
Ectropion of the eyelid is a condition in which the lower eyelid droops downward and begins to turn out. It’s usually a result of the aging process as the cartilage of the lower lid becomes stretched over time, but disease or injury can sometimes cause it as well.
If your lower lid has begun to turn out and causes eye irritation, you may be a candidate for ectropion repair at Ophthalmic Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, Inc. in St. Louis, Missouri.
Types of Ectropion
Ectropion is a blanket term that describes the turning of the eyelid. There are several types of ectropion, each of which may have a different underlying cause.
Some people are born with this condition (congenital), and some develop acquired ectropion later in life. Various types of acquired ectropion include:
- Involutional ectropion: This is the most common type and is usually seen in older adults. It occurs when the elastic and collagen fibers in the eyelid weaken. Without adequate elasticity and firmness, the eyelid becomes loose to the point of falling open.
- Cicatricial ectropion: This is related to an abnormal contraction of the lower eyelid. This often results from scarring caused by infection or injury.
- Paralytic ectropion: This type is caused by a malfunction in the facial nerve that operates the muscle beneath the lower eyelid. It may result from a stroke or other neurological conditions.
- Mechanical ectropion: This occurs when a mass, such as a tumor, pulls down on the eyelid, causing it to fall open.
What Are the Symptoms of Ectropion?
The most noticeable symptom of ectropion is the visible position of the lower eyelid. A person may notice that more of the white of the eye is showing or that the eyelid visibly falls away from the eyeball. In more severe cases, the eyelid may turn inside out when a person sleeps. Additional symptoms of ectropion include:
- Dry eyes and a gritty sensation due to a poor tear film
- Excessive tearing
- Inability to completely close the eyes
- Eye pain, sensitivity to light, and blurry vision
- Burning or itching sensations
- Crusting around the eyelashes or eyelid caused by conjunctivitis
Reasons For Ectropion Repair
While ectropion repair will make you look better, it’s also necessary for the health of your eye. For this reason, your health insurance will probably cover the cost of your surgery. Without repair, you will most likely experience:
- Dryness and excessive crusting on your eyelid.
- Excessive tearing of the affected eye.
- Redness.
- Sensitivity to dust and wind because your lower lid is no longer sufficiently protecting your eye or cleansing it properly with your tears when you blink.
Eventually, you could even suffer eye scarring as a result of the foreign bodies that can reach your eye without the protection of the lower lid. In extreme cases, an untreated ectropion eyelid can even lead to blindness. Therefore, it’s very important to have the condition corrected as soon as possible.
Ectropion Treatment Options
Early treatments for ectropion include remedies such as lubricating eye drops, antibiotics to treat existing infection, and steroid ointments to reduce inflammation. If the condition of the lower eyelid worsens, surgery may be considered.
Surgery for ectropion is planned around the cause of the eyelid turning.
Stretching of Scar Tissue
Ectropion that results from scar tissue buildup on the lower eyelid may be treated with controlled stretching. This process involves injecting a steroid medication into the scar and massaging the tissue to reduce the tightness that is pulling the eyelid.
Depending on the severity of a scar caused by injury, previous surgery, or sun damage, a doctor may reduce ectropion by placing a skin graft in the affected area. A skin graft may be taken from behind the ear or the upper eyelid. Both areas typically heal within a few weeks.
Surgery
Ectropion caused by the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers that keep the eyelid intact may be corrected with plastic surgery. In this outpatient procedure performed with a local anesthetic, the surgeon shortens and tightens the lower eyelid so it fits against the eyeball.
Learn More About Entropion & Ectropion
What To Expect During Your Consultation With Our Team
When you arrive at our St. Louis office, you will provide your medical history. We need to know about any major illnesses or problems you have had, such as heart disease, hypertension, prior surgeries (especially facial surgery), etc. We also need to know your medication history, including medications or supplements that thin the blood.
During the consultation, our team will thoroughly discuss the ectropion repair surgery with you. A mutual understanding of the goals, expectations, and outcomes is essential to a great result!
They will then perform an examination to look for eye conditions, such as dry eye. This could limit or alter the surgical plan and be a possible post-operative concern.
As board-certified ophthalmologists and ophthalmic plastic surgeons, our team is attuned to eye diseases and concerns. Some of the best facial and cosmetic surgeons in the area regularly refer patients to us because of our expertise and ability to operate safely on patients who are at higher risk for complications.
Ectropion Repair Procedure
Ectropion repair is a simple, quick procedure. Your surgeon will shorten and tighten your lower lid so that it looks normal once again. This is done by making a tiny incision in the outer corner of your eyelid so that just enough of the excess tissue of the lower lid can be removed.
When your lid is stitched back into place, it will be tighter to your eye as it was before the sagging began, and your eye will no longer be so vulnerable to irritants.
Bear in mind that ectropion repair is a highly specialized surgery. It must be performed by an experienced ophthalmic plastic surgeon or ophthalmic cosmetic surgeon like our team in St. Louis.
What Patients Say
“I am 100% satisfied with my experience at Dr. Hold’s office. The staff is so friendly & their customer service is unparalleled. I was a little nervous about the procedure but the staff & Dr. Holds put me at ease. I can not say enough good things about this office. The results of my procedure are top notch & everything that I had hoped the results would be. I would recommend Dr. Hold’s to anyone. The attention to detail, the actual procedure, the customer service, the follow ups & the end results were more than I expected.”
“Dr. Holds and his staff are the best. I would highly recommend them. They insure you are happy with anything they do. They produce great results.”
“I was a patient of Dr. Holds several times. We are extremely happy with everything he has done. His staff is very friendly and knowledgeable.”
Why Choose Ophthalmic Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery?
Choosing Ophthalmic Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, Inc. for ectropion repair means trusting a team that values the four A’s. We strive to be affable, available, able, and affordable. With locations in St. Louis, St. Peters, and Arnold, Missouri, the practice is dedicated to providing quality care in a welcoming environment.
Dr. John B. Holds, an experienced ophthalmic plastic surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, leads the team with a commitment to continuous improvement and excellence. Listed in “Best Doctors in America” since 1994, we work hard to make expert care accessible and deliver outstanding results.
FAQs
Is Ectropion Repair Typically Performed Under Local or General Anesthesia?
Ectropion repair is most often performed using local anesthesia with light sedation. Local anesthesia numbs the surgical area while sedation helps the patient relax. This makes the procedure more comfortable without the risks of general anesthesia.
In some cases, particularly when ectropion repair is combined with other eyelid surgeries or when a patient’s medical needs require it, general anesthesia may be recommended.
Your surgeon will discuss the anesthesia plan with you beforehand. They consider your health history, the severity of your condition, and your personal preferences to determine the safest and most appropriate option.
How Long Does Ectropion Repair Surgery Usually Take?
The typical ectropion repair procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete. The duration varies based on:
- The cause of the ectropion
- The surgical technique used
- Whether other procedures are being performed at the same time
Although the operation is relatively quick, patients should also factor in time for pre-operative preparation and post-operative monitoring. Most individuals can return home the same day. Ectropion repair is a fairly straightforward outpatient procedure with minimal disruption to their regular schedule.
Will I Need Someone To Drive Me Home After the Procedure?
Yes, someone should drive you home after ectropion repair surgery. Even if only local anesthesia and light sedation are used, the effects can linger for several hours, making it unsafe to operate a vehicle. Additionally, you may experience temporary blurred vision, swelling, or discomfort around the eye, which could further impair your ability to drive safely.
It’s a good idea to arrange for a responsible adult to escort you to the appointment and drive you home afterward. They should also stay with you for at least the first few hours to assist if any immediate needs arise.
Can Ectropion Recur After Surgical Correction?
While ectropion repair has a high success rate, recurrence is possible. This is more likely if the underlying causes – scarring, facial nerve weakness, or progressive tissue laxity – are ongoing or worsen over time.
Surgical techniques aim to create a lasting correction. However, factors like aging, additional trauma, or chronic inflammation can affect the long-term outcome.
If ectropion does return, revision surgery can address the problem. Regular follow-ups with your surgeon are important after your initial repair. This helps monitor healing and catch early signs of recurrence to manage them promptly.
Are There Non-Surgical Methods To Support the Eyelid While Waiting for Surgery?
Several non-surgical methods can temporarily support the eyelid while awaiting ectropion repair. Examples include:
- Moisturizing treatments: Lubricating eye drops, ointments, and artificial tears.
- Protective measures: Taping the eyelid upward, wearing moisture goggles, or using special eye shields at night.
- Anti-inflammatories: Topical steroid medications or antibiotics.
These approaches can ease symptoms and protect eye health. However, they are not substitutes for surgical correction when needed.
Schedule a Consultation
Call our office today at 314-567-3567 to schedule a consultation with our team to find out how ectropion repair can restore your health and appearance. Ophthalmic Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, Inc. serves patients in St. Louis, St. Peters, Arnold, and surrounding areas in Missouri.