Ectopion Surgery

Ectopion is an out-turning of the eyelid margin. This usually involves the lower eyelid. Ectopion can cause tearing, redness, mattering and may affect the closure of the eyelids. Ectopion may be related to previous cosmetic eyelid surgery, previous skin cancer surgery on the face, or may develop with aging.

Repairing ectopion requires tightening the lower eyelid at the outside corner of the eye. Tightening the eyelid can be combined with opening the tear ducts to improve tearing. It can also be performed with lower blepharoplasty when indicated. Some types of ectopion may require mid-face elevation at the same time and rarely a skin graft or flap reconstruction. Ectopion repair is usually covered by insurance and can be performed as an outpatient.