Ectropion is the medical term used to describe sagging and outward turning of the lower eyelid and eyelashes. This can lead to excessive tearing, crusting of the eyelid, mucous discharge and irritation of the eye.
Cosmetic or aesthetic eye surgery can be performed to improve the signs of ageing around the eye region. It can also alleviate feelings of heaviness and strain for some people. Cosmetic eye surgery can be one of the most effective ways of rejuvenating the face. It can make one look and feel younger and remove tired saggy skin or puffiness around the eyes.
The aim is to improve the appearance ensuring it gently blends in with the rest of the facial skin so people around you notice that you look younger, brighter and less tired without knowing you’ve had surgery.
Over time, the tissues around our eyes can slowly slow signs of ageing. This contributes to increasing laxities of the skin, soft tissue and tendons around the eye area. The appearance often results in saggy eyelids with excess skin and/or puffy eyebags – giving one a heavy, tired appearance.
Different procedures can be done to address different ageing conditions around the eye. The most common procedures are
Surgical correction around the eye area is a powerful way to achieve a younger look. The primary goals are:
The local anaesthetic wears off in the first 2-4 hours after surgery. After this there may be mild discomfort around the wound. You may take simple pain killers such as paracetamol (Panadol) or ibuprofen(neurofen) if you have no allergies or contraindications to these medications.
If is common to have some bruising and swelling of the eyelid or the surrounding area after eyelid surgery.
There may a small amounts or bleeding or ooze in the hours (or ever few days after surgery). This can be gently dabbed away with a clean gauze.
Bleeding may be prolonged in patients who take blood thinners such as aspirin or warfarin.
If there is excessive bleeding at any time, please put some gauze over the surgical site and apply firm pressure. If it does not stop please contact us in the rooms.
Depending on the underlying cause sometime the condition may recur once again. Where necessary further surgery can be offered to improve the eyelids at a suitable time.
Infection is rare after eyelid surgery. It may cause the eyelid to become increasingly red, swollen and tender a few days after surgery with some associated discharge.
If this occurs, please contact us for review as you may require antibiotics.
Certain individuals may be allergic to the anaesthetic or antibiotic medications.
During the consultation a detailed history will be taken and necessary steps taken to avoid use of such medications if there is an allergy.
Our doctors will take detailed history and assess your eyelids to determine the extent of ectropion involving the lids. It is important to bring along all your medications, and advised the doctor if you’re taking blood thinner medications. Necessary measurements and photographs will be taken to allow for planning of surgery. We will discuss in detail your condition and explain in detail the surgical procedure during the consultation .
Prior to surgery, please ensure that you allow 6 hours of fasting prior to On the day of surgery, you will be directed to the operating theatre at the Sydney Eye Hospital.
The surgery to repair ectropion is usually performed under local anaesthesia as an outpatient. Some patients may choose
to have a light sedation throughout the procedure. The surgical technique may vary depending on the underlying condition. In most cases, your doctor will tighten the eyelid and its attachments.
Below are some points to be mindful of following surgery:
Eye patchYou may have an eye patch over-night and will be prescribed antibiotic eyedrops or ointment for about a week. If surgery is done to both eyes, one patch will be removed before you leave the surgery.
SuturesThese are generally removed between 7-10 days after the surgery.
Returning home after surgeryIt would be ideal to have someone (friend or family) to take you home or arrange a taxi.
At homeVision may seem a bit smeary following surgery or from the ointment prescribed.
Please take care not to rub on or near the surgical wound for at least 7 days.
Post-operative ointmentPlease use Chlorsig eyedrops to use 3 times during the day and ointment at night. The ointment can also be applied to the skin wound.
This is used for 1-2 weeks following surgery
o It is okay to bath and shower, however, please try and keep the surgical wound dry. During healing phase, it is best to keep the wound dry.
While gentle exercises are okay following surgery, it is best to avoid any strenuous exercise, sports, or heavily lifting for at least 2 weeks until the wound heals.
Swimming should be avoided until the wound heals and stitches removed.
You should be able to continue to drive following day after surgery when the patches are removed. However the ointment may make the vision blurry, thus please do take great care, or stop driving if the vision is not clear.
Most patient who normally drive will be able to return to driving after 3-4 days following surgery (our doctors will let you know if otherwise). Once the vision recovers above the legal requirement, it is safe to return to driving. Please take time to get use to your new vision and exercise cautious when driving.
Yes, these can continue as usual.