Entropion & Ectropion Repair
When the upper or lower eyelid loses its support or experiences scarring, it can roll inward (entropion) so the lashes rub against the eye, or fall outward (ectropion) so the inner surface is exposed. Both conditions are uncomfortable, and both are surgical problems with reliable corrections.
Entropion is the inward turning of the eyelid margin. The lashes scrape the cornea with every blink, producing constant irritation, tearing, and over time corneal damage. Ectropion is the opposite: the eyelid sags outward, exposing the inner pink conjunctiva, drying the eye, and disrupting tear drainage. Both are most commonly age-related, the result of progressive horizontal laxity of the eyelid and weakening of the supporting attachments at the inner and outer corners. Scarring from trachoma, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, pemphigoid, or trauma can also lead to ectropion or entropion.
The corrective procedures restore lid position by tightening the lid horizontally, repositioning the supporting tendon at the outer corner (lateral canthus), and, where needed, replacing skin or mucosa to give the lid stable support. As an oculofacial plastic surgeon, Dr. Boxrud chooses the technique based on the underlying cause: pure laxity, cicatricial (scar-related) traction, or paralytic from facial-nerve weakness all require different operations.
These are not cosmetic conditions, and they should not be left untreated. Patients across the Los Angeles area are referred to Dr. Boxrud by their ophthalmologists and optometrists for this work.
- Procedure
- Outpatient, typically 30 to 60 minutes per eyelid.
- Anesthesia
- Local anesthesia with light sedation.
- Recovery
- Most patients return to non-public activities within a week. Some bruising at the outer corner is typical.
What is entropion?
Entropion is the medical term for an eyelid that turns inward, so the lashes and skin rub against the surface of the eye. It causes irritation, redness, tearing, and over time, damage to the cornea. It is most common in older adults due to age-related laxity of the eyelid tissues.
What is ectropion?
Ectropion is the opposite: an eyelid that turns outward, away from the eye. It causes the inner surface of the lid to be exposed, with tearing, irritation, dryness, and crusting. Like entropion, it most often results from age-related laxity, though it can also follow trauma or skin disease.
What causes these conditions?
In most cases, gradual laxity of the lower-eyelid tissues with age. Other causes include facial nerve weakness, prior surgery, scarring of the skin, and trauma. The exact cause guides the repair technique.
Is entropion or ectropion repair covered by insurance?
Typically yes. Both are functional problems that cause symptoms (eye surface damage, tearing, exposure) and are usually covered by insurance.
How long is recovery from entropion or ectropion repair?
Most patients are comfortable in public within 5 to 7 days. Swelling and bruising settle over two weeks; full settling of the result takes about three months.
Will the lid stay in the right position long-term?
In most cases, yes. The surgical techniques used in Dr. Boxrud’s practice address the underlying anatomic cause rather than just the surface position, which is what makes the repair durable.