Eye & Oculoplastic Surgery
Ectropion
Surgery for an eyelid that turns outward, which can cause watering and irritation.
Consult Dr. Raman Mittal ↗
Illustrative image · not a patient resultOverview
About Ectropion
In ectropion the lower eyelid turns outward. The eye may water, feel dry or become irritated. The cause and the support of the eyelid are assessed before surgery is planned.
When to see a specialist
- 01A lower eyelid that turns outward
- 02Watering, dryness or irritation
- 03A loose or sagging lower eyelid
Whether treatment is suitable can only be decided after a consultation and examination.
Your doctor
Dr. Raman Mittal
Ophthalmology • Oculoplastic Surgery
- MBBS
- DNB – Ophthalmology
- Fellowship in Oculoplasty
Ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon. He treats problems of the eyelids, tear ducts, orbit and eye socket, including cosmetic and reconstructive surgery around the eye.
Your consultation
What happens at the consultation.
At the first visit the doctor listens to your concern, takes a medical history and examines you. Not everyone who comes for a consultation needs a procedure.
Treatment planning
How the plan is decided.
The operation depends on the cause and on how loose the eyelid is.
- 01
Your anatomy
- 02
Examination findings
- 03
What you want to change
- 04
General health
Techniques
- Operations used include the lateral tarsal strip and medial canthoplasty. Which is suitable depends on the examination.
In detail
Ectropion: what to know.
Causes and symptoms
In ectropion, the lower eyelid sags and turns outward, away from the eye.
- Most cases are due to age-related loosening of the eyelid.
- Other causes include facial nerve weakness such as Bell’s palsy, scarring from injury, burns or previous surgery, a growth on the eyelid, and long-term use of some eye drops.
- It causes a red, sore, gritty or watery eye, difficulty closing the eye, and repeated infections.
Seek urgent help for severe redness, pain, a change in vision or marked sensitivity to light.
Treatment options
- Lubricating drops and ointment, and gentle taping of the lid, help protect the eye. Dab rather than wipe a watering eye.
- Stopping an eye drop that is causing the problem, where possible.
- Surgery is the only permanent correction.
The operation
- A lateral tarsal strip tightens a loose lower lid at its outer corner.
- A medial procedure turns the tear-drainage opening at the inner corner back towards the eye.
- When scarring has shortened the skin, a skin graft may be needed.
- Usually done under local anaesthetic as a day case, taking about 30 to 45 minutes, or longer when a graft is needed.
Recovery
- Ice packs help for the first 48 hours, and antibiotic drops or ointment are used for about two weeks.
- Bruising usually settles over 10 to 14 days. Stitches are removed after about two weeks if they have not dissolved.
- Normal activities are possible within a few days. Avoid swimming for about two weeks.
Risks
Every operation carries some risk. Your doctor will go through the risks that apply to you before you decide.
- The eyelid can turn out again over time.
- Rarely, infection, a small lump of healing tissue, or failure of a skin graft.
- Loss of vision is very rare.
General information, checked against published guidance (September 2026). It does not replace an individual consultation; your doctor will advise on your own case.
Sources: NHS: Ectropion · EyeWiki (AAO): Ectropion · Cambridge University Hospitals NHS
What to expect
From first visit to follow-up.
- 01
Consultation
Tell the doctor what concerns you and ask your questions.
- 02
Examination & Planning
The doctor examines you and explains the options, including their limits.
- 03
Treatment
Carried out only if it is suitable for you and you decide to go ahead.
- 04
Follow-Up
Check-ups after treatment to review healing and any next steps.
FAQs
Common questions.
This can only be decided after a consultation and examination. The doctor will go through your concern, your medical history and the options available.
The doctor asks about your concern and medical history, examines you, and discusses what you hope to change and whether treatment is advisable.
Dr. Raman Mittal sees patients for this treatment at I·PLAST.
Yes. If treatment is planned, the doctor will explain aftercare, any activity restrictions and the follow-up visits you will need.
Not necessarily. Results depend on your anatomy, the examination findings, your general health and the procedure. Photographs of other patients show their results only.