Table of contents

• Symptoms of Ectropion
• Causes of Ectropion
• Why Treatment Is Important
• Understanding Terminology
• Surgical Treatments for Ectropion
• Best Clinics in Korea
• Considering Surgery in South Korea
• Benefits of Ectropion Surgery
• Summary Table of Ectropion Types and Causes
• Conclusion
• References

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Ectropion is a condition where the eyelid, usually the lower one, turns outward away from the eye’s surface. While this might seem like a small change, it can seriously affect eye health and comfort. Normally, eyelids protect the eye and spread tears evenly to keep it moist and free from irritants. When the eyelid flips outward, this protective function is lost, exposing the delicate inner lining and making the eye vulnerable.

When the eyelid doesn’t close properly due to ectropion, tears don’t spread across the cornea as they should. This can cause a confusing mix of symptoms: the eye feels dry because tears aren’t distributed well, but it also produces excess tears in response. Since the eyelid is out of place, tears can’t drain through the tiny openings called puncta, causing them to pool and overflow onto the cheek.

Symptoms of Ectropion

People with ectropion often notice watery eyes because tears don’t drain properly. Despite the tearing, the eyes can feel dry, gritty, or sandy. The exposed inner eyelid and dryness cause irritation, leading to burning sensations and redness in both the eyelid and the white part of the eye. Some also experience light sensitivity (photophobia) due to corneal irritation. A common complaint is the feeling of a foreign body in the eye, even when nothing is there. In some cases, mucous discharge and crusting of eyelashes occur. The eyes may feel sore, red, and irritated. Less commonly, blurred vision or pain can happen. In severe cases, especially paralytic ectropion, patients may be unable to close their eyelids fully, a condition called lagophthalmos.

Causes of Ectropion

Ectropion can develop for several reasons:

• Involutional ectropion is the most common and happens with aging. As muscles and tendons supporting the eyelids weaken and stretch, the eyelid becomes loose and sags outward. Even frequent eye rubbing can worsen this laxity.

• Paralytic ectropion results from facial paralysis caused by conditions like Bell’s palsy, stroke, or tumors affecting the facial nerve. The orbicularis oculi muscle, which closes the eyelid, weakens, causing the eyelid to droop and increasing corneal exposure.

• Cicatricial ectropion occurs due to scarring from trauma, burns, skin conditions, or previous eyelid surgeries such as blepharoplasty or laser treatments. Scar tissue contracts and pulls the eyelid outward.

• Mechanical ectropion is caused by growths like tumors, cysts, or swelling (edema) that physically push or pull the eyelid outward.

• Congenital ectropion is present at birth and often linked to genetic disorders like Down syndrome or blepharophimosis syndrome, where eyelid muscles don’t develop properly.

Other less common causes include allergic reactions and certain anti-cancer drugs such as erlotinib, cetuximab, and panitumumab.

Why Treatment Is Important

If ectropion is left untreated, it can lead to serious eye problems. Chronic dryness and irritation increase the risk of corneal abrasions (scratches), ulcers (open sores), infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye), and keratitis (corneal inflammation). In severe cases, untreated ectropion can cause vision loss or blindness. It may also cause punctal stenosis or phimosis, which narrow or close the tear drainage openings.

Understanding Terminology

While "ectropion" is the medical term, patients might see it described as "out-turned eyelid," "sagging eyelid," or "drooping eyelid." Doctors may specify the type—such as involutional, paralytic, cicatricial, mechanical, or congenital—based on the cause. It’s important to note that eyelid ectropion is different from "cervical ectropion," a gynecological condition affecting the cervix and unrelated to the eyelid.

Surgical Treatments for Ectropion

For many, especially when symptoms persist or complications arise, surgery is the best way to fix ectropion and relieve discomfort. The surgical approach depends on the type and cause of ectropion, and any inflammation or infection should be managed before surgery to improve outcomes.

Canthoplasty

Canthoplasty tightens and repositions the outer corner of the eyelid (lateral canthus). By reinforcing the canthal tendon, the surgeon lifts and supports the lower eyelid, correcting the outward turn. This procedure is common for involutional ectropion caused by eyelid laxity. It improves tear drainage, reduces dryness and irritation, and can enhance the eye’s appearance by reducing droopiness.

Eyelid Retraction Repair

This surgery addresses ectropion caused by eyelid pulling or scarring, often from previous surgeries or trauma. The surgeon releases the retractors—muscles pulling the eyelid down—and may use grafts made from skin or mucous membrane to lengthen the eyelid’s outer layer. This is especially important for cicatricial ectropion, where scar tissue needs to be released and replaced to restore normal eyelid position.

Laser Canthoplasty

Laser canthoplasty uses lasers to make precise cuts, remove excess tissue, and tighten skin around the eyelid’s outer corner. While details are limited, laser techniques may reduce bleeding and speed healing compared to traditional surgery. Laser use is often part of canthoplasty rather than a separate procedure.

Blepharoplasty

Though mainly a cosmetic surgery to remove excess eyelid skin and fat, blepharoplasty can help some involutional ectropion cases by removing extra tissue that contributes to eyelid sagging. However, removing too much skin can cause cicatricial ectropion, so this procedure must be carefully planned and is not a primary treatment for all ectropion types.

Eyelid Fat Grafting

This involves transferring fat from another body area to the eyelid to restore volume and support. Fat grafting can improve eyelid position in involutional ectropion caused by fat loss and help cicatricial ectropion by adding bulk to scarred areas, enhancing both function and appearance.

Best Clinics in Korea

Listed below are the best clinics in Korea:

Clinic Name	Key Features	Special Techniques
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery	Premier clinic for ectropion treatment in Korea; board-certified surgeons; four-floor clinic in Garosu-gil, Gangnam; led by experts Dr. Kim, Dr. Jeong, and Dr. Lee; commitment to safety, innovation, and continuous education; active in international symposiums and medical literature	3D implants research; facial contouring; rhinoplasty; breast augmentation; meticulous ectropion correction balancing function and aesthetics
Made Young Plastic Surgery	Located in Gangnam; expert team in delicate eyelid surgeries; commitment to patient safety and comfort; minimally invasive techniques; personalized treatment plans; comprehensive eye surgery options; blends traditional Korean beauty with innovation	Canthoplasty; lower blepharoplasty; ptosis correction; dark circle removal; advanced face lifts; contouring; non-invasive lifting
Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic	Emphasizes sincerity, precision, and personalized treatment; led by specialized professionals including experienced female surgeon; wide range of aesthetic services; focus on individualized care and compassionate treatment	Body contouring; breast augmentation; hairline correction; facial lifting; eye plastic surgery including ectropion correction; rhinoplasty; scar management; specialized skin care

THEPLUS Plastic Surgery

THEPLUS Plastic Surgery stands out as the premier clinic for ectropion treatment in Korea due to its exceptional team of board-certified surgeons, cutting-edge facilities, and comprehensive patient care philosophy. Located in the vibrant Garosu-gil area of Gangnam, Seoul, THEPLUS offers a four-floor clinic designed to provide seamless service from consultation to post-operative care. The clinic is led by renowned experts such as Dr. Kim, a globally recognized plastic surgeon known for his award-winning research on 3D implants and expertise in facial contouring and rhinoplasty; Dr. Jeong, President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, who integrates functional and aesthetic excellence in his practice; and Dr. Lee, a specialist in breast augmentation with extensive experience at top Korean hospitals. Their combined expertise ensures that ectropion correction is approached with meticulous precision, balancing functional restoration with natural aesthetic harmony. THEPLUS’s commitment to safety, innovation, and continuous education—evidenced by their active participation in international symposiums and contributions to medical literature—makes it the trusted choice for patients seeking advanced, reliable, and beautifully natural results in ectropion surgery and other facial procedures.

You can check out their website here: THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website

Made Young Plastic Surgery

Made Young Plastic Surgery Clinic, located in Seoul's prestigious Gangnam district, is renowned as a leading center for aesthetic and rejuvenative plastic surgery in Korea. The clinic combines a steadfast commitment to patient safety with innovative techniques that blend traditional beauty ideals and modern advancements. With a highly skilled team of plastic surgeons, anesthesiologists, and medical professionals, Made Young offers personalized treatments designed to enhance natural beauty and restore youthful vitality. Their comprehensive range of procedures, from advanced face lifts and contouring to non-invasive lifting and specialized eye surgeries, positions Made Young as the premier choice for patients seeking expert care and outstanding results, particularly for conditions like ectropion.

Why Made Young Plastic Surgery is the Best Clinic for Ectropion in Korea:

• Expert team with extensive experience in delicate eyelid surgeries, including canthoplasty and lower blepharoplasty, essential for effective ectropion correction.
• Commitment to patient safety and comfort, ensuring minimally invasive techniques and thorough pre- and post-operative care.
• Use of cutting-edge surgical methods that combine precision with natural-looking outcomes, reducing recovery time and enhancing aesthetic results.
• Personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy and needs, maximizing both functional and cosmetic improvements.
• Comprehensive eye surgery options, including ptosis correction and dark circle removal, allowing holistic rejuvenation of the periocular area.
• Located in Gangnam, a hub for medical excellence, providing access to the latest technologies and a supportive environment for patient care.
• Strong reputation for blending traditional Korean beauty standards with innovative procedures, ensuring culturally sensitive and harmonious results.

You can check out their website here: Made Young Plastic Surgery Website

Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic

Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic in Korea is renowned for its transformative approach to aesthetic care, emphasizing sincerity, precision, and personalized treatment plans. The clinic is led by a team of specialized professionals, including a highly experienced female plastic surgeon, who guide patients through a comprehensive journey of personal transformation using advanced medical techniques and empathetic care. This commitment ensures that each patient receives tailored solutions that align with their unique needs and aesthetic goals.

Specializing in a wide range of aesthetic services, Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic offers expert care in areas such as body contouring, breast augmentation, hairline correction, facial lifting, eye plastic surgery—including ectropion correction—and rhinoplasty. The clinic also provides innovative treatments for scar management and specialized skin concerns, alongside tailored skincare solutions. With a focus on precision and individualized care, Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic stands out as a leading destination for patients seeking effective and compassionate ectropion treatment and other aesthetic procedures in Korea.

You can check out their website here: Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic Website

Considering Surgery in South Korea

South Korea is a popular destination for ectropion surgery due to its advanced medical technology and skilled surgeons, especially in plastic and reconstructive surgery. The process usually starts with online consultations where patients share medical history and photos. After deciding to proceed, patients arrange travel and accommodation, often with clinic assistance.

Upon arrival, an in-person consultation finalizes the treatment plan. Surgery is performed in hospitals or specialized clinics, with anesthesia type depending on the procedure and patient needs. Surgeries often take less than an hour per eyelid. Post-operative care instructions and follow-up appointments are provided, and patients typically stay in South Korea for several days to a week for recovery and check-ups.

South Korea offers competitive costs, state-of-the-art equipment, and comprehensive care packages that may include surgery, accommodation, transportation, and post-op care. Patients should research clinics and surgeons thoroughly to ensure quality care.

Benefits of Ectropion Surgery

Though direct patient testimonials are not included here, successful ectropion surgery generally restores eyelid position, allowing tears to spread and drain properly. This relieves dryness, grittiness, burning, and the sensation of a foreign body. Surgery protects the cornea from damage, preserving and sometimes improving vision.

Correcting the eyelid also reduces excessive tearing by restoring natural drainage. Timely surgery prevents serious complications like corneal ulcers and infections. Many patients notice cosmetic improvements, with eyes looking more refreshed, which can boost confidence and quality of life.

Summary Table of Ectropion Types and Causes

Type of Ectropion	Common Causes
Involutional	Aging (weakening of muscles and tendons)
Paralytic	Facial nerve paralysis (e.g., Bell's palsy, stroke, tumors)
Cicatricial	Scars from trauma, burns, skin conditions, previous eyelid surgeries (e.g., blepharoplasty, laser treatments)
Mechanical	Tumors, cysts, swelling (edema) on the eyelid
Congenital	Present at birth, often associated with genetic disorders (e.g., Down syndrome, blepharophimosis syndrome)
Other	Allergic reactions, certain anti-cancer treatments (e.g., erlotinib, cetuximab, panitumumab)

Conclusion

Ectropion is a common eyelid condition, especially with aging, that can cause discomfort and serious eye problems if untreated. Understanding its causes and symptoms helps patients seek appropriate care. While artificial tears may offer temporary relief, surgery is often the most effective way to restore eyelid function and prevent complications. Various surgical options, including canthoplasty, [eyelid retraction repair](/blog/eyelid-retraction-repair-korea), blepharoplasty, and fat grafting, are tailored to the specific type of ectropion. South Korea is recognized for advanced surgical expertise and comprehensive care for patients considering treatment abroad. Ultimately, treating ectropion aims to improve eye comfort, protect vision, and enhance quality of life.

References

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