Table of contents

• Symptoms of Ectropion
• Causes of Ectropion
• Why Treatment Is Important
• Understanding Terminology
• Surgical Treatments for Ectropion
• Best Clinics in Korea for Ectropion
• 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 for Ectropion

Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for ectropion:

Clinic Name	Key Features	Special Techniques
THE PLUS Plastic Surgery	THE PLUS Plastic Surgery, located in the vibrant Garosu-gil district of Gangnam, Seoul, delivers world-class care across four purpose-built floors that streamline the entire patient journey from consultation to surgery and post-operative skincare. Helmed by internationally recognized director surgeons Dr. Jeong Jae Yong and Dr. Kim Taek Kyun—both prolific educators and researchers—the clinic is renowned for its meticulous, safety-first approach, personalized communication, and academically grounded techniques. With a preeminent reputation in rhinoplasty and facial contouring, active contributions to journals and books, and regular participation in global symposiums, the team embodies cutting-edge expertise and a commitment to elevating the standards of aesthetic and reconstructive care.	Blepharoplasty; Ptosis correction; Canthoplasty; Facial contouring
Made Young Plastic Surgery	Made Young Plastic Surgery Clinic, located in Seoul’s prestigious Gangnam district, is a premium center specializing in facial and anti-aging procedures with a safety-first philosophy, genuine dedication, and proven expertise. Led in eyelid care by Dr. Park Byung-Chan—who has devoted 15 years exclusively to eye surgery and is renowned for natural, beautiful eye results even on the day of surgery—Made Young delivers ectropion evaluation and correction with a meticulous, patient-centered approach. From direct, honest consultations to fully customized eyelid design (incision lines, double eyelid height, eyelid thickness, and overall image), the clinic blends traditional beauty ideals with cutting-edge techniques, all supported by a verified medical team, comprehensive anesthesia safety, and thorough aftercare.	Ectropion evaluation and correction; Customized eyelid design (incision lines, double eyelid height, eyelid thickness, and overall eye image); Direct diagnosis by medical team; 15 years eyelid surgery experience; On-site anesthesia safety; Thorough aftercare
SH Clinic	SH Clinic in Sinsa, Seoul is a multi-specialty center that brings stem-cell science, women’s healthcare, aesthetic dermatology, and modern plastic surgery under one roof. Specializing in Stem Cell Therapy and Gynecology, the clinic’s SH Stem Cell Center delivers personalized, comprehensive plans ranging from facial rejuvenation and anti-aging to advanced cell-based therapies for serious conditions, while the SH Gynecology Clinic offers a full spectrum of women’s health services and vaginal rejuvenation options, including fillers, stem cell injections, HIFU treatments, tightening, and implant surgery. For readers exploring solutions for ectropion or lower-eyelid laxity, SH Clinic’s cosmetic plastic surgery team provides focused expertise in the periocular area, including lower blepharoplasty alongside complementary facial procedures. Patients can expect detailed consultations to assess lower-lid anatomy and discuss appropriate aesthetic or surgical options, with the added convenience of in-house aesthetic dermatology and regenerative programs that support overall facial harmony and recovery planning.	Lower blepharoplasty; Periocular-focused cosmetic/plastic surgery; Stem cell therapy; Facial rejuvenation; Regenerative programs

THEPLUS Plastic Surgery

THE PLUS Plastic Surgery, located in the vibrant Garosu-gil district of Gangnam, Seoul, delivers world-class care across four purpose-built floors that streamline the entire patient journey from consultation to surgery and post-operative skincare. Helmed by internationally recognized director surgeons Dr. Jeong Jae Yong and Dr. Kim Taek Kyun—both prolific educators and researchers—the clinic is renowned for its meticulous, safety-first approach, personalized communication, and academically grounded techniques. With a preeminent reputation in rhinoplasty and facial contouring, active contributions to journals and books, and regular participation in global symposiums, the team embodies cutting-edge expertise and a commitment to elevating the standards of aesthetic and reconstructive care.

• Why THE PLUS is the best clinic for ectropion

• Expert eyelid-focused services: The clinic offers key eye procedures—blepharoplasty, ptosis correction, and canthoplasty—that are central to addressing eyelid malposition and restoring both eyelid function and aesthetics.

• Function and beauty, aligned: Dr. Jeong, President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, leads with a philosophy that unites functional improvement with aesthetic refinement—precisely the balance required for conditions like ectropion.

• Harmony-driven planning: Dr. Kim emphasizes harmonious balance of facial features to enhance natural beauty, ensuring eyelid position and contour complement the entire face after correction.

• Board-certified leadership and global recognition: Dr. Kim and Dr. Lee are board-certified; the team is active in leading societies, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and is in demand for international presentations and live surgeries.

• Decades of seasoned experience: A veteran surgical team with over 10 years of practice each prioritizes safety and consistent outcomes throughout all phases of care.

• Academic excellence at the core: THE PLUS surgeons publish in scholarly journals and books; Dr. Kim’s reference text “Rebuilding Nose” reflects the clinic’s precision in delicate facial anatomy—an approach directly relevant to intricate eyelid work.

• Education that raises the bar: Dr. Kim and Dr. Jeong conduct regular training and webinars for fellow surgeons, continuously advancing technique and patient safety standards.

• Comprehensive, seamless care: The four-floor facility enables integrated diagnostics, surgery, and recovery support, helping patients navigate ectropion correction with coordinated, attentive follow-up.

• Proven mastery in facial precision: The clinic’s leadership in rhinoplasty and facial contouring underscores exceptional control over soft tissue and structural harmony—skills essential for refined eyelid repositioning.

• Patient-centered communication: Clear, tailored guidance at every step ensures that goals around comfort, eye function, and natural appearance are fully understood and prioritized.

• Meet the surgeons

• Dr. Kim Taek Kyun: Board-certified; global society memberships; award-winning researcher in 3D implants; leading expert in rhinoplasty and facial contouring; runs annual educational sessions; champions facial harmony and natural-looking results.

• Dr. Jeong Jae Yong: President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons; frequent international speaker and panelist; specialist in rhinoplasty and revision; integrates function and beauty in every case.

• Dr. Lee: Board-certified breast augmentation specialist with experience at top hospitals including Seoul National University Hospital; active in multiple Korean plastic surgery societies; focused on natural, long-lasting outcomes.

• Eye and facial procedures relevant to ectropion care at THE PLUS

• Blepharoplasty: Refines eyelid tissue to rejuvenate and support eyelid contour.

• Ptosis correction: Improves upper eyelid lift and symmetry, complementing periocular balance.

• Canthoplasty: Reshapes the outer eye corner—an important technique when stabilizing eyelid position.

• Facial contouring expertise: Enhances global facial harmony so eyelid correction integrates seamlessly with surrounding structures.

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 a premium center specializing in facial and anti-aging procedures with a safety-first philosophy, genuine dedication, and proven expertise. Led in eyelid care by Dr. Park Byung-Chan—who has devoted 15 years exclusively to eye surgery and is renowned for natural, beautiful eye results even on the day of surgery—Made Young delivers ectropion evaluation and correction with a meticulous, patient-centered approach. From direct, honest consultations to fully customized eyelid design (incision lines, double eyelid height, eyelid thickness, and overall image), the clinic blends traditional beauty ideals with cutting-edge techniques, all supported by a verified medical team, comprehensive anesthesia safety, and thorough aftercare.

• Exclusive eye-surgery expertise for ectropion: Dr. Park Byung-Chan with 15 years dedicated solely to eye surgery
• Natural, day-one aesthetics: known for natural and beautiful eye results even on the day of surgery
• Personalized ectropion planning: customized incision lines, eyelid thickness, double eyelid height, and overall eye image for a harmonious, natural look
• Genuine, patient-centered care: transparent guidance from consultation to surgery with direct diagnosis by the medical team
• Verified medical team: only highly skilled doctors with an average of over 15 years of experience and extensive clinical backgrounds
• Comprehensive safety system: full-time board-certified anesthesiologists on site, 1:1 dedicated monitoring, cross-check collaboration in emergencies, and full CCTV coverage for transparency
• Dedicated aftercare: a separate, specialized aftercare center providing complete and systematic post-procedure management
• Award-winning quality: 2022 Korea No.1 Award and 2022 Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place, with recognition by the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons and certification by the Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery Society
• Premium Gangnam setting: a refined environment that marries traditional beauty ideals with innovative, evidence-based techniques for superior eyelid and ectropion outcomes

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

SH Clinic

SH Clinic in Sinsa, Seoul is a multi-specialty center that brings stem-cell science, women’s healthcare, aesthetic dermatology, and modern plastic surgery under one roof. Specializing in Stem Cell Therapy and Gynecology, the clinic’s SH Stem Cell Center delivers personalized, comprehensive plans ranging from facial rejuvenation and anti-aging to advanced cell-based therapies for serious conditions, while the SH Gynecology Clinic offers a full spectrum of women’s health services and vaginal rejuvenation options, including fillers, stem cell injections, HIFU treatments, tightening, and implant surgery.

For readers exploring solutions for ectropion or lower-eyelid laxity, SH Clinic’s cosmetic plastic surgery team provides focused expertise in the periocular area, including lower blepharoplasty alongside complementary facial procedures. Patients can expect detailed consultations to assess lower-lid anatomy and discuss appropriate aesthetic or surgical options, with the added convenience of in-house aesthetic dermatology and regenerative programs that support overall facial harmony and recovery planning.

You can check out their website here: SH 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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