The prevention and treatment of lower lid ectropion following blepharoplasty.

Abstract

Ectropion and scleral show are the most common complications following lower lid blepharoplasty. Certain conditions predispose patients to ectropion, and these should be evaluated. In some cases, the addition of a wedge tarsectomy or tarsal strip procedure to a blepharoplasty in association with careful technique and postoperative measures is important in prevention of postblepharoplasty ectropion. Postoperative ectropion should initially be treated conservatively with massage. This may be effective up to 6 months postoperatively. If conservative measures fail, the etiology of the ectropion should be addressed. Laxity of the tarsus and canthal ligaments benefit from a horizontal lid-shortening procedure. Where there is vertical shortening from excessive skin resection or scarring of the orbital septum, there should be release and grafting of the deficiency.

• Authors: J H Carraway, C G Mellow
• Journal: Plastic and reconstructive surgery (Plast Reconstr Surg) Vol. 85 Issue 6 Pg. 971-81 (Jun 1990) ISSN: 0032-1052 [Print] United States
• PMID: 2349302 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Ectropion (etiology, prevention & control)
• Eyelids (surgery)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Massage
• Postoperative Care
• Postoperative Complications (prevention & control)
• Skin Transplantation
• Surgery, Plastic (adverse effects)