With ectropion, the lower eyelid turns outward, meaning the eye is no longer properly protected. Tears cannot be distributed or drained properly, causing the eye to become irritated and watery. In severe cases, the cornea can dry out or become inflamed.

An ectropion is usually caused by:

  • Sagging of the lower eyelid due to aging
  • Scarring (for example due to a skin disease or previous procedure)
  • Paralysis of the facial nerve (e.g. in Bell's palsy)

An ectropion affects your daily comfort and eye health. The correction:

  • Restores the natural position of the lower eyelid
  • Relieves symptoms such as tearing, dryness and irritation
  • Protects the eye from dehydration and damage
  • Fully reimbursed by health insurance for medical indications

  • If necessary, we combine an ectropion correction with:
  • Entropion correction (for combined position deviation)
  • Scar correction or skin grafting (for extensive damage)
  • Cosmetic lower eyelid correction for a firmer eye contour
  • Our doctors always provide tailor-made advice, tailored to your situation and wishes.

  • During the no-obligation intake interview:
  • The doctor will assess the cause and severity of the ectropion
  • We will discuss your health, medication, and expectations
  • You will receive a clear explanation of the treatment, risks, and costs
  • Medical photographs will be taken for preparation

  • Wear comfortable clothing, no makeup or jewelry
  • Pre-cleanse your face with a mild cleanser
  • Avoid blood thinners unless prescribed
  • Eat lightly under local anesthesia
  • Arrange for transportation and assistance if necessary

  • The treatment takes about 60 to 90 minutes under local anesthesia
  • A small incision is made on the outside of the lower eyelid
  • The eyelid is shortened slightly and re-anchored to the periosteum
  • The skin is closed with fine sutures for a subtle result
  • You can go home the same day, provided you are accompanied by someone

In the event of scarring, an additional piece of skin may be removed (pentagon excision) or a skin graft may be necessary — this will be discussed in advance

  • Apply chloramphenicol eye ointment twice a day until the stitches have been removed
  • Cool regularly (15 minutes every hour in the first few days)
  • Sleep with an extra pillow: head higher than your body
  • You can shower after 24 hours, but do not use soap around the eyes
  • Stitches are removed after 10 days
  • Make-up and contact lenses are allowed after 2–3 weeks
  • Avoid sun, tanning beds, saunas, and swimming for the first 3 weeks.
  • Check-up appointment after 6–8 weeks.
  • Smoking is strongly discouraged: it slows down recovery

With proper aftercare, the chance of complications is small. Normal side effects include:

  • Redness, swelling, bruising, mild post- operative pain

Rare complications:

  • Temporary sensation of a lump at the suture site
  • Infection or post-operative bleeding
  • Asymmetry or undercorrection (if necessary, a follow-up correction will follow)

An ectropion correction is almost always fully reimbursed by your health insurance, as it is a medical indication. We will help you with the correct documentation for reimbursement.

  • Specialist in medical and aesthetic eyelid corrections
  • Treatment by experienced, BIG-registered ophthalmologists
  • Natural result with short recovery time
  • Strict adherence to hygiene and quality standards
  • Personal guidance from first consultation to recovery