Repairing Eyelid Malposition Restores Facial Symmetry

Eyelid malposition is a common condition that causes the eyelids to appear uneven. Eyelid malposition is not necessarily merely a cosmetic issue, as it can potentially lead to ocular or visual problems if left untreated. Skilled practitioners Dr. Dustin Heringer and Dr. William McLeish can repair eyelid malposition at their Scottsdale, AZ, practice, restoring ocular health and enhancing facial aesthetics by achieving symmetry of the eyelids.

Patients typically see immediate results following their eyelid malposition treatment.

Types of Eyelid Malposition

Eyelid malposition may refer to one of several conditions. The most common types of eyelid malposition include:

• Ectropion – Ectropion causes the lower eyelid and eyelashes to turn outwards due to sagging. This prevents the eyelid from properly sweeping tears into the tear duct, and results in both excessive tearing and dryness. The affected eye may become irritated and sensitive to light. As ectropion leaves the cornea irritated and exposed, corneal ulcers can result, which may threaten a patient's vision. Ectropion typically occurs due to eyelid tissue relaxing with age, but it can also result from previous eye surgery, facial cancer, or trauma.
• Entropion – Entropion causes the lower eyelid and lashes to turn inwards. As a result, the lashes rub against the eye, causing excess tearing, irritation, and scratching or scarring of the cornea. This condition may result from eyelid muscles relaxing with age.
• Eyelid Retraction – Eyelid retraction causes the eyelids, either upper or lower, to pull away from the surface of the eye. This condition typically results from surgical scarring or loss of muscle tightness due to age. Eyelid retraction causes irritation of the eyes, as the lids cannot properly lubricate and clean the surface of the eye.
• Dermatochalasis – Dermatochalasis, also known as "baggy eyes," refers to excess skin and muscle in the upper or lower eyelid, causing the lid to droop. Much like ptosis, this may result in visual and cosmetic problems including heavy eyelids, bags under the eyes, and wrinkles in the eyelids. This condition can also lead to irritation, ectropion, entropion, and eyelash infections. Patients may suffer headaches as they must frequently lift their eyebrows to see properly.

Drs. Heringer and McLeish can repair eyelid malposition, restoring ocular health and enhancing facial aesthetics by achieving symmetry of the eyelids.

Repairing Eyelid Malposition

Dr. Heringer and Dr. McLeish can repair entropion, ectropion, and eyelid retraction with a simple eyelid tightening surgery. Most patients experience immediate relief of their symptoms following surgery, and recover quickly, with minimal discomfort.

Your doctor may also perform a non-surgical procedure to treat entropion, in which he strategically places sutures that turn the eyelid outwards. This method works well for patients who are not candidates for surgery.

To treat dermatochalasis, your doctor can perform an upper eyelid blepharoplasty. This procedure involves the removal of excess skin and tissue from the eyelid to remove wrinkles and alleviate drooping. The doctor can perform this procedure on the lower eyelid as well, if necessary.

Schedule Your Consultation

For more information about eyelid malposition and  associated treatments, contact our office today to schedule your consultation. Our doctors have extensive experience in correcting this disorder, and patients often find that treatment is surprisingly quick and easy, and offers valuable functional and cosmetic benefits.