Ectropion is the outward turning of the lower eyelid, so the lid margin no longer sits snugly against the eye. This exposes the eye surface and disrupts tear drainage, causing watering, redness, soreness and recurrent irritation. It is corrected with a short day-case operation under local anaesthetic that tightens and repositions the lid. At our partner clinics, ectropion repair starts from £2,534 per eyelid all-inclusive, with consultations from £240.
What is ectropion?
In a healthy eyelid, the lower lid rests gently against the eyeball, spreading tears across the surface and channelling them into the tear-drainage system at the inner corner. With ectropion, the lid sags or rolls outward. The eye surface is left exposed and dries out, while tears pool and overflow because they can no longer reach the drainage punctum. The result is a paradoxically watery yet dry, sore eye.
Ectropion most often results from age-related laxity of the lid tissues, but it can also follow facial-nerve weakness (as in Bell's palsy), scarring of the lower-lid skin (after injury, surgery or sun damage), or, rarely, be present from birth. Identifying the cause guides the type of repair.
Types of ectropion
- Involutional — age-related lid laxity, the most common type, corrected by tightening the lid.
- Cicatricial — caused by scarring or shortage of skin pulling the lid down; often needs a skin graft or flap.
- Paralytic — from facial-nerve weakness; managed with lid support and tightening, plus surface protection.
- Mechanical / congenital — from a lid lesion weighing it down, or present from birth.
A constantly watering, sore lower lid? Exposure from ectropion can damage the cornea over time. A consultation confirms the type and the right repair before the eye surface suffers.
Book an eyelid assessmentRepair options
The operation is chosen to match the cause. Your surgeon assesses lid laxity, the skin and the tear-drainage corner, then recommends the most durable repair.
Ectropion repair is one of several oculoplastic procedures we offer. The opposite problem — a lid turning inward — is entropion. For background on the condition, see ectropion.
What happens during ectropion repair
Ectropion surgery is a day case under local anaesthetic, sometimes with light sedation. You stay awake but feel no pain — only mild pressure. The operation usually takes 30–60 minutes and you go home the same day with written aftercare.
- Assessment & marking: your surgeon checks lid laxity, skin and the drainage corner, then plans the repair.
- Local anaesthetic numbs the lower eyelid; the area is cleaned with sterile solution.
- Lid tightening: in the common lateral tarsal strip technique, a short strip of the lid is reanchored to the bone at the outer corner, restoring tension.
- Tailored steps: a medial (inner-corner) repair or a skin graft is added if the cause requires it.
- Fine sutures close the wound; you rest briefly, then go home the same day.
Recovery week-by-week
Bruising and swelling are normal early on and settle steadily. A supporting suture or tape at the outer corner is common in the first week.
Day of surgery
Lid feels tight; mild swelling and bruising begin. Use cold compresses as advised and keep your head elevated. No rubbing the eye.
Days 1–3
Swelling and bruising peak then ease. Use prescribed ointment or drops. The watering usually starts to improve as the lid sits better.
Week 1
Sutures removed if non-dissolving. Most people return to desk work and light activity. Avoid heavy lifting and swimming.
Weeks 2–4
Residual swelling fades and the lid settles against the eye. Comfort and tearing continue to improve.
Beyond a month
Final lid position is clear and any scar continues to soften. A follow-up confirms healing and eye-surface comfort.
Cost & insurance
Our ectropion prices are all-inclusive: the consultant surgeon, day-case theatre and anaesthetic, suture removal where needed, and post-operative review. After your assessment you receive a clear, fixed quote.
- Self-pay: ectropion repair (no graft) from £2,534 per eyelid; cicatricial cases with a graft or flap from £2,745; consultation from £240. See the full entropion & ectropion price list.
- Insurance: ectropion repair is a functional procedure and is often covered — recognised by Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, Cigna and WPA. We help with authorisation.
- Finance: 0% options available for self-pay treatment.