OCULOPLASTIC & EYELID

Ectropion Surgery

Eyelid Position Correction Surgery

Ectropion surgery is an advanced procedure that corrects the position of your lower eyelid to restore the comfort of your eyes. This surgery fixes the eyelid back to its original position and addresses symptoms like recurring eye infections, dryness, redness, and tired-looking eyes.

1–2 hrsTreatment time
Local / GAAnaesthetic options
1–2 wksRecovery time
MildPost-operative pain
★★★★★4.9 · Google Reviews

Affiliations & As Seen In

University of HuddersfieldAcademic Affiliation
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists
British Journal of Ophthalmology
UKISCRS
Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery
European Journal of Ophthalmology
BBC
The Yorkshire Post
Yorkshire Live
Asian Express
University of HuddersfieldAcademic Affiliation
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists
British Journal of Ophthalmology
UKISCRS
Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery
European Journal of Ophthalmology
BBC
The Yorkshire Post
Yorkshire Live
Asian Express

Read About Our Happy Patients

I saw Professor Jeeva today for a consultation regarding lower blephoroplasty. I was made very welcome and put at ease. The procedure was explained to me and I was encouraged to ask as many questions I wanted. I wasn't made to feel rushed or pressured into anything and left feeling that if I do decide to proceed I will be in safe hands.

Alison Smith

My mum Maureen Astles had a Zoom consultation with Mr Jeeva this morning. What a lovely surgeon he was helpful informative and such a nice smile putting her totally at ease. She is now looking forward to meeting him in person for surgery as she knows she will be in the best hands for a successful outcome.

Catherine Astles

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Mr Jeeva, my surgeon and all the doctors and staff at the centre. The care I received from start to finish was exceptional. I felt at ease and was reassured throughout the procedure, feeling safe the entire time. I cannot thank you enough and will definitely be recommending your services to family and friends.

Denise Douthwaite

What Is Ectropion Surgery?

Ectropion surgery is a procedure used to correct ectropion — an eye condition where the lower eyelid turns outwards and exposes the inner eyelid surface. When the eyelid no longer sits flush against the eyeball, normal tear drainage is disrupted and the eye surface becomes vulnerable to dryness and damage.

This surgery addresses the symptoms of ectropion, such as dryness, irritation, recurring eye infections, and compromised vision, by restoring the eyelid to its correct anatomical position.

The procedure is typically performed under local anaesthetic with sedation or general anaesthesia as a day-case, using minimally invasive techniques that tighten and reposition the lower eyelid with minimal scarring and downtime.

Ectropion Surgery at a Glance

  • Treatment Time: 1–2 hours
  • Anaesthesia: Local anaesthetic injection with sedation or general anaesthesia
  • Recovery Time: 1–2 weeks
  • Pain Level: Mild
  • Sessions Required: Minimum 1
  • Setting: Day case — home the same day

Why Choose Ectropion Surgery?

Long-Lasting Results

While ageing is a natural process, ectropion surgery results can be long-lasting, often improving the comfort and appearance of the eyes for many years.

Minimally Invasive

Ectropion surgery can be performed using minimally invasive techniques, reducing recovery time and discomfort compared to traditional surgical approaches.

Suitable for Most Patients

Ectropion surgery can be safely performed on most healthy individuals with minimal risk of complications. A consultation will confirm individual suitability.

Why Should You Consider Ectropion Surgery?

You may consider ectropion surgery to correct the eyelid's position and address its signs and symptoms. These include:

Saggy lower eyelid that has lost its normal position
Eyelid turned outwards, exposing the inner surface
Watery eyes — tears overflow because drainage is disrupted
Sore and irritated eyeball from constant exposure
Creamy discharge from the eye
Lower eyelid redness and inflammation
Recurring eye infections caused by inadequate lid closure

A clinical assessment will confirm whether ectropion surgery is the most appropriate treatment for your specific presentation.

What to Expect

Ectropion surgery, commonly known as ectropion correction procedure, is one of our leading treatments to restore eye health.

Initial Consultation
Booking a Consultation

The first step is to schedule a consultation with Prof. Jeeva, one of our experienced Consultant Oculoplastic Surgeons.

Scheduling Surgery

Given the lead time for surgery, many patients book their surgery slot at the same time as their consultation.

Consultation Details
Assessment

During your consultation, Prof. Jeeva will thoroughly assess your eyelid's condition and discuss the results you hope to achieve.

Suitability

Not everyone is suitable for the procedure. Prof. Jeeva will provide an honest and thorough assessment of your individual situation.

Eligibility Rate

On average, 73% of our patients are suitable for the procedure. The remaining 27% are not, and we will not proceed if we believe the results won't meet your expectations.

The Procedure
Preparation

Before the surgery, the patient is given local anaesthesia to numb the area around the eye to ensure complete comfort throughout the procedure.

Incision

A small incision is made at the outer corner of the lower eyelid. This allows access to the tissues that need to be adjusted.

Tightening the Lid

The lower eyelid is then tightened, or a small section of tissue is removed if needed. Tightening is achieved using various precise techniques depending on your anatomy.

Bandaging

The eye may be covered with a bandage to protect it during the initial healing period immediately after surgery.

The Techniques
Horizontal Tightening

The lower eyelid is tightened, sometimes removing a small amount of eyelid tissue to achieve the desired firmness and position.

Canthoplasty

This procedure strengthens the lateral canthal tendon to support the outer corner of the eyelid, preventing it from turning outward.

Skin Grafting or Flap

For significant tissue loss or scarring, a skin graft or flap is used to repair the eyelid and restore its normal position.

Sub-Conjunctival Mullerectomy

A portion of the lower eyelid muscle (Müller's muscle) is removed to tighten the eyelid and improve its position.

Post-Procedure Care
Same-Day Discharge

Patients can go home on the same day as the surgery. After surgery you can expect mild swelling, bruising, and tightness around the eyelid — all of which usually subside within one to two weeks.

Take Care By:
  • Wearing an eye patch for 24 hours post-surgery
  • Applying prescribed ointments as directed
  • Icing the area to reduce swelling
  • Following the full aftercare instructions provided by Prof. Jeeva
Risks and Complications

All surgeries carry risks, including cosmetic procedures. There is a very small risk of complications such as infection and scarring in rare cases.

These risks, along with all aspects of the surgery, will be discussed in full during your consultation with Prof. Jeeva.

Post-Surgery Follow-Up

After your surgery, you will receive detailed aftercare instructions and will have a follow-up appointment approximately 7 days later to assess healing and remove sutures if required.

Benefits of Ectropion Surgery

Restores the eyelid to its correct anatomical position
Eliminates chronic watering and overflow of tears
Relieves dryness, soreness, and constant irritation
Reduces recurring eye infections
Improves the overall appearance of the lower eyelid
Prevents corneal damage from prolonged exposure
Day-case procedure — home the same day

Ectropion Surgery FAQs

Ectropion is an eye condition where the lower eyelid turns outwards, exposing the inner surface causing irritation, dryness, and watery eyes.

Ectropion surgery positions the eyelid in its original place and helps relieve the symptoms, including dryness, watering, redness, discharge, and recurring infections.

Symptoms subside gradually. Healing may take 1–2 weeks, and proper recovery may take several months. Prof. Jeeva will monitor your progress at follow-up appointments throughout your recovery.

If ageing factors caused the ectropion, it may return after the correction surgery over many years, as the underlying tissue continues to lose elasticity with age. Your surgeon will discuss this risk during your consultation.

Ectropion surgery is usually non-painful, as local or general anaesthesia is given during the treatment. However, some patients report mild discomfort after the surgery, which typically resolves within a few days.

Prof. Irfan Jeeva

MBChB · FRCOphth · Professor of Ophthalmology

Professor of Ophthalmology & Consultant Ophthalmologist

Prof. Irfan Jeeva — Professor of Ophthalmology & Consultant Ophthalmologist

Prof. Irfan Jeeva is a Professor of Ophthalmology and Consultant Ophthalmologist with specialist expertise in oculoplastic and eyelid surgery and paediatric ophthalmology. He has extensive experience managing complex eyelid conditions, strabismus, and amblyopia, combining academic rigour with compassionate clinical care. Prof. Jeeva brings a wealth of knowledge from his academic and clinical career to deliver outstanding outcomes for patients of all ages.

Professor of OphthalmologyPaediatric Eye SpecialistOculoplastics

Meet the Team

Where to Find Us

Three convenient locations across West Yorkshire. Visit us for consultations, diagnostics, and treatments.

Clinic

Bolton

Visualase Laser Eye Surgery
136 – 140 Newport St
Bolton, Greater Manchester
BL3 6AB
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Main Clinic

Huddersfield

The Eye Doctor Clinic
Woodlands, 4 Longbow Close
Huddersfield, HD2 1GQ
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Leeds

Whitehall Practice
Leeds
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Ready to Restore Your Eyelid Comfort?

Book a consultation with Prof. Irfan Jeeva for expert assessment and treatment advice. Call +44 1484 627779 or book online.

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Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.

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The Eye Doctor ClinicWoodlands, 4 Longbow Close, Huddersfield, HD2 1GQ
+44 1484 627779Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm
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