Use of hyaluronic acid gel in the management of cicatricial ectropion: results and complications

Abstract

Aims: To report our experience using hyaluronic acid gel injection in the lower eyelid to treat cicatricial ectropion.

Methods: Clinical records and literature review.

Results: Between November 2009 and June 2011, 12 lower eyelids of 11 patients with cicatricial ectropion were treated with hyaluronic acid gel. All 11 patients demonstrated improvement in the eyelid position after treatment but only 3 patients (27.3%) experimented total correction after injection. Although the correction was partial in the majority of the patients, the signs and symptoms associated with conjunctival and corneal exposure improved in all patients. Seven patients (63.7%) developed irregular fullness which resolved over time, but in 4 patients (36.3%) fullness persisted for one year.

Conclusions: In our experience, hyaluronic acid gel is a nonsurgical, minimally invasive and safe technique that improves cicatricial ectropion, but with a poor cosmetic result that limits its use. This treatment could be considered only in patients who decline surgery or are poor surgical candidates, as the aesthetic result would not be acceptable to many.