Correlation between increase in margin-crease distance and patient satisfaction after upper blepharoplasty

Abstract

Abstract Objective: To quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate postoperative outcomes and patient satisfaction after upper blepharoplasty and to correlate the findings with changes between preoperative and postoperative eyelid measurements using a digital imaging system. Methods: A total of 60 eyelids in 30 patients with dermatochalasis who were treated in the ambulatory center of the Department of Oculoplastic Surgery at the Anápolis Ophthalmology Hospital were evaluated. Patients ranged from 40 to 80 years of age. Photographs were taken before the upper blepharoplasty procedure and 90 days after as well. The images were transferred to the ImageJ 1.34n program. The parameters analyzed were palpebral fissure height in primary position and margin-crease distance. The correlations between these measurements and patient satisfaction 90 days after surgery were evaluated. Results: This study revealed an increase in the margin-crease distance after upper blepharoplasty and a high positive correlation (0.64) between the increase in this height and the level of satisfaction that the patients attributed to the surgery. There was no statistically significant difference between preoperative and postoperative palpebral fissure heights. Conclusion: The margin-crease distance may serve as a quantitative measurement of a good cosmetic and functional outcome, since it has been found to be strong correlated with patient satisfaction.

Keywords

• Pálpebras/cirurgia
• Doenças palpebrais/cirurgia
• Blefaroplastia/métodos
• Resultado do tratamento
• Processamento de imagem assistida por computador
• Satisfação do paciente