Which Tissue Should Be Removed in Upper Blepharoplasty? Analysis and Evaluation of Satisfaction

BACKGROUND Due to various options for tissue resection and preoperative markings, many different reports on aesthetics and patient’s satisfaction exist. To assess differences among tissue resections and risk factors, we herein analyzed satisfaction levels of patients that underwent upper blepharoplasty. METHODS A retrospective analysis during the period from January 2006 to June 2013 was conducted by reviewing patient’s electronic medical files. All patients underwent medically indicated upper blepharoplasty at our department. We classified patients relating to resected tissues; hence the categories created were skin, skin/muscle, skin/muscle/fat and skin/fat. Furthermore, an evaluation of risk factors according to the patient’s number of present medical preconditions ranging from 0 (none) to 4 was performed. Data collection was conducted by reviewing patient’s electronic medical files. Moreover, a questionnaire concerning patient’s satisfaction was forwarded. RESULTS No significant differences in patient’s satisfaction and complication rates comparing the different groups of tissue resection were noted. However, we found a significantly higher complication rate at a presence of 2 risk factors. In addition, a significantly worse scar outcome and longer recovery periods in patients with 4 risk factors were observed. CONCLUSION The extent of tissue resection has no statistically quantifiable effect on patient’s satisfaction ratings and complications. For this reason, we believe cautious resection of muscle and fat is only indicated if pathologies are present. Moreover, patients with 2 risk factors or more shall be rigorously evaluated preoperatively to avoid complicating events. An abbreviated form of this manuscript was presented at the conjoint 52nd and 45th annual meeting of the Austrian and German Society of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, September 11th-13th 2014 in Munich, Germany.