Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The eyelids have specific functions, such as eye protection. Aging can lead to excess upper eyelid skin (upper dermatochalasis), causing functional and aesthetic impairment. Subjective assessments of improvement pre- and post-blepharoplasty may be underestimated, since even small increases in palpebral fissure height (PFH) can improve the visual field.
OBJECTIVE: To measure PFH to check for improvements in dermatochalasis after upper blepharoplasty performed by dermatologists and compare the subjective assessments of independent dermatologists and patients.
METHODS: Medical record review of patients who underwent upper blepharoplasty. Photographs taken before and two months after the procedure were compared. Independent dermatologists evaluated the photographs (subjective assessment). Patients’ subjective perception was also assessed. PFH before and after the procedure was calculated in millimeters (mm).
RESULTS: A total of 170 eyelids were analyzed. There were significant differences in mean PFH values before and after the procedure (7.088 vs. 8.618 mm; p < 0.001) and in patient self-assessment (p = 0.001), but no differences between the subjective assessments by independent dermatologists (p = 0.665).
CONCLUSION: There was an improvement in mean PFH after blepharoplasty, which probably resulted in improved visual field. Dermatology is a specialty qualified to perform the procedure.