Clinical outcomes, patients' satisfaction and aesthetic results after lower eyelid blepharoplasty.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the results of fifty patients undergoing transcutaneous lower eyelid blepharoplasty. METHODS We conducted a prospective, randomised, controlled trial between April 2005 and May 2007. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 consisted of 25 surgical patients undergoing traditional lower blepharoplasty and routine lateral canthopexy; Group 2 consisted of 25 patients undergoing lower blepharoplasty with fat bags transposition and routine lateral canthopexy. We used the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale UNIFESP / EPM to assess patients' self-esteem. We also requested the participation of three independent surgeons, who examined the pre and postoperative photographs and quantified the results with the aid of a topographic scale. RESULTS The mean age was 48.8 years, predominantly females (96%). The analysis of photographs showed a 96% significant improvement. Self-esteem scores improved from a preoperative average of 5.1 (SD = 4.1) to a mean of 3.6 (SD = 3.5) six months after the operation (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION Both procedures are safe and effective with low complication rates, causing improvement of self-esteem assessed six months after the operation.