Effect of Lower Blepharoplasty on Self-Esteem

BACKGROUNDCosmetic surgery is an increasingly common medical procedure whose benefits to patients have not been quantified objectively. Although physicians historically have focused on minimizing side effects and optimizing the physical outcome, a broad spectrum of patient needs also factors in treatment success. Unfortunately, few data are available regarding the effects of cosmetic procedures on patient's self-esteem.OBJECTIVETo prospectively examine long-term self-esteem outcomes for patients undergoing lower blepharoplasty at São Paulo Federal University between April 2005 and May 2007.METHODSThe self-esteem of 50 patients undergoing blepharoplasty at São Paulo Federal University was compared with that of 25 age-matched volunteers from the general population. the parameters of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) were determined preoperatively and at 6-month intervals postoperatively. the data from the instrument were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test.RESULTSSelf-esteem scores improved from a baseline preoperative mean level +/- standard deviation of 5.1 +/- 4.1 to 3.6 +/- 3.5 6 months after surgery (p=.001). the self-esteem of 31 (62%) subjects improved after the surgery.CONCLUSIONMarked improvement in self-esteem, evaluated using RSES at 6-month follow-up, was observed in patients undergoing blepharoplasty.The author has indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Vis Inst, Oculoplast Surg Serv, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Ophthalmol, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Vis Inst, Oculoplast Surg Serv, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Ophthalmol, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc