title: Effect of lower blepharoplasty on self-esteem.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cosmetic 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.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To prospectively examine long-term self-esteem outcomes for patients undergoing lower blepharoplasty at São Paulo Federal University between April 2005 and May 2007.
  
  
  METHODS
  The 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.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Self-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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Marked improvement in self-esteem, evaluated using RSES at 6-month follow-up, was observed in patients undergoing blepharoplasty.
authors.affiliation: Oculoplastic Surgery Service, Vision Institute, São Paulo, Brazil. info@cliniplast.com
authors.forename: Giovanni André Pires
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Viana
authors.forename: Midori Hentona
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Osaki
authors.forename: Mauro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nishi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019882:Blepharoplasty / Q000523:psychology*; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012649:Self Concept