Effect of lower blepharoplasty on self-esteem.
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.
Viana
Giovanni André Pires
GA
Oculoplastic Surgery Service, Vision Institute, São Paulo, Brazil. info@cliniplast.com
Osaki
Midori Hentona
MH
Nishi
Mauro
M
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