Blepharoplasty is the medical term for a cosmetic eyelid surgery procedure that repairs droopy eyelids, something that occurs for most people as a natural part of the aging process, as skin begins to lose its youthful elasticity. A new study recently released has shown that surgery really does have a beneficial effect on the quality of life for those who undergo the procedure.

Sagging eyelids of course can have a detrimental effect on one’s overall appearance, and in some cases may even begin to impair vision. Blepharoplasty improves the condition by removing excess skin and fat from the affected areas.

During the procedure a cosmetic surgeon usually makes incisions along the creases of the upper eyelid and then removes excess fat and tissue without damaging the skin. The suturing process then retightens the skin itself, giving the eye area a lifted and “younger looking” appearance. The procedure is relatively minor and is usually performed on an outpatient basis.

In their study, the researchers who authored this new paper solicited the opinion of 26 patients who had recently undergone a blepharoplasty procedure. They made use of the Glasgow Benefit Inventory, a scientifically validated questionnaire that is designed to access the effect on the quality of life of patients undergoing various otolaryngologic surgeries. All of the patients questioned, 26 adults in all,  had undergone the surgery for purely cosmetic purposes. Those who had undergone other procedures at the same time were excluded, as were those who had undergone eye surgery for medical reasons (such as the afore mentioned loss of vision)

The results of the questionnaire revealed what some may have expected, that the patients felt their overall quality of life had been impacted for the better. Indeed the authors stated that most patients undergo the procedure to feel better about their overall appearance and to increase their self confidence, outcomes their data shows that do seem to be realistic with this type of surgery. The authors also note that theirs is the first study to actually demonstrate that patients do indeed gain the quality of life benefits from plastic surgery that they hope to achieve.

There are non surgical alternatives to cosmetic eyelid surgery available, such as the use of strategic Botox injections, but those are really temporary fixes, rather than the long term solution that eyelid surgery offers.

The paper discussed here was presented before the 2009 American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO in San Diego.