David H Harley1, Donald R Collins. 1. The Methodist Hospital Plastic Surgery Residency Program, 1315 St. Joseph Parkway, Suite 900, Houston, TX, 77002, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Blepharoplasty can be performed in the office setting using oral medication with the patient under local anesthesia. This article reviews the authors' experience with this approach, evaluating patient satisfaction and demonstrating why this technique has become their procedure of choice for selected healthy patients. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective review of the 86 patients who underwent office-based blepharoplasty and mailed surveys to assess patient satisfaction with the procedure. RESULTS: Upper and lower blepharoplasties were performed with no major complications. The surveys were completed and returned by 83% of the patients. The survey results indicated that this procedure is well accepted and highly rated by patients. Many patients unwilling to undergo blepharoplasty outside the office were willing to have the procedure using this approach. A strong majority indicated that they would be referring friends and family for the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The fact that blepharoplasty can be performed in the office using oral medication with the patient under local anesthesia proves to be a strong determinant toward the final decision of patients to undergo surgery. This procedure meets the safety requirements outlined by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and is desired by our patients for its many obvious advantages. Recommendations are provided to assist others who desire to use this safe and cost-effective method.
BACKGROUND: Blepharoplasty can be performed in the office setting using oral medication with the patient under local anesthesia. This article reviews the authors' experience with this approach, evaluating patient satisfaction and demonstrating why this technique has become their procedure of choice for selected healthy patients. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective review of the 86 patients who underwent office-based blepharoplasty and mailed surveys to assess patient satisfaction with the procedure. RESULTS: Upper and lower blepharoplasties were performed with no major complications. The surveys were completed and returned by 83% of the patients. The survey results indicated that this procedure is well accepted and highly rated by patients. Many patients unwilling to undergo blepharoplasty outside the office were willing to have the procedure using this approach. A strong majority indicated that they would be referring friends and family for the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The fact that blepharoplasty can be performed in the office using oral medication with the patient under local anesthesia proves to be a strong determinant toward the final decision of patients to undergo surgery. This procedure meets the safety requirements outlined by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and is desired by our patients for its many obvious advantages. Recommendations are provided to assist others who desire to use this safe and cost-effective method.