Challenging the routine: evaluating the need for postoperative management in blepharoplasty: a randomized controlled...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Plastic Surgery
• Dermatology

Background:

• Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is a common cosmetic procedure.
• Postoperative care protocols often include topical treatments.
• Evidence supporting routine topical antibiotic or steroid use is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare clinical and aesthetic outcomes of topical treatments versus conservative management after upper eyelid blepharoplasty.
• To evaluate patient satisfaction, pain, swelling, and aesthetic results.
• To assess the incidence of adverse events and complications.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, randomized controlled trial with 69 patients.
• Three groups: antibiotic-steroid ointment, antibiotic-only ointment, and control (no topical treatment).
• Outcomes assessed using patient-reported measures and the Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (SBSES).

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences in patient-reported pain, satisfaction, or swelling among groups.
• No significant differences in aesthetic outcomes (SBSES scores) between treatment groups.
• No adverse effects or postoperative infections were reported in any group.

Conclusions:

• Routine postoperative topical antibiotic or corticosteroid ointments offer no additional benefit over conservative care for upper eyelid blepharoplasty.
• A simplified postoperative regimen with lubrication may be sufficient for uncomplicated cases.
• Findings suggest a minimalist approach, warranting further multicenter trials.