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Upper eyelid blepharoplasty. A technical comparative analysis
F J Scaccia1, J A Hoffman, D W Stepnick
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio.
Archives of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery
|August 1, 1994
Summary
For upper eyelid blepharoplasty, a running 6-0 fast-absorbing catgut suture may provide slightly better aesthetic results compared to a subcuticular polypropylene suture. Both closure methods showed comparable complication rates and patient discomfort levels.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Ophthalmology
- Surgical Techniques
Background:
- Eyelid closure techniques are crucial for aesthetic outcomes in blepharoplasty.
- Subcuticular sutures and running catgut sutures are common methods for wound approximation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the aesthetic results and complication rates of subcuticular polypropylene (Prolene) versus running fast-absorbing catgut sutures for upper eyelid blepharoplasty closure.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, double-blind study involving 20 patients undergoing bilateral upper eyelid blepharoplasty.
- Each patient received both closure types (5-0 Prolene subcuticular vs. 6-0 fast-absorbing catgut running) on alternating eyelids.
- Outcomes assessed included operative time, complications, surgeon and patient aesthetic preferences, and postoperative discomfort.
Main Results:
- Patient and senior author aesthetic preferences favored the running 6-0 fast-absorbing catgut suture in some cases.
- No significant differences were observed in complication rates or postoperative discomfort between the two techniques.
- Comparable operative times were noted for both closure methods.
Conclusions:
- Running 6-0 fast-absorbing catgut may offer a slight aesthetic advantage for upper eyelid blepharoplasty closure compared to subcuticular 5-0 Prolene.
- Both techniques demonstrate similar safety profiles regarding morbidity and patient comfort.