Blepharoplasty, otherwise also known as “eye lift” or “eyelid surgery” is a surgical procedure more commonly used for correcting excessive or sagging eyelid skin to achieve youthful and tighter eye contours. The cosmetic surgery appears to achieve a better quality of life (QOL) overall for patients.
Twenty-six adults who underwent bilateral upper or lower eyelid cosmetic Blepharoplasty were surveyed as part of a research paper entitled, “Does cosmetic Blepharoplasty impact patients’ quality of life?” to assess the impact of the procedure on their lives.
The findings presented at the 2009 American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO in San Diego, reported that patients overall gain the QOL benefits as measured against the GBI ( Glasgow Benefit Inventory), a tool used to validate the change in the QOL of patients post otorhinolaryngological (ORL) interventions.
Blepharoplasty enhances the QOL of patients in many different ways:
A Better Appearance
Gaining a better appearance is one of the key results many patients hope to achieve with cosmetic eyelid surgery. The loss of elasticity and excessive fat deposits around the eyes more commonly associated with aging skin can create a droopy looking appearance. This results in an older and less attractive visage.
Eye lifts help to remove unsightly skin, creating a younger and more aesthetically pleasing look. Patient expectations, however, must be realistic in this regard. A detailed discussion with the consulting doctor is a necessity to ensure the results are in line with expectations.
Emotional and Physical Well-being
Having an attractive appearance was once the fixture of people who lived and worked in the public eye, particularly in the fields of modeling, theater and cinema where a beautiful countenance was most advantageous. In this day and age, however, many people are interested in pursuing cosmetic enhancements to boost their emotional and mental well-being.
Having a better appearance improves confidence and self-esteem and makes one less self-conscious in engaging with others. After surgery, patients are also more likely to take care of their health, finding a new motivation in wanting to maintain their appearance by way of healthy diets, exercise and activity.
Social Impact
People who are conscious about appearance can often be inhibited in social interactions, focusing more on how they are perceived and less on allowing their personality to naturally shine.
The confidence that comes from having a better appearance creates a personality that is more willing to put themselves out there in all facets of life socially, whether it be applying for a new job, accepting a dinner invitation, public speaking, making new friends, initiating a charity event or starting a business.
The benefits of Blepharoplasty are many, but they all eventually contribute to improving quality of life, what everyone seeks.
