The Objective Change of the Eyelid after Upper Blepharoplasty

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the morphological changes in the external eyes after upper blepharoplasty. METHODS: Twenty-six eyes of 13 patients undergoing upper blepharoplasty from May 2002 to May 2003 were selected. All surgeries were performed by one surgeon. MRD1, MRD2, interpalpebral fissure height, and levator function test were each measured twice, and the averages were calculated. Likewise, significant changes were checked before and after the operation. The subjects were divided into two groups. For group A (n=12), a double line suture was stitched at the levator aponeurosis, which was directly superior to the tarsal plate. In group B (n=14) the suture was stitched at a levator aponeurosis 3 mm superior to tarsal plate. The delta levator function (postoperative mean levator function minus preoperative mean levator function) measurements were calculated and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The MRD1 was 2.04+/-0.75 (mean+/-SD) before the operation, and 2.0+/-0.81 after the operation. MRD2 was 5.23+/-0.75 before the operation, 5.35+/-0.54 after operation. Interpalpebral fissure height was 7.27+/-0.38 before the operation and 7.35+/-0.63 after the operation. There were no statistically significant factors before and after the operation in MRD1, MRD2 and interpalpebral fissure height. The levator function was 14.04+/-1.80 before versus 16.19+/-1.58 after. This increase was statistically significant (p<0.01, Wilcoxon signed ranks test). The delta levator function was 1.58+/-0.90 for group A and 1.96+/-1.36 for group B. CONCLUSIONS: After upper blepharoplasty, the measurement of levator function increased significantly.