Our Summary

This study investigated people’s perceptions of two types of eye surgery - one using a blade and the other using a laser. Before getting any information about the surgeries, people didn’t see much difference between the two. After receiving information, many people wrongly believed that the laser surgery had better results, even though they were told both methods have similar outcomes. The more educated the participant, the more likely they were to understand that outcomes were similar for both methods.

The study also found that most people would choose the laser surgery, and this preference increased after receiving information. There was a belief that the laser surgery had a shorter recovery time and caused less pain. People also said they would be willing to pay extra for the laser surgery.

The authors conclude that it’s important for doctors to be aware of these perceptions when discussing options with patients, to avoid giving false hopes. They also suggest that information should be simplified and actively given to patients since the study showed people did not accurately remember the information they were given.

FAQs

  1. What were the perceptions of people about blade and laser eye surgery before receiving any information?
  2. Did the study find any difference in the perceived recovery time and pain levels between blade and laser eye surgery?
  3. What recommendations did the study authors make based on the perceptions of the participants about blade and laser eye surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient considering blepharoplasty that both traditional surgical methods using a blade and newer methods using a laser have similar outcomes. It is important to be aware of any preferences or misconceptions the patient may have about the different methods and provide clear and accurate information to help them make an informed decision. Additionally, it is important to discuss the recovery time, potential pain, and cost associated with each method to ensure the patient has realistic expectations.

Suitable For

Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is typically recommended for patients who have excess skin or fat around their eyelids, drooping eyelids that impair vision, or bags under their eyes. It is commonly performed for cosmetic reasons to improve the appearance of the eyes and make the patient look more youthful and rejuvenated. It is important for patients considering blepharoplasty to have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery and to understand the potential risks and recovery time involved.

Timeline

Before blepharoplasty:

  1. Patient notices droopy or sagging eyelids, excess skin or fat around the eyes.
  2. Patient schedules a consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss options.
  3. Surgeon evaluates patient’s candidacy for blepharoplasty and discusses potential risks and benefits.

After blepharoplasty:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure, which typically lasts 1-2 hours.
  2. Patient may experience bruising, swelling, and discomfort around the eyes for the first few days post-surgery.
  3. Patient follows post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon to aid in healing and minimize complications.
  4. Over the following weeks, patient gradually sees improvement in the appearance of their eyelids as swelling subsides.
  5. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about blepharoplasty include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with blepharoplasty?
  2. What is the recovery process like after blepharoplasty?
  3. How long will it take to see the final results of the surgery?
  4. Will I need to undergo any follow-up procedures or treatments after the surgery?
  5. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  6. Can you show me before and after photos of previous blepharoplasty patients you have treated?
  7. How much experience do you have performing blepharoplasty procedures?
  8. What are the expected outcomes of the surgery and are there any limitations to the results?
  9. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or adjustments before or after the surgery?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that may be more suitable for my specific needs?

Reference

Authors: Nguyen AX, Leung VC, Antaki F, Antonios R, Hardy I, Boulos PR. Journal: Can J Ophthalmol. 2023 Aug;58(4):302-312. doi: 10.1016/j.jcjo.2022.03.006. Epub 2022 Apr 6. PMID: 35397233