Abstract
To date, patient motivations for Asian blepharoplasty and the surgery's impact on
quality of life have not been quantified. Here, we employed structured interviews
and a web-based survey to better characterize patient motivations for Asian blepharoplasty
and the impact of Asian blepharoplasty on self-reported domains of happiness, self-esteem,
attractiveness, social life, and professional life. Structured interviews were conducted
to inform a web-based survey regarding Asian blepharoplasty. Survey respondents used
visual analog scales to rate their satisfaction with their eye shape, motivations
for undergoing Asian blepharoplasty, and perceived outcomes after surgery. A total
of 315 participants (mean 25.7 [18–58] years) of East or Southeast Asian descent were
included. 185 participants expressed no desire for Asian blepharoplasty, 76 expressed
some desire, and 54 had already undergone surgery. There were statistically significant
differences regarding baseline satisfaction, perceived social limitation, and perceived
professional limitations regarding eye shape (p < 0.0001). The Looking Glass Self index (comprised of media exposure, low self-esteem,
and negative stereotypes related to eye shape) is negatively associated with preoperative
satisfaction with eye shape (rho = −0.29, p < 0.01). The desire for social-professional advancement and the Looking Glass Self
index significantly predict self-reported improvements in professional and social
life, respectively (both p < 0.01). Asian blepharoplasty may be driven by functional, social, or economic patient
motivations. Some patients may see Asian blepharoplasty as a potential solution for
sociological concerns. These expectations should be further explored in physician–patient
discussions regarding candidacy for surgery and establishing expectations for postoperative
outcomes.
Keywords
Asian blepharoplasty - blepharoplasty - patient motivations - cosmetic - surgery
