Download PDF
Facial Plast Surg 2020; 36(03): 242-248
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-3401804
Original Research
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Exploring Patient Motivations and Impact of Asian Blepharoplasty

Pauline P. Huynh 
1   Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
,
Masaru Ishii
2   Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
,
Michelle Juarez
1   Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
,
Nicholas Fung 
1   Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
,
Kristin Bater
1   Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
,
Halley Darrach
1   Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
,
Jason C. Nellis
2   Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
,
Luke W. Bonham
1   Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
,
P. Chase Lay
3   Facial Plastics and Eyelid Surgery, San Jose, California
,
Lisa E. Ishii
2   Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
› Author Affiliations
Funding None of the authors have received financial support for this study.
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 December 2019 (online)

Also available at
   Permissions and Reprints

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

Supplementary Material