The Prevalence of Undiagnosed Ptosis Among Candidates for Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Abstract

Abstract Background Because upper eyelid blepharoplasty has become a popular aesthetic facial surgery, surgeons should be aware that age-related changes in the eyelid are not confined to skin laxity and orbital fat prolapse. Objectives This study was designed to assess the prevalence of undiagnosed ptosis among blepharoplasty candidates as one of the causes of unsatisfactory surgical results. Methods From December 2018 to December 2022, blepharoplasty candidates were meticulously assessed for their upper eyelid and eyebrow position. Patients who were aware of their ptosis were excluded, and the other patients were classified as mild, moderate, or severe ptotic based on margin reflex distance 1. The eyebrow height was also assessed in the mid-pupillary line to assess the relationship between the severity of ptosis and eyebrow asymmetry. Results The authors found that 13.7% of the 2530 blepharoplasty candidates in this study had undiagnosed ptosis. Most of these patients had mild ptosis (85.5%), and they were significantly older than nonptotic patients. The rate of prevalence of ptosis was significantly higher in patients with eyebrow asymmetry (75.3% vs 3.7%); however, the severity of ptosis was not associated with the severity of eyebrow asymmetry. Conclusions Ptosis should be cautiously looked for and addressed for treatment in candidates for upper blepharoplasty. In most patients with masked ptosis, the severity of eyelid drooping is mild and could remain undiagnosed until after the surgery and cause unsatisfactory aesthetic results. The presence of eyebrow asymmetry could be a key feature to unmask an undiagnosed ptosis. Level of Evidence: 3