Comparison of post-operative outcomes and patient-surgeon satisfaction with a needle-tipped electrocautery incision and a cold scalpel incision in upper eyelid blepharoplasty: Cohort study

Purpose: The objective of the study is to compare post-operative outcomes and patient-surgeon satisfaction between a needle-tipped electrocautery incision and a cold scalpel incision in upper eyelid blepharoplasty Methods: The data from 247 patients who underwent bilateral upper eyelid blepharoplasty were retrospectively analyzed. Patients who underwent upper eyelid blepharoplasty with ptosis surgery or fat pad removal were excluded. The patients were divided into 2 groups, Group 1 - needle-tipped electrocautery incision and Group 2 - a cold scalpel incision. Pre-operative skin types of the patients, perioperative hemorrhage, and surgical time were observed. Post-operative ecchymosis on days 1 and 7 and scar cosmesis at months 1 and 6 were evaluated. Patients were asked about the level of satisfaction at 6 months. Results: One hundred and fifty-five patients, 75 patients in Group 1 and 80 patients in Group 2, were included in the study. No statistical differences were detected between the two groups for age, sex, and skin type. No serious complications were recorded. For surgeon satisfaction, surgical time and hemorrhage amount were statistically significantly lower in Group 1. Post-operative ecchymosis on days 1 and 7, scar cosmesis at months 1 and 6, and patient satisfaction at 6 months, the scores were similar between the groups. Conclusion: The clinical difference between needle-tipped electrocautery and cold scalpel incision was not observed after upper eyelid blepharoplasty. Needle-tipped electrocautery should be used conveniently and reliably for skin incisions in upper eyelid blepharoplasty for good cosmetic results.