Patient reported psychosocial functioning following successful ptosis surgery

Background: Ptosis can increase anxiety, appearance-related distress, social avoidance, and impair visual function. Although ptosis surgery benefits health-related quality of life (HRQoL), there is limited research directly comparing psychosocial outcomes before and after surgery. This study aimed to evaluate changes in HRQoL, social dysfunction, and anxiety after successful ptosis surgery using validated measures. Methods: Adult patients undergoing ptosis correction completed validated measures of appearance-related social anxiety and avoidance, anxiety and depression, and fear of negative evaluation preoperatively. After successful surgery and discharge, these measures were repeated along with a HRQoL instrument. Results: Of 61 patients recruited, follow-up measures were sent to 33 and completed by 23. Paired samples t-tests showed significant improvements in appearance-related social distress, general anxiety, and fear of negative evaluation, with no significant change in depression. Overall, 85% of patients reported positive benefit to well-being following surgery. Conclusion: Ptosis surgery appears to benefit well-being, reducing appearance-related social anxiety and avoidance, and providing psychosocial gains that should be considered alongside functional benefits in ptosis care.

H. S. Richards, E. Jenkinson, P. White, R. A. Harrad