Clinical Research Directory

Enhancing the Durability of Thread-Assisted Brow Suspension Through Upper Blepharoplasty-Assisted Ligament Release

This prospective clinical study aims to investigate whether combining upper blepharoplasty with limited release of the lateral brow-retaining ligaments improves the long-term effectiveness of barbed thread brow suspension. Lateral eyebrow drooping can contribute to an aged or tired appearance around the eyes. Although thread-based brow lifting can improve eyebrow position, the lifting effect may decrease over time. The researchers aim to determine whether releasing the tissue attachments that restrict eyebrow movement can help maintain the lifting effect. The study plans to enroll 90 adults aged 20-70 years, divided into three groups of approximately 30 participants each: 1. Standard upper blepharoplasty alone. 2. Standard barbed thread brow suspension alone. 3. Upper blepharoplasty combined with lateral retaining ligament release and barbed thread brow suspension. Treatment selection will be based on each participant's anatomical characteristics and clinical indications, without random assignment. Participants will be evaluated before surgery and at 1 week and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Standardized photographs will be analyzed to measure changes in lateral eyebrow height. Eyebrow symmetry, complications, adverse events, and the need for revision surgery will also be assessed. The study aims to determine whether the combined surgical approach provides more durable lateral brow elevation without increasing postoperative complications.

Electrocautery Versus Scalpel Incision in Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

This prospective randomized contralateral comparative study aims to compare electrocautery and scalpel incision techniques in upper eyelid blepharoplasty. Each participant undergoes bilateral upper eyelid blepharoplasty, with one eyelid randomized to electrocautery incision and the contralateral eyelid to scalpel incision. Outcomes include postoperative pain, edema, ecchymosis, scar quality, wound healing, patient satisfaction, and surgeon satisfaction. The study is designed to determine whether electrocautery provides comparable or superior clinical outcomes while maintaining safety and surgical effectiveness.

Telemedicine Follow-up for Routine, Low-Risk Oculoplastic Surgery

The investigators propose utilizing a simple telemedical protocol to allow patients to substitute the first post-operative visit with a remote survey that includes essential post-operative history, vision measurement, and photographs, all of which can be provided using a personal computer, tablet, or smart phone. The investigators have selected for this purpose a subset of oculoplastic procedures involving the eyelid and lacrimal system that have well-reported low rates of serious complications, since high-risk procedures will likely always require close, in-person care. The investigators hypothesize that telemedicine follow-up for the first post-operative week after low-risk oculoplastic surgery will decrease the time burden on patients without compromising their satisfaction or increase the risk of late post-operative complications.