Routine Use of Antibiotic, Steroid Ophthalmic Ointments Not Supported With Blepharoplasty

Background: The reported incidence of chemosis following blepharoplasty ranges from 1.0% to 12.0% while the transconjunctival approach ranges from 5.1% to 20.0% and the transcutaneous approach reported at 34.5%. Many surgeons routinely utilize topical antibiotic- and steroid-containing ophthalmic solutions postoperatively following a transconjunctival approach to blepharoplasty. Objective: To assess how utilizing topical antibiotic and steroid-containing ophthalmic ointments affect the rate of postoperative chemosis following transconjunctival blepharoplasty. Design/Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients who had a bilateral transconjunctival lower-lid blepharoplasty by a single surgeon from 2009 to 2012. Results: 100 patients age 35 to 74 years were included in the study. One third underwent a transconjunctival lower-lid blepharoplasty alone and two thirds underwent a concurrent procedure. Concurrent procedures included upper-lid blepharoplasty, rhytidectomy, brow/forehead more...