The Influence of Skin Closure Techniques on Scarring and Pain in Upper Blepharoplasty
Author: Dolika Vasovic
Base Hospital / Institution: University Eye Hospital Clinical Centre of Serbia
ePoster presentation
Abstract ID: 25-272
Purpose
The choice of suture technique during upper blepharoplasty plays a significant role in determining postoperative pain levels, scar formation, and overall patient satisfaction. This study aimed to compare pain perception, scar characteristics, and patient-reported outcomes when using continuous versus interrupted sutures.
Methods
A total of 30 patients (20 females, 10 males; mean age 54.5 ± 6.2 years) were prospectively enrolled and randomly assigned to one of two groups. Group 1 (n = 15) received a continuous suture technique with 6-0 polypropylene sutures, while Group 2 (n = 15) underwent interrupted suturing with the same suture material. All patients received 1.5 mL of lidocaine 2% with epinephrine 1:100,000 administered via subcutaneous infiltration along the planned incision line, followed by a 5-minute waiting period to optimize local anesthetic efficacy. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively, while scar characteristics were categorized based on visibility and appearance into the following groups: invisible scars, mildly visible scars, moderately visible scars, and pink or keloid scars.
Results
Postoperative pain was significantly lower in the continuous suture group (mean VAS 2.0 ± 0.4 vs 3.6 ± 0.7, p < 0.001), but scar visibility and texture were more pronounced in this group, with 6 patients developing moderately visible scars and 2 patients presenting with pink scars suggestive of early keloid formation. In contrast, the interrupted suture group had better aesthetic outcomes with 12 patients developing invisible or mildly visible scars, but higher early postoperative pain.
Conclusion
The study concludes that while continuous sutures may provide better early postoperative pain control, interrupted sutures result in less visible scarring and better aesthetic outcomes. Suture technique should, therefore, be selected based on individual patient priorities, with aesthetic concerns favoring interrupted sutures and pain concerns favoring continuous suturing.
Additional Authors
| First name | Last name | Base Hospital / Institution |
|---|---|---|
| Miodrag | Karamarković | Clinic for Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia |
| Milan | Stojičić | Clinic for Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia |
| Dejan | Rašić | University Eye Hospital Clinical Centre of Serbia |
