Eyelid Position and Patient-Reported Aesthetic Outcomes Following Administration of Topical Oxymetazoline: A Prospective Cohort Investigation.

Background: Topical oxymetazoline hydrochloride 0.1% is a pharmacologic agent for eyelid elevation.

Objective: This study investigates changes in eyelid position and patient-reported aesthetic outcomes following topical oxymetazoline.

Methods And Materials: A prospective cohort investigation was conducted at a single institution. Participants received one drop of oxymetazoline in each eye. Margin reflex distance-1 and palpebral fissure height were recorded pre- and 15 minutes post-instillation. FACE-Q validated surveys regarding patient-reported upper eyelid appraisal and perceived age were administered pre- and post-intervention and a survey regarding outcome satisfaction was administered post-intervention.

Results: One hundred participants were enrolled. The mean age was 52.0 years. Participants predominantly self-identified as female (90%) and white (94%). Following oxymetazoline administration, there were statistically significant increases in margin reflex distance-1 (mean increase 0.8 mm, P<0.001) and palpebral fissure height (mean increase 0.8 mm, P<0.001). Significantly, upper eyelid appraisal improved by 23.5% (P<0.001) and perceived age decreased by 1.4 years (P<0.003) after oxymetazoline instillation. Overall, 85% of participants reported 51% or higher outcome satisfaction. There were no reported treatment-associated adverse events.

Conclusions: Administration of topical oxymetazoline was associated with statistically significant improvements in eyelid position, upper eyelid appraisal, and perceived age. The majority of participants reported outcome satisfaction.