Outpatient ophthalmic plastic surgery: Outcomes and patient satisfaction using initial postoperative telephone call follow-up

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of using a telephone call within 24 hours as the initial follow-up after outpatient ophthalmic plastic surgery, deferring the first postoperative visit 4 to 7 days. Methods: We prospectively evaluated clinical outcomes, including complications and patient satisfaction, after 469 outpatient eyelid, lacrimal and anterior orbital procedures. Patient satisfaction was assessed with a 13-item questionnaire. Results: Response to the questionnaire was 282 of 469 (60%) patients. Essentially, all patients responding to the questionnaire who received a telephone call believed that it was helpful and their questions and concerned were adequately addressed. Only 4 of 274 (1%) patients without a planned 24-hour visit indicated that they would have preferred being seen in the office. Complications of a minor nature were noted in 12 of 469 (3%) patients, none of which adversely affected clinical outcomes. Conclusion: We conclude that a telephone call on the initial postoperative day, deferring the first visit 4 to 7 days, is a safe, cost-effective strategy with high patient acceptance for most types of eyelid and lacrimal surgery, as well as some types of orbital surgery.