Turning Back the Clock: The Benefits of Upper Blepharoplasty

In this episode of Plastic Surgery Consults, Dr. Mark McRae and Dr. Matthew McRae discuss upper eyelid lift surgery, or upper blepharoplasty, and why it can create a subtle but meaningful change in appearance. They explain how aging affects the facial skeleton, soft tissues, skin elasticity, brow position, and eyelid fat, as well as why natural facial asymmetry matters when planning surgery. The discussion covers brow position, Botox, eyelid creases, ptosis, dry eyes, fat preservation, anesthesia options, scarring, and recovery. They also explain why modern eyelid surgery focuses on preserving important tissues while removing excess skin and maintaining a natural appearance. Key Points From This Episode: [00:00:00] Introduction to upper eyelid lift surgery and its potential benefits [00:00:54] How upper blepharoplasty can create a more rested appearance [00:01:46] Why eyelid surgery can produce a noticeable yet subtle result [00:03:36] How aging changes the upper eyelid region over time [00:04:11] Changes in the facial skeleton and their effect on facial aging [00:05:49] Soft tissue descent, facial fat, and the role of fillers [00:07:33] Why natural facial asymmetry matters when evaluating the eyes [00:10:36] Changes in eyelid fat, skin elasticity, and excess upper eyelid skin [00:12:19] How brow descent contributes to excess upper eyelid skin [00:13:57] Evaluating the brow and eyelid together before surgery [00:15:45] How Botox can affect patients who use their forehead muscles to elevate the brows [00:18:11] Tarsal plate show and how eyelid anatomy affects appearance [00:20:26] Why upper eyelid scars tend to heal discreetly [00:22:46] Eyelid crease position and considerations across different eyelid anatomy [00:23:36] Distinguishing upper eyelid skin excess from ptosis [00:26:08] Dry eyes and other factors to assess before blepharoplasty [00:27:49] Preserving upper eyelid fat and evaluating the lacrimal gland [00:29:32] What to expect during recovery after upper blepharoplasty [00:30:30] Activity restrictions during the first days after surgery [00:32:01] Local anesthesia, sedation, and general anesthesia options [00:32:35] Sutures, postoperative ointments, and early wound care [00:34:13] Why preserving upper eyelid fat is important for long-term results [00:34:44] The goal of eyelid surgery: looking like yourself while turning back the clock Links: Dr. Matthew McRae on LinkedIn:   / matthew-mcrae-8750ab75   Dr. Mark McRae on LinkedIn:   / mark-h-mcrae   McRae Plastic Surgery: https://mcraeplasticsurgery.com/ Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com)