X

Eyelid Surgery in Richmond, Virginia

Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty

Loose upper-eyelid skin, puffiness, or under-eye bags can create a
tired or heavy appearance—even when you feel well-rested. Eyelid
surgery, also called blepharoplasty, reshapes the upper eyelids,
lower eyelids, or both to create a smoother, more refreshed appearance.

At Montante Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics, board-certified plastic
surgeon Steven J. Montante, MD, creates an individualized surgical
plan based on each patient’s anatomy, concerns, and goals. The
objective is to refresh the eye area while preserving the natural
character of the face.


Schedule a Consultation


View Patient Results →

A Personalized Approach

What Can Eyelid Surgery Treat?

Blepharoplasty can address age-related or inherited changes affecting
the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both.

  • Hooded or heavy upper eyelids
  • Excess or folded upper-eyelid skin
  • Skin that interferes with makeup application
  • Puffiness caused by prominent eyelid fat
  • Persistent bags beneath the eyes
  • Loose or crepey lower-eyelid skin
  • A tired or aged appearance around the eyes
  • Skin that restricts peripheral vision



Not every concern around the eyes originates from the eyelids.


Brow position, skin quality, pigmentation, and facial volume loss can
also affect this area. Dr. Montante evaluates the eyelids and
surrounding facial anatomy before recommending treatment.

Procedure Options

Understanding Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty

01

Upper Blepharoplasty

Upper blepharoplasty primarily addresses loose or excess skin affecting the upper eyelids. When appropriate, selected areas of prominent fat may also be treated.

The incision is generally positioned within the natural upper-eyelid crease, helping the resulting scar become less noticeable as it heals. Careful planning creates a more open appearance without removing excessive skin or volume.

A lowered brow can also contribute to hooding. If brow position is part of your concern, Dr. Montante may discuss whether a
brow lift would be more appropriate or could complement eyelid surgery.

02

Lower Blepharoplasty

Lower blepharoplasty addresses concerns such as persistent under-eye bags, puffiness, prominent fat, and selected areas of loose skin.

Depending on the tissues being treated, the incision may be positioned inside the lower eyelid or near the lash line. Dr. Montante will explain which approach is appropriate for your anatomy.

Surgery can improve certain bags and contour irregularities, but it may not completely eliminate dark circles caused by pigmentation, thin skin, or volume loss.

03

Combined Blepharoplasty

Patients with concerns affecting both areas may be candidates for combined upper and lower blepharoplasty.

Treating both areas during one operation can create more balanced rejuvenation while allowing for one coordinated recovery period.

Candidacy

Am I a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

You may be a candidate for blepharoplasty if you are bothered by excess eyelid skin, hooding, puffiness, or under-eye bags and are healthy enough to undergo surgery. Ideal candidates understand the procedure and recovery process and have realistic expectations.

There is no single best age for blepharoplasty. Candidacy is determined more by anatomy, health, and individual concerns than by a specific age.

Real Patient Results

See Blepharoplasty Before-and-After Photos

Explore examples of Dr. Montante’s work to better understand the
types of changes eyelid surgery may produce. Individual results vary.


View the Gallery

Successful eyelid surgery should help a patient look refreshed—not
overcorrected, hollow, or noticeably operated.

Natural-Looking Results

Dr. Montante’s Approach to Eyelid Surgery

Dr. Montante evaluates more than the amount of visible eyelid skin. His assessment considers eyelid fat and volume, brow position, symmetry, skin quality, lower-eyelid support, and the relationship between the lower eyelid and cheek.

This helps determine whether blepharoplasty alone can address a patient’s concerns or whether another procedure may be more appropriate. Every surgical plan is tailored to the individual.

The Procedure

What Happens During Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery may be performed using local anesthesia with sedation or another anesthesia plan appropriate for the patient and procedure. Dr. Montante will explain where surgery will take place and what anesthesia he recommends.

During upper blepharoplasty, the incision is typically placed within the eyelid’s natural crease. During lower blepharoplasty, an incision may be placed inside the eyelid or close to the lower lash line. The necessary skin, fat, or other tissue is carefully addressed before the incisions are closed.

You will receive detailed instructions explaining how to prepare for surgery and care for your eyelids during recovery.

Honest Expectations

What Eyelid Surgery Does Not Correct

Blepharoplasty improves excess eyelid skin and certain fat-related concerns, but it does not treat every sign of aging around the eyes.

  • A lowered or heavy brow
  • Crow’s feet caused by facial movement
  • Under-eye pigmentation or every cause of dark circles
  • Tear-trough or facial volume loss
  • Fine lines, sun damage, or midface descent

Depending on your concerns, Dr. Montante may discuss a brow lift, facelift, facial fat grafting, laser resurfacing, or a nonsurgical treatment.

Healing and Results

Eyelid Surgery Recovery

Swelling, bruising, tightness, and temporary irritation are expected
during early recovery. Keeping your head elevated and using cold
compresses as directed may help control swelling.

01

First Week

Swelling and bruising are usually most noticeable during the first several days. Temporary dryness, tearing, light sensitivity, or blurred vision from ointment may occur. Sutures are removed according to Dr. Montante’s postoperative plan.

02

One to Two Weeks

Most patients see meaningful improvement in bruising and swelling and begin returning to selected daily or social activities. Some visible swelling or discoloration may remain.

03

Following Weeks

The eyelids continue to settle and incisions gradually mature. Exercise, contact lenses, and eye makeup should only be resumed when cleared. Results become increasingly refined over time.

Experience and Individualized Care

Why Choose Dr. Steven Montante?

Steven J. Montante, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon serving Richmond and Central Virginia. He develops each eyelid-surgery plan around the patient’s anatomy rather than applying the same approach to every patient.


Meet Dr. Steven Montante

Patients receive:

  • An individualized consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon
  • Evaluation of the eyelids and surrounding facial anatomy
  • Clear guidance about realistic outcomes and limitations
  • Detailed preparation and recovery instructions
  • Postoperative follow-up with the surgical team
  • Access to complementary facial treatments when appropriate

Patient Information

Blepharoplasty FAQs

Learn more about eyelid surgery, recovery, results, and what to
expect when considering blepharoplasty in Richmond, Virginia.

How long is recovery after eyelid surgery?

Many patients return to selected daily and social activities within approximately one to two weeks. Bruising, swelling, and incision healing can continue beyond that period. Recovery varies according to whether upper, lower, or combined blepharoplasty is performed.

Will I have visible scars?

Incisions are placed in areas designed to make the resulting scars less noticeable. Upper-eyelid incisions are generally concealed within the natural crease, while lower-eyelid incisions may be placed inside the eyelid or near the lash line. Scars usually fade as they mature.

Can upper blepharoplasty improve vision?

Upper blepharoplasty may improve peripheral vision when excess upper-eyelid skin obstructs the visual field. Patients with functional symptoms may require documentation or visual-field testing.

Does insurance cover blepharoplasty?

Cosmetic eyelid surgery is generally not covered by insurance. Coverage may be possible when upper-eyelid surgery is considered medically necessary because excess skin significantly obstructs vision. Requirements vary by insurance plan.

What is the difference between blepharoplasty and a brow lift?

Blepharoplasty treats excess tissue directly on the eyelids. A brow lift repositions descended forehead and brow tissue. Because a lowered brow can contribute to upper-eyelid hooding, Dr. Montante evaluates both areas before recommending surgery.

Does lower blepharoplasty remove dark circles?

Lower blepharoplasty can improve certain shadows caused by prominent bags or contour irregularities. It may not eliminate dark circles caused by pigmentation, thin skin, volume loss, or other factors.

How long do blepharoplasty results last?

Results are generally long-lasting, but eyelid surgery cannot stop the natural aging process. Genetics, sun exposure, skin quality, smoking, health changes, and aging can all influence how the eye area changes over time.

How much does eyelid surgery cost in Richmond, VA?

Cost depends on whether upper, lower, or combined blepharoplasty is performed, along with the surgical setting, anesthesia, and complexity of treatment. The practice will provide an individualized estimate after your consultation.

Montante Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics

Schedule Your Eyelid Surgery Consultation in Richmond

We welcome patients from Richmond and surrounding Central Virginia
communities, including Henrico, Glen Allen, Midlothian, and Chesterfield.
Dr. Montante will evaluate your eyelids and surrounding facial anatomy,
discuss what blepharoplasty can realistically accomplish, and recommend
an individualized treatment plan.

Call (804) 325-4795 or use our online form to schedule your consultation.


Schedule a Consultation

Contact Us
(804) 325-4795