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What is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is a specialized facial plastic surgery technique aimed at addressing cosmetic and functional concerns around the eyes. Depending on your specific goals and anatomical needs, eyelid surgery can target the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both simultaneously. Beyond its aesthetic benefits, severe upper eyelid hooding can sometimes impair your vision. In these cases, blepharoplasty serves a dual purpose: improving your field of view while enhancing your overall facial harmony.

Tailored Eyelid Surgeries Offered at Chance at Chance + Co 

Because every face is unique, eyelid surgery at Chance + Co Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics is fully customized to address your individual concerns.

Upper Eyelid Lift

An upper eyelid lift focuses on removing excess, drooping skin and small pockets of fat from the upper eyelids. This procedure eliminates heavy hooding, opens up the eyes, and creates a smoother, more awake appearance with minimal downtime.

Lower Eyelid Lift

A lower eyelid lift addresses under-eye bags, puffiness, and fine wrinkles beneath the eyes. By carefully sculpting or repositioning fat deposits and tightening the lower skin, this procedure smooths the transition between the lower lid and the cheek for a seamless, refreshed look.

Brow Lift

In many cases, heavy upper eyelids are actually caused or exacerbated by a descending brow line. Combining eyelid surgery with a brow lift elevates the eyebrows to their natural position, smoothing forehead furrows and achieving complete upper-face rejuvenation.

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Benefits of Eyelid Surgery 

  • Restored Youthfulness: Smooths fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin around the eyes.
  • Elimination of Under-Eye Bags: Reduces stubborn puffiness and hollows beneath the lower lids.
  • Improved Field of Vision: Clears obstructed vision caused by severe upper eyelid hooding.
  • Natural-Looking Results: Preserves your natural eye shape while creating a brighter, well-rested appearance.
  • Minimal Inconspicuous Scarring: Incisions are strategically placed within the natural creases of the eyelids or inside the lower lid to minimize visibility.

Why Choose Dr. Elizabeth Chance for Eyelid Surgery in Charlottesville?

  • Double Board-Certified Specialist: Dedicated exclusively to facial plastic surgery, ensuring specialized expertise for delicate eye procedures.
  • UVA-Trained Precision: Completed her Head & Neck Surgery residency at the University of Virginia, followed by a fellowship in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.
  • Artistic Eye: Her background as a classical cellist brings refined precision, attention to detail, and a focus on natural-looking outcomes.
  • Bespoke, Patient-Centric Care: Limits daily procedures to provide undivided, high-touch attention to every patient.
  • Empathetic & Natural Approach: A female-led practice in Charlottesville focused on refreshed, subtle transformations—never looking "overdone."
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What to Expect During Recovery

Eyelid surgery in Charlottesville, VA, recovery is generally straightforward with minimal discomfort.

  • First Few Days: Swelling, mild bruising, and temporary tightness around the eyes are common and usually peak within the first 48 hours. Cold compresses and keeping your head elevated will help ease swelling.
  • 1 to 2 Weeks: Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and normal public activities in Charlottesville within 7 to 10 days as bruising fades.
  • Long-Term Healing: Incision lines will continue to soften and fade over the following months, revealing refreshed, long-lasting results.
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Is Blepharoplasty Right for You?

Ideal candidates for eyelid surgery include individuals who:

  • Are bothered by heavy, sagging upper eyelids or under-eye bags.
  • Have realistic expectations for facial rejuvenation.
  • Non-smokers who are in good overall health.
  • Experience vision interference due to drooping upper eyelid skin.

Schedule Your Consultation in Charlottesville, VA

To learn more about how blepharoplasty can help you achieve a naturally refreshed look, explore our dedicated pages for Upper Eyelid Lifts, Lower Eyelid Lifts, and Brow Lifts, or contact Chance + Co Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics in Charlottesville, VA, to schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Chance today.

Blepharoplasty FAQs

How do I know if I need a Blepharoplasty or a Brow Lift?

Can Blepharoplasty be combined with a Deep Plane Facelift?

Will Blepharoplasty eliminate under-eye hollows and dark circles?

How long do Blepharoplasty results last compared to non-surgical options?

Where are the incisions placed, and will eyelid surgery leave visible scars?

How do I know if I need a Blepharoplasty or a Brow Lift?

Heavy upper eyelids can be caused by excess lid skin (requiring an Upper Eyelid Lift) or a descending forehead line pushing down on the brow tissue (requiring a Brow Lift). During your consultation, Dr. Chance will physically elevate your brow to evaluate whether the drooping resolves or if true eyelid hooding remains, determining if a brow lift or blepharoplasty in Charlottesville is right for your facial anatomy.

Can Blepharoplasty be combined with a Deep Plane Facelift?

Yes, blepharoplasty is frequently combined with surgical facial rejuvenation procedures like a Deep Plane Facelift or Structural Neck Lift. Combining these allows for single-session anesthesia and downtime, addressing both mid-to-lower face sagging and eyelid rejuvenation simultaneously for fully harmonious results.

Will Blepharoplasty eliminate under-eye hollows and dark circles?

A Lower Eyelid Lift directly addresses puffiness and eye bags by repositioning or removing herniated fat pads. However, if under-eye hollows or skin discoloration persist, Dr. Chance often complements surgery with non-surgical volume restoration using dermal fillers like Restylane, skin-thickening PRP/PRF injections, or skin resurfacing with the CO2 Tetra Laser.

How long do Blepharoplasty results last compared to non-surgical options?

Blepharoplasty delivers long-lasting results—upper eyelid lifts typically last 10 to 15 years or longer, while lower eyelid lifts rarely need to be repeated. Non-surgical alternatives like muscle relaxers such as BOTOX or radiofrequency microneedling like VirtueRF Microneedling can subtly refresh the eye area, but they require periodic maintenance and cannot physically remove excess skin or fat pads.

Where are the incisions placed, and will eyelid surgery leave visible scars?

Dr. Chance places surgical incisions within the natural anatomical folds of the upper eyelid crease or inside the lower lid (transconjunctival approach). As the incisions heal, they fade into natural creases, making them virtually unnoticeable. Post-procedure skin recovery can also be optimized using medical-grade treatments like Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment or Lymphatic Massage to minimize swelling and accelerate healing.

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