Dr. Michael J. Richard, MD | Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon NJ

The Art of Cosmetic and Reconstructive Oculoplastic Surgery

Dr. Michael J. Richard is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in Oculofacial Plastic Surgery. Dr. Richard has over 15 years of experience focusing on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the upper and lower eyelids and face. Dr. Richard joined Dr. Janet M. Neigel at the EltraSelf in Florham Park from one of the most prestigious eye centers in the nation: Duke Eye Center in Durham, North Carolina.

Specialties

Oculofacial Plastic Surgery
Cosmetic & Reconstructive Eyelid Surgery
Blepharoplasty (Upper & Lower Eyelids)
Orbital Surgery

Tear Duct Surgery
Thyroid Eye Disease
Facial Trauma & Reconstruction
Laser & Injectable Facial Rejuvenation

Dr. Richard of The Neigel Center for Cosmetic and Laser Surgery

Surgical Training and Expertise

During his time at Duke, Dr. Richard was an Assistant Professor with appointments in both the Department of Ophthalmology and the Department of Plastic Surgery. He taught surgery to numerous residents and fellows and was awarded the Teacher of the Year Award in 2011. While Dr. Richard still travels to the Durham VA Medical Center once per month to treat patients and teach residents and fellows, EltraSelf in New Jersey is where he now practices full-time.

Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Richard has written dozens of scholarly articles and has lectured around the world. He has expertise in a broad range of medical and surgical conditions, including cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid surgery, blepharospasm, orbital tumors, tear duct surgery, skin cancers, ocular surface cancer, thyroid eye disease, and orbital and facial trauma.

Expertise in Aesthetic Care

Dr. Richard is also a highly skilled cosmetic surgeon who performs both surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures using lasers, injectable fillers, and neuromodulators. These include laser skin resurfacing, Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Voluma, Juvederm, Restylane, Sculptra, Kybella, Belotero, and Radiesse. Patients find Dr. Richard to be very humble, compassionate, competent, and caring, such that he has been honored to receive the “Compassionate Doctor Recognition Award” several times during his career. Dr. Richard joined renowned Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Janet M. Neigel in Florham Park in 2016. Together, they have over 50 years of experience in Oculoplastic and Facial Surgery. Both Dr. Neigel and Dr. Richard share a common goal to provide their patients with exceptional and personalized care at every visit. If you’re considering any ocular, reconstructive, or facial rejuvenation procedures, it’s important to be in trusting, experienced, and skilled hands.

Dr. Richard's Education

1991-1995 - Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA - BA, Human Biology
1997-2001 - Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA - MD, with Honors
2001-2002 - University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC - Internship, Medicine
2002-2005 - University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC - Residency, Ophthalmology
2005-2006 - Duke University, Durham, NC - Fellowship, Oculoplastic Surgery

Teaching Appointments

Since 2006, Dr. Richard has been an Assistant Professor at Duke University’s Departments of Ophthalmology and Plastic Surgery.

Awards and Honors

During his career as an ophthalmologist and oculofacial plastic surgeon, Dr. Richard has received the following awards and honors:

Elizabeth K. Moyer Anatomical Sciences Award, Boston University, 2001
Patients’ Choice Award 2008, 2009, 2011
Compassionate Doctor Recognition 2011, 2012
Teacher of the Year, Duke Eye Center 2011
Select Surgeon in Plastic Surgery (NJ Monthly) for blepharoplasty, Mohs’ reconstruction; Eyelids and Laser Resurfacing

Professional Memberships

Dr. Richard maintains memberships with the following organizations:

Affiliations

Dr. Richard is affiliated with the following hospitals and medical centers:

St. Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston, NJ
Eltra Surgical Center, Florham Park, NJ
Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC
Livingston Surgery Center

Insurances Accepted

At EltraSelf, Dr. Richard accepts all of the following insurances:

AETNA
MEDICARE
CIGNA
HORIZON
UNITED

Education

B.A., Human Biology, Stanford University
M.D., Boston University School of Medicine (Honors)

Post-Doctoral Training

Internship, Internal Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Ophthalmology Residency, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Fellowship, Oculoplastic Surgery, Duke University

Certifications & Appointments

Diplomate, American Board of Ophthalmology
Former Assistant Professor, Departments of Ophthalmology & Plastic Surgery, Duke University
Fellow of American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons

Bio

Michael J. Richard, M.D.
Board-Certified Ophthalmologist & Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Michael J. Richard is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery, with more than 20 years of experience in cosmetic and functional eyelid and facial surgery. He is recognized for his technical precision, compassionate bedside manner, and commitment to personalized patient care.

Before joining EltraSelf in Florham Park, Dr. Richard practiced at the prestigious Duke Eye Center in Durham, North Carolina. During his time at Duke, he served as an Assistant Professor with joint appointments in the Departments of Ophthalmology and Plastic Surgery, where he trained residents and fellows in advanced surgical techniques. In recognition of his dedication to education, he was honored with the Duke Eye Center Teacher of the Year Award in 2011.

Dr. Richard earned his bachelor’s degree in Human Biology from Stanford University before obtaining his medical degree with honors from Boston University School of Medicine. He completed his internship in medicine and residency in ophthalmology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, followed by a fellowship in oculoplastic surgery at Duke University.

Clinically, Dr. Richard has extensive expertise in cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid surgery, orbital tumors, tear duct surgery, skin cancers, ocular surface tumors, thyroid eye disease, and facial trauma. He is also highly skilled in non-surgical facial rejuvenation, offering laser procedures, neuromodulators, and injectable fillers to help patients achieve natural, refreshed results.

Known for his humility, compassion, and attentiveness, Dr. Richard has been honored multiple times with the Compassionate Doctor Recognition Award and Patients’ Choice Awards.

Since medical school, Dr. Richard has volunteered his time and expertise in underdeveloped countries in Asia and Africa, providing care to patients in need. Through his work with the Cure Blindness Project, he also trains ophthalmologists in advanced oculoplastic surgery techniques.

About Dr. Richard’s Philanthropy and Volunteering

Dr. Richard is actively involved in international philanthropic work as an affiliate of the Himalayan Cataract Project (http://www.cureblindness.org). He has traveled to Nepal, Ethiopia, and Cuba to provide medical care and training to local ophthalmologists. The focus of his work has been in Ethiopia, where the Himalayan Cataract Project continues to support the formal training of Ethiopian oculoplastic surgeons. This is achieved by facilitating Ethiopian doctors to come to the US for an observership, which is followed by hands-on training in Nepal.

As of two years ago, there was only one formally trained oculoplastic surgeon in Ethiopia for its 100 million inhabitants. However, the third Ethiopian oculoplastic surgeon will finish his training this year.

Schedule Your Consultation With Dr. Michael J. Richard Today

If you’re interested in scheduling a private consultation with Dr. Michael J. Richard, simply contact us at EltraSelf today. Our friendly team will get you set up with a convenient appointment and make the process as simple as possible for you.

Dr. Michael J. Richard