Eyelid Surgery in Reno, NV
Conveniently located to serve Reno, Carson City & Gardnerville
Blepharoplasty Overview
Blepharoplasty is a surgery designed to correct droopy eyelids or bags under the eyes by removing excess skin, muscle, and sometimes fat. It can be done on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, depending on your needs. This procedure offers both cosmetic enhancement and functional vision improvements, often producing dramatic results in both areas.
People often seek eyelid surgery to reduce droopy eyelids or bags under their eyes for a younger, more open-eyed look. However, the surgery also serves a functional purpose. For some, sagging eyelids can interfere with their vision, making daily activities challenging. In these cases, blepharoplasty can significantly improve their quality of life.
The surgery typically requires small incisions that are strategically placed to minimize visible scarring. Recovery usually involves some swelling and bruising, but this subsides over a few weeks, revealing a revived look.
Whether you are aiming for a more youthful appearance or looking to improve your vision, blepharoplasty can be a turning point. The results can be transformative, making you look more awake and refreshed while also enhancing your ability to see clearly. If you are considering this procedure, consult with Dr Yamamoto, a double board-certified plastic surgeon in Reno, to discuss your goals and determine if it’s the right choice for you.
Who May Be a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery
Blepharoplasty is not suitable for everyone, so finding out if it’s right for you starts with a consultation with Dr. Yamamoto at Sierra Nevada Cosmetic Surgery. He can help determine if you’re a good candidate for this procedure.
Generally, you might be a good candidate for eyelid surgery in Reno if you have realistic expectations about your recovery and results. If your upper eyelids droop or sag, sometimes even affecting your peripheral vision, this surgery could be beneficial. It can also help if fatty deposits make your upper eyelids look swollen, or if excess skin and fat under your eyes make you look tired or older than you feel.
Good candidates should be in overall good health and free from serious medical conditions that could affect healing. You should not have severe eye conditions like glaucoma or chronic dry eye. Additionally, note that smoking can complicate the healing process and increase surgical risks. Hence, it’s best if you don’t smoke or are willing to quit before and after the surgery.
While most candidates are 35 years or older, younger individuals with hereditary traits like droopy eyelids or under-eye bags can also benefit. A consultation with Dr. Yamamoto will help tailor the procedure to your specific needs and goals.
Why Choose Dr. Yamamoto for Eyelid Surgery?
At Sierra Nevada Cosmetic + Laser Surgery, everything we do is shaped by a few core values: courtesy, respect, compassion, and a patient experience that feels personal from the first conversation to the final follow-up. We didn’t arrive at those values by accident. They reflect a deliberate decision to build a practice where patients feel genuinely cared for — not processed. And when it comes to a procedure as nuanced as eyelid surgery, that foundation matters more than most people realize before they begin their search.
Dr. Yamamoto is a double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon whose training focuses exclusively on the face. That distinction is worth pausing on. Facial plastic surgery is its own specialty, a discipline that demands deep familiarity with facial anatomy, expression, symmetry, and the way the face ages as a system rather than a collection of separate features. Dr. Yamamoto didn’t simply add facial procedures to a broader cosmetic menu. He built his entire surgical career around the face, and that level of dedication shapes the quality and consistency of every outcome we produce.
For blepharoplasty specifically, that focus carries real weight. The eyes are the most expressive part of the human face. They convey emotion, fatigue, engagement, and warmth in ways that other features simply don’t. When a patient comes to us concerned about heavy upper lids, loose lower lid skin, or puffiness that makes them look tired regardless of how well they’ve slept, we understand that what they’re really asking for is a restoration of how they naturally present to the world. That’s a precise goal, and it requires a precise approach.
Small decisions during eyelid surgery, such as how much tissue to remove, where to place an incision, and how aggressively to address the underlying fat pads, can mean the difference between a result that looks refreshed and one that looks operated on. We approach each case with that reality in mind. Our goal is never to impose a particular aesthetic on a patient. It’s to understand what makes each patient’s face uniquely theirs and to work within that framework to create an outcome that looks natural, balanced, and lasting.
From Dr. Yamamoto:
✨A humble approach: Despite my years of experience and expertise, I approach each patient with humility and gratitude. Your trust in me is a gift, and I’m committed to honoring that trust with unwavering dedication and respect.
✨Personalized care, without the fuss: Let’s keep it real—I’m not about flashy gimmicks or one-size-fits-all solutions. Your journey is unique, and my approach is tailored to your individual needs, preferences, and goals.
✨ Results rooted in authenticity: No smoke and mirrors here. The transformations you see are a testament to the collaborative effort between myself and my incredible patients. Together, we achieve results that look and feel like the best version of you.
Rediscover your natural beauty and confidence. Reach out today to schedule your consultation. – Dr. Y
Dr. Yamamoto is awesome. He listens, he explains what he’s going to do and the expected outcome. He did my eyelids 4 months ago and I’m extremely pleased with the results! I highly recommend him and, additionally, his staff is terrific.
Dr Yamamoto and his team of superstars are exceptional in every way but that doesn’t stop them from being kind and fun. I have been a client in this office for over a decade and I’m amazed at how well they work together as a team. Noelle administers my Botox and B12 injections. My face is not balanced so it can be tricky but her years of knowledge and experience contribute to perfect results every time. Noelle has a wealth of understanding about wellness and procedures performed in the office as she also assists the doctor. She is simply the best and never makes me feel rushed. Susie is the front desk manager and I don’t know how she does it, but with the amount of foot traffic in this office, I have yet to wait for an appt. She is the sunshine as you walk in the door. I am 100% happy with my eye lid tuck and chin implant, compliments of Dr Y, and his patient coordinator Mary will make you feel at ease, have the answers to any questions, and she has a genuinely warm personality, and is great at her job. He has an extended crew which I haven’t personally met but I can tell every employee is valued and happy. If you call for a consult and have to wait, trust me, there is a reason. They are worth the wait!
I had my upper eyelids & lower eyes done in April 2024 by Dr. Yamamoto. I am very happy with the results of my surgery. The recovery was very easy & pain-free. The staff that took care of me during my procedure & recovery were wonderful. Everyone was great about explaining what to expect & how to manage my recovery. I would recommend all of my friends & family to consult with Dr Yamamoto if they were considering any kind of cosmetic surgery.
* Individual results may vary.
Photo Gallery
View before-and-after pictures of real patients of Dr. Kyle Yamamoto
What to Expect From A Blepharoplasty
Before the Procedure
Before a blepharoplasty in Reno, you will start with a consultation with Dr Yamamoto to discuss your goals, medical history, and any medications you are taking. Your surgeon will examine your eyelids and facial structure to determine the best approach and take some photos for your records.
During the Procedure
During a blepharoplasty, you will be given anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable—this could be local with sedation or general, depending on your case.
The procedure typically takes 1-3 hours. For upper eyelid surgery, the surgeon makes incisions along the natural crease of the upper eyelid, removes or repositions excess skin, muscle, and fat, and then closes the incisions. For lower eyelid surgery, incisions are made just below the lash line or inside the lower eyelid. The surgeon then removes or repositions fat and sometimes tightens the skin or muscle before closing the incisions.
After the procedure
After a blepharoplasty, expect some swelling and bruising around your eyes, which is completely normal. Your vision might be blurry at first due to an ointment applied to your eyes. You will need to keep your head elevated and use cold compresses to reduce swelling. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions for cleaning your eyes and applying any prescribed medications. Avoid strenuous activities and protect your eyes from sun and wind.
Furthermore, you will have follow-up appointments with Dr Yamamoto to monitor your healing progress. Stitches, if not dissolvable, are usually removed within a week, and you can start seeing the full results as the swelling subsides over the next few weeks. By then, you will likely feel more refreshed and confident with your new look.
Results
The expected results from an eyelid surgery in Reno are quite rewarding. You will notice a more youthful, rested, and awake appearance, with smoother and firmer eyelids. Bags under your eyes will be reduced, and any excess skin that made you look tired or older will be gone. Your vision might even improve if droopy eyelids were obstructing it before. Scars from the incisions will fade over time and are usually well-concealed in the natural creases of your eyelids.
The results are typically long-lasting, making you look refreshed for years. While subtle at first, the final look will become more apparent as swelling and bruising fade over a few weeks. Generally, you’ll look more awake, vibrant, and confident!
Recovery and Downtime
Recovery questions are some of the most important questions patients ask, and for good reason. Most people want to know how long they will look noticeably swollen, when they can return to work, and when the eye area starts to look more like the final outcome. While every recovery is different, the practice notes that lower eyelid surgery can involve four to six weeks of recovery overall, with the earliest days typically showing the most visible swelling and bruising. Many patients return to work after about a week, but the timeline depends on the procedure and on the type of work they do.
It helps to think about recovery in stages. First comes the social downtime, when swelling and bruising are most visible. Next is the activity-adjustment period, when you may feel better but still need to follow restrictions. Then comes the settling phase, when the tissues continue refining and the eye area looks more natural over time.
How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost?
The cost of eyelid surgery in Reno varies depending on the technique used and the degree of correction required to achieve the desired results. During your consultation, we will discuss the details of your fully customized surgical procedure, including the cost associated with it.
Upper Blepharoplasty
One of the most popular facial procedures is an upper eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) to address droopy or heavy eyelids. The development of excess skin of the upper lids, contributing to a heavy or tired look is a very common part of facial aging. The eyelid crease becomes saggy and the extra skin can make the eyes feel tired as the day goes on. Too much extra skin can even obstruct some of your vision.
Luckily, most upper eyelid lifts can be done as a straightforward procedure in the office. The procedures take less than an hour and can be done with local numbing medication. After careful marking of the lids to ensure the right amount is removed, the excess skin is excised and the eyelid is tightened. Your natural eyelid crease is restored without changing the size or shape of your eyes. Your freshened, more awake appearance can be achieved very naturally with a virtually invisible scar.
Lower Blepharoplasty
Whether it’s genetic or from facial aging, bags or “puffiness” in the lower eyelids can contribute to looking tired or sad. This problem is often due to the bulging of excess fat pads that naturally occur under the eye. Removing this excess fat to address a puffy look is performed with a lower blepharoplasty.
In this procedure, incisions are hidden behind the lower eyelid. The bulging fat underneath the skin is carefully removed to create a smoother appearance. When completed, the lower eyelids appear less puffy and less tired. This procedure has no visible scars, and no sutures are needed. Recovering from an eyelid lift is typically less than one week. You must avoid raining your eyes and wear sunglasses when you are out to limit your exposure to the sun to ensure a fast recovery and optimal results.
Upper Versus Lower Eyelid Surgery Video Summary:
In this video, Dr. Yamamoto provides a clear, professional overview of the differences between upper and lower eyelid surgeries, emphasizing the surgical techniques, settings, anesthesia types, and recovery processes. Importantly, he highlights the benefits of combining both procedures into a single session, improving efficiency and patient experience. This information is valuable for patients considering eyelid surgery and for professionals seeking to understand procedural distinctions.
[00:00:00] This segment explains the key distinctions between upper and lower eyelid surgeries, emphasizing their different purposes, techniques, and settings.
[00:00:23] This section further elaborates on the technical aspects and patient experience of lower eyelid surgery and the benefits of combining procedures.
[00:00:46] This part highlights the timeframe and recovery expectations when performing both surgeries together.
[00:01:11] This final segment reiterates the operating conditions and patient considerations for both types of surgeries.
Key Insights:
- Upper eyelid surgery is simpler and more common, focusing on skin removal, suitable for office-based procedures.
- Lower eyelid surgery is technically more complex, targeting fat repositioning/removal, requiring general anesthesia and an operating room.
- The transconjunctival incision technique is crucial in lower eyelid surgery to avoid visible scarring and preserve eyelid integrity.
- Combining both surgeries is a recommended approach for patients needing correction in both areas, as it reduces overall recovery time and patient inconvenience.
- Recovery from either or combined surgeries mainly involves bruising and swelling with minimal pain, typically resolving in a consolidated timeframe.
Combining with Other Facial Plastic Surgery Procedures
Combining an eyelid surgery in Reno with other facial plastic surgery procedures gives you a chance to achieve a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation by handling multiple concerns at once. This means you will only go through one recovery period, making the whole process more convenient for you. Additionally, combining procedures can save you money, as you will only pay for things like anesthesia and facility fees once.
However, it’s essential to discuss all options, suitability, risks, and benefits with your surgeon to make an informed decision. Procedures you can combine with blepharoplasty include:
- Facelift: This addresses sagging skin, deep creases, and jowls, giving your face a more youthful contour.
- Brow Lift: Raises sagging eyebrows and smooths out forehead wrinkles, enhancing the upper facial area.
- Rhinoplasty (nose job) : Creates a balanced, harmonious look, especially if you want changes in your nose along with eyelid improvement.
- Neck Lift: Tackles loose skin and fat in the neck area, complementing the rejuvenation achieved with blepharoplasty.
- Med Spa Treatments: Dermal fillers and Botox can enhance blepharoplasty results by adding volume to hollow areas and smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.
Contact Our Office
Dr. Yamamoto is a double-board certified plastic surgeon with years of experience helping patients achieve a refreshed, younger-looking appearance to the eyes with blepharoplasty surgery. If you are interested in learning more, come for a consultation at his Reno, NV plastic surgery facility to see if eyelid surgery is right for you.
Under Eye Enhancement
Dr. Yamamoto’s most popular injection, the Volume Under Eye Enhancement, addresses the common looking of having dark circles under the eyes. Dark circles contribute to the eyes looking older and tired. This problem can be attributed to a tired-looking depression or a groove just under the eyelid which causes a “shadow depression that causes the skin to look darker, causing that tired-looking dark circle. The Under Eye Enhancement is designed to fill in those areas under the eye and smooth out the skiff of the lower eyelid.
In this procedure, very small amounts of Restylane® are delicately injected along the under eye to carefully fill the area to correction. This is a technical, delicate type of procedure and should only be done by an eyelid and injection expert. A cannula is often used during this injection to improve comfort and minimize bruising.
Contact Our Office
Under eye enhancement is a short and convenient procedure that can be done over your lunch break. Of all of the procedures that use dermal fillers, this is one that provides some of the most dramatic results and is a great bang for the buck. Come for a consultation with Dr. Yamamoto in his Reno, NV plastic surgery facility to see if the Under Eye Enhancement is right for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need upper eyelid surgery or a brow lift?
When considering whether you want a brow lift or an upper blepharoplasty in Reno, here are overviews of each procedure. Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, refreshes the look of the lids for a younger appearance; it can also help to improve vision when sagging upper eyelid skin plays a role. This surgery can help with undereye puffiness and bags, too, because of the muscle and tissue interconnectedness between upper and lower lids.
The main focus area of a brow lift is the forehead and eyebrow region, lifting brows and smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles on the forehead for a more youthful appearance. A brow lift can be performed in conjunction with an eyelid surgery in Reno for a fully rejuvenated appearance on this entire area of the face.
How do I know if I need eyelid surgery?
If, by “need,” you’re referring to a functional requirement for eyelid surgery, this generally refers to having limited peripheral vision because of sagging lids. You may also feel a sense of heaviness in the area. If this is the situation, consult with Dr. Yamamoto to see how much blepharoplasty in Reno can help to enhance and improve your vision.
Many times, of course, people have eyelid surgery for cosmetic reasons or a combination of functional and cosmetic purposes. That’s because of how the procedure can rejuvenate a person’s appearance, making them look younger and more engaged and alert.
Can you reverse eye bags?
The short answer is “yes.” Eyelid surgery in Reno, which may have been performed to lift upper lids, can also address undereye bags. When tissue and muscle that support upper eyelids sag, fat can shift beneath the lower lid. If fluid gathers in this area, perhaps after waking, not getting enough sleep, or eating a salty meal, bags can form. Aging and genetics can also serve as key factors in eye bag development.
As one of the best blepharoplasty surgeons, Dr. Yamamoto can expertly freshen appearances through eyelid surgery. As step one, schedule a private consultation with him to determine how to accomplish the reversal of eye bag formation.
What causes eyelid bags?
Eyelid bags result when the muscles and tissue that support lids weaken and, as a result, skin sags. Fat in this facial area can migrate to the undereye/lower lid area and, as fluid gathers, a puffy appearance can develop: what we often call undereye bags. This progression can be a natural part of aging, and factors that can intensify a baggy appearance include a lack of sleep; fluid retention upon waking or after eating salty foods; smoking; and allergies. Some families are more prone to baggy lid appearances, and some medical conditions can cause them to develop or become more significant.
How long do eyelid lifts last?
Although results vary to a degree among patients and situations, it’s typical for blepharoplasty procedures performed on upper eyelids to last for five to seven years. After time passes, skin on your brow and/or forehead may sag to the point where you’ll want a follow-up eyelid lift. To maximize the results of your blepharoplasty, maintain a good skin care regime with appropriate cleansing and moisturizing while also applying sunscreen, wearing sunglasses, eating a healthy diet, and ensuring enough hydration. Avoid too much alcohol consumption, and don’t smoke.
If a lower lid surgery is performed, it tends to be more permanent than an upper lid one although, again, situations vary.
What is the recovery time for lower eyelid surgery?
Typically, it can take four to six weeks for someone to recover from lower eyelid surgery although the most significant swelling and bruising generally exist during the first couple of days before gradually subsiding.
Particularly during the first week, post-op, it’s important to avoid eye strain and engage only in activities approved by the doctor. After a week or so, sutures usually can be removed, and this is typically when patients return to work. Around week four or five, you will likely largely see the results of your eyelid surgery although healing and the corresponding improved appearance continues to take place.
How painful is lower eyelid surgery?
Most people don’t find lower eyelid surgery to be especially painful. Performed under anesthesia (either local or general), people often describe the post-surgery feelings as ones of tightness, bruising, and/or mild discomfort that can be controlled by medication: over the counter or prescription. After the first several days have passed, many people don’t experience discomfort of significance although they may still feel tightness or a “gritty” sensation.
What is the flower rule for blepharoplasty?
This rule refers to the surgeon removing the right amount of excess tissue without overdoing removal (which could lead to an unnatural appearance). Having an eyelid surgery that provides a natural look is extremely important, so it’s important to choose the best blepharoplasty surgeon. If you’re in Nevada, you’ll benefit from Dr. Yamamoto’s extensive education and experience when you select him for your eyelid surgery in Reno. He’s an expert in the face’s complex and intricate structures, reshaping, repairing, and rejuvenating a person’s appearance with exceptional skills.
How many hours does blepharoplasty take?
When you have a private consultation with Dr. Yamamoto, he will provide specific guidance about your situation. In general, a typical eyelid surgery can take one to three hours, based on the procedure’s complexity. This may not include time for providing anesthesia or recovery time, post-surgery. Upper eyelid surgery can often be completed more quickly than lower lid surgery. Plus, it’s common for people to have both upper and lower eyelid surgery in conjunction with an eyebrow lift, which adds time to the overall procedure.
Where is upper eyelid surgery performed?
Dr. Yamamoto performs upper eyelid surgeries in a clean, modern facility, one that’s conveniently located in and set up for blepharoplasty in Reno. His office welcomes all patients with the doctor known for his compassionate bedside manner and friendly approach.