Tired of Looking Tired? How Eyelid Surgery Can Transform Your Entire Appearance

You’ve heard it before—maybe from a concerned friend, a family member, or even your own reflection in the mirror. “You look tired.” The frustrating part? You got a full eight hours of sleep. You feel fine. But heavy, drooping eyelids and puffy under-eye bags tell a different story, one that doesn’t match how you actually feel inside.

At Avance Plastic Surgery Institute in Reno, Dr. Erez Dayan performs blepharoplasty—commonly known as eyelid surgery—to address exactly this disconnect. The procedure removes excess skin, muscle, and sometimes fat from the upper and lower eyelids, creating a more alert, refreshed, and youthful appearance. For many patients, it’s the single most transformative facial procedure they’ll ever have.

Why the Eyes Age First

The skin around your eyes is the thinnest and most delicate on your entire body—up to ten times thinner than skin elsewhere on your face. This area also lacks the oil glands that help keep other facial skin supple and resilient. As a result, the eyes are typically the first place to show visible signs of aging.

Over time, the muscles supporting the eyelids weaken, and the skin loses its elasticity. Fat that normally cushions the eyes can shift forward, creating bags and puffiness. On the upper lids, excess skin may droop so significantly that it creates a hooded appearance—or even begins to interfere with peripheral vision. These changes happen gradually, which is why many people don’t realize how much their appearance has changed until they see an old photograph.

Upper Blepharoplasty: Opening Up Your Eyes

Upper eyelid surgery addresses the sagging skin that creates a heavy, tired look. During the procedure, Dr. Dayan makes a precise incision within the natural crease of the eyelid, allowing any scarring to remain virtually invisible once healed. Through this incision, he removes the excess skin and, when necessary, repositions or removes small amounts of fat to create a smoother contour.

The result is a more open, refreshed eye appearance that looks natural—not “done.” Many patients report that friends and colleagues notice they look more rested or energetic without being able to pinpoint exactly what changed. For patients whose drooping upper lids have begun to obstruct their vision, the functional improvement can be just as meaningful as the aesthetic one.

Lower Blepharoplasty: Eliminating Under-Eye Bags

Lower eyelid surgery targets the puffiness and bags that form beneath the eyes. Dr. Dayan employs different techniques depending on the patient’s specific concerns and anatomy. In some cases, the incision is made just below the lash line, where it heals inconspicuously. For patients who primarily need fat removal or repositioning without excess skin removal, a transconjunctival approach—with the incision hidden inside the lower lid—leaves no visible scar at all.

Rather than simply removing fat, modern lower blepharoplasty often involves repositioning the fat pads to fill in hollow areas and create a smoother transition between the lower eyelid and cheek. This approach produces more natural, longer-lasting results than aggressive fat removal, which can sometimes create a hollow, aged appearance.

Combining Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty

Many patients choose to address both the upper and lower eyelids in a single procedure. Combining these surgeries makes practical sense—you undergo anesthesia once, recover once, and achieve comprehensive rejuvenation of the entire eye area at the same time. The synergy between addressing both areas often produces a more balanced, harmonious result than treating either in isolation.

During your consultation, Dr. Dayan will evaluate your facial anatomy, skin quality, and aesthetic goals to recommend the approach that will give you the best outcome. Some patients benefit from combining blepharoplasty with a brow lift or other facial procedures to achieve their desired look.

What to Expect During Recovery

One of the reasons blepharoplasty remains so popular is its relatively manageable recovery. Most patients experience bruising and swelling for one to two weeks, with the majority of visible signs resolving within ten days. Cold compresses, head elevation, and following Dr. Dayan’s post-operative instructions carefully all help minimize discomfort and speed healing.

Many patients feel comfortable returning to work and social activities within seven to ten days, though strenuous exercise should wait three to four weeks. The incision lines continue to fade over several months, eventually becoming nearly imperceptible. Most patients find the recovery far easier than they anticipated—and the results well worth the brief downtime.

February: The Ideal Time for Eyelid Surgery

There’s a reason savvy patients schedule their blepharoplasty during the winter months. Sunglasses provide a convenient, socially acceptable way to conceal any residual bruising during the healing process. The cooler weather makes staying indoors for recovery more comfortable, and you’re naturally avoiding the intense sun exposure that can darken healing scars.

Scheduling your procedure now means you’ll be fully healed and looking your best by spring—ready for outdoor activities, social gatherings, and all those events where you want to look refreshed and vibrant. Whether it’s a Lake Tahoe summer or simply enjoying the Reno sunshine without hiding behind dark glasses, timing your procedure for February sets you up for success.

Non-Surgical Alternatives and Complements

For patients who aren’t ready for surgery or have milder concerns, Avance Plastic Surgery Institute offers non-surgical options that can improve the eye area. Botox can lift a drooping brow, creating the appearance of more open eyes. Dermal fillers can camouflage hollows beneath the eyes that contribute to a tired look. For patients with excess upper eyelid skin affecting their vision, Upneeq—a prescription eye drop—can temporarily lift the upper lid.

These treatments can also complement surgical blepharoplasty, addressing concerns in adjacent areas or maintaining results over time. Dr. Dayan can help you understand which options—surgical, non-surgical, or a combination—will best achieve your goals.

The Expertise Behind Your Results

Eyelid surgery requires exceptional precision and an artistic eye. The margins for error are small, and the difference between a natural result and an overdone appearance often comes down to millimeters. As a Harvard-trained, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Erez Dayan brings the technical expertise and aesthetic judgment that complex facial procedures demand.

Dr. Dayan’s approach emphasizes natural-looking results that enhance your appearance without announcing that you’ve had work done. His meticulous technique, combined with advanced technology including the Vectra 3D imaging system, helps ensure that your results align with your expectations.

See What’s Possible at Avance Plastic Surgery Institute

If you’re tired of looking tired—if you’ve been applying concealer, adjusting lighting for photos, or avoiding mirrors in the morning—eyelid surgery may offer the refresh you’ve been seeking. The procedure addresses concerns that makeup and skincare simply cannot fix, delivering lasting improvement that helps your outside match how you feel inside.

Contact Avance Plastic Surgery Institute at (775) 800-4444 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Erez Dayan. Virtual consultations are available for patients traveling from outside the Reno-Tahoe area. Discover how blepharoplasty can help you look as energetic and vibrant as you actually feel.