Ryan Mitchell, DO, FAOCO

My Review of Lower Blepharoplasty at Contours & Curves - Dr. Ryan Mitchell

I’m now 2 weeks post-op from my lower blepharoplasty (fat pad removal only – no skin pinch) and wanted to share my experience with Dr. Ryan Mitchell at Contours & Curves. This review is long overdue, but I’m happy to be able to share my journey, as it has been nothing short of amazing.

I’m a 32-year-old African American/Latino male, and I’ve struggled with hereditary under-eye bags, compounded by severe seasonal allergies. Over the past year, the bags on my left eye became noticeably more pronounced, swelling up nightly, despite my daily use of Arnicare gel. What started as a regular bag turned into something concerning. After months of dealing with this, I finally decided to explore cosmetic surgery and started researching the best surgeons in Las Vegas.

I was especially looking for someone experienced in facial plastic surgery, particularly with diverse skin tones. Here’s a rundown of my consultations before I found Dr. Mitchell:

Consultation #1 – South Eastern, Las Vegas (Zip Code 89123)
My first consultation was at a center on South Eastern Avenue (89123). I showed up on time, but the appointment ended up being a complete letdown. I didn’t even get to meet the surgeon and instead waited for over an hour. Finally, I was told I couldn’t be seen because of my skin color. The scheduling coordinator explained that the surgeon only performed the subciliary incision technique, which involved an external incision under the lower lash line. Apparently, this could result in keloids due to my skin type. This was never communicated to me during my initial phone call. I was shocked, the coordinator handed me a $5 Starbucks gift card as a consolation (which I noticed they had a stack of ready to hand out). At that point, I knew I needed to keep looking for a more professional, accommodating option.

Consultation #2 – Henderson, NV (Zip Code 89052)
Next, I visited a facility in Henderson (89052) where I was told I’d meet with a surgeon. Instead, I was greeted by an ophthalmologist who said he could refer me to the actual surgeon. I wasn’t interested in a referral after doing some research, reading reviews and only seeing a minimal amount of before and after photos on their websites/ socials.

Consultation #3 – Contours & Curves, Las Vegas
At this point, I expanded my search to nearby states like California, Utah, and Arizona, looking for a more experienced surgeon. During my research, I found Dr. Ryan Mitchell at Contours & Curves through RealSelf. Luckily their facility is local! The reviews and before-and-after photos made me feel confident about booking a consultation, and I’m so glad I did.

From the first phone call, I was impressed with how professional and efficient the front office staff was. When I arrived at Contours & Curves, I immediately felt at ease. Erin, the coordinator/facilitator, was incredibly helpful. She explained the procedure, aftercare, and answered all my questions with care. Then, I met Dr. Mitchell, who explained that I was a good candidate for lower blepharoplasty and would perform the transconjunctival incision technique. This technique is done inside the lower eyelid, so there’s no visible external scar. That was a huge relief for me. Dr. Mitchell was direct and honest about the process, and his straightforward approach made me comfortably. After the consultation, I was excited to move forward and set the date for surgery which was before the holidays. Work projects/ events came up and I had to reschedule to mid-January. I’m grateful the office was willing to accommodate. Their flexibility is appreciated!

Surgery Day
The week before surgery, I stopped taking vitamins and foods that could impact recovery (the staff gave me a detailed list of things to avoid). I also picked up my medications ahead of time. The cost for the procedure and medications was very reasonable compared to other places I’d looked at, where they were charging an additional $1k just for anesthesia. Dr. Mitchell used local anesthesia for my surgery, which was both affordable and effective.

On the day of the surgery, I took one pill an hour before arriving and another at the office. The next thing I knew, the procedure was over—it took less than an hour. I was awake, but relaxed, and ready to head home. I wore sunglasses to protect my eyes and waited for a family member to pick me up. Since I couldn’t drive, I made sure to plan ahead for transportation.

Recovery
I stayed with a cousin for my recovery, but in hindsight, I wish I’d stayed at home for a quieter, more peaceful environment (the house was chaotic with kids. Love them but they’re loud.). That’s my only “regret” in this entire process.

The aftercare was simple:

Apply cold cloth compresses to the under-eye area every waking hour.
Take antibiotics for 5 days.
Use dissolvable arnica pills to reduce swelling.
Apply eyedrops twice daily.
Use an ointment near the lash line at night.
Keep your head elevated while sleeping.
Here’s how my recovery went:

Day 1: My under-eyes were swollen, but I felt no pain at all.
Day 2: Swelling started to decrease, and I applied cold compresses. No pain.
Day 3: The swelling was still there, but much reduced. I had no pain.
Day 4-5: Swelling was almost gone. I could feel the interior incision, but it wasn’t painful.
Day 6: Minimal swelling, some bruising. If anyone noticed, they probably just thought I had allergies. Sunglasses were helpful during this time.
Day 7: I looked and felt great—swelling/bruising was nearly gone.
Post-Op at One Week
By my one-week post-op visit, I looked for the most part normal—refreshed and rested. No one could tell I had had a procedure done, but they definitely noticed I looked more well-rested.

Final Thoughts
Now, at 2 weeks post-op, I’m absolutely thrilled with the results. My under-eye area looks smooth, natural, and rejuvenated. I’m incredibly grateful for the professionalism, care, and expertise from Dr. Mitchell and the team at Contours & Curves. This was my first cosmetic procedure, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. From the initial consultation with Erin the facilitator/ Coordinator and Dr. Mitchell to the surgery with all the recovery process, everything was smooth and stress-free.

If you’re considering blepharoplasty or any facial procedure, do yourself a favor and book a consultation with Dr. Ryan Mitchell. I highly recommend it!

Excellent caring surgeon with exquisitely delicate technique, and such attention to detail. I completely trust him. I am so happy with my youthful hairline and brows. He has worked on me many times before and the only surgeon I can trust to this degree. Thank you Dr Mitchell

I am 54 years old, and I have always taken great care of the skin on my face, including avoiding sun exposure and using high-quality skincare products. However, due to hereditary factors, I did have heavy lids and bags under my eyes before surgery. A person's eyes are the first thing people notice about a face, and I noticed my eyes (in pictures) that I was looking older than I was willing to accept. I did my homework and found Dr. Mitchell here in Las Vegas. I am fortunate, as I live here and did not need to travel, but please do not let that stop you from having a procedure with Dr. Mitchell. He and his staff are amazing, and I had the best experience.

From booking a consultation to booking a procedure, the pre-surgery explanations and protocol, picking up medication, to the procedure and aftercare instructions, everything was fully explained to me and was easy to follow.

Let me be clear, this is elective surgery, and you owe it to yourself and the final outcome to take time to heal. Follow all the instructions for aftercare to the letter, and you will have a fantastic result, just like I have.

I had upper and lower eyelid surgery, with laser resurfacing to the lower lid, and the result is incredible. I am only a few weeks out from surgery, and the result is improving daily. I look years younger as a result of the surgery.

Yes, I had bruising, swelling, and a broken blood vessel in my left eye (all expected). I was never concerned that something was off, as it was all expected, and what a body does as it heals it was all normal. Be patient; give yourself time to recover.

My only regret is not having Dr. Mitchell perform the surgery about 4 years ago! Talk about turning back time. This is the best investment I have made for my personal appetence in decades, I am beyond thrilled with the result!

Thank you, Dr. Mitchell, and your amazing team at Contours and Curves!

Rarely (if ever, these days) have I been moved to leave an ABSOLUTELY GLOWING review of any business as I am with Dr. Ryan Mitchell, Erin and the entire staff at Contours and Curves! I am about ten weeks out from my face/neck lift surgery, and from the first moments after my mummy bandages were removed, one day post surgery, I was so very happy with the results. Dr Mitchell is an artist, and Erin couldn't have taken better care of me, from my consultation thru to post-op and every subsequent check-in to date. Everyone I've dealt with at Dr Ryan's Plastic Surgery office has met and far surpassed my expectations. I cannot praise Dr Mitchell's kind patience and consideration enough, and my confidence level has reached an all time high because of Dr Mitchell's beautiful work. I am more than happy to recommend Dr Mitchell Plastic Surgery to anyone and everyone searching for that *perfect* plastic surgeon to take you to your most confident and happy place ~

This was my first experience with plastic surgery. I had a upper and lower Blepharoplasty. At 73 I didn't expect miracles lol, but I am happy with the results so far. I am 6 weeks out and still healing, but the overall experience was exceptional. Everyone in the office was very supportive and they made me feel comfortable. I was, of course, nervous the day of the surgery, but it all went smoothly. One thing I remember, after I had been given the relaxing medication, was when Dr. Ryan came in and he smelled like lavender (I think that was the scent) and that even relaxed me more. The healing process went well and I was grateful to the whole office for being available when I had questions after the surgery. I would certainly recommend Dr. Ryan Mitchell to anyone who wants a plastic surgery procedure since he is a talented and compassionate doctor.

I had an upper blepharoplasty in December of 2022. Before I chose Dr. MitchelI consulted with two other surgeons. After meeting the friendly staff and Dr. Mitchell (Erin and Antionette) I immediately knew this was the place for me. Dr. Mitchell is very kind and compassionate. He listened to all my concerns and I even asked about getting a second procedure and he was very honest and said I did not need it. I have never experienced that at any other practice. Other doctors try to upsell other procedures and I would leave their offices feeling worse about myself. Dr. Mitchell was different; he made me feel heard and understood. He performed the surgery with precision and exactness. After my surgery I texted Erin every single day (sometimes several times a day) and she responded quickly and with patience answering my questions and concerns. The recovery was quick and I had no pain. My results are stunning to the point people say I look 10 years younger and most importantly, I feel beautiful and more confident. Thank you Dr. Mitchell to you and your team. Great work and I’ll be back again when the time comes!

Very happy with my upper and lower blepharoplasty. Dr. Mitchell and his team are amazing! They are always available for you day or night! I had a lower face and neck lift a year ago and had to go back to make the eyes match the face. Thank you so much Dr. Mitchell!

Dr. Mitchell and his staff were excellent beyond my expectations! Professional, FRIENDLY and took the time to understand my needs and the best way to achieve my goals! I would highly recommend them! The whole process was handled by their staff and results were perfect for me.

Chose Dr. Ryan Mitchell for lower face/neck lift & fat transfers after meeting the most expensive & supposedly top rated cosmetic surgeons in Vegas valley. I found some of the most costly docs may be paying people to try and bury really bad reviews and lawsuits. Mitchell is squeaky clean, no fancy marble floors and he showed me the most GREAT before/after pics of prior male patients. Of course, I look like crap 5 days after surgery. Swollen and bruised as expected but already see tightened neck, restored jawline, nasolabial and frown lines gone. I can see the fat transfers to upper cheeks to replace where I was getting Juvederm filler. $14,500 for everything. Other docs wanted up to $34,000 plus blood test costs, transportation by ambulance and hiring a nurse for $700/day on top of that. Local female friend drove me to 9AM surgery, took me home at 4PM, stayed until 4AM to make sure I didn't roll over in bed and damage sutures. I was in '"twilight zone" from 10:30AM until 8PM night of surgery thanks to 1.5 tabs of Triazolam. I remember NOTHING of those 9.5 hours during and after surgery. Drove myself day after surgery at 3PM for bandage removal. Doc said everything looks way it should. ZERO pain, slight discomfort that 1/2 a Lortab eliminated days 1&2. On antibiotics for 10 total days. I see slight improvements in mirror EVERY day. This is exciting. Very glad I chose Dr. Mitchell.

I have been wanting to have my eyelids done for a couple of years now and finally had it done. I have a fear of general anesthesia so was looking for surgeons who perform the procedure with local anesthesia only. Based on reviews, location and price, I went with Dr Ryan Mitchell in Henderson, NV. Dr Mitchell and his staff are all amazing and I am thrilled with the results!!! It's definitely a full two weeks of down time for healing and then a couple more weeks for the swelling to completely go away. The scaring at the incisions get better everyday.