The eyes are the focal point of your face, where you connect visually with others. Aging or heredity can result in a tired, dreary appearance due to puffiness, sagging and bags around the eyes. With eyelid surgery, you can look younger and improve your facial appearance.
What is eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty?
Eyelid surgery in Michigan restores or sculpts a youthful contour to the upper eyelids and can improve bags, puffiness, hollows, and sagging skin on the lower eyelids. It is a highly individualized procedure. For some, blepharoplasty is also able to improve sad, or downturned eyes.
Who is a candidate for blepharoplasty?
A Comprehensive, Personalized Approach
Age does not define candidates for eyelid surgery. Women and men of various ages choose facial rejuvenation to delay or improve visible indications of aging. The following factors generally define good candidates for eyelid surgery procedures:
- You have excess skin obscuring the natural fold of the upper eyelids
- You have loose upper eyelid skin that impairs your vision
- You have a puffy appearance to the upper eyelids, making your eyes look fatigued and sad, or hooded
- You have excess skin and fine, ‘crepe paper’ type lower eyelid wrinkles
- You can clearly define why you want the surgery.
- You have bags and dark circles under the eyes
- You have crow's feet at the corners of your eyes
- Your upper eye surface is too small or not smooth enough to apply makeup
- You understand what eyelid surgery can and cannot accomplish.
- You are healthy and emotionally stable and secure.
If you are in good general health, have a positive attitude and realistic expectations, you are most likely a good candidate for blepharoplasty.
What Are the Benefits of Eyelid Surgery?
One of the defining benefits of blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is that the low-risk procedure can significantly improve the appearance and functionality of the upper and lower eyelid areas. Some of the other many benefits of eyelid surgery include:
- A more awake and youthful facial appearance
- Increased confidence and self-image
- A smoother forehead due to reduced squinting and furrowing
- Corrected visual impairments for an improved field of vision
- Long-term results lasting up to fifteen years
- Minimal scarring and risk of complications
- Improved facial expressions for fewer misunderstandings when communicating with others
Patient Testimonial
“My recent experience with Dr. Ringler was excellent. He is a very brilliant, caring, considerate surgeon willing to answer all questions and provide assurances to put even the most anxious person at ease. His staff is superior, well informed and runs like a well-oiled machine. This is a first class operation and the results endorse that.”
Michigan Eyelid Surgery Patient Review
“I could not be more pleased with my experience and surgical outcome with Dr. Ringler and his staff! From my 1st consultation to my 6 week follow up all staff members were extremely courteous, helpful and always there with answers to my questions. The best part is the results of my procedure which was a Bilateral Eye lift were wonderful!! I have come to find out that Dr. Ringler, besides being a very talented cosmetic surgeon, is also passionate about skin care and preventing aging. So the product lines they carry are very good and researched by Dr. Ringler himself!!”
Blepharoplasty Patient Review
“I underwent an upper/lower bleph with midface fat grafting with Dr. Ringler this past fall and I am just THRILLED with the results. While I had been contemplating the bleph for quite some time and just needed to gather up the courage to do it, the fat grafting was added at Dr. Ringler's suggestion. While I never felt pressured to add the fat grafting (he answered all my questions and explained why he felt I should consider it) I knew I could trust him when he said he thought I'd still be happy if I *only* had the bleph. The whole experience was better than I expected and while yes, I bruised (took about 3+ weeks for it to fade), it was SOOO worth the outcome. I'm happy I trusted Dr. Ringler's advice with the fat grafting and appreciate his skilled work. My only regret is not having the courage to go ahead with it sooner! If you're looking for a skilled plastic surgeon, look no further than Dr. Ringler.”
Patient Review
“Dr. Ringler and his staff were beyond exceptional. Dr. Ringler eagerly took the time to listen to me and understand what end results I was looking to obtain after my Upper/lower blepharoplasty. I am beyond satisfied with my natural looking appearance and I feel beautiful again.”
Michigan Blepharoplasty Patient Review
“I wanted to get my upper eyelids done because the skin was sagging so badly. My eyes looked tired and I knew over time they wouldn't get better without treatment. My Grandmother, Mother and a couple of my sisters all had or currently have sagging eyelids. I'm thrilled with my results. I was able to go back to work within 1 week of the surgery. I used eye makeup to cover up some of the swelling and bruising. I was really encouraged after 3 weeks post op. Bruising was gone and I stopped using Dermablend. I'm 8 weeks post op and you can barely see the scars. They are healing nicely. My right eye is taking a bit longer but it's not a visible scar to anyone but me. I can barely see it without my makeup on. I'm very happy with my results.”
Eyelid Surgery Patient Review
“For a couple of years, I wanted upper eyelid surgery to eliminate the saggy skin that made my eyes look so tired all the time. Even though I do not live in the Grand Rapids area, I read the excellent reviews for Dr. Ringler and decided it would be worth the drive to see him. I am very happy that I selected Dr. Ringler and plan to go back to him for more surgeries in the future. I am so very happy with the way my eyes look now. Thank you, Dr. Ringler! Also, his staff and the nurses at the surgical center are wonderful. They are all friendly, caring, informative and professional.”
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Steven L. Ringler, MD, FACS
Contact UsWhat is the procedure for eyelid surgery?
Eyelid surgery is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. To begin, Dr. Ringler will create an incision within the natural crease of the upper eyelid. Through that opening, fat may be redistributed or removed, excess skin diminished, and a more alert, less tired look restored.
From there, Dr. Ringler will create an incision near your lower eyelids. An incision inside the lower eyelid allows for fat to be reduced, grafted or redistributed to improve hollows in this area. An incision just at or below the lower lash line allows for the reduction of excess sagging skin and the correction of bags and puffiness. Through an incision beyond the outer corner of the eye, Dr. Ringler can tighten the tendons of the eyes, improving a down-turned appearance known as “sad eyes.”
To complete the procedure, Dr. Ringler will carefully close the incisions with sutures and you will be free to return home immediately to begin the healing process.
What is the recovery for eyelid surgery?
You will need a capable adult to assist you for 24 hours after your release from the surgery center or recovery center. The recovery period following eyelid surgery varies by individual. However, it typically takes seven to ten days for swelling and bruising to resolve. Most of our Grand Rapids, MI patients can return to light, normal daily activity the day after their surgery.
Why choose Dr. Ringler?
Dr. Steven L. Ringler is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is recognized nationally and internationally for his achievements in plastic surgery. You can trust that his 35 years of experience and individualized approach will help you achieve youthful, rested and natural eyes that reflect your inner beauty.
Eyelid Surgery FAQ's
How much does eyelid surgery cost?
Eyelid surgery varies from patient to patient, dependent upon their individual needs. In general, eyelid surgery at the Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery will cost anywhere between $6,000 and $8,450.
What are the risks?
Potential risks during blepharoplasty include infection, bleeding, irritated eyes, visible scarring, blurred vision and more. During your private consultation at our Grand Rapids, MI office, we will thoroughly discuss all of these possible complications with you.
What will my scars look like?
Scars are a normal outcome of eyelid surgery in Michigan and are generally concealed within the natural eyelid crease. The precise location and pattern of your incisions and the resulting scars will be discussed during your consultation.
What is the best age to get eyelid surgery?
The needs of every individual are unique, making the best age different for each person. Most patients have eyelid surgery in their 30s or older.
How long does eyelid surgery last?
Lower eyelid results are generally considered so long-lasting they are considered by some to be permanent. Upper eyelid surgery results generally last for 5-7 years.
How long do you have to sleep sitting up after eyelid surgery?
Patients should sleep with their head elevated for about 72 hours after blepharoplasty.
Will insurance cover an eyelid lift?
In most cases, insurance will not cover cosmetic surgery unless it is deemed medically necessary. However, if your upper eyelids are interfering with your field of vision, you may be approved to have your insurance cover the cost of your eyelid lift.
How can I get my eyelid lifted without surgery?
While surgery is the most effective option, you can have non-surgical treatments to tighten and improve your eyelid skin, including IPL Photofacial, Laser Skin Resurfacing, RF Microneedling, and more.
Are you put to sleep for an eyelid lift?
Typically, only local anesthesia is needed for an eyelid lift. However, if it is preferred, general anesthesia can be used to put you to sleep during the surgery.
Do eyes look bigger after blepharoplasty?
Because excess skin that hangs over your eyes is removed, your eyes will look naturally more open and attractively larger after your blepharoplasty.
Steven L. Ringler, MD, FACS
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