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, eyelid surgery is also able to improve sad, or downturned eyes.
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.
Grand Rapids Plastic Surgeon
“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.”
Grand Rapids Plastic Surgeon
"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!!"
Grand Rapids Plastic Surgeon
"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."
Grand Rapids Plastic Surgeon
"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."
Grand Rapids Plastic Surgeon
"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."
Grand Rapids Plastic Surgeon
"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."
Schedule a Consultation
Steven L. Ringler, MD, FACS
Contact UsThe following are some common reasons why you may want to consider blepharoplasty in Michigan:
- 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 tired and sad
- You have excess skin and fine, ‘crepe paper’ type lower eyelid wrinkles
- You have bags and dark circles under the eyes
- Your upper eye surface is too small or not smooth enough to apply makeup
If you are in good general health, have a positive attitude and realistic expectations, you are most likely a good candidate for this procedure.
Who is a candidate for blepharoplasty?
A Comprehensive, Personalized Approach
Age does not define candidates for eyelid surgery. Michigan 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 can clearly define why you want the surgery.
- You understand what eyelid surgery can and cannot accomplish.
- You accept the potential risks of eyelid surgery and your responsibilities as a patient.
- You are healthy and emotionally stable and secure.
- You accept that you will need to make healthy lifestyle choices to maintain the results achieved by eyelid surgery.
- You have realistic expectations and are willing to accept minor asymmetries.

The procedure
What to expect
Eyelid surgery in Grand Rapids, MI 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.
Recovery
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.
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 surgery 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.

Steven L. Ringler, MD, FACS
Contact
Call Us 616-328-8800
Schedule a Consultation