Many people consider the eyes to be the most important facial feature. They’re not only the first place our attention is drawn when we look at someone, but they’re also our means of visually connecting with one another. Unfortunately, as we get older, many of us develop puffy eyelids, excess eyelid skin, or bags or dark circles beneath the eyes. These blemishes tend to make us look older and tired, and they can also draw attention away from the natural beauty of the eyes. If you’re experiencing any of these issues and would like to restore your youthful facial appearance, eyelid surgery in Michigan may be the solution you’re looking for.
What is eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty?
Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure performed to rejuvenate the appearance of the upper and/or lower eyelids. The surgery typically involves the removal of excess skin and/or fat from the eyelids. In addition to enhancing the appearance of the eyelids, blepharoplasty can be used to improve the field of vision.
Who Is a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
A Comprehensive, Personalized Approach
Adults who would like to enhance the appearance of their eyelids could be good candidates for eyelid surgery. To be an ideal candidate for the procedure, you should:
- Be in generally good physical health
- Have the desire to remove excess skin and/or fat from your eyelids
- Have the desire to eliminate bags or dark circles under your eyes
- Have loose eyelid skin impairing your field of vision
- Have realistic expectations for the surgery
- Be a non-smoker
- Not be currently pregnant or breastfeeding
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 Testimonials
“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.”
“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!!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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?
If you’re interested in undergoing eyelid surgery, the first step will be to have a consultation with Dr. Ringler. During your consultation, the doctor will discuss the procedure with you and ask you questions about what you’re hoping to achieve. He’ll also need to know about things like your medical history and current health to determine if you’re a good candidate. If you decide to proceed with blepharoplasty, Dr. Ringler will work with you to devise a custom-tailored treatment plan for the procedure.
Your eyelid surgery will be performed as an outpatient procedure with either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with IV sedation. After the anesthesia has been administered, Dr. Ringler will begin by making a tiny incision either beneath your eye or along the natural crease of your upper eyelid. Then, according to your unique treatment plan, the doctor will remove and adjust excess skin and fat as necessary. He may also tighten the tendons of your eyes to correct the appearance of down-turned eyes. Once the needed adjustments have been made, Dr. Ringler will close your incisions with sutures and apply bandages.
In total, your eyelid surgery should take between one and two hours to complete. You should be able to return home shortly after the procedure, but you’ll need someone else to drive you.
What Is the Recovery Like for Eyelid Surgery?
After your eyelid surgery, you may experience certain symptoms, including bruising, swelling, discomfort, watery eyes, double vision, and light sensitivity. Dr. Ringler will provide you with detailed instructions for the recovery process to ensure that you heal properly. You should rest frequently for the first week, and it’s also helpful to sleep with your head elevated and regularly apply a cold compress to the treatment area.
Most patients can resume their normal routines and return to work after approximately one to two weeks. However, you should avoid strenuous exercise or physical activity for around four to six weeks.
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?
During your eyelid surgery in Michigan, Dr. Ringler will make sure your incisions are as small and inconspicuous as possible. Additionally, any scarring you have will gradually heal and become less visible over time. In the long run, your scars should not look like anything more than tiny marks, which will likely be white or skin-colored.
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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