As you age, your face changes. What were once youthful features begin to lose definition. A facelift, also called a rhytidectomy, can refresh your appearance – restoring a naturally younger version of you.
What is a facelift?
A facelift in Michigan restores a younger appearance to the mid and lower face, including the neck. The procedure restores youthful facial contours with a result that usually offers a 10-year age improvement. In addition, a facelift with Dr. Ringler can:
- Minimize heavy facial folds
- Remove excess, sagging skin
- Reposition sagging tissues throughout the face
- Smooth away creases and lines
- Define a jawline or neck that has been hidden by sagging jowls
- Smooth sagging neck skin
Am I a candidate for a facelift?
Age does not define candidates for facial rejuvenation. Grand Rapids women and men of various ages choose facial rejuvenation to delay or improve visible indications of facial aging. These factors generally define good candidates for facelift procedures:
- Sagging skin in your midface and/or jawline
- Deep creases extending from your nose to the corners of your mouth (nasolabial folds)
- Lines extending from each corner of your mouth down your chin (marionette lines)
- Facial fat (volume) that has fallen or is displaced
- Sagging and loss of muscle tone in the lower face, resulting in jowls
- A double chin, resulting from loose skin and excess fatty deposits under the chin and jaw
- Creased and sagging skin in your neck
If you are in good general health, have a positive attitude and realistic expectations, you are most likely a good candidate for this procedure.
Why choose Dr. Ringler for a Facelift?
As a leading Grand Rapids plastic surgeon, Dr. Ringler has focused on natural facelift procedures for over 35 years. His experience, knowledge and artistic judgement will be customized to help you achieve your own beautiful result. Dr. Ringler performed the very first MACS facelift in Grand Rapids MI and has been improving facelift techniques for many years. Facelifts are a particular specialty of Dr. Ringler’s and many patients from around the country seek his beautiful, natural facelift results.
When performing facelift surgery for his patients, Dr. Ringler focuses not on erasing all signs of the aging process – but on subtly smoothing and firming the skin so that you can age with grace. With Dr. Ringler, nothing looks pulled, tight or operated. Rather, you look like a young, restored, and beautiful version of you. Dr. Ringler often combines a facelift procedure with a neck lift, blepharoplasty (eye-lift), and fat grafting for beautiful results customized just for you.
Grand Rapids Plastic Surgeon
"After being a sole caregiver for my husband for 3 years and the dreaded 6-0 rapidly approaching I decided it was time for me to put myself first for a change. And a change was what I needed! Deep marionette lines around my mouth, disappearing eyelids and more chins appearing rapidly, I took a deep breath and made an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Ringler. Both he and his staff made me feel so comfortable from the moment I walked through the front door. Dr. Ringler addressed each of my concerns and took the time to explain all the options to me. With a plan in hand, Dr. Ringler then handed me over to his surgical coordinator Lauren. Lauren is wonderful, she made the scheduling process an absolute breeze. The surgery itself, while extensive, went very well, and I experienced very little discomfort. I am now on day 9 post surgery, and I am already so impressed with my results. I look years younger than prior to the surgery, without the "windblown" look some facelifts can leave you with. I am not just giving Dr. Ringler and his staff are 5 stars, I am giving them 5 GOLD stars!"
Grand Rapids Plastic Surgeon
"I have been considering cosmetic surgery for several years and finally took the plunge this week! I'll be 58 this coming spring and my post menopausal years had begun to age me faster than I ever anticipated. Of course all of the zoom conferencing over the past two years with coworkers half my age didn't help my self esteem either. I'm fit, eat well and exercise regularly, but nothing was stopping the clock on my aging face. Over the past year I also lost weight due to thyroid issues, so it made my decision to move forward with facial rejuvenation surgery much easier. I did a lot of research (over three years worth) and talked to at least three surgeons. I made a decision based on reviews like this, as well as my personal experience with being a patient (botox and laser treatments) at Dr. Ringler's office for over three years. There's no doubt in my mind that I made the right choice. My surgery included a MACS facelift, upper and lower blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), an extended neck lift and fat transfer to help fill out my hollowed cheeks. Thanks to an extremely skilled, artistic and compassionate surgeon and team—Dr. Ringler and staff. Thank you for everything!"
Grand Rapids Plastic Surgeon
"Where do I begin? I will admit that I agonized over a facelift (lower facelift, neck lift, fat graft and eyelids) . Was I being vain even considering plastic surgery? Well......This was the best decision ever!! Everything was so easy, comfortable, and literally pain free! Dr. Ringler really is an artist! I was afraid of that plastic look or being caught in a wind tunnel. But Dr Ringler provided exactly what I wanted, to look like I just lost the wrinkles on my neck and the jowls. I am beyond happy with my results!! If you are hesitating......DON'T!! You will be amazed how good you feel! And I didnt even mention how fast you heal!! I was out shopping within a week!! Not 100 percent healed but no issues being out and about. And a HUGE special thanks to Lauren Byers, Patient Care Coordinator, who provided excellent care when I was so apprehensive over my procedure. She received a few nervous phone calls from me and had the patience and sincere concern to talk with me and alleviate all my nervousness away. THANK YOU LAUREN!! So to end this lengthy review......Just Do It!!! You will be thrilled that you did it! Look at me now at over 65 years old!"
Grand Rapids Plastic Surgeon
"I'm sending this review 9 days post-procedure (lower facelift, necklift, and fat grafting)! Everything is just what Dr. Ringler and the team promised. The overall experience and service were impeccable yet I also want to comment on the top-notch quality of the surgeon and his mastery. I have been on a hunt for the "right" plastic surgeon for years and am so glad to find Dr. Ringler. Everything went just as he said it would be! Very very pleased. Search no more...This team is the real deal!"
Grand Rapids Plastic Surgeon
"I could not be happier with Dr. Ringler and his team. I recently had a MACS Facelift, extended neck lift and facial fat grafting. The experience was seamless - beginning with the initial consultation, surgery and post-op visit. Dr. Ringler, in my opinion, is without a doubt the best plastic surgeon in the Grand Rapids area. Dr. Ringler explained the surgery procedure so well that I truly knew he was the only doctor that I had full confidence in. My results were GREAT!!!"
Grand Rapids Plastic Surgeon
"Dr. Ringler definitely deserves five stars for his exceptional surgical skill and calming presence. I was very nervous and apprehensive about my MACS lift. Dr. Ringler immediately set me at ease before the surgery. I could not be happier with the result. He definitely listened to me about my hopes for the outcome because it is just what I wanted. The incisions are perfectly placed and almost invisible. Thank you Dr. Ringler!"
Grand Rapids Plastic Surgeon
"Simply put, I was treated professionally and warmly. I was not coddled and did not want that. I am the type that prefers a doctor and staff that is straight up and indeed they were. Any question I had at any time was answered quickly and completely, giving me great confidence. Same is true for the Southwest Surgical Center where the surgery was performed. Highly recommended."
Grand Rapids Plastic Surgeon
"Overwhelmed with Gratitude to Dr. Ringler in his masterful expertise in performing my MACS facelift, extended neck lift, facial fat grafting, and blepharoplasty upper and lower lids, at age 70! What a thrilling experience to look years younger in appearance! I cannot say enough about how gracious and outgoing Dr. Ringler's professional staff have been, creating an inviting and esthetic experience within his gorgeous office space. Dr. Ringler truly is outstanding and exceptional in every detail; truly The Best!"
Grand Rapids Plastic Surgeon
“I approached this idea of getting a face and neck lift with a bit of trepidation. Dr. Ringler and his team made the process a great success from beginning to end. From initial consultation to post surgery check I was made comfortable, all my questions were answered and most importantly I received the skilled surgical process that makes this such a great outcome! If you're investigating plastic surgery, I recommend giving Dr. Ringler and his team a call!”
Grand Rapids Plastic Surgeon
"Based upon the results of a previous procedure, I considered no other surgeon than Dr. Ringler when I felt it was time to have additional work. This included a MACS facelift, neck lift, blepharoplasty upper bilateral, and facial fat grafting, all based upon a thorough evaluation of my needs. Dr. Ringler and his staff received a five-star rating from me that represents: 1.) procedure results, 2.) pre-operation information/preparation, 3.) on-going, efficient lines of communication (rapid response time,) 4.) post-operation procedures/feedback, and 5.) the Surgical Center where Dr. Ringler performs his surgeries; professional staff that told me what was occurring every step of the way. As a final note, during this time of Covid-19, every possible safety precaution was taken which I found to be very reassuring. Many thanks to Dr. Ringler and his personable staff!"
Grand Rapids Plastic Surgeon
“Dr. Ringler and staff are very professional and easy to work with. Dr. Ringler is very experienced and has the confidence and surgical technique and expertise to deliver an exceptional result. I highly recommend him.”
Grand Rapids Plastic Surgeon
“Amazing Experience. I am 5 days post op from a MACS Plus facelift with Facial Fat Grafting. What an incredible experience this has been. Dr. Ringler and his staff have been extremely kind and caring! I had tons of questions both pre and post surgery all of which have been thoroughly answered and explained. I would definitely encourage anyone considering a facelift to seek out the expertise of Dr. Ringler. He is outstanding.”
Grand Rapids Plastic Surgeon
“I have been a patient of Dr. Ringler for the past six years. This week he performed five procedures to remove the signs of aging. He performed a facelift, neck lift, upper and lower eye lifts and fat grafting to fill in areas where needed. The procedures were beautifully executed. He is truly an artist in human anatomy. The best plastic surgery is when you are refreshed to a more vibrant you! That is what Dr. Ringler did for me! I would highly recommend him for a facial procedure…and your face is your billboard to the world…no room for error! He delivers the desired results!”
Grand Rapids Plastic Surgeon
“I did my research and had met with 4 plastic surgeons before Dr. Ringler. I felt the connection and trust immediately! He is very caring and compassionate. I am very happy I chose Dr. Ringler as he is a very skilled surgeon who takes the time to listen. My results of my facial procedures, upper, lower lids, lower face and neck lift as well as fat grafting, are beyond my expectations! I had minimal pain and swelling which surprised me. Recovery has gone well no doubt related to Dr. Ringler’s skill and techniques.”
Facelift Types
At the Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery, Dr. Steven Ringler provides a wide range of rhytidectomy options. Schedule a consultation to discuss your goals and discover which facelift type is best suited for you.
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Liquid Facelift
Using injectable dermal fillers, a liquid facelift adds fullness to your skin while smoothing creases and wrinkles. It is a nonsurgical means of achieving some of the same benefits as a traditional surgical facelift.
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Mini-Facelift
A surgical procedure using small incisions beneath the hairline to remove excess tissue and tighten your skin to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. Mini facelifts aren’t as embracive as traditional facelifts but lead to significant cosmetic improvements while requiring minimal downtime.
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Mid-Facelift
The mid-facelift is a procedure in which invisible incisions are made around the hairline, over the ears and inside the mouth, to reposition the skin and fatty tissues of the cheeks. This procedure is used to elevate cheekbones and contour the cheeks.
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Browlift
Also called a temporal facelift, a brow lift pulls up the skin on your eyebrows, to lift drooping, sagging, or lowered eyebrows.
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Cutaneous Facelift
In a cutaneous facelift, incisions are made around the ears and hairline to lift and tighten the skin to remove wrinkles from the neck and chin area.
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S-Lift
An S-shaped incision is made to remove excess skin and tissue and tighten and mold the underlying muscles to improve the skin’s quality in the neck and jowls.
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QuickLift
QuickLift is a facelift procedure that falls between an S-lift and a traditional facelift. This is the ideal facelift procedure for people with mild to moderate signs of aging.
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Traditional Facelift
The traditional facelift is also the most invasive form of facelift and is used to remove moderate or severe signs of aging from the entire face, including the cheeks, chin, neck and jowls. During the procedure, the cosmetic surgeon creates incisions along the hairline, behind the ears and under the chin to access the underlying tissues. Your surgeon modifies the muscle, removes excess fat and trims the excess or sagging skin to tighten your skin and promote a youthful and taut appearance.
The procedure What to expect
Facelifts are performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure is done under local anesthesia with sedation and does not require general anesthesia. There are various techniques that Dr. Ringler may use, depending on the specific signs of aging you’d like to address:
- Incisions for a full facelift begin hidden just below the sideburn, often inside the ear. They continue in front of, under and behind the earlobe, and extend just below the hairline and behind the ear if more neck skin removal is required.
- A smaller incision limited to just in front of the ear may be used to improve the mid-face alone.
- A small incision beneath the chin may be added to improve a double chin or a sagging neck or perform liposuction of the neck.
Through your facelift openings, Dr. Ringler will gently redistribute fat and tissue throughout the face and trim away excess skin to restore your youthful contours. To complete the procedure, he will close the incisions with sutures.
Schedule a Consultation
Steven L. Ringler, MD, FACS
Contact UsFacelift Recovery
You will need a capable adult with you for 24 hours after your surgery. Facelift recovery ranges from one to two weeks, depending on the specific procedure you had performed. However, most of our Grand Rapids patients are able to return to light, normal daily activities the day after surgery. The techniques used by Dr. Ringler are proven to shorten recovery, and patients are often surprised by how quickly they are able to resume normal social activities.
Maintaining your youthful results
Facelift results are long-lasting, but maintaining your youth is a lifestyle choice. Proper skincare is essential after surgery. Although a facelift improves the contour of your face and neck more than any other facial procedure, it will not improve the quality of your skin. Many of our non-surgical procedures such as SkinPen, Forever Young BBL, HALO, and an excellent skin care regimen can dramatically improve the results of your facelift. We typically recommend that patients begin improving the quality of their skin prior to a facelift for best results.
Facelift FAQ's
Why might a facelift be recommended for me?
Looking younger and improving your facial appearance may be attained through facial rejuvenating procedures such as a facelift.
What are the risks?
All surgeries carry the potential for risks. Though facelift risks are rare when the procedure is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Ringler, they may include a poor reaction to the anesthesia, infection, facial nerve injury, sensation changes and more. During your consultation, all potential risks will be thoroughly discussed.
What will my scars look like?
Scars are a normal outcome of surgery and will be concealed within the hairline and natural contours of the face. The location and pattern of your incisions and the resulting scars will be discussed during your consultation.
How much does a facelift cost?
A facelift in Michigan can be one of the most intricate plastic surgery procedures of the bunch. At the Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery, our facelifts range between $5,000 and $26,000 depending upon your needs.
How long will it take to heal after a facelift?
While each patient is different, you should plan to take two weeks off for recovery. Within 10 to 14 days, most patients have healed enough to return to work and resume their usual social activities. Within three months, most patients are fully recovered and can enjoy the results for years to come.
Can I drive myself home after a facelift?
Facelifts are typically performed with general anesthesia, and patients cannot drive themselves home as the drugs have a lingering effect. You should plan on a family member or friend to drive you home and help you for the first day or two.
How should I best prepare for my facelift surgery?
Dr. Ringler will provide you with detailed instructions to prepare, but you can expect to stop smoking and taking any drugs, supplements, or herbs that can increase the risk of excess bleeding.
Can I get the same results with a non-surgical facelift?
While there are many effective non-surgical facelifts available, none will provide the level of results available with surgery. If you’re looking for dramatic results now and a significant improvement in your face, nothing can beat a real facelift.
Steven L. Ringler, MD, FACS
Contact
Call Us 616-328-8800
Schedule a Consultation