Face Lift Cost

Face lift costs can vary greatly and depend on several factors.

Cost is a consideration for any major surgery and the vast majority of face lifts will be covered out of pocket as it is considered an elective or cosmetic surgery, which insurance providers do not typically cover. If paying the surgery all at once is too much, many surgeons offer financing options or payment plans to put the procedure within reach of a wider number of people.

Average Face Lift Costs

The average price varies by surgeon and geographic area. The price can range as widely from several thousand to ten thousand dollars. Many people elect to do other rejuvenating cosmetic procedures in concert with their face lifts and this increases the cost. The price considerations on this page will give an overview of the fees associated with this surgery.

Face Lift Cost Considerations

Face lift surgery costs are made up of a variety of expenses. Each of the following expenses can vary and each should be considered when planning your surgery as it is not usually covered by insurance.

• Surgeon Fee - The surgeon's fee is the primary expense. This is the fee the surgeon charges for the surgery itself and includes the time and consultation surrounding the surgery. A surgeon's fee will increase based on experience and the number of face lifts performed. As well, a surgeon's fee may be higher if the general costs in that geographic area are higher. A high surgeon's fee should not be an immediate deal breaker in any decision about a surgeon. A surgeon with greater experience may offer a better face lift with fewer drawbacks in results.
• Facility Fee - Location of the surgery will vary by surgeon. The surgery can take place in a hospital-like environment, an outpatient surgery center or even a surgeon's private operating room. Each of these facilities can vary in fee, but a surgeon will be able to give an exact cost at consultation if the patient is covering this fee rather than insurance. A facility fee generally costs between $500 and $1000.
• Anesthesia - Anesthesia fees vary based on local versus general anesthesia. The vast majority of face lift surgeries are performed with general anesthesia. This means that the entire body is anesthetized and the patient is unconscious or "asleep." General anesthesia is more expensive because it requires sedating the entire body, rather than just numbing the spot receiving surgery. As well, general anesthesia requires the attention of an anesthesiologist to prevent complications. Local anesthesia for face lifts is less common, but sometimes used. In this situation, just the site of surgery is numbed and the patient may be given a drug to induce drowsiness, but not fully render the patient unconscious.
• Additional Procedures - In addition to a face lift, a patient may elect to do other rejuvenating procedures at the same time. These may include things like an eye lift or brow lift. Additional procedures will increase the surgeon's fee and possibly the facility fee, based on how long the procedures take. However, performing multiple procedures at once is cheaper than performing each of the procedures separately. Your surgeon will be able to recommend additional procedures during consultation and describe how these affect the total price.
• Medication - Following surgery, the surgeon will prescribe drugs to relieve any pain from surgery and antibiotics to prevent infection. Pain and discomfort are most associated with the first two days after surgery with it lessening over the next one to two weeks. The amount of pain medication needed will vary according to the patient, but antibiotics must be taken strictly and are not an optional cost.
• Miscellaneous - Lifestyle and travel expenses should also be considered when planning for your surgery. Travel to the consultation and to surgery could be a notable expense if the patient does not live close to the surgeon. As well, a patient will need to take at least a couple weeks off work before returning. If a patient's work is strenuous, she or he may have to wait three to four weeks before engaging in any strain or lifting. Also, patients with small children cannot lift or carry the child for the first week. This may add a cost for a sitter or nanny to help out in the interim.

Face Lift Cost Overview

The cost of face lift varies from patient to patient and it depends on many factors. This surgery may be performed by different techniques, by surgeons of different experience and skill levels. Once you have had a consultation you can get an estimate of the price of this surgery for you.

The average cost ranges from $6,000 to $15,000. Like most types of plastic surgery, surgery involves surgery related and facility fees. Usually additionally to the cost you will need to find out the cost of anesthesia or anesthesiologist fee; the cost of the facility or operating room and any other cost associated with your surgery such as medication, blood work, or any other procedure related cost. Typically; the cost of the anesthesia ranges from $500 to $1,000, depending on the procedure performed. The cost of the facility or operating room may also vary depending on the center chosen and it usually ranges from $500 to $1,000. Ask your surgeon about all the costs involved in your surgery. Again; costs can vary greatly from surgeon to surgeon.

Some patients may spend more than $10,000 for a face lift when the surgery is combined with additional procedures and treatments such as eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), forehead lift, brow lift, rhinoplasty (nose surgery), chin surgery, facial implants, liposuction (on the face) and skin treatments.
If this surgery is combined with other plastic surgery procedures such as breast augmentation, body liposuction or tummy tuck the price could up to $25,000. If all the procedures are performed at the same time, the fees will be lower than if they were performed individually since there will only be one facility fee and one anesthesia fee, and the combined surgery will require less total surgical time.

However, if you choose to have other procedures besides your face lift, your recovery time may increase.

Many surgeons have their own clinics. This also influences the cost of procedure greatly. Also; usually if a patient is going to have more than one procedure performed at once, the surgeon is highly likely to reduce some of the fees and give the patient a discount.

It is also recommended in some cases that a patient combines several procedures at the same time additional to their face lift only if they are a good candidate. This will allow the patient to pay only once for any anesthesia or operating room fees and it also allows the patient to recover at the same time from all the procedures performed. Ask your surgeon if you are a good candidate for multiple procedures.

More than 2/3 of American who have elective cosmetic surgery earn under $5,000 a year.

Face Lift Consultation Cost

Most surgeons offer free consultations. In the initial consultation the surgeon will examine you and give you an estimate cost of the surgery. Then he or she will ask for blood work and any additional test needed to know if you are a good candidate for this surgery. Some surgeons may include these fees in the total cost of the procedure or may give you the option to choose a lab of your preference. In any case; you should only need to pay for the cost of the surgery once your surgeon is sure that you are a good candidate for the procedure.

Face Lift & Insurance

Face lifts are typically a cosmetic procedure and therefore elective, meaning the procedure is not necessary to the health of the patient. Because of this, it is not typically covered by a patient's insurance. Therefore, the patient should plan on covering 100% of face lift costs. This isn't to say that the patient must have the entire cost on hand on surgery day. Many lift surgeons offer payment plans that can make face lifts available to a wider range of patients.

Face Lift Financing

Face Lift costs can be very high and it's easy to get discouraged about covering the associated fees. If insurance doesn't cover the cost, a surgeon may still offer financing for the surgery.

Monthly payment plans may put the surgery in reach of a person who cannot afford the  face lift cost in one payment. Each surgeon will offer their own set of payment options and these can be discussed with the surgeon's staff during an initial consultation.

Payments & Financing

Most surgeons offer payment plans and financing options. Since the price of face lift is usually greater than what a patient can afford at one time many financial institutions also offer alternatives so that you can easily afford this surgery. Your surgeons may inform you about these plans or you may apply for many of them online. The way financing works is very similar to any other type of financing. You apply for a payment plan and once approved the financial institution will pay the amount that you were approved for to the face lift surgeon. Then, you will make monthly payments with and interest as agreed once you enroll in the financing plan. This will allow you to pay for your surgery over time.

Time Extent of the Face Lift Procedure

The time needed to perform the face lift surgery varies from patient to patient. This is also a determining factor of the cost. Also, the type of technique or equipment used may influence the cost of the procedure. Using the latest technology will usually increase cost of the procedure. Using older technologies will usually lower the cost of the procedure. Please make sure that whatever technology you choose, you are getting the desired results and not settling on a certain type of technology just based on price alone.

Face Lift Surgeon Experience and Training

It's important to make sure that you choose an experienced surgeon. You will want to choose a surgeon who has extensive, specific face lift experience, as well as training. By reviewing patient's before and after pictures as well as testimonials you will be able to see what results that specific surgeon can achieve. This is why you want to choose an skilled surgeon.

Usually the best surgeons cost more; but they have the knowledge, skills and experience to deliver better results and can help ensure that not only you receive the proper treatment for your case but also that you case will be handled in the best possible way. By choosing the best surgeon you can reduce the risk of complications and increase your satisfaction with the outcome of your surgery.

Face Lift is an elective surgery. Like any type of surgery; it should not be taken lightly. It should be a conscious and well thought decision. You will only want to have this procedure done once or twice. Choosing the right surgeon for you will define the success of your surgery.

Choosing a Face Lift Surgeon

You should not choose a doctor based on price alone as a higher surgeon's fee may represent greater skill and experience on the part of the surgeon. A face lift is not an insignificant procedure and a patient should find a surgeon  who gives them confidence.

If a patient has a limited budget for their face lift, he or she may feel limited to a selection of doctors and pressured to adhere to a certain face lift cost. However, this shouldn't eliminate the time and research invested in finding the right surgeon. As well, many surgeons can provide financing options to the patients at the initial consultation that can make the cost more affordable. The surgeon directory on this site is here to aid you in finding a great surgeon in your area. Feel free to browse it and contact surgeons you find here.

For a complete list of surgeons near you please search our face lift surgeon listings!

Once you have the consultation with the surgeon or surgeons you have chosen; please be sure to ask your surgeon about his or hers surgical training and complete cost of your face lift surgery.