Types of Facelift and Their Cost

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of facelift surgery is $11,300. However, this amount only includes the surgeon’s fee and does not account for factors like the type of facelift or location, which can significantly increase costs. RealSelf reports a broader price range from as low as $5,600 to as much as $48,000, with an average cost of $17,400.

Knowing the price range and understanding the factors influencing the types of facelifts and costs are crucial steps before making a decision. In this article, we’ll delve into the elements that impact the final cost of your facelift, helping you make an informed choice.

Complexity of the Procedure

The complexity of your facelift directly impacts the final cost. A more intricate procedure, such as a deep-plane facelift, typically requires more time and skill, increasing surgical fees. Simpler surgical techniques, like a mini-facelift, may cost less. The extent of correction needed also plays a significant role in determining the overall price.

Anesthesia Fees

Anesthesia ensures patient comfort during the procedure, and its cost depends on several factors. Anesthesiologist fees vary based on their expertise and the type of anesthesia used. More complex procedures or extended surgeries require longer administration times, driving up the total cost.

Operating Room Expenses

The facility where your facelift is performed significantly affects the total cost. High-quality surgical centers provide advanced equipment and a sterile environment to ensure optimal results and patient safety. These expenses cover not only the equipment but also the skilled staff and surgical facility maintenance, all of which contribute to the overall treatment cost.

Surgeon’s Expertise and Location

The expertise of your cosmetic surgeon is a significant factor in the cost of a facelift. Highly qualified plastic surgeons with proven track records often charge more for their skill and consistent results. Additionally, geographic location plays a role—facelifts performed in affluent areas or urban centers generally come with higher fees, reflecting local economic norms and demand for top-tier expertise.

Additional Procedures

A facelift primarily focuses on the cheeks, lower face, and neck, but many patients choose to combine it with other cosmetic procedures to enhance their results. Popular add-ons include brow lifts, eyelid surgery, lip augmentation, laser resurfacing, and facial fat grafting. While each additional procedure increases the overall cost, combining them can save on anesthesia and facility fees compared to scheduling them separately.

Pre- and Post-Operative Care

Pre- and post-operative care are essential parts of the facelift journey, each contributing to the overall cost. Pre-operative assessments ensure you’re a suitable candidate for surgery, while post-operative care is crucial for recovery and achieving the best results. These costs include consultations, follow-up visits, required medications, and supplies. More extensive procedures may prolong recovery, potentially increasing these expenses.

Traditional Facelift Cost

Traditional facelift surgery is a comprehensive procedure that addresses sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and facial volume loss by lifting and tightening the skin and underlying tissues. It provides significant, long-lasting facial rejuvenation but involves more extensive surgery and recovery. As we said before, costs range from $5,600 to as much as $48,000, with an average cost of $17,400., depending on the surgeon’s expertise and location.

SMAS Facelift Cost

The SMAS facelift targets the superficial muscular aponeurotic system, tightening deeper facial structures for a more natural and longer-lasting lift. It is more advanced than a mini facelift but less invasive than a deep plane facelift. Costs range from $11,000 to $30,000, with an average of $19,000, depending on the surgeon’s expertise and location.

Mid Facelift Cost

Also known as a cheek lift, a mid-facelift targets the middle portion of the face, rejuvenating the cheeks and under-eye area. Less invasive than a traditional full facelift, this procedure is ideal for patients with moderate signs of aging. Costs range from $7,000 to $14,000, with an average of $9,700, depending on complexity and surgeon expertise.

Deep Plane Facelift Cost

A deep plane facelift addresses deeper layers of facial tissue, offering dramatic and long-lasting results for significant signs of aging. More complex than traditional facelift procedures, it requires advanced surgical skills and longer operating times, which increase the cost. Prices range from $8,900 to $50,000, with an average of $22,600, depending on the surgeon and location.

Mini Facelift Cost

A mini facelift is a less invasive option that focuses on subtle rejuvenation of the lower face and jawline. It involves smaller incisions and shorter recovery times compared to a traditional facelift, making it ideal for patients with mild to moderate aging concerns. The mini facelift cost ranges from $4,100 to $18,500, with an average of $10,300.

Thread Lift Cost

A thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure that uses temporary sutures to lift and tighten the skin, primarily in the mid-face or jawline. It is less complex than a traditional facelift, offering quicker recovery times and lower costs. Prices range from $550 to $4,400, with an average of $2,000, making it an affordable option for subtle improvements.