How Much Does A Facelift Cost?

Content Reviewed by AEDIT Medical Advisory Board

What is the average cost of a facelift?

The average cost of a rhytidectomy (a.k.a. facelift) procedure according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) was estimated between $7,400 to $8,000 in 2020, but there are other possible expenses (more on them below!) that should be considered when booking a procedure.

• Average Cost of a Facelift: $7,400 - $8,000
• Price Range for a Facelift: $500 - $25,000

For candidates considering a surgical or non-surgical facelift, it is beneficial to understand the various factors that affect the price of a plastic surgery procedure. The table below offers an overview of potential factors that will contribute to the final cost.

Factors to Consider in the Total Cost of a Facelift Procedure

What are the different types of facelift?

So, now that we’ve overviewed the basics, let’s get into the nitty gritty. The most major consideration in the cost of a facelift procedure is the type of procedure you choose to pursue. As you would expect, non-surgical facelift procedures (like a liquid facelift and vampire facelift) will be less expensive than a surgical procedure. A non-surgical facelift eliminates the need for some of the high cost elements of a surgical procedure (think: facility fees and anesthesiologist fees) with the trade off of longevity and intensity of results.

Additionally, a mini-facelift or awake facelift that can be performed without general anesthesia will most likely be less expensive than a full surgical facelift because there are no anesthesiologist fees. The facility fee may also be less than traditional surgical options because they are performed outpatient at a surgeon's office instead of inpatient at a surgical center.

What affects the cost of a facelift?

Let’s dig a bit deeper and look more specifically at the variables we introduced above. Remember, the information here is a general estimate. Consultations with the providers you are considering will provide the most accurate assessment of the probable cost of your procedure.

The following information can help you get an idea of the questions to ask and elements to consider when going into a consultation with your provider so you can feel empowered and informed throughout your cosmetic experience.

• Non-Surgical vs. Surgical: Non-surgical procedures usually cost less than surgical procedures, as they are less involved, do not necessitate general anesthesia, and have lower facility fees.
• Provider: A more experienced, board certified plastic surgeon or specialized provider will likely charge more for their skills, which can mean higher consultation fees (that may or may not be applied as a credit towards the cost of the actual procedure) and a higher procedure cost.
• Anesthesiologist: Like the surgeon, experience and training will influence cost. General anesthesia requires more expertise and is more expensive than local anesthesia. Most local anesthetics do not need to be administered by an anesthesiologist at all.
• Location: Everything is more expensive on the coasts, and this is true of plastic and cosmetic procedures as well. The 2020 ASPS Report breaks procedures down by regions. The east and west coasts accounted a large percentage of all facelifts performed in 2020. More procedures equals more experienced providers, which means higher procedure costs.
• Recovery: The recovery following a facelift will vary considerably by procedure type, but may include prescriptions, recovery garments, follow ups, and time off from work.

There are numerous types of facelifts and the most appropriate procedure for a patient will be dependent on the candidate’s unique needs. The table below provides additional details specific to each procedure type.

Types of Facelifts & the Impact on Cost

What does the cost of a facelift include?

We’ve covered the variables and we’ve looked at the different types of procedures, but you may still be wondering what the price of a facelift truly includes. The 2020 estimated average cost between $7,400 - $8,000 did not include the various additional fees we’ve been discussing. Are you confused? Fear not, we’ll clarify.

The cost of the time the surgeon spends performing the actual procedure is most often what gets quoted as the ‘average cost’ or ‘surgeon’s fee.’ The following is not an exact comparison, but think of it as the hourly rate of your provider. Also keep in mind that your provider has their own business-related expenses, like rent for office space, payroll for staff, professional insurance, and office/medical supplies, in addition to their personal salary.

The cost of the procedure starts to rise as the additional elements are added in. The other medical staff in the room during your procedure (like an anesthesiologist, the nurses, or the surgical assistants), the various medical supplies and tools used during your procedure (think: needles, gauze, gowns, gloves, etc.), the medications administered before, during, and after your procedure (possibly sedatives, painkillers, and/or antibiotics), and the fee for using the hospital or facility’s operating or procedure room.

Something else to think about are the personal expenses you will encounter as you continue on your aesthetic journey. These can possibly include consultation fees, travel, pre-operative care, missed work, and recovery supplies you personally purchase to make yourself more comfortable.

How much does a facelift cost?

So, the next logical question is what kind of numbers are we actually talking about here? The table below shows cost range estimates by specific procedure type. These prices include all of the variables we’ve discussed — except your personal expenses. The ranges are wide-ranging, but they can help give you an idea of which procedure types are more costly in general.

Average Facelift Cost by Procedure Type

How much does a facelift cost across the United States?

It’s all about location! Geographic location plays a very large role in the overall cost of a facelift. The ASPS 2020 Statistics Report shows a large percentage of all facelifts occur along the east and west coasts. Given the high volume of procedures in these areas, plastic surgery costs in general tend to be higher in coastal geographic locations.

The table below breaks down costs by state. The numbers in this table are from zip codes selected from the capital of each listed state.

Average Facelift Cost by State

*these states are presented as national averages as specific information is not available

How much does a facelift cost around the world?

For those considering pursuing plastic surgery procedures, like a facelift, abroad, the table below looks at some average costs in select countries around the world. Keep in mind travel costs, the reputation of the provider and facility, and expenses related to recovery times when reviewing the cost difference. The table below reflects costs converted to U.S. dollars.

Average Facelift Cost by Country in USD

Does insurance cover the cost of a facelift?

Will insurance cover your procedure? It’s a common question, and the answer is not always simple… it’s a maybe. Yes, we know that is not helpful. To better answer this question, we’ve got two definitions from the American Medical Association (AMA):

• Cosmetic Surgery: Procedures for reshaping normal structures for improved appearance and self-esteem.
• Reconstructive Surgery: Procedures performed on abnormal body structures resulting from congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, disease, infection, or tumors.

The difference in the definitions is important. Cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance. Reconstructive surgeries may be. In the case of facelift procedures, there is hardly ever a functional reason to perform the surgery. Given the cosmetic nature of facelifts, insurance is not going to assist with or cover costs.

Some cosmetic procedures (like eyelid surgery, brow lift, or even a tummy tuck, or breast augmentation) are covered if the patient’s provider can document medical necessity. Additionally, evidence that alternative therapies have been tried and failed is required. The ASPS has more specific criteria you can review with a provider during your consultation.

Hybrid procedures that are both aesthetic and functional may not be covered despite the functional benefit. Unless you have a consistently proven and documented medical condition, your facelift procedure will not be covered by insurance.