When you’re ready to dive in and commit to a facelift, price is sure to come up. But with a huge range that can span hundreds of thousands of dollars, what can you really expect to pay for a quality facelift? We asked experts to share their thoughts on the average cost of a facelift, the range of prices and how to know if you’re paying too much or too little.
Featured Experts
What Is the Average Price of a Facelift in the U.S.?
If you’re considering a facelift, expect the price to vary widely depending on the surgeon, location, and any additional procedures involved. According to Denver plastic surgeon, Philippe A. Capraro, MD, the cost typically ranges between $20,000 and $40,000. As he explains, “Although facelifts now can cost upwards of $250,000, I consider the acceptable range for a facelift from a board-certified surgeon to be between $20,000 and $40,000,” He adds that this estimate usually includes hospital and supply fees. Factors like the technique used, the surgeon’s credentials, and any added procedures—such as eyelid surgery or fat transfer—can influence the final cost.
Those extra enhancements can significantly drive up the total price.
Newport Beach, CA plastic surgeon Sanjay Grover, MD, notes that the range can stretch much higher when additional treatments are bundled together. “From deep plane facelifts and neck lifts to brow lifts, eyelid surgery, fat grafting and laser resurfacing—the possibilities are extensive,” he says. “Because each patient’s needs are unique, pricing can range anywhere from $40,000 to $300,000.”
The surgeon’s name recognition and your geographic location also play a major role. Prices will likely skew lower in areas of the country that are not known aesthetic destinations, and you may pay more if you travel to NYC or Los Angeles. For an area like Newport Beach, CA, a resort destination just a handful of miles from LA, Dr. Grover explains you can expect to pay between $40,000 and $80,000 on average.
Red Flags Mean Stop
But no matter what area of the country you’re in, there are cheaper options meant to appeal to your money-saving instincts. “If you are seeing facelifts advertised for less than $10,000, particularly under $5,000, that’s a red flag,” says West Orange, NJ plastic surgeon Mokhtar Asaadi, MD. “That price may indicate a lack of experience, precision or expertise from the surgeon.”
According to Dr. Capraro, shopping by price when it comes to aesthetics is not a wise way to choose a surgeon. “If you are choosing a practice based on the cheapest price, the biggest potential downsides I would imagine are safety and longevity,” he says. “If the procedure is completed in a short time or done under just local anesthesia (which becomes more likely as the price lowers), the results will likely not be long-lasting because the surgeon cannot, for the sake of comfortability, do as much lifting as possible. And, of course, a tight and short schedule can mean rushed work, which is where we run into safety concerns.”
To avoid these circumstances, Dr. Grover suggests patients fully explore their options when considering a facelift. “Do your homework: research online, explore social media and carefully review before-and-after photos,” he advises. “You also need to ensure that your surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or Facial Plastic Surgery.”