How Much Does a Facelift Really Cost? Your Financial Guide
By Mustafa Ahmed, MD
Understanding the Real Investment in Your Facial Rejuvenation
The cost of a face lift typically ranges from $7,000 to $40,000, influenced by the procedure type, surgeon, and location. Here’s a quick overview:
Quick Cost Overview:
Mini Facelift: $4,100 – $18,500
Traditional/SMAS Facelift: $8,000 – $30,000
Deep Plane Facelift: $8,900 – $50,000
Total Average Cost (2024): $11,395 – $17,400 (including all fees)
More than 130,000 Americans choose facelift surgery annually. But understanding what drives these costs can be overwhelming. I’m Dr. Mustafa Ahmed, MD, FACS, FAACS, and over the past eight years performing cosmetic surgery in Las Vegas, I’ve helped hundreds of patients steer their facial rejuvenation journey. This guide breaks down every factor influencing your final price, so you can plan confidently.
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that improves visible signs of aging in the face and neck, such as deep folds, jowls, and loose skin. It’s an investment in self-confidence, aiming for natural-looking results that refresh your appearance.
What’s Included in Your Quote?
Advertised prices rarely tell the whole story. A comprehensive quote, like those we provide in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Southern Nevada, includes several components. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the average surgeon’s fee alone was $11,395 in 2023. However, your total investment will also include:
Surgeon’s Fee: For the surgeon’s expertise and time ($9,000 – $15,000+).
Anesthesia Costs: For a qualified anesthesia provider ($1,200 – $2,500).
Surgical Facility Fees: For the operating room, staff, and equipment ($1,000 – $3,000).
Other Expenses: This includes pre-operative tests ($100 – $500), post-operative garments ($20 – $100), and prescription medications ($50 – $300).
Always ask for a detailed quote during your consultation to avoid surprises.
4 Key Factors That Determine Your Final Price Tag
The journey to a more youthful appearance is deeply personal, and so is the investment required. The overall cost of a face lift is influenced by several critical factors that vary from one individual to another. These elements contribute to the complexity of your procedure and, consequently, your final price tag. During your personalized consultation with us, we’ll discuss your unique facial anatomy and goals to create a custom treatment plan, which will directly impact your overall cost.
1. Surgeon’s Expertise and Credentials
When researching the cost of a face lift, you’ll see that surgeon fees vary significantly. This difference is directly tied to qualifications and experience, which are critical for your safety and results.
A board-certified plastic surgeon from an organization like the American Board of Plastic Surgery has undergone years of specialized training and passed rigorous exams. This certification is proof of the highest standards in the field.
Experience is paramount in facial surgery. A surgeon who has performed hundreds of facelifts, especially with advanced techniques like the SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System) lift, develops an artistic eye and refined technique. This expertise ensures natural-looking results and the ability to handle any surgical complexities with confidence.
While it’s tempting to choose a provider with lower prices, your face is a precious asset. An experienced, board-certified surgeon is an investment in a result you’ll see every day for years. We encourage you to find a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area and review their work. At Las Vegas Body Sculpting, Dr. Mustafa Ahmed’s credentials and experience in facial rejuvenation provide that assurance. Your confidence in your surgeon is as important as the final cost.
2. Geographic Location: The “Zip Code” Effect
Your location significantly impacts the cost of a face lift. This “zip code” effect is due to varying costs of living, which affect office rent, staff salaries, and operating expenses. High-demand markets also command premium pricing.
Major cities like New York and Los Angeles have the highest costs. In Manhattan, a facelift can range from $20,000 to $80,000, while Beverly Hills practices often charge between $16,000 and $24,000. These prices reflect the high cost of doing business in those areas.
Here in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Southern Nevada, we offer exceptional value. The average facelift cost in Nevada is around $8,330, which is competitive with the national average surgeon’s fee of $8,584 to $11,395. This makes Las Vegas an attractive destination for patients seeking world-class care at a more accessible price point than coastal cities.
This cost difference doesn’t mean compromised quality; it reflects our region’s lower overhead. You receive the same advanced techniques and board-certified expertise without the premium price tag.
3. The Type and Complexity of Your Procedure
Not all facelifts are the same, and the technique used directly influences the cost of a face lift. A mini facelift, for example, is less invasive and targets mild aging in the lower face, making it less expensive. A deep plane facelift is more complex, addressing deeper facial structures for dramatic, long-lasting results, which is reflected in its higher price. You can explore the full range of options on our What is a Facelift? page.
Many patients find it cost-effective to combine their facelift with other procedures. This approach requires only one payment for anesthesia and facility fees and consolidates recovery into a single period. Common additions include:
Neck Lift: To address sagging neck skin, adding $6,000 to $12,000.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): To refresh tired eyes, averaging $3,387.
Brow Lift: To smooth the forehead, averaging $3,514.
Fat Transfer: To restore facial volume, averaging $2,130.
Combining procedures increases the upfront cost but often delivers more harmonious, natural-looking results. During your consultation, we’ll discuss which of our Face Cosmetic Surgery in Las Vegas options are right for your goals.
4. Additional Expenses to Budget For
When planning for the cost of a face lift, remember to budget for expenses beyond the surgical quote. These are essential for a smooth recovery and optimal results.
Post-operative care follow-up appointments are typically included in your surgical package. However, you may have extra costs for specialized scar treatments or other supplies. For a clear recovery timeline, see our guide on How Long Does it Take to Recover from a Facelift?.
Plan for time off work. Most patients are “public-ready” in 10 to 14 days, but it can take up to three months for your face to feel completely normal. If you have an hourly job or run your own business, budget for this potential lost income.
Travel and accommodation are other factors, especially for out-of-town patients visiting our Las Vegas practice. Many travel here for our combination of expertise and competitive pricing. Be sure to account for airfare, hotel stays, and local transportation during your recovery.
Understanding these additional expenses provides a complete picture of your total investment. We’ll review all these considerations during your consultation so you can plan with confidence.
Surgical vs. Non-Surgical: A Cost Comparison of Facelift Options
Choosing between surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation involves weighing upfront costs against long-term value. Non-surgical options have a lower initial price and less downtime, but their temporary results require ongoing maintenance treatments that add up over time. Surgical facelifts are a larger initial investment but deliver more dramatic, longer-lasting changes that can be more cost-effective per year.
Here’s how the most common options compare:
Facelift Type
Average Cost Range
Recovery Time
Longevity of Results
Mini Facelift
$4,100 – $18,500
7-10 days
5-8 years
Traditional/SMAS Facelift
$8,000 – $30,000
2-3 weeks
8-12 years
Deep Plane Facelift
$8,900 – $50,000
2-4 weeks
10-15+ years
Surgical Option: The Mini Facelift
Ideal for patients with early signs of aging, the mini facelift targets mild sagging along the jawline and jowls. It’s a less invasive procedure with smaller incisions and a shorter recovery of 7 to 10 days. The cost of a face lift of this type averages around $10,300, with results lasting 5 to 8 years. It’s a popular choice for younger patients, a trend you can read about in our post on Why Facelifts for Younger Patients are Exploding in Popularity.
Surgical Option: The Deep Plane Facelift
For more advanced aging, such as severe jowling and deep facial folds, the deep plane facelift is the gold standard. This comprehensive technique repositions the deeper muscle and fat layers (the SMAS) for a natural and exceptionally long-lasting lift. It requires a highly skilled surgeon and a 2 to 4-week recovery. The cost of a face lift using this technique averages $22,600, and results can last 10 to 15 years or more. We specialize in this transformative procedure at our Facelift Deep Plane Cosmetic Surgery Las Vegas practice.
Non-Surgical Alternative: The Liquid Facelift
A liquid facelift uses a combination of dermal fillers and neuromodulators (like Botox) to restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and improve facial contours. It’s a great non-invasive option for treating fine lines and mild sagging with no downtime. However, results are temporary, lasting 6 to 18 months. The average cost ranges from $1,800 to $4,000, but requires regular treatments to maintain the look.
Non-Surgical Alternative: The Thread Lift
A thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure that uses temporary sutures to physically lift sagging skin. The threads also stimulate collagen production, improving skin quality over time. Recovery is quick, but results are temporary, lasting 1 to 3 years. The cost of a face lift using threads averages around $2,000, making it an accessible option for those not ready for surgery, though repeat treatments are necessary.
Making Your Facelift Affordable: Financing, Insurance, and Value
Understanding the cost of a face lift is the first step; making it work for your budget is the next. Fortunately, you have several options.
Does Insurance Cover Facelift Surgery?
Unfortunately, health insurance almost never covers facelift surgery. It’s classified as an elective cosmetic procedure, meaning it’s not considered medically necessary. The rare exception is for reconstructive purposes after trauma or to correct a congenital defect. For anti-aging purposes, you should plan to pay out of pocket.
How to Finance Your Procedure
Many patients make their facelift affordable through financing. Options include:
Medical credit cards like CareCredit, which offer promotional financing for healthcare expenses. You can explore financing options like CareCredit to see if you qualify.
In-house payment plans, which we offer at our practice to help you spread the cost over time.
Personal loans from a bank or credit union, which provide predictable monthly payments.
Our team will gladly discuss these financial paths with you during your consultation.
Is a Facelift a Worthwhile Investment?
The data is clear: patients feel it is. RealSelf reports an impressive 92% “Worth It” Rating for facelifts. This reflects the profound impact on confidence and overall well-being. When you consider the longevity of the results (8-15+ years for surgical facelifts), the cost-per-year can be more economical than repeated non-surgical treatments. You’re investing in over a decade of feeling refreshed, which many of our patients find priceless. See the changes in our Facelift Before and After Photos.
The Financial Risk: Understanding the Cost of a Face Lift Revision
While rare with an experienced surgeon, revision surgery is a potential risk. The cost can be comparable to the original procedure. This is why your initial choice of a board-certified plastic surgeon is so critical. Investing in quality from the start is the best way to reduce the risk of needing a costly revision and ensure you get the beautiful, natural results you deserve the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Facelift Costs
How long do facelift results last?
The longevity of your results depends on the technique. A mini facelift typically lasts 5-8 years, a traditional SMAS facelift lasts 8-12 years, and a deep plane facelift can last 10-15+ years. Modern SMAS techniques provide a stable, long-lasting lift. While a facelift turns back the clock, the aging process continues. A healthy lifestyle and good skincare can help protect your investment.
What is the best age for a facelift?
There is no single “best” age. Candidacy is based on your specific signs of aging and aesthetic goals, not your chronological age. Most patients are between their 40s and 70s, but the right time is when you are bothered by sagging skin, jowls, or deep wrinkles and still have good skin elasticity. We evaluate your unique anatomy to determine the ideal approach for you.
Can I save money by combining a facelift with other procedures?
Yes, absolutely. Combining a facelift with procedures like a neck lift or eyelid surgery is a smart financial strategy. You pay for the anesthesia and surgical facility fees only once, which can save you thousands of dollars compared to scheduling separate surgeries. This approach also consolidates your recovery into a single period and ensures your results are harmonious and balanced across your entire face.
Start Your Facial Rejuvenation Journey in Las Vegas
Understanding the cost of a face lift is the first step toward a more confident you. The most important takeaway is that your face deserves the best care possible. Prioritizing a surgeon’s quality and experience over a low price is an investment that will serve you for years to come. A skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Mustafa Ahmed creates natural-looking results while prioritizing your safety.
Our practice in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Southern Nevada offers world-class expertise without the premium prices of other major cities. You get exceptional care and competitive pricing in one place.
Your journey begins with a personalized consultation. We will discuss your goals, answer your questions, and provide a transparent, detailed quote custom to your needs—no surprises or hidden fees. We are committed to supporting you through this entire process.