The average facelift cost is about $12,000 to $19,000 for the surgeon’s fee alone, according to American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) data. Anesthesia, the surgical facility and extras are billed on top, so the all-in total is often higher. RealSelf, which collects patient-reported prices, shows an average near $20,130 and a wide range of $5,600 to $52,000.
A facelift (rhytidectomy) tightens deeper facial tissue and removes excess skin to reduce sagging in the cheeks and jawline. This guide covers the main cost factors, what is usually not included, and how to compare quotes. Last updated: October 25, 2026.
Quick Answer
Plan on roughly $12,000 to $19,000 for the surgeon’s fee (ASPS), plus separate anesthesia and facility charges. Patient-reported all-in totals average about $20,130 on RealSelf, with a range from $5,600 to $52,000. Mini facelifts usually cost less than full facelifts.
Key Takeaways
- Surgeon’s fee: about $12,000 to $19,000 (ASPS average range).
- Anesthesia, operating room fees and aftercare are usually billed separately.
- Patient-reported averages run higher because they include all costs.
- Insurance almost never covers a cosmetic facelift.
- Surgeon experience, location and procedure type drive most of the price difference.
How Much Does a Facelift Cost?
| Source | What it reports | Figure |
|---|---|---|
| ASPS cosmetic procedure averages | Average surgeon’s fee range for a facelift | $12,000 – $19,000 |
| ASPS facelift page | Average cost of a facelift; excludes anesthesia and operating room fees | $11,395 |
| RealSelf patient reports | Average patient-reported cost and range | $20,130 average; $5,600 – $52,000 range |
The figures differ because they measure different things. ASPS figures reflect surgeon fees, while patient-reported totals include more of the bill. Use them as a planning range and ask your surgeon for a written, itemized quote.
What Is Included in a Facelift Quote?
| Cost item | What to ask |
|---|---|
| Surgeon’s fee | Usually the largest part; does it include follow-up visits? |
| Anesthesia | Is the anesthesiologist billed separately, and for what type of anesthesia? |
| Facility fee | Hospital or accredited surgical center charge for the operating room and recovery |
| Pre-op tests and prescriptions | Lab work, medications and post-op supplies are often extra |
| Revisions | What happens if a touch-up is needed, and who pays? |
The ASPS notes that its average does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities or other related expenses, so always ask what the quote covers.
Factors That Change Facelift Cost
- Surgeon experience: Board-certified plastic surgeons with in-demand results often charge more.
- Location: Large metro areas usually cost more than smaller markets because of overhead and demand.
- Type of facelift: A mini facelift generally costs less than a traditional facelift. Adding a neck lift or other procedures raises the total.
- Anesthesia type: General anesthesia typically costs more than local anesthesia with sedation.
- Facility: An accredited surgical center and a hospital price differently.
- Combined procedures: Eyelid surgery, brow lift or fat grafting add their own fees.
Types of Facelifts
| Type | What it does | Cost position |
|---|---|---|
| Mini facelift | Smaller incisions; targets early jowls and mild sagging | Usually lower than a full facelift |
| Traditional facelift | Lifts deeper tissue in the cheeks and jawline and removes excess skin | Mid to high |
| Facelift with neck lift | Treats the face and the neck together | Highest; see our neck lift cost guide |
The right option depends on your skin, bone structure and goals. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to decide.
Hidden and Extra Costs
- Prescription medications and compression garments
- Follow-up appointments, if they are not bundled in the surgeon’s fee
- Time off work during recovery
- Travel and lodging if you choose a surgeon outside your area
- Revision surgery, if needed, and who covers it
Insurance and Financing
Health insurance generally treats a facelift as elective cosmetic surgery and does not cover it. Many practices offer payment plans or work with medical financing companies. Compare interest rates and fees before you sign, and avoid borrowing more than you can repay.
Surgery Abroad and Low-Price Offers
Some patients travel abroad to cut costs. Savings can be real, but travel, time off and follow-up care add expense, and complications are harder to manage far from home. Whatever the price, confirm the surgeon’s board certification and that the facility is accredited. A very low quote is a reason to ask more questions, not fewer.
Non-Surgical Alternatives
Injectables, thread lifts, skin tightening devices and laser treatments can address mild sagging or texture. They cost less per session and have less downtime, but results are usually more modest and need repeating. Prices vary by provider and region, so ask for a written quote. For other aesthetic procedures, see our guides on mommy makeover costs and laser hair removal costs.
How to Compare Facelift Quotes
- Check that the surgeon is board certified in plastic surgery.
- Ask for before-and-after photos of patients with similar concerns.
- Request an itemized quote covering surgeon, anesthesia, facility and follow-up.
- Ask what is included if you need a revision.
- Compare at least two or three consultations before deciding.
Sources: ASPS facelift page, ASPS cosmetic procedure average costs and RealSelf facelift cost. This guide is for cost planning and is not medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a facelift cost?
ASPS data shows an average surgeon’s fee range of about $12,000 to $19,000. Anesthesia and facility fees are extra, and patient-reported all-in totals on RealSelf average about $20,130, with a range of $5,600 to $52,000.
How long does a facelift last?
Results are long lasting but do not stop aging. The ASPS notes that a facelift cannot stop the aging process, so how long it looks fresh depends on your skin, genetics, sun exposure and lifestyle. Ask your surgeon what to expect.
Is a mini facelift cheaper than a full facelift?
Usually, yes. A mini facelift uses smaller incisions and treats a smaller area, so it generally costs less. It will not suit everyone, especially with significant sagging.
Does insurance cover a facelift?
Almost never. Insurers treat a facelift as cosmetic surgery, so most patients pay out of pocket or use financing.
What is not included in the surgeon’s fee?
Anesthesia, operating room or facility charges, medications, garments and sometimes follow-up visits. Ask for an itemized quote.
What is the best age for a facelift?
There is no single best age. Timing depends on skin quality, how much sagging you have and your goals. A board-certified plastic surgeon can advise you.
Conclusion
Expect a facelift to cost roughly $12,000 to $19,000 in surgeon fees, with the full bill often higher once anesthesia, facility and aftercare are added. Choose a board-certified surgeon first and compare itemized quotes, not just totals.
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