Average Cost of a Facelift in 2024 - Top Cities and States

Woman with surgical markings on face for facelift

Facelifts are one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures, with 60% more patients getting the procedure since 2017. They redefine facial contours and restore a youthful appearance by fixing sagging skin and deep creases. The term facelift can refer to many different procedures but usually involves rejuvenation of the lower face below the cheekbones including the jawline, jowls, and neck.  Understanding facelift costs is crucial if you’re considering this transformative surgery.

The national average for facelift costs in 2024 is $11,395, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. However, this figure can vary widely based on factors like geographic location, surgeon expertise, and the type of facelift performed. Total expenses often amount to $15,000 or more after all associated costs.

Facelift cost by city and state

Facelift costs fluctuate across different U.S. cities and states.

Let’s break down the average expenses in some of the country’s top cosmetic surgery destinations:

New York City, New York

In the Big Apple, facelift costs range from $20,000 to $100,000+. A micro facelift costs less, while a full facelift or a deep plane facelift costs more due to their procedure complexity.

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles facelift costs average between $16,000 and $24,000. However, these figures vary widely based on the surgeon’s expertise and reputation. These are average prices and more experienced surgeons often command higher fees. In certain areas like Beverly Hills, you may see facelifts that cost upward of $75,000.

Miami, Florida

Facelifts are generally more affordable in Florida than in California’s coastal cities. Part of this reduction in cost may be attributed to the fact that certain states like Florida and Texas do not require physicians to carry medical malpractice insurance. Miami’s facelift costs can range from $5,500 for a mini facelift to $20,000+ for a full facelift.

Houston, Texas

Houston facelift costs range from $7,000 to $25,000. You might pay $7,000 to $8,000 for a mini facelift, or more than $16,000 for a full facelift procedure.

Remember: The prices above are averages and may not reflect the full cost of your procedures. Many factors influence the final price, including the surgeon’s experience, the complexity of the procedure, and additional fees for anesthesia and surgical fees.

Some highly sought-after celebrity plastic surgeons in major cities like LA and NYC may charge significantly more — with reports of fees reaching $200,000 to $250,000 for a facelift. While these extreme prices are outliers, they highlight the wide range of costs in the field.

When comparing prices, always ask what’s included in the quoted fee. A seemingly higher price may actually represent a better value if it includes associated costs like anesthesia and facility fees.

What factors affect the cost of a facelift?

Several key factors influence facelift costs, and understanding them will help you budget accurately for your procedure:

Geographic location

Coastal cities and areas with a high cost of living often have steeper surgical procedure costs. This reflects increased overhead for surgeons and higher demand for cosmetic procedures in these regions.

Surgeon’s experience and reputation

Highly skilled surgeons with extensive experience and impressive reputations often charge premium rates. While their expertise may cost more upfront, it can lead to better results and fewer complications. Balance cost with quality when choosing your surgeon.

Facility fees

Hospital operating rooms are typically more expensive than outpatient surgical centers. Some surgeons have their own private surgical suites, which can offer a more private and convenient setting.

Anesthesia fees

Anesthesia costs can add $1,200 to $2,500 to your facelift bill. The type of anesthesia used, the duration of the procedure, and the anesthesiologist’s qualifications all affect this fee. Discuss anesthesia options and costs with your surgeon during your consultation.

Additional costs associated with facelifts

When budgeting for a facelift, factor in these often-overlooked expenses as well:

Post-surgery medication

You’ll need prescription pain medications and possibly antibiotics after your facelift. These can cost hundreds out of pocket if your surgeon doesn’t include them in their overall fee.

Follow-up visits

Some surgeons include a certain number of follow-up visits in their fees. But additional visits may incur extra charges. Ask your surgeon about their follow-up policy and any associated costs to budget accordingly.

Potential revision surgery

While rare, some patients may need revision surgery to address complications or unsatisfactory results. This can add thousands to your total cost. Discuss the possibility of this happening with your surgeon and how they handle such situations financially.

Facelift types

Different facelift techniques can impact both results and costs.

Here’s a breakdown of common facelift types and roughly what you can expect to pay for them. Please note these are nationwide averages

Mini facelift

A mini facelift targets early signs of aging like sagging in the lower face. It’s less invasive than a full facelift, with a quicker recovery and lower cost. This procedure costs an average of $7,525, according to RealSelf based on hundreds of patient reviews.

Deep plane facelift

Deep plane facelifts address more advanced signs of aging by lifting deeper facial tissues and muscles. This technique often provides longer-lasting results but comes with a higher price tag — averaging close to $17,200.

Mid-facelift

Mid-facelifts focus on the cheeks, smile lines, and under-eye area. They’re ideal for addressing hollowing or sagging in the mid-face region. Costs typically range from $6,000 to $15,000.

Lower facelift

Lower facelifts target the face below the corners of your mouth, addressing jowls and neck laxity. Prices for this facelift type usually fall between $5,500 and $22,000.

Thread lift

Thread lifts use special sutures to lift and tighten facial skin. They’re less invasive and less expensive than traditional facelifts. You can expect to pay around $2,000. The downside is results are usually less dramatic and last only one to three years.

Does insurance cover the facelift cost?

In most cases, health insurance doesn’t cover facelift costs because it’s considered an elective cosmetic procedure. But there are rare exceptions. Your policy might cover a facelift if it fixes a functional issue from an accident or birth defects.

Always check with your insurance provider before assuming coverage. Some plans may cover certain aspects of the procedure, like anesthesia or facility fees, if there’s a medical necessity. Document any functional issues thoroughly and work with your surgeon to submit a strong case to your insurance company if applicable.

Are there financing options for a facelift?

Yes, many patients finance their facelifts to make the cost more manageable. Most plastic surgery practices offer financing options through third-party companies like CareCredit or Alphaeon Credit. These often provide low or zero-interest plans if paid off within a certain timeframe.

If your preferred surgeon doesn’t offer in-house payment plans, consider a personal loan from your bank or a medical credit card. Always compare interest rates and terms carefully before choosing a financing option.

Are facelifts worth the money?

The value of a facelift is highly personal and depends on your goals and circumstances. For many patients, the boost in confidence and satisfaction with their appearance makes the investment worthwhile. A well-performed facelift can take years off your look and provide long-lasting results.

But it’s important to have realistic expectations. A facelift won’t stop the aging process or dramatically change your fundamental appearance. Think about your motivations and discuss them openly with your surgeon. Factor in not only the monetary cost, but also the recovery time and potential risks.

If you’re unhappy with signs of facial aging and non-surgical treatments aren’t giving the desired results, a facelift could be a valuable investment in your self-esteem and quality of life.

Risks and complications of low-cost facelifts

While you may be tempted to seek affordable options, low-cost facelifts can come with risks.

Be aware of these potential complications:

  • Poor quality results: A subpar technique may lead to an unnatural or “pulled” appearance

  • Increased risk of infection: Lower-cost facilities may cut corners on sterility

  • Longer recovery time: Less experienced surgeons may use outdated techniques requiring a more extensive recovery

  • Higher likelihood of revision surgery: Correcting poor results often costs more than the initial procedure

  • Potential for permanent scarring: Improper incision placement or closure can leave visible scars

Facelift alternatives (surgical and non-surgical) to consider

Not ready for a full facelift or curious about other options? One or more of these alternatives may suit you.

Facial plastic surgery alternatives:

  • Brow lift: Addresses forehead wrinkles and sagging eyebrows

  • Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty): Removes excess skin around the eyes to help you look and see better

  • Neck lift (platysmaplasty): Gets rid of excess fat and skin from the neck to tighten loose neck skin and reduce jowls

Non-surgical options:

  • Dermal fillers: Restore volume and smooth wrinkles

  • Botox: Temporarily relaxes muscles to reduce dynamic wrinkles

  • Ultherapy: Uses ultrasound energy to tighten and lift the skin and deeper tissues of the face

  • Laser treatments: Improve skin texture and tone

  • Chemical peels: Remove damaged outer layers of skin for a refreshed appearance

These alternatives can be less expensive and have shorter recovery times than a full facelift. However, you may need repeated treatments to see long-lasting results. Discuss these options with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine the best approach for your goals and budget.

Tips for choosing a qualified plastic surgeon

Picking the right surgeon is imperative for achieving safe, satisfying facelift results.

Consider these factors as you search for yours:

Verify board certification

Choose a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (and verify it on the ABPS website). This ensures they’ve completed rigorous training and adhere to high standards.

Review the surgeon's experience and specialization

Look for a surgeon who performs facelifts regularly and has years of experience. Some surgeons specialize in facial procedures, which is a plus. Ask how many facelifts they perform annually and how long they’ve been doing them. More experience often translates to better results and lower complication rates.

Examine before-and-after photos

A surgeon’s photo gallery can give you a good idea of their aesthetic style and skill level. Look for patients with similar features to yours and results that appeal to you. Pay attention to the consistency of results across multiple patients. Be wary if a surgeon is reluctant to show you their work.

Check patient reviews and testimonials

While not foolproof, patient reviews can offer insights into a surgeon’s bedside manner, staff professionalism, and overall patient experience. Look for reviews on independent sites like RealSelf or Yelp. Be cautious of practices with only glowing reviews or those that seem overly negative.

Schedule a consultation and ask questions

A face-to-face meeting is critical for assessing your comfort level with a surgeon. Prepare a list of questions about their experience, approach to facelifts, and how they handle complications. A great surgeon will patiently address your concerns and provide clear, honest answers. Trust your instincts — if you don’t feel comfortable, keep looking.

Why choose Dr. Lowenstein for your facelift?

Dr. Lowenstein brings over two decades of plastic surgery expertise to every facelift he performs. Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, he combines technical skill with an artistic eye to achieve natural-looking, rejuvenating results. His extensive training, including his experience in complex reconstructive procedures, informs his approach to facelifts.

What sets Dr. Lowenstein apart is his state-of-the-art private surgical facility. Unlike shared surgical centers or hospitals, this exclusive setting offers patients personalized, one-on-one care during surgery and recovery.

If you’re interested in a facelift and want to learn about your options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Lowenstein at Montecito Plastic Surgery by calling 805-969-9004. Take the first step toward a refreshed, confident you with one of Santa Barbara’s most respected plastic surgeons.