The face is the first thing people notice, and the first place where time leaves its mark. Unsurprisingly, facelift is one of the world’s top 5 plastic surgeries. According to the ISAPS, over 646,000 people get it yearly—that’s one facelift every 50 seconds!
Based on Bookimed’s research, this article will break down the average prices, what’s included, how different types of facelifts compare, and what factors affect the total cost.
Key Takeaways
➤ Average cost of a facelift globally: $3,000–$15,000.
- USA: $17,500–$50,000
- UK: $13,300–$20,000
- South Korea: $6,000–$14,000
- Thailand: $2,500–$12,000
- Turkey: $2,200–$10,500
- Mexico: $3,900–$13,000
➤ Facelift types vary in cost, from ~$4,000 for a mini facelift abroad to $30,000+ for a deep plane facelift in the US.
➤ Insurance won’t cover a facelift, but financing options like personal loans and clinic payment plans exist.
➤ 92% of facelift patients are satisfied, and studies show they're perceived as younger, healthier, and more attractive after surgery.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Average Cost of a Facelift?
- Cost of Facelift Types
- What Factors Affect the Cost of a Facelift?
- Does Health Insurance Cover a Facelift?
- How to Choose the Best Facelift Surgeon?
- Is a Facelift Worth the Cost?
- Are There Cheaper Alternatives to a Facelift?
What Is the Average Cost of a Facelift?
The average facelift cost ranges from $3,000 to $15,000 globally. However, that number can swing dramatically depending on where it’s done.
In the United States, facelift surgery averages around $17,500 once you add up the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, and operating room costs. The cost can climb as high as $50,000 at top clinics.
Meanwhile, countries like South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, and Mexico offer all-inclusive facelift packages that cost 40–70% less.
By analyzing the global market and prices provided by the international partner clinics, Bookimed has compared how facelift costs compare around the world:
Country | Average facelift cost (USD) |
---|---|
USA | $17,500–$50,000 |
UK | $13,300–$20,000 |
$5,000–$14,000 | |
$2,500–$12,000 | |
$2,200–$10,500 | |
$3,900–$13,000 |
What does the facelift cost include?
In the US and UK, these prices typically only cover the surgeon’s fee, facility fees, anesthesia, and operating room fees.
On the other hand, clinics in South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, and Mexico usually include:
- consultations;
- medical tests;
- medications;
- post-op care;
- accommodation;
- transfers.
Cost of Facelift Types
There are several types of facelifts, and prices vary depending on the technique and complexity. Here's a brief breakdown of the most common facelift types and what they cost:
Full or traditional facelift cost
A full facelift removes excess skin and lightly tightens underlying muscles in the cheeks, jawline, and upper neck.
Here are the average costs for a full facelift in different countries:
Country | Traditional facelift cost |
---|---|
USA | ~$17,500 |
UK | $13,300–$20,000 |
South Korea | $8,000–$10,000 |
Thailand | $2,500–$8,000 |
Turkey | $2,200–$7,000 |
Mexico | $3,900–$6,400 |
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Deep plane facelift cost
Deep plane facelift lifts deeper facial layers. It improves deep nasolabial folds, sagging cheeks, and jowls—great for advanced signs of aging.
Country | Cost |
---|---|
USA | $15,000–$30,000 |
UK | $17,000–$26,500 |
$11,000–$14,000 | |
$5,500–$11,800 | |
$6,000–$14,000 | |
$5,500–$13,000 |
Check out these offers for a deep plane facelift from Bookimed’s trusted partners:
Mini facelift cost
A mini facelift is a less invasive surgical procedure that targets mild sagging in the lower face and jawline. Suitable for patients with mild to moderate signs of aging.
Country | Mini facelift cost |
---|---|
USA | $10,500–$21,000 |
UK | $10,500–$16,000 |
$2,000–$6,500 | |
$3,700–$6,000 | |
$2,800–$5,000 | |
$2,700–$4,000 |
Mid-facelift cost
Mid-facelift elevates the cheeks and soft tissue under the eyes. Great for volume loss in the mid-face.
Country | Mid-facelift cost |
---|---|
USA | $8,500–$16,000 |
UK | $10,000–$13,000 |
South Korea | $4,500–$6,500 |
Thailand | $3,000–$7,000 |
Turkey | $2,000–$5,000 |
Mexico | $3,000–$6,000 |
Lower facelift cost
Lower facelift improves sagging around the jawline and neck. Often combined with a neck lift for full lower-face rejuvenation.
Country | Cost (USD) |
---|---|
USA | $12,000–$24,500 |
UK | $7,000–$16,000 |
South Korea | $3,500–$7,000 |
Thailand | $2,000–$6,000 |
Turkey | $1,500–$4,500 |
Mexico | $2,500–$5,000 |
SMAS facelift cost
SMAS facelift targets a deep facial muscle layer just below the skin. It lifts deeper tissues across the face and neck without overly tightening the skin’s surface. More advanced than skin-only techniques but less invasive than a deep plane facelift.
Country | SMAS facelift cost |
---|---|
USA | ~$19,000 |
UK | $10,000–$13,000 |
South Korea | $5,000–$10,000 |
Thailand | ~$9,000 |
Turkey | $4,000–$6,000 |
Mexico | $4,000–$7,000 |
Liquid (non-surgical) facelift cost
Non-surgical facelifts use dermal fillers and to reduce fine lines, restore facial volume, and mildly lift features. No incisions or downtime, but results are temporary.
Country | Liquid facelift cost |
---|---|
USA | $3,000–$4,000 |
UK | $1,000–$3,500 |
$200–$2,500 | |
$400–$1,700 | |
$500–$1,500 | |
$500–$1,700 |
What Factors Affect the Cost of a Facelift?
1. Type of facelift
Deep plane and extended SMAS lifts are more complex—and pricier—than mini facelifts. They require greater expertise and longer operating times.
2. Plastic surgeon’s expertise
A highly experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with training in facial rejuvenation procedures may charge more. However, the results are often safer, more natural, and longer-lasting.
3. Clinic’s reputation
Clinics with international accreditations (like JCI), specialized technology, and dedicated facial plastic surgery teams often have higher prices. Still, they provide higher safety standards and better results.
4. Geographic location
Facelifts tend to be more expensive in major cities (e.g., NYC, LA, London) due to higher overhead expenses, medical staff wages, and operating costs. Facelift pricing drops in medical tourism hubs like Mexico, Turkey, Thailand, or South Korea.
5. Combining procedures
To enhance facelift results, patients can combine it with other plastic surgery procedures like:
- brow lifts;
- neck lifts;
- eyelid surgery;
- lip enhancements;
- facial fat grafting.
Each addition increases the overall cost. However, combining facial rejuvenation surgeries saves on facility and anesthesia fees compared to doing them separately.
6. Anesthesia approach
Most facelifts use either IV sedation or general anesthesia, which costs more than local anesthesia. You'll also pay more for an MD anesthesiologist than a nurse anesthetist, though both are qualified professionals.
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Does Health Insurance Cover a Facelift?
Insurance typically doesn't cover facelifts since they're considered cosmetic procedures rather than medical necessities. Your HSA or FSA funds are off-limits, too—the IRS doesn't classify cosmetic surgery as a qualifying healthcare expense.
However, patients have other financing options:
- Personal loans from banks or online lenders
- Payment plans offered by clinics, often through services like AfterPay
Just be sure to compare interest rates and terms before signing anything.
How to Choose the Best Facelift Surgeon?
1. Check credentials
Look specifically for board certification in facial plastic surgery. Take note of plastic surgeons with memberships in organizations like the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
2. Evaluate the clinic
Choose a clinic with modern equipment, international certifications (e.g., JCI, ISO), and aftercare—especially important if you’re traveling abroad.
3. Check before-and-after photos and reviews
Look for patients with similar facial features to yours. Pay attention to consistent and natural-looking facelift results across multiple patients. Moreover, search for honest feedback on the overall quality of care and bedside manner.
4. Ask pointed questions during the initial consultation
During the facelift consultation, try out these questions:
- "How many deep plane facelifts do you perform per year?"
- "What specific surgical technique would you use for my jowls?"
- "Can you show me before-and-afters of patients with similar concerns to mine?"
5. Look for transparent pricing
A reliable clinic will clearly explain what’s included in the cost. If you're considering treatment abroad, look into all-inclusive packages covering hotel stays, transfers, and aftercare.
6. Trust your comfort level
During your consultation, did the surgeon spend adequate time examining your face, or did they rush through with a generic recommendation? The right plastic surgeon will listen carefully to your goals and propose a personalized solution.
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Is a Facelift Worth the Cost?
Whether a facelift is worth it really depends on your personal goals, expectations, and health. The best way to find out is to have an honest consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon.
That being said, the satisfaction stats speak volumes: 92% of facelift patients are happy with their results.
Beyond personal satisfaction, studies show that others perceive people after a facelift as:
- about 6 years younger;
- 17% more attractive;
- 10% more successful;
- 16% healthier.
Looking refreshed can impact how people interact with you socially, romantically, and even professionally.
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Are There Cheaper Alternatives to a Facelift?
Some non-surgical treatments can mimic some facelift effects, but the results are subtle and temporary:
- Liquid facelift uses fillers and to restore volume and smooth wrinkles.
- Thread lift lifts sagging skin with dissolvable threads.
- Laser treatments stimulate collagen or resurface skin for better tone and texture. Great for fine lines, not loose skin.
- Chemical peels exfoliate the top skin layer to reveal smoother, brighter skin.
- Microneedling & radiofrequency boost natural collagen for firmer skin.
Expert Picks: Articles to Read Next
- ISAPS. (2023). International Survey on Aesthetic/Cosmetic Procedures.
- Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. (2024). Assessing Patient Satisfaction Following Facelifts with Social Media Reviews.
- JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery. (2018). Association of Face-lift Surgery With Social Perception, Age, Attractiveness, Health, and Success.