How Much Does Face Lift Surgery Cost in 2026?
Face lift surgery (rhytidectomy) costs between $8,000 and $25,000 in the United States in 2026, with the national average hovering around $13,500. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the average surgeon's fee alone for a face lift was approximately $8,005 in their most recent statistics — but this figure does not include anesthesia, facility fees, or other associated costs that can significantly increase the total price.
The wide cost range reflects the many variables involved: the type of face lift performed, the surgeon's expertise and reputation, geographic location, and whether additional procedures like a neck lift or eyelid surgery are performed simultaneously. A mini face lift in a Midwest city may cost as little as $5,500, while a deep plane face lift with a top-tier surgeon in Manhattan can exceed $25,000.
Because face lift surgery is almost always classified as an elective cosmetic procedure, health insurance does not cover it. Understanding the full cost breakdown and your financing options is essential before committing to this transformative procedure.
Cost by Face Lift Type
Face lift procedures vary significantly in scope, technique, and invasiveness. The type of face lift your surgeon recommends will be the single biggest factor in your total cost.
| Face Lift Type | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Mini Face Lift | $8,500 | $5,500 – $12,000 |
| SMAS Face Lift | $12,500 | $9,000 – $17,000 |
| Deep Plane Face Lift | $17,500 | $13,000 – $25,000 |
| Mid-Face Lift | $11,000 | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Lower Face and Neck Lift | $14,500 | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Thread Lift (Non-Surgical) | $3,500 | $2,000 – $6,000 |
The deep plane face lift commands the highest prices because it involves repositioning deeper facial tissues for more dramatic, longer-lasting results. The mini face lift is ideal for patients with mild to moderate sagging and offers a lower price point with faster recovery.
Face Lift Cost by State
Geographic location plays a major role in face lift pricing. Metropolitan areas with higher costs of living and greater demand for cosmetic surgery tend to charge significantly more than smaller cities or rural areas.
| State | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| California | $16,500 | $11,000 – $25,000 |
| New York | $17,000 | $12,000 – $25,000 |
| Florida | $13,500 | $9,000 – $21,000 |
| Texas | $12,000 | $8,000 – $18,000 |
| Illinois | $13,000 | $9,000 – $19,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $12,500 | $8,500 – $18,000 |
| Ohio | $10,500 | $7,500 – $15,000 |
| Georgia | $11,500 | $8,000 – $16,500 |
| North Carolina | $11,000 | $7,500 – $16,000 |
| Arizona | $12,500 | $8,500 – $18,000 |
| Colorado | $13,000 | $9,000 – $18,500 |
| Michigan | $10,000 | $7,000 – $14,500 |
Patients willing to travel can save $3,000 to $7,000 by choosing a board-certified surgeon in a lower-cost state like Ohio or Michigan rather than New York City or Beverly Hills.
Insurance vs. No Insurance
Face lift surgery is considered cosmetic in the vast majority of cases, which means insurance coverage is extremely rare. Here's what to expect across different coverage scenarios.
| Coverage Type | Typical Cost to Patient | What's Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Private Insurance | $8,000 – $25,000 (full cost) | Not covered; cosmetic procedures are excluded from standard plans |
| Medicare | $8,000 – $25,000 (full cost) | Not covered unless part of medically necessary reconstructive surgery |
| Medicaid | $8,000 – $25,000 (full cost) | Not covered for cosmetic purposes |
| Without Insurance | $8,000 – $25,000 | Patient responsible for all costs; cash-pay discounts sometimes available |
In rare cases where a face lift is performed as part of reconstructive surgery — such as after facial trauma, skin cancer removal, or to correct congenital deformities — insurance may cover a portion of the procedure. You would need a letter of medical necessity from your physician and prior authorization from your insurer.
Complete Cost Breakdown
The quoted "price" for a face lift often includes only the surgeon's fee. Understanding the full cost breakdown helps you avoid surprises.
| Cost Component | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Surgeon's Fee | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Anesthesia (General or IV Sedation) | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Operating Facility / Hospital Fee | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| Pre-Operative Lab Work & Medical Clearance | $200 – $600 |
| Prescription Medications | $75 – $300 |
| Compression Garments | $50 – $150 |
| Post-Operative Follow-Up Visits | $0 – $500 (often included) |
| Potential Revision Surgery | $2,000 – $8,000 (if needed) |
Always request an all-inclusive itemized quote from your surgeon's office before scheduling. Some practices offer package pricing that bundles all fees together, while others bill each component separately.
Factors That Affect Face Lift Cost
Geographic Location
Surgeons in major metropolitan areas like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami charge significantly more due to higher overhead costs and greater demand. A face lift in Manhattan can cost 50% to 80% more than the same procedure in a mid-size Midwestern city.
Surgeon Experience and Reputation
Board-certified plastic surgeons with decades of experience and strong reputations command premium fees. A surgeon who specializes exclusively in facial procedures and has published research in the field may charge $15,000 to $25,000 for their expertise alone.
Type and Complexity of Procedure
A mini face lift addressing mild jowling is a shorter, simpler operation than a deep plane face lift that repositions multiple tissue layers. More complex procedures require longer operating times, more anesthesia, and greater surgical skill — all of which increase the cost.
Facility Type
Surgery performed in a hospital is generally more expensive than surgery in an accredited ambulatory surgery center or a surgeon's private operating suite. Hospital facility fees can add $2,000 to $4,000 to the total bill.
Combined Procedures
Many patients combine their face lift with a neck lift, brow lift, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), or fat transfer. While combining procedures saves money compared to having each one separately, the total cost increases. A face lift combined with a neck lift and eyelid surgery can range from $18,000 to $35,000.
Anesthesia Type
General anesthesia costs more than local anesthesia with IV sedation. Mini face lifts can sometimes be performed under local anesthesia, saving $500 to $1,500 on anesthesia fees.
How to Save Money on Face Lift Surgery
- Get Multiple Consultations: Consult with at least three board-certified plastic surgeons to compare pricing, approach, and included services. Prices can vary by $5,000 or more for the same procedure in the same city.
- Consider Lower-Cost Regions: Traveling to a state like Ohio, North Carolina, or Georgia can save you thousands compared to coastal cities, even after factoring in travel and accommodation expenses.
- Ask About Cash-Pay Discounts: Many surgeons offer a 5% to 10% discount for patients who pay the full amount upfront in cash or by check, since they avoid credit card processing fees.
- Choose an Outpatient Surgery Center: Accredited ambulatory surgery centers typically charge lower facility fees than hospitals. Most face lifts can be safely performed in an outpatient setting.
- Opt for a Mini Face Lift If Appropriate: If your aging concerns are mild to moderate, a mini face lift at $5,500 to $12,000 may deliver the results you want at nearly half the cost of a full face lift.
- Bundle Procedures: If you need multiple facial procedures, having them done simultaneously saves on anesthesia and facility fees compared to staging them as separate surgeries.
- Use HSA or FSA Funds Strategically: While cosmetic procedures aren't typically HSA/FSA-eligible, some associated costs like pre-operative medical tests may qualify. Consult your plan administrator.
Financing Options for Face Lift Surgery
Since insurance rarely covers face lift surgery, most patients pay out of pocket. Fortunately, several financing options make the procedure more accessible.
| Financing Option | Details | Typical Terms |
|---|---|---|
| CareCredit | Medical credit card widely accepted by plastic surgeons | 0% APR for 6–24 months; 14.9%–26.99% after promo period |
| Alphaeon Credit | Healthcare-specific financing with flexible plans | 0% APR for 6–24 months; longer terms available at fixed rates |
| Prosper Healthcare Lending | Fixed-rate personal loans for medical procedures | Loans from $2,000–$100,000; terms of 24–84 months |
| In-House Payment Plans | Many surgeons offer custom payment plans directly | Varies; typically requires 25%–50% deposit with monthly installments |
| Personal Loan (Bank/Credit Union) | Unsecured personal loan from your financial institution | APR 6%–20%; terms of 12–60 months depending on credit |
| HSA/FSA | Limited applicability for cosmetic procedures | May cover related medical expenses only; verify eligibility |
The most popular option is CareCredit, which offers promotional 0% APR periods that allow you to spread the cost interest-free if you pay within the promotional window. Be sure to pay off the balance before the promotional period ends to avoid retroactive interest charges.
Pro Tips from Experts
Verify Board Certification: Always confirm your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This ensures they have completed accredited residency training specifically in plastic surgery. A lower price from an unqualified provider is never worth the risk.
Look Beyond the Price Tag: The cheapest quote isn't always the best value. Ask to see before-and-after photos of patients with similar facial structures and aging patterns to yours. Revision surgery due to poor results can cost $5,000 to $10,000 — making the "bargain" surgeon far more expensive in the long run.
Plan for Hidden Recovery Costs: Budget for 2 to 3 weeks off work, help at home during the first week, and potentially sleeping in a recliner. These indirect costs — lost wages, childcare, and comfort items — can add $1,000 to $3,000 to your total investment.
Time Your Surgery Strategically: Some practices offer discounts during slower months (January through March). Scheduling your consultation during these periods may give you more negotiating leverage on pricing or allow you to take advantage of seasonal promotions.