Cost of Face Lift Surgery (Rhytidectomy)
Depending on the complexity of the surgery, geographic region, the surgeon's skills, his or her experience, and other related factors, the cost of facelift may vary anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000. Not surprisingly, the highest quality surgeons charge the most, while less qualified surgeons may charge less. For some of the most talented surgeons in the highly competitive parts of the US, facelift surgery can cost up to $ 25,000.
According to the 2004 Average Physician/Surgeon Fees survey taken by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the average national surgeon's fee for a face lift in 2004 was $4,822. Keep in mind that the surgeon's fee does not include the anesthesia fee, operating facility fee and other related expenses, which could increase the cost of surgery by 30 to 100%.
You should get a rough estimate on face lift cost in order to understand that you may pay extra for anesthesia and the surgical facility.
Will Insurance Cover Face Lift Costs?
If you are having a face lift purely for cosmetic reasons, you will be responsible for paying for the full amount of the plastic surgery cost. However, if your face lift is needed to correct a defect, such as drooping eyelids that interfere with your ability to see, or major facial deformity incurred as a result of an auto accident, healthcare may cover the surgery. Learn how to identify the difference between cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery. With proper pre-authorization, healthcare providers will consider paying for the functional part of the face lift.
Coverage may also depend on specific plans, benefit language, and state mandates. Speak to your health care provider for specific requirements. Find out more on face lift insurance coverage from the ASPS by reading Insurance Coverage: A Plastic Surgery Patient's Guide. Be sure to learn as much as possible about any health care coverage for face lift surgery. Just as the cost of most elective dental procedures, such as veneers cost and cost of braces, fees for facelift elective procedures are typically not covered by insurance.
What Are Your Payment Options?
If the face lift cost is too large for you to pay in full, ask your surgeon if he or she provides a payment plan. Some hospitals may offer affordable plastic surgery programs. Often you can find a doctor who has completed his or her medical training, but is taking extra time to receive advanced training in cosmetic plastic surgery. Such surgeries are done in the presence of a board certified plastic surgeon, who serves as an assistant during face lift surgery. View a sample affordable cosmetic surgery financing program offered by the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary.
You may want to check into financing your facelift surgery through a bank. Learn more about the growing trend of plastic surgery financing from an educational video from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Other Plastic Surgery Procedure Costs
To learn about cost for other cosmetic enhancement procedures, such as Latisse cost or LASIK eye surgery cost, visit our sister websites. To review resource information sites about breast surgeons or liposuction, visit our sister resource sites.
Need More Information?
- Learn about psychological aspects of facelift surgery, including situations whereby you should wait before undergoing this procedure (immediately after a divorce or death of a loved one, while battling depression etc.)