When it comes to your skin, signs of aging are natural. Over time they can add up and take a toll. Sun damage and the natural loss of skin elasticity are both common and can have visible effects. Thankfully there are many ways to restore your youthful appearance and improve your skin, from noninvasive procedures like fillers and microdermabrasion to the longer-lasting option of a face-lift.
A face-lift — or rhytidectomy — will visibly improve many signs of aging in your face and neck and will last longer than the temporary results from noninvasive options. Some improvements include:
- Tightening up drooping, loose, or sagging skin on the face and neck
- Reducing deep nasolabial folds
- Removing jowls in the cheeks or jaw
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons 2020 Statistics Report, face-lifts were one of the top 5 cosmetic surgical procedures in America in 2020, with over 200,000 procedures being done.1 With many people resuming in-person activities, the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery reports an increase in facial plastic surgery procedures in 2021 that will continue.2
A face-lift might be the right option to reach your cosmetic goals. Here is everything you need to know about your facial lift cost.
Benefits of a Face Lift vs Mini Face Lift
A face-lift is a beneficial procedure that allows your surgeon to do more work than noninvasive procedures and achieve your desired results. It is more involved than a mini face-lift, and the results are generally expected to last longer.
With a face-lift, you can focus on treating wrinkles and creases, sagging skin, loss of volume — particularly cheek volume — and removing excess skin. This generally results in achieving a smoother jawline and tightening up the skin around the face and neck.
A mini face-lift is an excellent option if you are catching problem areas early, such as early facial muscle sagging, jowls in the jaw, and minimal excess skin. It is less invasive and intensive than a full face-lift and, therefore, a less expensive option. If you are looking for more subtle enhancements at a lower cost, a mini face-lift might be a good option.
The Cost of a Face Lift
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons 2020 report, the average face-lift cost is $8,005, which does not include added costs such as anesthesia, operating room facilities, and other fees.3 You will also need to consider surgeon’s fees, hospital fees, prescriptions for medications, post-surgery garments, and any medical testing that may need to be done prior to or following surgery.
Typically, health insurance plans will not cover face-lift surgery costs or any possible complications that may result. Make sure you check with your specific insurance plan to help you determine your total costs.
The location where you have your surgery will affect the total price, as areas with high demand, higher cost of living, or fewer qualified surgeons will have higher prices. It could be worth considering a surgeon in a less expensive location for this reason.
However, when selecting your plastic surgeon you should always seek one who specializes in the procedure you are considering, and who is experienced and board-certified.
Ways to Save
A face-lift is a life-changing procedure, but the cost can be daunting. If opting for a mini face-lift is not the right option for your facial goals, here are some other ways to save and make your surgery more affordable for you.
Location
Since location is one of the biggest factors when it comes to the price of a face-lift, one easy way to reduce your expenses could be to travel to a cheaper city. Look for places with a higher concentration of qualified surgeons, lower cost of living, or less demand for cosmetic surgeries.
Financing
Many plastic surgery offices offer patient financing to remove financial barriers to procedures. Make sure you ask about this option while shopping around for your plastic surgeon.
Credit
Another option, depending on your credit score, is to scope out cards with offers for rewards, zero-interest periods, and special financing rates. Applying for a credit card with one of these perks can save you in interest fees over time if you choose to pay for your face-lift with credit.
Medical loans
Finally, you can look for lenders who offer special low-interest rates and flexible terms specifically to help people who need to finance medical procedures. These can include plastic surgery procedures and may offer lower interest rates than other loan options.
Learn More About Face Lift Surgery
Face-lifts can help you look years younger and be a life-changing experience, boosting your confidence and giving you a firmer, youthful-looking face and neck. They are typically a longer-lasting option than their noninvasive counterparts, and you can opt for a mini face-lift if you are seeking subtle enhancements and a lower overall cost. With many options for reducing the cost of a face-lift, the procedure remains popular in America and a common way to address facial appearance concerns.
Always speak to your doctor if you have any questions about a face-lift procedure and if it might be the right option for achieving your skin goals.
My Body Treatment can help you find resources about plastic surgery, fat reduction, muscle toning machines, and other body-related topics.
SOURCES:
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: “2020 Statistics Report.“
- American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: “Annual Survey Results.“
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: “2020 Statistics Report.“
