Facelift Cost

• Costs for a facelift usually range from $6,000 to $15,000, including an anesthesia fee of $1,000 to $1,300, a hospital fee of $500 to $2,000 and a surgeon's fee. A face lift will take more time, and cost more, for a patient with whose skin is less pliable or has been subjected to years of too much sun exposure.

• The surgeon will meet with the patient to discuss desired results, then will choose the techniques that fit that patient. Usually, the surgeon makes incisions in easily concealed areas, such as along the crease of the ear and behind the hairline. Then, the doctor pulls the skin up and back and stitches the skin in place, removing the excess. This lifts the cheeks, smooths the jawline and neck and corrects sagging jowls. The procedure usually takes two to three hours, and can be performed with local anesthesia combined with a sedative, or general anesthesia.
• The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery provides diagrams and an overview.

• Because a facelift will not get rid of wrinkles, scars or texture problems, many facelift patients choose also to have other procedures - such as dermabrasion, laser resurfacing or chemical peels. And because a facelift focuses on the lower part of the face, some patients choose to add a forehead lift or eyelid surgery to make results more uniform. Adding a combination of other procedures can add anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars to the final price, depending on the desired result. It is not uncommon to pay as much as $25,000 for a facelift combined with other procedures.
• Some plastic surgery patients require additional surgery, either because they are unhappy with the results or experience complications. This corrective surgery can cost as much as, or more than, the initial procedure.

• Tip: Beware of discount or low-priced face lifts; since your face is your most visible feature, it is better to be safe. However, if you plan to have more than one cosmetic surgery procedure, you probably will save on anesthesia and hospital fees by having them done at the same time.
• Tip: Your surgeon might offer a discount if you agree to give a testimonial or sign a model release form allowing your before and after photos to be used on a website or in an advertisement.

• Tip: Be sure to look for a very experienced surgeon, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons[1] provides a free referral service. Performing a facelift is difficult and requires a very skilled surgeon, in order for the results to look natural. Ask to see before and after photos, and even ask the surgeon to put you in contact with a few former facelift patients.
• Tip: The best candidate for a facelift is someone with loose skin on the face and neck but fairly elastic skin and good underlying facial structure. Facelifts usually are performed on patients ranging in age from their 40s to 60s, but it might also be an option for those in their 70s and 80s. Keep in mind that possible complications include skin death and facial paralysis. If you experience complications, you might require more surgery.

1.  www1.plasticsurgery.org/find_a_surgeon/

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