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It's hard not to think of certain celebrities when you hear the term facelift. But facelifts aren't just for famous faces. This surgical procedure is available to anyone who is a suitable candidate and desires a more youthful appearance.
Below, we provide useful information about traditional facelifts and all the types in between, as well as what they cost and more to help you get the results you want.
What Is a Facelift?
A facelift, which is medically known as a rhytidectomy, is the general term used for any surgical procedure that alters skin and other facial and neck tissue to improve the signs of aging. Some of the specific issues facelifts are often used to address include:1
- Deep skin folds, creases and wrinkles
- Double chin
- Drooping cheeks or jowls
- Loose or extra skin
- Sagging skin
Benefits
People get facelifts to look younger, and a facelift could improve your self-esteem and confidence. Research shows that most people who have cosmetic surgery, such as facelifts, experience an increase in self-esteem and become more satisfied with their body image.2
Types
There are various types of facelift procedures. Some of the most popular types of facelift procedures include:
- Awake facelift
- Brow lift
- Cutaneous facelift
- Deep plane facelift
- Endoscopic facelift
- Eyelid lift
- Lip lift
- Liquid facelift
- Lower facelift
- Mid-facelift
- Mini facelift
- Neck lift
- Non-invasive facelift
- SMAS (superficial muscular aponeurotic system) facelift
- Thread facelift
How Much Does a Facelift Cost?
The national average cost* of a facelift is $8,584, but the cost can range between $4,125 and $13,000. This cost does not include related expenses such as anesthesia and operating room facilities.3
Facelift cost ranges by type
A key variable regarding the cost of a facelift is the type of facelift you choose. Here are the cost ranges for the different types of facelifts:4
| Facelift type | Cost range |
|---|---|
| Awake facelift | $3,221 to $7,596 |
| Brow lift | $325 to $16,7753 |
| Cutaneous facelift | $7,644 to $19,3965 |
| Deep plane facelift | $14,732 to $36,9215 |
| Endoscopic facelift | $7,372 to $17,601 |
| Eyelid lift | $3,500 to $9,2503 |
| Lip lift | $2,409 to $6,144 |
| Liquid facelift | $283 to $4,3893 |
| Lower facelift | $8,790 to $22,416 |
| Mid facelift | $6,453 to $16,375 |
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Average facelift cost by state/district
The price of a facelift can also vary significantly depending on your geographical location and the surgeon's experience. Below is the average cost* of a facelift by all 50 states and the District of Columbia:3
| State/District | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $7,906 |
| Alaska | $7,483 |
| Arizona | $8,913 |
| Arkansas | $11,122 |
| California | $8,412 |
| Colorado | $7,591 |
| Connecticut | $8,912 |
| Delaware | $9,214 |
| District of Columbia | $9,163 |
| Florida | $7,785 |
Does Insurance Cover Facelifts?
Most health insurance companies do not cover facelifts, but many surgeons will offer patient financing, such as the CareCredit credit card.
How Does a Facelift Work?
A traditional facelift procedure is performed under either IV sedation or general anesthesia. The surgeon makes incisions around your ears, your hairline and below your chin or jawline. The skin is then gently pulled away to expose the underlying tissues so the facial muscles and supportive structures can be tightened and excess fat in your neck and jowls can be removed. Once this is complete, the skin is repositioned over your face to look natural. Excess skin is then removed.6
Facelift Recovery Timeline and Expectations
Facelift recovery varies depending on several factors, including the type of facelift procedure or facelift technique, the extent of the work done, your age and your overall state of health.
Your cosmetic surgeon will provide you with aftercare instructions and tell you what concerns to look for at the site of the incisions. You will also be given medications to take orally or apply to the skin.7
You may have a bandage placed around your face to minimize bruising and swelling. Small tubes may be needed to remove excess blood and fluid in the early stages of recovery and healing after a facelift procedure is performed.7
Most people are public-ready or presentable within 10 to 14 days following a facelift, but it can take up to three months for your face to feel normal again.8
Potential Side Effects
Like all procedures, facelifts do carry certain side effects. Having your facelift done by a skilled, board-certified cosmetic surgeon can reduce the possibility of adverse events and complications.
Some side effects of a facelift procedure can include:9
- Fluid accumulation
- Hair loss at the incision sites that may be temporary or permanent
- Infection
- Issues related to anesthesia
- Nerve damage
- Numbness and changes in skin sensation
- Scarring
- Skin color changes
- Swelling
Enhancing Your Appearance With a Facelift
If you're looking to make your face smoother and tighter, a facelift might be right for you. And with different types to choose from, a more youthful facial appearance is within reach. Consult with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon to help you determine the best option based on your goals and budget.
Financing a Facelift With the CareCredit Credit Card
Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for a facelift and related expenses not covered by health insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.
In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?
Author Bio
Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a writer who has been covering health and lifestyle for almost two decades. Her work has appeared in Healthline, Insider, Medical News Today and more.
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