How much does a facelift cost?

$10,000–$25,000 surgeon fee + anesthesia ($2,000–$4,000) + facility ($1,500–$3,000). Adding necklift, blepharoplasty, or fat grafting increases total cost.

At what age should I get a facelift?

There is no ideal age — when facial aging is bothersome and the anatomical changes (jowling, neck laxity) are present. Most patients have their first facelift in their mid-50s to 60s. Having a facelift preventively when changes are subtle produces less meaningful improvement than waiting.

Can a facelift be combined with other procedures?

Facelifts are commonly combined with necklift, blepharoplasty, browlift, fat grafting, CO2 laser resurfacing, and other procedures. Discuss the risks and benefits of combination surgery with your surgeon.

How long do facelift results last?

A well-performed SMAS facelift typically lasts 7–12 years — aging continues, but results remain visible and meaningful. Many patients choose a maintenance procedure 10–15 years after their first.

Facelift Surgery — Find Trusted Plastic Surgery Professionals

What Is Facelift Surgery?

A facelift addresses jowling, neck laxity, and midface descent through surgical repositioning of the SMAS layer — delivering results that non-surgical treatments cannot replicate.

What a Facelift Treats

Jowling (tissue descent creating jawline irregularity), neck laxity and platysmal banding, and nasolabial and marionette lines from descent rather than volume loss. It does not improve skin quality, eyelid changes, or brow position — additional procedures may be needed for comprehensive rejuvenation.

SMAS Techniques

Modern facelifts address the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) for longer-lasting, more natural results than older skin-only techniques. SMAS plication, imbrication, or SMASectomy are different approaches — ask your surgeon about their specific technique and rationale.

Mini vs. Full Facelift

Mini facelift: shorter incisions, addresses early jowling in patients late 40s to mid-50s with mild laxity. Full facelift: more comprehensive for significant jowling, neck laxity, or descent — more comprehensive and longer-lasting results. Anatomy-dependent decision.

Recovery

Most visible bruising and swelling resolve in 3 weeks. Return to work: 2–3 weeks. Social presentability: 3–4 weeks. Final results: 3–6 months. SMAS technique results typically last 7–10+ years.

What to Look for in a Plastic Surgery Provider

Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) specifically — verify at abplasticsurgery.org
Hospital privileges at a Joint Commission-accredited facility
Accredited surgical facility (AAAASF, AAAHC, or Medicare-certified) for in-office procedures
Substantial before/after portfolio of your specific procedure
No disciplinary actions on your state's medical board website
Realistic, procedure-specific quotes — not vague 'starting at' prices

Professional Facelift Surgery