Facelifts have come a long way in the last few years. Many people have taken advantage of the ability to look fabulous at any age, and to experience natural-looking results. However, having surgery is never cheap, and if you're like many of our patients, you are concerned about the costs associated with a quality facelift.
How Much Does a Facelift Cost in San Francisco?
Facelifts can range in price from $20,000 to $90,000. Dr.Larry Fan has performed hundreds of facelifts from his San Francisco office, and the cost for every one of them of them depended on the individual's needs. So to answer the question about how much your facelift will cost depends on many factors.
While you should consult with your plastic surgeon regarding your needs and pricing, these are the five major factors will impact the price range of your facelift procedure.
Factor 1: What Kind of Facelift Do You Need?
The more extensive the procedure, the more work is required. The more work, the longer it takes. The longer it takes to complete your surgery, the greater the costs. So, a full facelift costs more than a mini facelift. If you only receive a brow lift, the cost will be on the lower end of the spectrum, costing anywhere between $10,000-$20,000. Mini facelifts start around $20,000, and full facelifts start around $30,000.
Common Types of Facelifts:
- Full Facelift
- Short Scar Facelift
- Mini Face Lift
- Brow Lift, Eye Lift
- Neck Lift
Keep in mind that the definition of a full facelift or mini facelift varies from doctor to doctor. According to some doctors, a full facelift includes an eye lift and/or brow lift. Other doctors may not include these additional procedures when they speak of a full facelift.
Some surgeons don't perform mini-lifts at all. Others will call a procedure a "mini-lift," so it seems more benign to patients when they are actually doing a full, short-scar facelift and everything in between.
It's important to be educated about the different procedures available. Then, talk to your doctor about what you want to have done and allow him to help you choose the procedure, and how it will be performed. Understanding the type of procedure being done will help you understand the cost that goes into it.
Factor 2: The Geolocation of the Surgeon
Prices can vary widely depending on geography, the surgeon's expertise, business model, anesthesia, individual patient needs, and more. While less important than surgeon expertise, location does impact the cost and should be considered when choosing a doctor.
Top doctors tend to congregate in certain locations, like New York and San Francisco. While they normally charge more, they are also often the leading surgeons in their fields. San Francisco generally sees higher pricing than the national average, it still is not as expensive as New York, where prices are routinely 2-3x the national average.
Factor 3: The Quality and Reputation of the Surgeon
Higher prices don't always translate to better results, and cheaper doesn't always translate to a better deal. Price should not be the ultimate judge of which surgeon you choose to operate on you. In other words, money doesn't directly translate to good or bad results.
When you find a reputable surgeon with a track record of high-quality artistry, you should expect his services to be priced at a premium.
You should choose a surgeon solely on the quality of his work, not just the price of the procedure or location his offices. We recommend comparing 3-4 surgeons before choosing which one you want. Consider all factors, such as experience and reputation, in your choice - not just price.
Factor 4: Additional Procedures
Facelift procedures are often combined with other procedures such as eyelid surgery, brow lifts, fat grafting, rhinoplasty, chin enhancement, facial liposuction, and laser resurfacing. To achieve the best results, some patients may require additional work besides simply lifting facial tissue.
The addition of supplemental procedures will increase the cost of a facelift. A brow or eye lift can mean an additional $8,000 or more.
Factor 5: Associated Costs
There are always extra costs, in addition to the procedure, that should be considered.
Some of those extras may include:
- Anesthesia: Apart from the surgeon, you will also be paying for the expertise of the anesthesiologist. You want to make sure they are board certified and are experts in what they do.
- Facility: Facelift surgery can be performed in the hospital or outpatient surgery center. An overnight stay is sometimes required. The cost can vary depending on facility chosen and length of stay. You want to make sure the facility you choose is properly certified and accredited to meet national safety standards.
- Aftercare, medication, supplies, and/or equipment: Your post-op care will require you to pay for pain and/or anti-inflammatory medications, personal assistance, wound care and dressings, and a postoperative caregiver, if other arrangements haven't been made.
- Lab tests/results: Each surgeon has a different standard for what a good candidate for a facelift actually is. Labs may be needed before to determine the health of an individual, especially if you're over the age of 50 or if there are any preexisting conditions that need to be considered.
- Transportation: Patients are not able to drive themselves for at least the first week. Driving with caution may be allowed in about 7 to 10 days after the operation. Because of these restrictions, patients may want to use a transportation service.
Never Choose a Surgeon Based on Price Alone
For the most part, you will find the best cosmetic plastic surgeons are closely comparable on price. Top surgeons do usually charge more and are in higher demand because of their skill and the results they deliver. So while pricing is a consideration, especially for the budget conscious, make sure you are choose a surgeon based on their ability to deliver the results you want safely.
It's better to pay a bit more than to seek out the cheapest option and be disappointed in the results. We are talking about surgery on your face, after all.
Beyond reputation, you need a surgeon you can trust. Find the one that makes you feel the most comfortable, in whom you have the most confidence. Ask them a lot of questions, and make sure you're comfortable with the plan, the costs, and the expectations.
If you find a doctor you like that you feel you can't afford, ask them about financing. For many patients,financing a facelift is the best way to have a quality doctor, while also keeping the payments to an amount they can afford.
While Dr. Fan is based in San Francisco, anyone can request a virtual consultation, even if you live across the country. This will give you a good idea of the procedures that may be a good best fit for you. Then, if you are a good candidate for a facelift, you can schedule an in-person consultation to discuss the best procedures for you, and the costs associated.
