What is the cost of a facelift?

          There are three factors which contribute to the cost of facelift surgery:  1) the surgeon's fee, 2) the anesthesiology fee, and 3) the hospital or outpatient surgery fee.  The fees vary from one region of the country to another.  The cost usually ranges from 5,000 to 15,000 dollars.

What type of anesthesia is used for facelift surgery?

          Facelift surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia (you are completely asleep) or local anesthesia with intravenous sedation.

Where is the surgery performed?

          The surgery can be performed in a hospital, outpatient surgery center, or office surgical facility.  Most patients can go home the same day.  However, an overnight stay may be needed in some situations.

How long does a facelift last?

          This depends on the individual and his or her lifestyle.  You will still continue to age after a facelift.  Some patients do opt for additional surgery at a later time.  In general, a facelift will last in a range of 5 to 10 years.

Is there anything I need to do prior to my surgery?

          Two of the most important things to do prior to your surgery is to avoid smoking and medication which can cause you to bleed (aspirin, ibuprofen, advil, motrin).  Smoking has been shown to increase your chance of poor wound healing.  This can lead to necrosis (death) of the skin edges and consequently unsightly scars, skin loss, and hair loss.  As for medications which cause you to bleed freely, you must be off all aspirin containing medications for two weeks prior to your surgery and two weeks after your surgery.  It is also prudent to avoid medications like ibuprofen, advil, or motrin.  These medications can also affect your body's ability to stop bleeding.

Disclaimer:  This informational facelift web site is intended solely to provide a basic understanding of facelift surgery.  The views on facelift surgery shared by the author may differ from the views on facelift surgery of your plastic surgeon.  Results from facelift surgery can vary from one person to another.  This facelift web site is in no way a guarantee or warranty of the results you may obtain with facelift surgery.  For additional information on facelift surgery contact your Plastic Surgeon or the American Society of Plastic Surgery.  Thank you for your interest in facelift surgery.