Many people are concerned about the cost of a facelift. However, the good news is that there are many financing options available.
Plastic surgery costs are often impacted by your area’s overall cost of living. You can expect to pay more if you live in a major city with high living standards.
Cost of the Surgery
A facelift surgery in San Francisco is a cosmetic procedure that tightens loose skin, eliminating sagging or wrinkled areas and giving the patient a fresher appearance. These procedures are among the top five cosmetic surgeries performed every year, but they do not come cheap.
Many factors go into determining the cost of a facelift. Generally, the surgeon’s fee is the most significant expense. However, other costs can add up, including anesthesia and operating facility fees. The type of anesthesia used is a factor, as is the surgeon’s level of experience and whether or not they choose to use a general anesthetic or local anesthesia.
The surgeon’s location also has an impact. Generally, larger city surgeons charge more than smaller towns or rural areas. This is partly because in-demand plastic surgeons will likely be found in major metropolitan areas.
A good quality surgeon is always worth the investment. It is better to pay more for a skilled surgeon than to save a little money and end up with botched results that follow you for the rest of your life. Moreover, you will often find that a facelift is less expensive in the long run if you can extend the procedure results with non-surgical treatments such as Botox. These procedures can delay the need for a repeat surgery or additional procedures.
Cost of the Anesthesia
The cost of the anesthesia can be a major factor in the overall cost of a facelift. This can vary by surgeon and whether general or local anesthesia is used. It is also important to consider other associated costs, such as prescriptions, recovery garments, and follow-up visits. In addition, the location of the surgery can influence the price.
The type of facelift also impacts the price. A traditional full facelift, for example, can be more expensive than an SMAS facelift because it covers the entire facial structure. The cost can also increase if the surgeon combines procedures to achieve the patient’s goals. For instance, a surgeon may add a neck lift, eyelid surgery, fat transfer or dermal fillers to a facelift.
Cost of the Facility
As facelifts are considered cosmetic surgery, they’re not typically covered by health insurance. However, many patients finance the procedure through their physician’s office. In that case, comparing interest rates and loan terms is important before moving forward.
The cost of the surgical facility is another factor in the overall price of a facelift. These fees are accumulated for the operating room and other facilities used during recovery. Some facelift surgeries require overnight stays at a hospital or other surgical facility, which can increase the total cost.
In addition, there may be other costs associated with your procedure that you should be prepared for. These can include the cost of medications, supplies, and equipment for your post-op care. These might include prescription painkillers, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and sleep aids. Additional fees for laboratory tests may also be required to determine if you are healthy enough for the operation.
Ultimately, the surgeon’s fee is the biggest factor in determining the cost of a facelift. It’s common for more experienced surgeons to charge higher rates, as they have the expertise and training necessary to achieve natural-looking results. In addition, it’s worth noting that highly skilled plastic surgeons tend to have longer, more comprehensive resumes than their less-experienced counterparts. This translates to lower complication rates and more positive patient outcomes.
Cost of the Surgeon
The surgeon’s experience, education, and reputation play a significant role in the cost of a facelift. A highly regarded, US-trained cosmetic surgeon will charge more than an inexperienced surgeon who may have cheaper facilities and equipment. However, a higher price tag often translates to better safety and results.
The length of the procedure and whether you have any other procedures performed simultaneously will also affect your final costs. For example, many patients elect to have a neck lift or rhinoplasty with a facelift, which can increase the surgical fee. Additionally, if you opt for general anesthesia, it’ll be more expensive than local or intravenous sedation.
A facelift typically involves pulling back a flap of skin and medically altering the tissues underneath to give a more youthful appearance. Loose skin is then removed, and the incisions are stitched closed. A facial plastic surgeon will typically include fat injections and skin resurfacing to address specific signs of aging that are not addressed by a facelift alone, such as fine lines and wrinkles or changes in the quality of the skin.
The best way to determine how much a facelift will cost is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Look for a surgeon you feel comfortable with and with an excellent patient satisfaction track record. If you’re concerned about the cost of a facelift, speak with your surgeon about financing options.