Facelift surgery often costs more than most people can pay out of pocket. It is important to note that cosmetic surgical procedures are non-medical and do not qualify for insurance coverage.
The surgeon’s fee, hospital or surgical facility fees and anesthesia fees all play a role in the final cost of a facelift. Other expenses include medical tests, post-surgery garments and prescription medications.
Surgeon’s Fees
When deciding on your surgeon, remember that the most skilled plastic surgeons cost more than less-experienced ones. However, it would help to focus on selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon, as this indicates their skill and reputation.
In addition, there are fees associated with the hospital or surgical facility where your surgery takes place. Some surgeons use their operating suite at their practice, which can save you money.
You may also need to pay for blood work or other medical tests before your procedure and prescription medications such as painkillers, antibiotics and anti-nausea medication. Many surgeons offer discounts for combining facelift surgery with other cosmetic procedures, such as eyelid lifts or lip fillers. In addition, consider whether you can use funds from a health savings account or a flexible spending account to pay for your surgery.
Hospital or Surgical Facility Fees
Most health insurance plans do not cover cosmetic surgery. It’s purely cosmetic and elective. You can ask your surgeon for a breakdown of the costs, such as anesthesia, facility fees, and prescriptions required for post-operative care.
It is essential to arrange for someone to drive you home and back after your surgery. It is dangerous to go after surgery due to the effects of pain medication and anesthesia.
If you need more money saved up for your facelift, ask your plastic surgeon if they offer medical loans, different from personal loans from banks and require medical underwriting. They can help you determine the best option based on your needs and budget.
Anesthesia Fees
Regarding facelifts, anesthesia fees account for much of the total cost. The amount will vary based on the surgeon, their experience and location. In addition, the type of anesthesia used will also impact cost. General anesthesia is more expensive than twilight sedation.
Medications and other supplies might be included in the overall surgeon’s fee, or you may need to pay separately. This might consist of prescriptions for pain relievers and anti-inflammatories.
Generally speaking, health insurance won’t cover cosmetic surgery. However, most plastic surgery practices offer financing options that can help make a deep plane facelift more affordable and work within your budget. You can also explore personal loans and healthcare financing programs such as CareCredit and Prosper Healthcare Lending.
Medical Tests
In addition to determining your goals for surgery, the facial plastic surgeon should consider your medical history. This can include any medications you are taking or have taken in the past and your current health and weight.
This information is especially important when considering the location of your facelift. For example, a doctor in a prime urban center may charge more than one in a rural area due to higher living costs and a greater demand for cosmetic surgery.
Most importantly, it is essential to discuss the cost of the procedure with your surgeon. They will provide you with a quote that includes all the fees associated with the process. Then, you can decide if this is within your budget. If not, you can always explore financing options with the surgical practice or healthcare-related finance programs such as CareCredit or Prosper Healthcare Lending.
Prescriptions for Medication
Depending on your surgeon’s recommendation, you may need medication to help reduce pain, swelling or inflammation. You will also need prescriptions for any necessary antibiotics or anti-nausea medications.
A deep plane facelift plastic surgery costs between $15,000 and $30,000. It is more invasive than other surgical options, but its results last longer.
Patients interested in a nonsurgical alternative can opt for a vampire or liquid facelift. These procedures do not require general anesthesia and target areas of the skin that sag due to aging.
Most cosmetic facelift procedures do not qualify for insurance coverage, so the financial burden typically falls on the patient. However, financing options are available if you want to spread the cost of your facelift over time.
Post-Surgical Garments
A facelift can significantly improve your appearance and self-esteem. As with any surgery, there can be complications. Consider all your options and consult a board-certified plastic surgeon before deciding if a facial lift is right for you.
During the consultation, your doctor will examine your facial structure and discuss your goals. Your medical history, current medications and supplements will be reviewed.
You may be recommended to combine your facelift with another procedure, such as a neck lift, eyelid surgery or brow lift. These add-ons can help you achieve your desired results. But they’ll also increase the overall cost of your facelift. And that’s something to keep in mind when budgeting for your procedure.
Other Expenses
In general, health insurance providers do not cover cosmetic procedures. However, you can use medical financing options to help make the process more affordable.
Another important factor to consider is the surgeon’s fee. The surgeon’s experience level, reputation and location will affect the cost. This is because areas with higher demand and fewer qualified plastic surgeons may have higher prices.
Anesthesia fees are also an important consideration. Facelifts are usually performed under general anesthesia in a hospital or surgical facility. This type of anesthesia is typically more costly than IV sedation. You should ask your surgeon if they charge different general and IV sedation rates. This information will be helpful when planning your budget. This will help you understand the cost of a facelift before surgery.