How Much is a Facelift in NYC?

Although the widespread use of social media and advancements in artificial intelligence has made a great deal of knowledge and resources easily accessible to the public, surprisingly the cost of a facelift still remains a mystery for most patients. Many people who are interested in a facelift struggle in their research to find the actual price and what it might entail. It’s difficult to get an accurate understanding because a Google search most often results in prices that seem to be either incredibly low or outrageously high. This discrepancy in pricing is often affected by several different factors that most people are not aware of. In order to know what your facelift might cost, one has to look into what typically goes into the price of a facelift.

New York City remains one of the most sought-after destinations with surgeons charging a premium price for their services. Currently, the average starting price for a mini facelift at Dr. Konstantin Vasyukevich’s Manhattan based-practice is $25,000, while a deep-plane facelift begins at $45,000 and a full facelift at $75,000. These prices reflect Dr. Konstantin’s double-board certification, extensive medical training in facial plastic surgery, and his vast experience with up to 3,000 facelifts completed over the span of 17 years.

Of course, if you live in a different part of the country the cost might be a bit different. For example, according to the recent 2022 statistics report from ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgery), the national average cost of a surgeon’s fee for a facelift in the U.S. is $9,281. When combined with the facility and anesthesia fees, the total is usually higher and can be somewhere between $13,000 – $15,000. This would be a good number to keep in mind when starting your search for a facelift.

What Goes into The Price of A Facelift?

Surgeon’s Qualifications

The qualifications and expertise of a surgeon play a role in the pricing of a facelift. Doctors with more experience performing a particular procedure often charge higher fees. The overall proficiency of a plastic surgeon is evaluated based on several factors such as board certifications, amount of years in practice and the number of facelifts and other procedures performed. Choosing a surgeon who specializes in a procedure of interest will further ensure the quality of results. Doctors specializing in facelifts focus their expertise in this specific procedure and possess the in-depth knowledge, refined skills, and experience necessary to deliver optimal results. All these factors would also contribute to a higher cost.

However, the higher fees don’t always correlate with the quality of results a surgeon can achieve. There are instances when a surgeon becomes widely recognized and sought after or reaches a certain “celebrity status”, and many individuals are willing to pay a premium price for the opportunity to have their facelift performed by that specific doctor. The high cost becomes not only about the quality of the procedure, but based on popular demand and prestige associated with the surgeon’s name. Individuals contemplating a facelift should take into consideration the surgeon’s credentials, experience, patient reviews, before-and-after results and overall satisfaction, rather than being solely swayed by their celebrity status.

The Type of a Facelift

There are different types of facelifts; some are relatively straightforward and fairly short, while others are more complex and take longer to complete. The duration of the surgery and complexity of the type of facelift impact the price. For instance, procedures such as a mini facelift tends to be less costly than more extensive types of facelifts. The reason behind this price difference is that mini facelifts address early signs of aging and minimal facial laxity which involves far less surgery, less tissue manipulation, shorter incisions, and therefore less surgical time. On the other hand, more extensive procedures such as a deep-plane facelift are usually recommended for patients of older age groups that have more advanced signs of aging. These types of facelifts achieve significant rejuvenation utilizing a more invasive and intricate surgical approach, which usually takes longer to perform and therefore increases the price.

The Amount of Skin Laxity

The extent of age-related changes which oftentimes directly correlates with the degree of skin and soft tissue laxity patient’s skin also plays a role in determining the cost of a facelift. Patients with significant laxity usually require more extensive surgical techniques to achieve the desired results. These techniques involve repositioning the underlying tissue, releasing the ligaments, tightening the underlying structures, removing excess skin, and oftentimes removing fat located in the deep compartments of the face and neck. This inevitably means more time spent performing the surgery, which can influence the overall price. For example, a model in their early 30s will probably pay far less for a facelift compared to an aged man with heavy jowls and a sizable “turkey neck”.

Associated Procedures

Naturally, when a facelift is performed with additional enhancements like a neck lift, brow lift, fat grafting, or blepharoplasty, the overall cost increases. When combining these procedures with a facelift, the surgeon must consider multiple factors such as the patient’s individual needs, desired outcome, and overall aesthetic goals. Each of these procedures involves its own set of complexities, requiring additional surgical techniques, expertise, and time, which contribute to the higher price tag.

Surgery Center Facility Fees

The facility where a facelift is performed can also have an impact on the cost. A facelift performed in a private surgical center or an operating room in a doctor’s office could be far less expensive than one done in a hospital. Private surgical centers and doctor’s office facilities are designed specifically for outpatient cosmetic procedures and often have specialized equipment and fully-trained in-house personnel, which contributes to a more cost-effective process. When it comes to a hospital, the typical overhead expenses such as staffing, administration, and maintenance, are generally higher than those of private surgical centers or doctor’s private offices. These factors are reflected in the overall pricing of the facelift procedure.

Type Of Anesthesia

If an anesthesiologist is involved in your facelift, this will increase the cost. Anesthesiologists charge for their services based on the duration of the procedure, so the longer the facelift takes, the higher the cost for their expertise and assistance. On the other hand, if you can have the surgery under local anesthesia, that does not require an anesthesiologist, it can help minimize your expenses. Your surgeon will use local anesthesia to numb the specific area being treated which helps ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. This option eliminates the need for general anesthesia or sedation, therefore reducing costs associated with an anesthesiologist’s fees. However, it’s important to note that the choice of anesthesia should prioritize patient safety and comfort and should be a decision made together with your surgeon.

Geographical Location

Why are facelifts more expensive in some cities than others? The impact of location on the cost of a facelift is often misunderstood. The surgeon’s experience and qualifications rather than location is a big factor here. For instance, a facelift on Park Avenue might be pricier than a similar procedure in a different area of the country, because highly skilled and reputable surgeons tend to open their practices in certain sought-after locations where patients prefer to seek their expertise. As a result, the demand for their services in these prime locations tends to be higher, influencing the cost of the procedure. If you live in or in close proximity to a major metropolitan area you would expect the price to be on a higher side reflecting the expertise of the doctors practicing in this location. In NYC one would see the prices ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 for a facelift performed by an expert.

Evaluating a Facelift Quote 

When looking for a facelift and evaluating quotes from multiple doctors it is essential to look beyond the initial cost and consider all the factors that affect the price. Equipped with a better understanding and knowledge of what goes into the cost of a facelift, patients are going to be more comfortable with choosing their surgeon and more confident moving forward with their facial rejuvenation procedure. Prioritizing the overall value rather than solely focusing on the price ensures that patients make informed decisions and receive the most results for their money.

Following a consultation with Dr. Konstantin Vasyukevich, our patients are presented with a personalized treatment plan and quote. If you are interested in a facelift at our NYC practice, request a consultation online or call (212) 380-3634 to speak to a member of our team.