2026 Pricing Data
Facelift Cost in 2026
National Average Estimate
$8,005
Typical range: $7,000 – $15,000
Recovery
14–28 days
Risk Level
Moderate
Duration
120–300 min
Clinical Insight
Typically considered elective — plan on out-of-pocket payment.
Understanding the Investment
Key Takeaways
- National average: $8,005 (range: $7,000–$15,000)
- Insurance: Not Covered — Facelifts are considered purely cosmetic and are never covered by insurance.
- Recovery: 14–28 days typical downtime
- Biggest cost driver: Facility type — outpatient centers can be 30–50% less than hospitals
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, reduces visible signs of aging in the face and neck. Women account for over 90% of facelift procedures, though its popularity is increasing among men. During this procedure, the surgeon repositions underlying tissues, removes excess skin, and tightens muscles to create a smoother, more youthful appearance.
The surgeon's fee is the largest component of the total cost, reflecting their skill and experience. Facility fees also significantly impact the overall price, as the operating room and related services add to the expense. Keep in mind that prices vary by region, with costs being substantially higher in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami.
Explore less-invasive alternatives like thread lifts or volume replacement with fillers if you're on a budget. These can provide noticeable improvements at a lower price point, though the results may not be as dramatic or long-lasting. A neck lift is often performed alongside a facelift for a more comprehensive rejuvenation. For upper face concerns, a brow lift can complement your facelift results. Confirm all costs with your provider before scheduling.
Interactive Cost Breakdown
Where does your money go?
Typical allocation for a facelift procedure at the national average price point.
Surgeon Fee
50% of total · $2,801-$5,203
$2,801-$5,203
Plastic surgeon professional fee
Facility Fee
25% of total · $1,400-$2,601
$1,400-$2,601
Surgical facility or hospital OR
Anesthesia
10% of total · $560-$1,040
$560-$1,040
Anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist
Supplies & Garments
8% of total · $448-$832
$448-$832
Surgical supplies, drains, compression garments
Follow-Up Care
7% of total · $392-$728
$392-$728
Post-operative visits and care
Go Deeper
Facelift Guides
Regional Variance
Facelift Cost by State
Geographic location plays a significant role — cost-of-living adjustments, regional demand for top specialists, and facility competition all affect pricing.
Most Affordable
5 Cheapest States
- Mississippi $7,084-11.5%
- West Virginia $7,188-10.2%
- Alabama $7,245-9.5%
- Arkansas $7,301-8.8%
- Missouri $7,349-8.2%
Premium Markets
5 Most Expensive States
- Hawaii $9,318+16.4%
- California $9,070+13.3%
- New York $9,030+12.8%
- Massachusetts $8,926+11.5%
- District of Columbia $8,846+10.5%
Cheaper
Pricier
State-by-State Pricing Atlas
Click any state to see detailed pricing, regional cost factors, and top cities.
Facelift Cost in All 50 States
Already seen the cheapest and most expensive? Expand the full sortable table to compare every state.
Show all 50 states (sortable) Hide all 50 states
| State ▲▼ | Avg Cost ▲▼ | vs National ▲▼ | |
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| Alabama | $7,245 | -9.5% | |
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| Alaska | $8,701 | +8.7% | |
| Arizona | $8,069 | +0.8% | |
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| Arkansas | $7,301 | -8.8% | |
| California | $9,070 | +13.3% | |
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| Colorado | $8,421 | +5.2% | |
| Connecticut | $8,789 | +9.8% | |
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| Delaware | $8,205 | +2.5% | |
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| District of Columbia | $8,846 | +10.5% | |
| Florida | $8,029 | +0.3% | |
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| Georgia | $7,845 | -2.0% | |
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| Hawaii | $9,318 | +16.4% | |
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| Idaho | $7,781 | -2.8% | |
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| Illinois | $8,101 | +1.2% | |
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| Indiana | $7,669 | -4.2% | |
| Iowa | $7,645 | -4.5% | |
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| Kansas | $7,589 | -5.2% | |
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| Kentucky | $7,389 | -7.7% | |
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| Louisiana | $7,461 | -6.8% | |
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| Maine | $8,309 | +3.8% | |
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| Maryland | $8,549 | +6.8% | |
| Massachusetts | $8,926 | +11.5% | |
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| Michigan | $7,965 | -0.5% | |
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| Minnesota | $8,285 | +3.5% | |
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| Mississippi | $7,084 | -11.5% | |
| Missouri | $7,349 | -8.2% | |
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| Montana | $7,805 | -2.5% | |
| Nebraska | $7,725 | -3.5% | |
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| Nevada | $8,045 | +0.5% | |
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| New Hampshire | $8,445 | +5.5% | |
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| New Jersey | $8,765 | +9.5% | |
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| New Mexico | $7,509 | -6.2% | |
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| New York | $9,030 | +12.8% | |
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| North Carolina | $7,909 | -1.2% | |
| North Dakota | $7,621 | -4.8% | |
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| Ohio | $7,869 | -1.7% | |
| Oklahoma | $7,429 | -7.2% | |
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| Oregon | $8,605 | +7.5% | |
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| Pennsylvania | $8,149 | +1.8% | |
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| Rhode Island | $8,389 | +4.8% | |
| South Carolina | $7,485 | -6.5% | |
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| South Dakota | $7,749 | -3.2% | |
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| Tennessee | $7,541 | -5.8% | |
| Texas | $7,701 | -3.8% | |
| Utah | $7,941 | -0.8% | |
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| Vermont | $8,365 | +4.5% | |
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| Virginia | $8,261 | +3.2% | |
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| Washington | $8,581 | +7.2% | |
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| West Virginia | $7,188 | -10.2% | |
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| Wisconsin | $7,989 | -0.2% | |
| Wyoming | $7,565 | -5.5% | |
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What Drives Price
Primary Pricing Factors
Three variables explain most of the cost variation you'll see across the same procedure.
Lift technique — deep plane facelifts cost more than SMAS or mini-lifts due to longer OR time and higher skill requirements
Extent of correction — full face-and-neck lifts run significantly more than lower face only
Combination procedures — adding blepharoplasty, brow lift, or fat transfer increases the total
Timeline
The Road to Results
Recovery is an investment of time. Understanding the phases helps you plan downtime and set expectations.
Before your facelift, you'll have consultations to discuss your goals and medical history. You may need blood tests or a medical evaluation. Be prepared to stop taking certain medications, like blood thinners, and avoid smoking for several weeks before surgery to promote healing.
On the day of your facelift, you'll likely receive general anesthesia, so arrange for a ride home. The procedure typically takes 2–5 hours, during which the surgeon will lift and tighten facial muscles and remove excess skin. After surgery, expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Pain medication will help, and keeping your head elevated is important.
The first 24–48 hours are crucial for rest. Full recovery takes 2–4 weeks. Bruising and swelling will gradually subside. You'll need to schedule follow-up appointments to monitor healing and remove sutures. Plan to take at least two weeks off from work and avoid strenuous activities for a month. Remember that results gradually improve over several months as swelling fully resolves.
01
Initial Recovery
14 days
Light activity, follow-up appointment. Most visible changes in this window.
02
Full Recovery
28 days
Return to normal activities, including most exercise and work routines.
03
Procedure Itself
120–300 min
Typical time under anesthesia or active treatment for a standard case.
Coverage & Financing
Paying for Facelift
Not Covered by InsuranceFacelifts are considered purely cosmetic and are never covered by insurance.
Financing Options
- Third-party financing — companies like CareCredit let you spread $8,005 across monthly payments with promotional 0% interest
- In-house installments — ask your surgeon's office about splitting the cost into manageable monthly payments before your procedure
- Pre-tax health accounts — purely cosmetic cases are not HSA/FSA-eligible, but procedures with a medical component may qualify
- Upfront payment savings — many practices offer 10-20% off for patients who pay in full before the procedure date
- Employer benefits — some employers offer medical spending programs or supplemental coverage that can offset out-of-pocket costs
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does facelift cost in 2026?
In 2026, facelift costs $8,005 on average across the US. The typical range runs $7,000 to $15,000, with your final price shaped by geographic location, provider experience, and facility choice.
Does insurance cover facelift?
Insurance coverage for facelift is classified as: Not Covered. Facelifts are considered purely cosmetic and are never covered by insurance.
What's the cheapest state for facelift?
If price is your priority, look at Mississippi ($7,084), West Virginia ($7,188), Alabama ($7,245). Lower overhead costs for medical practices in these states translate to lower procedure pricing.
What affects facelift cost?
Several factors determine your final facelift price: lift technique, extent of correction, combination procedures, along with your surgeon's experience level and where you have the procedure done. See our state-by-state comparison above for geographic pricing differences.
How long is recovery after facelift?
Most patients need 14 to 28 days to fully recover from facelift. Early recovery (days 1-14) focuses on rest and pain management. By day 28, most people are back to full activity. Budget for post-op medications and follow-up visits during this window.
Where is facelift most expensive?
The most expensive states for facelift are Hawaii ($9,318), California ($9,070), New York ($9,030). Higher costs of living and demand for specialists drive prices up in these areas.