Facelift surgery, also known as rhytidectomy involves the removal of excess facial skin and the tightening of underlying muscle. Facelifts can address excess skin, deep wrinkles and jowls. This procedure can be an option for individuals looking to combat the effects of ageing and alter their overall facial appearance. The cost of Facelift surgery can vary significantly below we detail why.
Download our 2023 Facelift Guide
This complete guide to Facelift Surgery covers everything you need to know about this procedure, including:
- Your surgery explained
- How to assess if you are a good candidate.
- Planning for your surgery
- Answers to most frequently asked questions.
- Before and after gallery
- Learn more about Facelift Surgery
How much does Facelift surgery cost in Melbourne?
The facelift surgery cost can vary significantly; from around $10,500 to $15,000 for a low-cost procedure with a less experienced Doctor or Surgeon, to approx. $15,000 to $30,000 with an experienced FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) Plastic Surgeon, and could be more than $40,000 to $70,000 for more complex procedures involving an experienced Specialist Plastic Surgeon who performs complex Facial Rejuvenation procedures.
Finding a specific price range or figure for this surgery can be difficult. This is because the cost of a Facelift surgery can vary according to a number of factors. The surgical approach/technique, your chosen surgeon and the hospital where your surgery is performed may all impact on price.
Why do Facelift prices vary?
The cost of Facelift surgery depends not just on your Surgeon’s qualifications, but also on what you need to be corrected. The face is divided into thirds, making facelift a procedure that is tailor-made to suit the patients’ needs and wants. The cost of Facelift surgery will often vary depending on 6 important factors:
1. Who is performing your surgery?
Before deciding on a Surgeon, you should consider their:
- Professional accreditations and training qualifications
- Technical abilities
- Surgical experience and skills (how many procedures have they performed?)
2. What is included in your surgery quote/price estimate?
Not every surgery quote may include all of the necessary aspects of your Facelift surgery, such as anaesthetic costs, facility fees, post-operative care, surgery garments, medication, recovery aids and more. Therefore, be sure to review your price estimate, otherwise, you may be hit with unexpected expenses. It may also be helpful to ask:
- What type of anaesthetic or local pain management is going to be used to help reduce discomfort?
- Where will my scars be located and how will they be treated?
- Is scar minimisation/management included in the cost of surgery?
3. When will your surgery be performed?
- If you are planning surgery several months or more in advance, be aware that prices may change.
- As a result, we recommend speaking to a member of our reception/a> about changing hospital fees etc.
4. Where will your surgery be performed?
- Will you be under General Anaesthetic in a hospital or under Local Anaesthetic in a clinic back room?
- Using local anaesthetic and sedatives in a day clinic may lessen the cost of your surgery but lead to increased discomfort or higher risks
- Do you want to be ‘awake’ during your procedure or under general anaesthesia with an overnight hospital stay for pain management?
5. Why are you having the procedure?
Facelift procedures are deemed purely cosmetic and cannot be claimed with Medicare or Health Funds.
6. How will your procedure be planned and performed?
How long is your procedure going to take? Is it fully customised? Facelift surgery usually takes approximately 2-5 hours depending on the complexity of the procedure and length of time required to perform it. More complex Facelift procedures often require a greater level of pre-surgery planning, surgical skill and theatre time, therefore resulting in a higher cost.
Average prices for Facelift Surgery
Below is an estimate of the range of Facelift surgery prices in Melbourne, however, figures are not exact. All patients require a consultation to get a detailed and accurate assessment of requirements and surgery options.
1. Low-Cost Facelift Prices – prices typically range from just $10,500 to $15,000
Low-cost surgery is typically performed by a general surgeon or General Practitioner without RACS (Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) recognition in a clinic backroom using ‘awake’ or “twilight’ anaesthetic. Surgery in this price range will not be carried out by an Accredited Plastic Surgeon in a Hospital, and General Anaesthetic typically is not used. It may also be a “Skin incision only” or a Facial laser treatment NOT full Facelift Surgery.
As a result, the procedure may not be fully customised to address your concerns and your ‘Surgeon’ may not have hospital admitting rights should something not go to plan. Also, patients may experience unexpected out-of-pocket costs, limited post-operative care and no recovery aids or surgical scar management.
If you’re considering backroom surgery options to reduce Facelift Surgery, we recommend you view the ABC 4 Corners special report on back-room operations.
2. Mid-Range Facelift Prices – prices typically range from $15,000 to $30,000
Generally, Facelift surgery by an experienced, FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) recognised Plastic Surgeon can range from $13,000 to $20,000 or even higher. However, surgery costs can vary depending on what you need. Your Surgeon’s qualifications and other factors such as the below should be considered:
- Patient follow-up care standards and post-surgery recovery aids
- garments required after surgery for good results
- review post-op appointments
3. Premium Facelift Prices – prices are typically $30,000 and up to $70k+
Advanced and fully customised Facelift Surgery that is planned and performed by a highly-experienced, FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) Plastic Surgeon can cost anywhere from $30,000 or more, depending on who you choose and their facility/staffing costs and your Surgeon’s surgery fees, as well as the complexity of your operation and follow-up care.
Read about our Melbourne Facelift Surgeon.
Choosing a qualified Facelift Surgeon
- Remember, all cosmetic surgery is invasive and has risks.
- Never accept a one-size-fits-all approach. A fully customised procedure is essential for a long-lasting, successful result.
Be sure to choose a Surgeon who:
- Has FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) recognition.
- Fully customises every surgery procedure to meet your specific skin condition, surgical preferences and desired result.
- Communications openly about what surgery can and cannot achieve.
- Provides you with all information about potential surgery risks and surgery recovery times.
- Listens and respects your views.
- Gives experienced care and science-based advice.
