Why Does a Face Lift Have to Cost So Much Money?

One of the main factors is that you have to make sure you are comparing apples with apples.

For example if a 60 year old woman goes to an experienced face lift surgeon she may receive a shocking face lift estimate of $25-30k but this will include:

Brow lift
Eyelid lift
Facial fat grafting to multiple regions
Deep plane face lift
Neck lift with platysmaplasty

The same woman may go to one of the face lift Mills that advertise on TV and may get a price quote for $5k for a ‘face lift’.  This may seem like a great deal but when you break it down:

Brow lift → not performed
Eyelid lift → not performed
Facial fat grafting → not performed
Deep plane face lift →  not performed (a mini lift performed instead)
Neck lift with platysmaplasty → not performed

The cost of a Facelift is at a certain level for a variety of reasons, starting with the training and expertise of the Surgeon performing the procedure.  As previously mentioned, one also has to factor in the cost of the facility, supplies, anesthesia, and after care involved.  Consider that it is "your face", and you are free to see a Surgeon simply because cost is lower.  However, I will caution you from examples on this website and from my own anecdotal experience that patients who decide purely on cost often end up regretful and unhappy.  A simple formula to consider: Cheap Facelift + revision is much more expensive that a well performed primary Facelift.  Facelifts results are not necessarily transferable from Surgeon to Surgeon as is often advertised.

Most of my patients are not "the rich" they are hard working individuals who feel strongly about investing in their appearance.  Many of my patients have saved for years to be able to afford the operation.  Think of it in terms of an investment that is spaced out over many years.  We all make choices in terms of clothing, hair, jewelry, makeup, cars, etc. based on our priorities.  If this is a priority for you, develop a plan to make it happen.  For those who are struggling to survive, then cosmetic surgery (or most indulgences) are not a good idea.

Once you get to the point of deciding to have something like a facelift done, get several consultations and make your choice based on who you trust will take the best care of you and give you the results you desire, not on cost.  If the surgeon you prefer is out of your range, try to work out financing or negotiate terms that will work for you.  I would discourage you from settling for less when it comes to your face.

If your question is really asking why a facelift must cost what it does, consider that those of us who practice in the art of plastic surgery value are work not just for the labor but for the knowledge it takes to perform the procedure properly and with invisible incisions and the effort it has taken for us to dedicate our lives to this pursuit.  

Each surgeon has within them only a limited number of this type of operation in their career.  Most surgeons support a practice with employees, rent, and extensive overhead.  This operation is not just something someone "whips up" but takes time in pre-operative planning, about 4 hours during surgery (when performing a proper lift with SMAS lifting and neck/platysmal work) and multiple visits postoperatively for proper after care.  Additionally, an anesthesiologist and surgery center with well-trained staff also contribute to the cost of the operation and are generally non-negotiable.

The bottom line is, like many things in life, something valuable costs more.  The reason a facelift is valuable is because not just anybody can perform it right, and those who can work very hard to continue to be able to do it.