You’ve spent weeks researching techniques, studying before-and-after galleries, and imagining what a refreshed version of yourself might look like. But every time you sit down to seriously consider a facelift, one question pulls you back: how much is this actually going to cost?
A facelift requires a considerable financial investment, especially for a procedure that will change your appearance. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 79,058 facelifts were performed in 2024, with demand holding steady even during economic uncertainty. That tells you something important: patients who do their homework consistently decide this investment is worth it.
At Artisan Plastic Surgery in Atlanta, our board-certified surgeons bring years of experience in facial rejuvenation to every consultation. As Atlanta’s first all-woman physician plastic surgery practice, we believe you deserve complete transparency about what a facelift costs, what drives that price, and how to make your investment work within your budget.
Quick Facts
- The ASPS reports a facelift surgeon fee range of $12,000 to $19,000 for 2024, but total all-inclusive costs in Atlanta typically range from $7,500 for a mini facelift to $28,000 or more for a deep plane facelift
- Surgeon experience and technique account for 60 to 70 percent of your total cost, making credentials the single biggest price variable
- A deep plane facelift may cost more upfront but often delivers the best long-term value because its results tend to be the most durable of any facelift technique
- Always request an itemized quote that separates surgeon fees, anesthesia, facility charges, and post-operative care before comparing prices
- Financing through Alphaeon Credit, Cherry, or CareCredit can make facial rejuvenation accessible with manageable monthly payments
How Much Does a Facelift Cost in Atlanta?
We understand that cost is often the biggest source of anxiety for patients considering facial rejuvenation. The numbers you find online can feel confusing, and for good reason.
The national average surgeon fee for a facelift is $12,000 to $19,000 according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons 2024 data. But that figure covers only the surgeon’s fee, not the total cost. When you add anesthesia, facility fees, and post-operative care, the all-inclusive price looks quite different.
Atlanta sits in a mid-range market for plastic surgery, more affordable than New York City or Los Angeles while still offering you access to highly experienced board-certified surgeons. Here’s what you can expect to pay for each facelift type in the Atlanta metro area.
| Facelift Type | Atlanta Cost Range (All-Inclusive) | National Average (Surgeon Fee Only) |
|---|---|---|
| Mini Facelift | $7,500 – $15,500 | $7,525 |
| SMAS Facelift | $12,000 – $18,000 | $10,700 – $13,574 |
| Deep Plane Facelift | $15,000 – $28,000 | $17,200 |
| Full Facelift + Neck Lift | $14,000 – $36,000 | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Neck Lift (Standalone) | $6,000 – $13,000 | $7,885 |
What Factors Affect the Cost of Your Facelift?
If you’ve noticed that facelift prices seem to vary wildly from one practice to the next, you’re right. Understanding why helps you evaluate quotes with confidence instead of confusion.
Surgeon experience and credentials account for 60 to 70 percent of the total facelift cost. A board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced facelift training commands higher fees, but that expertise translates to safer procedures, more predictable outcomes, and results that last.
The surgical technique directly affects your price. A mini facelift requires less operative time than a deep plane procedure, which involves releasing and repositioning deeper tissue layers.
Here’s what else shapes your final number:
- Anesthesia type: local with IV sedation ($1,000 to $2,000) costs significantly less than general anesthesia ($2,000 to $3,000+)
- Facility fees ($2,000 to $5,000) vary based on whether surgery takes place in a hospital, ambulatory surgical center, or accredited private surgical suite
- Combination procedures, like adding a neck lift or blepharoplasty, increase cost but may save up to 30 percent compared to scheduling each separately
How Do Facelift Costs Compare by Procedure Type?
Choosing between facelift types can feel overwhelming, especially when the price difference between options spans thousands of dollars. Here’s what to keep in mind: the right procedure isn’t always the least expensive one or the most costly one. It’s the one that matches your anatomy, your goals, and your timeline.
Mini facelifts target early aging in the lower face and jowls with shorter operative time and faster recovery. They’re ideal if you’re in your 40s to early 50s with good skin elasticity and mild to moderate laxity.
Traditional SMAS facelifts address the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (the deeper tissue layer beneath the skin) for moderate aging, providing longer-lasting correction than a mini facelift. Deep plane facelifts release and reposition even deeper tissue layers for the most comprehensive and durable rejuvenation available.
At Artisan Plastic Surgery, our facial rejuvenation specialists offer three levels of care, from surgical facelifts and minimally invasive FaceTite to noninvasive options like RF microneedling and injectables, allowing your surgeon to customize a plan that fits both your aesthetic goals and your budget.
| Facelift Type | Cost Range | Cost Per Year | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Facelift | $7,500 – $15,500 | $1,500-$5,167 | Early aging, mild jowling |
| SMAS Facelift | $12,000 – $18,000 | $1,200 – $2,100 | Moderate aging, midface and jowls |
| Deep Plane Facelift | $15,000 – $28,000 | $1,300 – $2,000 | Advanced aging, natural long-lasting results |
| Lower Face + Neck Lift | $14,000 – $36,000 | $1,500 – $3,000 | Jowls, jawline, and neck |
Claudia, who had a lower face and neck lift, shared her experience:
“I could not be more pleased! She and her entire staff are truly wonderful people! They all made my experience rewarding! My results are better than expected!”
What Is Included in Your Facelift Quote?
The fear of hidden fees is one of the most common concerns we hear from patients considering facial rejuvenation. Knowing exactly what to ask for takes that anxiety off the table.
A complete surgical quote should itemize four categories: surgeon fees, anesthesia fees, operating room or facility fees, and post-operative care. Some practices bundle everything into one all-inclusive price, while others quote only the surgeon fee. Always ask for the total.
Pre-operative costs are sometimes separate from the surgical quote. These may include your consultation fee, lab work, medical clearance, and pre-operative vitamins.
Post-operative costs add $500 to $2,000+ depending on the practice. These typically cover:
- Follow-up visits and post-operative monitoring
- Prescription medications and pain management
- Compression garments
- Scar treatments and post-operative facials
- Lymphatic massage sessions
Our team believes in transparency throughout your surgical experience. During your consultation, you’ll receive a detailed breakdown of all costs, from pre-operative preparation through post-operative facials and follow-up care, so you can plan your investment with confidence.
Carol, who had a lower face and neck lift, described the comprehensive care she received:
“The whole process included pre op vitamins and post op included very helpful facials and products to make the recovery so easy and painless. Dr Alexander is a perfectionist and her work was flawless.”
How Does Atlanta Compare to Other Cities for Facelift Pricing?
It’s natural to wonder whether you’d save money by traveling to a different city or even abroad. The short answer: Atlanta offers excellent value without the tradeoffs.
Facelift costs vary by as much as 300 percent between U.S. regions, driven by overhead costs, local competition, and market demand rather than differences in surgical quality. The Southeast generally offers prices 20 to 40 percent below coastal cities while maintaining the same safety standards and board certification requirements.
| City/Region | Full Facelift Range (All-Inclusive) |
|---|---|
| New York City | $20,000 – $80,000+ |
| Los Angeles | $15,000 – $50,000+ |
| San Francisco | $15,000 – $40,000 |
| Atlanta | $12,000 – $28,000 |
| Chicago | $12,000 – $25,000 |
| Houston / Dallas | $10,000 – $22,000 |
| Southeast (smaller markets) | $8,000 – $15,000 |
What Are the Hidden Costs of Facelift Surgery?
Even with a detailed surgical quote in hand, there are costs that rarely appear on the itemized list. Knowing about them in advance prevents frustration later.
Time off work is one of the largest hidden costs. Most facelift patients need 10 to 14 days away from their job, and deep plane patients may need two to three weeks. That’s lost income most people don’t factor into the price.
Post-surgical supplies add up faster than you’d expect. Aquaphor, arnica supplements, cold compresses, and an elevated sleeping pillow typically run $100 to $300.
Here are the other hidden costs to plan for:
- A caregiver for the first 48 to 72 hours after surgery, either a family member or hired help
- Pre-operative requirements like medical clearance, bloodwork, and EKG ($200 to $500)
- Revision surgery, while uncommon, can cost 20-30 percent more than the original procedure
- Travel and accommodation if your surgeon isn’t local
What Is the Long-Term Value of a Facelift Compared to Non-Surgical Alternatives?
Here’s where the math gets interesting. A facelift is a one-time investment that can deliver results lasting for years, while non-surgical maintenance requires ongoing spending of $2,000 to $4,000+ annually to sustain its effects.
Over a 10-year period, cumulative non-surgical treatments can exceed $25,000 to $50,000 while delivering less dramatic and temporary results. A facelift is a one-time investment that permanently repositions tissue. Non-surgical options require ongoing maintenance to sustain their effects.
Our surgeons offer both surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation options, including FaceTite, RF microneedling, BOTOX®, and dermal fillers at our Artisan Beaute med spas. During your consultation, your surgeon can help you weigh the short-term and long-term value of each approach for your specific goals.
| Approach | Upfront Cost | Annual Maintenance | 10-Year Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deep Plane Facelift | $15,000 – $28,000 | None | $15,000 – $28,000 |
| Mini Facelift | $7,500 – $15,500 | None (may need revision at 3-5 yrs) | $7,500 – $31,000 |
| BOTOX + Fillers | $2,000 – $5,000/year | $2,000 – $5,000/year | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Thread Lift | $2,000 – $4,000/session | Repeat every 1-3 years | $8,000 – $30,000 |
| RF Skin Tightening | $1,500 – $4,000/session | 1-2 sessions/year | $15,000 – $40,000 |
How Can You Finance Your Facelift?
If the upfront cost feels out of reach right now, you’re not alone. Most health insurance plans don’t cover elective cosmetic facelifts, making financing essential for many patients.
Three leading medical financing options are widely accepted at plastic surgery practices, and each works differently. Cherry stands out with true 0% APR options, a soft credit check that doesn’t impact your credit score, an 80%+ approval rate, and plans up to 60 months.
CareCredit offers 0% deferred interest for six to 24 months, but charges retroactive interest (up to 32.99% APR) if the balance isn’t paid in full before the promotional period ends. That’s an important distinction.
Some patients combine financing with savings or use a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) for eligible portions of their care.
Artisan Plastic Surgery partners with Alphaeon Credit, Cherry, and CareCredit to offer flexible payment plans that make facial rejuvenation accessible. Our financing page provides details on each option so you can find the plan that fits your budget.
| Financing Option | APR / Promo Terms | Credit Check | Max Credit Line | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry | True 0% APR options; 5.99%+ otherwise | Soft pull (no credit impact) | Up to $50,000 | 80%+ approval rate, pay-in-4 option |
| Alphaeon Credit | Promo on $250+; standard 32.99% | Soft pre-qualification | Up to $25,000 | No annual fee, wide acceptance |
| CareCredit | 0% deferred interest 6-24 mo; | Hard pull | Varies | Widely accepted at healthcare providers nationwide |
How Do You Compare Facelift Quotes from Different Surgeons?
This might be the most important section in this entire guide. Knowing how to evaluate quotes protects you from both overpaying and, more dangerously, underpaying for a less experienced surgeon.
The single most important step is requesting an itemized quote from every surgeon you consult. One that separates surgeon fees, anesthesia, facility, and post-op care. Then compare the specific techniques each surgeon recommends, not just the bottom-line number.
A lower-cost SMAS facelift and a higher-cost deep plane facelift are fundamentally different procedures with different outcomes and longevity. Comparing them by price alone is like comparing a sedan to an SUV by sticker price alone.
Here’s your quote comparison checklist:
- Gather quotes from two to three board-certified plastic surgeons (verify ABPS certification)
- Review each surgeon’s before-and-after gallery, focusing on patients similar to you
- Request itemized breakdowns separating surgeon, anesthesia, facility, and post-op costs
- Compare the techniques recommended, ensuring you’re comparing the same type of procedure
- Ask about revision policies, included follow-up visits, and what happens if complications arise
- Evaluate the consultation experience itself: did the surgeon listen, answer questions, and avoid high-pressure tactics?
Our consultations are designed to be educational and pressure-free. Your surgeon takes time to understand your unique goals and anatomy before recommending a customized treatment plan, and our team provides a complete, transparent cost breakdown so you can compare with confidence.
Red Flags in Facelift Pricing
- Quotes significantly below $10,000 for a full facelift (may indicate lack of experience or non-accredited facility)
- Vague or non-itemized quotes that bundle everything into one number without detail
- High-pressure sales tactics or financial incentives to book immediately
- Upselling unnecessary combination procedures during the consultation
- The surgeon is not board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Your Consultation and Next Steps
A facelift consultation typically includes a physical examination of your face and neck, a discussion of your goals and medical history, standardized photos, a technique recommendation, and a detailed fee quote. Come prepared with a list of your goals, your medical history, current medications, and any reference photos.
Both our Northside and Johns Creek surgical locations offer private, comfortable consultation settings where you’ll meet with one of our board-certified surgeons. Financing through Alphaeon Credit, Cherry, and CareCredit is available to help make your procedure accessible.
- Research your options using this guide and our facelift page
- Gather your medical history, current medications, and reference photos
- Schedule your consultation to receive a personalized, itemized quote
To schedule your consultation, call (770) 609-2310 or book online. Your Artisan experience starts today.
Conclusion
Atlanta facelifts range from around $7,500 for a mini facelift to $28,000+ for a deep plane procedure, with the final number shaped by your surgeon’s expertise, the technique, and what’s included in your quote. Now that you understand the full cost picture — hidden expenses, financing options, long-term value, you’re in a strong position to invest wisely in results that can last for years to come.
We get it! This is a big decision, financially and personally. But a facelift is really an investment in feeling like yourself again, in finally looking as vibrant on the outside as you feel on the inside. At Artisan Plastic Surgery in Atlanta, every procedure is built around that feeling — artistry that honors your natural beauty and delivers results that hold up year after year.
Ready to explore what your investment would look like? Book your consultation today. No pressure, just clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a facelift cost in Atlanta, Georgia?
All-inclusive facelift costs in Atlanta typically range from $7,500 for a mini facelift to $28,000+ for a deep plane facelift. Atlanta is a mid-range market, offering prices 20 to 40 percent below coastal cities like New York and Los Angeles.
How much does a lower face and neck lift cost?
A combined lower face and neck lift typically costs $14,000 to $36,000 all-inclusive, depending on the technique used and your surgeon’s experience. Combining procedures often saves up to 30 percent compared to scheduling them separately.
Does insurance cover facelift surgery?
Most health insurance plans don’t cover elective cosmetic facelifts. Financing options like Alphaeon Credit, Cherry, and CareCredit can make the investment manageable with monthly payment plans.
What financing options are available for facelift surgery?
Three leading options are Alphaeon Credit (up to $25,000, soft pre-qualification), Cherry (true 0% APR, 80%+ approval rate, soft credit check), and CareCredit (0% deferred interest for six to 24 months). Each has different terms worth comparing.
What hidden costs should you expect with facelift surgery?
Plan for time off work (10 to 14 days), post-surgical supplies ($100 to $300), a caregiver for the first 48 to 72 hours, and pre-operative requirements like bloodwork and medical clearance ($200 to $500). These costs are rarely included in surgical quotes.
Disclaimer – This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. A consultation with a qualified board-certified surgeon is required to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs and any questions you may have about a medical condition or procedure.
