Mini Face Lift Cost: Average Price, What Affects It & Financing

A mini facelift is a cosmetic procedure focused on the lower face. Because it is elective, insurance generally does not pay for it, and the bill lands on you. The total depends on who bills what: the surgeon, the surgical facility, the anesthesia provider and any follow-up visits.

That split is the main reason published prices disagree. One source may quote a surgeon's fee alone, while another folds in everything on the day of surgery. Before you compare quotes, find out which of those pieces each one includes.

Two sources are listed above, and they do not agree. They measure different things and may use different samples of providers, so treat each as a rough marker instead of a quote. The lower figure from Healthline runs $3,500 – $8,000. The wider range from CareCredit is $6,892 – $17,421, with an average of $10,389.

Neither number is a price you can count on in your area. A published range is a starting point for a budget conversation, and the written quote from a practice is what you will actually pay.

People often search for a mini facelift when they are really comparing several face procedures. The list below shows what the same sources publish for neighboring procedures. These are full facelift and related procedures, not mini facelifts, so use them for context only.

• Standard facelift: $12,327 on average from CareCredit.
• Lower facelift: $10,055 on average.
• Mid-face lift: $8,183 on average.
• Facelift, surgeon fee only: $11,395 from ASPS.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) figure covers the surgeon's fee alone. It leaves out anesthesia, the operating room, medications and garments, so the final bill for the same procedure will be higher than that number. Whether a mini facelift is the right choice for your face, or whether another procedure fits better, is a decision for a board-certified plastic surgeon.

The table below lines up the sources side by side. The gap between them has several possible causes.

• What is included. A surgeon-only fee and an all-in price are not comparable. Facility and anesthesia charges may be listed separately or rolled in.
• Region. Practices in high-cost metro areas may charge more than those in smaller markets.
• Surgeon experience and reputation. Practices with long waitlists may set higher fees.
• Facility type. An accredited surgical center, a hospital outpatient department and an in-office suite may bill differently.
• Extras. Combining the procedure with other work, such as eyelid or neck surgery, changes the total.

When you request a quote, ask for an itemized estimate. A complete one generally lists these lines:

• Surgeon's fee
• Anesthesia provider's fee
• Facility or operating room fee
• Pre-surgery visits and any lab work, if required
• Post-surgery visits and how long they are covered
• Compression garments, dressings and prescriptions

Some practices bundle these into one number and others charge them one by one. If a quote is a single figure, ask what it leaves out. Also ask what happens if a revision is needed: some practices charge for it, some do not, and the policy should be in writing.

Cosmetic procedures are generally not covered by health insurance. Plan on paying yourself unless your insurer tells you otherwise in writing. If a procedure is being considered for a medical reason, the surgeon's office and your insurer can tell you whether any part qualifies.

Many practices accept payment plans or work with third-party medical credit lenders. Some points to check before signing up:

• Interest. Some plans advertise a promotional period with no interest. Read what happens to the balance if it is not paid off in time.
• Fees. Ask about application, late and early-payoff fees.
• Deposit. Many practices require a deposit to hold a surgery date. Ask whether it is refundable and under what terms.
• Health savings accounts. Cosmetic procedures usually do not qualify, but confirm with your plan administrator.

Local prices are best found by contacting practices directly. Search for board-certified plastic surgeons in your area, then request an itemized written quote from at least three. The American Board of Plastic Surgery lets you verify certification at abplasticsurgery.org. Consultation fees vary: some practices charge for the visit and credit it toward surgery, and others offer it free.

• Is the quoted number the surgeon's fee only, or the total?
• Which facility will be used, and is its fee included?
• Who provides anesthesia, and is that fee included?
• How many follow-up visits are covered?
• What is the policy and cost if a revision is needed?
• What is the cancellation and deposit policy?