If you've started researching facelift surgery, you've probably noticed that pricing is one of the hardest things to pin down. Quotes online range from a few thousand dollars to well over $40,000, and it's rarely clear what's actually included. That inconsistency isn't an accident — facelift pricing depends on your surgeon's technique, your geographic market, whether you're combining procedures, and how transparently a practice discloses its fees.
This guide breaks down what a facelift really costs, what should be included in that price, and how to evaluate whether a quote represents good value rather than just a low number. We're using real, published 2026 pricing from Belmont Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery in Stafford, Virginia, alongside national industry data, so you can compare an actual practice's numbers against the broader market.
Before comparing numbers, it helps to know what should be bundled into a legitimate facelift quote. According to Belmont Plastic Surgery's own pricing transparency page, a comprehensive facelift price should include:
This matters because some practices advertise only the surgeon's portion of the fee, then add anesthesia and facility charges later — sometimes doubling the price you were originally quoted. A surgeon's fee of $8,000 can easily become $15,000 once anesthesia and OR time are added in. When you're comparing quotes between practices, always ask directly whether the number includes anesthesia and facility fees, not just the surgeon's charge.
Customization also changes the price. A facelift tailored to your specific anatomy, or combined with another procedure, requires more surgical time and resources — which is reflected in the final cost.
Belmont Plastic Surgery, led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jules Feledy, publishes its facial procedure pricing openly rather than requiring a consultation just to get a ballpark figure. As of 2026, here's what a facelift and related facial procedures cost at the practice's Stafford, VA location:
| Procedure | Price |
|---|---|
| Facelift | Starts at $15,000 |
| Neck Lift | Starts at $10,000 |
| Brow Lift | $7,700 |
| Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty, upper & lower) | $3,200 – $9,700 |
| Facial Liposuction | $3,500 – $5,500 |
| Chin Augmentation | Starts at $5,600 |
Facelifts are frequently combined with a brow lift or eyelid surgery for a more comprehensive rejuvenation, so it's worth budgeting for those procedures together if your consultation reveals that a combined approach fits your goals. Because the "starts at" figure reflects a baseline case, your actual quote will depend on the extent of correction needed and whether you're combining procedures — something only an in-person consultation and exam can determine accurately.
For context, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the leading professional organization tracking cosmetic surgery data nationally, reports that the average surgeon's fee for a facelift is roughly $11,395 — and that figure covers only the surgeon's portion, not anesthesia or facility costs. Once those additional costs are factored in, total facelift prices nationally commonly land between $14,000 and $25,000, with premium deep plane techniques in major metro areas sometimes exceeding $30,000–$40,000.
Belmont's published starting price of $15,000 sits close to the national picture once anesthesia and facility fees are accounted for, and — critically — the number already reflects an all-in price rather than a surgeon's fee alone. That's a meaningful distinction: a practice quoting $9,000 that excludes anesthesia may end up costing you more than a practice quoting $15,000 all-in.
A handful of variables explain most of the price range you'll encounter while researching facelift cost:
Technique. Belmont offers two primary approaches. The deep plane facelift addresses the SMAS layer — the muscle and connective tissue beneath the skin — repositioning it for a more natural, longer-lasting result. It's a more involved procedure and generally the higher-cost option. The S-Lift is a less invasive "mini" facelift using an S-shaped incision near the ear, targeting early aging signs in the lower third of the face at a lower price point. Which one you need (and what it costs) depends on the extent of your sagging and your goals.
Combined procedures. A facelift paired with a brow lift or eyelid surgery costs more than a facelift alone, but is often more cost-effective than scheduling separate surgeries and paying for anesthesia and OR time twice.
Geography. Facelift pricing in Northern Virginia and the greater DC metro area tends to reflect regional cost of living and demand, generally landing below premium markets like New York or Los Angeles while still reflecting a metro-area surgeon's experience level.
Surgeon experience and credentials. More experienced, board-certified surgeons in high demand often charge more — and that premium typically buys you lower complication rates and more predictable results.
Anesthesia and facility fees. As noted above, these can add several thousand dollars beyond a surgeon's stated fee, so always confirm what's bundled into any quote.
It's tempting to shop for the lowest facelift price, but cost should never be the deciding factor in choosing a plastic surgeon. A facelift is not just an aesthetic procedure — it's an operation performed under anesthesia that requires precise technical skill to avoid injury to the facial nerves, achieve natural results, and minimize visible scarring. Choosing a surgeon based primarily on price increases your risk of revision surgery, which costs far more in the long run than paying appropriately the first time.
Before booking based on price alone, verify that your surgeon is board-certified in plastic surgery (not simply "cosmetic surgery," which is not a recognized board specialty), review before-and-after photos of their actual facelift patients, and confirm the facility where surgery is performed is accredited.
This is where the "who's doing your surgery" question becomes as important as the price tag. Dr. Jules Feledy, the surgeon behind Belmont Plastic Surgery's facelift pricing above, is board-certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery and has more than 20 years of experience performing facelifts in the Northern Virginia and greater DC region. He earned his medical degree from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in 1992, completed a reconstructive microsurgery fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center, and has authored more than 20 professional publications and presentations. U.S. News & World Report has recognized him among its "Top Doctors," and he holds hospital privileges at multiple facilities in Maryland and Virginia, including Stafford Hospital.
That level of documented training and experience is exactly what the American Board of Plastic Surgery and organizations like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommend patients verify before scheduling any facial surgery — credentials directly affect both the safety and the natural-looking outcome of a facelift.
The sticker price of surgery isn't the only cost to plan around. Facelift recovery typically takes 10 to 14 days before you're comfortable in public, though some patients need up to three weeks depending on individual healing. During that window, expect swelling, numbness, and tenderness that gradually subside, and plan to avoid strenuous activity for about six weeks and sun exposure for several months. If you work outside the home, factor in potential time off work, help with household responsibilities during the first week, and any follow-up appointments — all of which are indirect costs of the procedure beyond the surgical fee itself.
Because a facelift is a significant investment, most practices, including Belmont, offer financing rather than requiring payment in full upfront. Belmont partners with CareCredit, which offers plans for amounts between $300 and $25,000 with monthly payment options designed to fit a range of budgets. If cost is the main barrier between you and surgery, ask your consultation team about financing options before ruling out a procedure based on the total price alone.
How much does a facelift cost in 2026?
Nationally, all-in facelift costs (surgeon's fee, anesthesia, and facility charges combined) typically range from about $12,000 to $25,000, with some premium deep plane procedures in major metro markets exceeding $30,000. At Belmont Plastic Surgery in Stafford, VA & Chevy Chase, MD, facelifts start at $15,000, comprehensive of the surgeon's fee, anesthesia, operating room costs, and office visits.
Does insurance cover a facelift?
No. A facelift is considered a cosmetic, elective procedure, so it is not covered by health insurance. This is why financing options like CareCredit exist — to help spread the cost over manageable monthly payments.
What's included in a facelift price quote?
A transparent, comprehensive quote should include the surgeon's fee, anesthesia, operating room/facility costs, and pre- and post-operative office visits. If a quote seems unusually low, ask specifically whether anesthesia and facility fees are included, since these are often added separately and can substantially raise the total.
Is a deep plane facelift more expensive than a traditional facelift?
Generally, yes. Because a deep plane facelift repositions the SMAS layer beneath the skin rather than just tightening the skin's surface, it requires more surgical time and skill, which is typically reflected in a higher price than a traditional or "mini" facelift like the S-Lift.
Is it worth paying more for a board-certified, experienced facelift surgeon?
Most patient safety organizations, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, recommend prioritizing a surgeon's board certification and documented experience over cost. A lower price from an inexperienced or non-board-certified provider increases the risk of complications and revision surgery, which typically costs more in the long run than paying appropriately for an experienced surgeon the first time.
Published starting prices are a useful starting point for budgeting, but the only way to get an exact number for your situation is an in-person consultation, where a surgeon can evaluate your skin elasticity, the extent of sagging, and whether combining procedures makes sense for your goals.
Belmont Plastic Surgery, located at 2071 Richmond Highway, Stafford, VA 22554, offers consultations with Dr. Jules Feledy for patients throughout Northern Virginia and the greater DC area. You can reach the practice at (540) 891-0040 to schedule a consultation and get a personalized facelift quote based on your anatomy and goals.
Schedule your consultation today
Belmont Plastic Surgery's surgeons are eager to assist you to make the next move in your cosmetic journey. Our surgeons will guide you in making the best possible decisions for your treatment and achieve exceptional outcomes, whether you wish to preserve what has been lost or improve on what you currently have. Every day is a new chance to live a better life. Take advantage of this opportunity by scheduling a consultation with Belmont Plastic Surgery now.
2071 Richmond Highway, Stafford VA 22554
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