By Mr El Gawad – Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Short answer: There isn’t one “full facelift price” that suits every patient. In the UK, published prices for facelift surgery commonly range from around £6,000 to £12,000 for a traditional facelift, with mini facelifts often from £4,000–£7,000, and more complex surgery such as deep plane facelifts sometimes quoted from £10,000 up to £20,000+. Your exact fee depends on your facial anatomy, the technique recommended, anaesthesia, hospital and aftercare. A precise quotation is only possible after a full, face‑to‑face consultation and pre‑operative assessment.
Why there is no one-size-fits-all facelift price
Every face ages differently. Skin quality, volume loss, neck laxity, previous procedures, and your goals all influence the plan. Costs therefore vary with:
- Technique & scope: mini, lower, SMAS, deep plane, or combined face and neck lift.
- Time in theatre & complexity: longer, more complex procedures cost more.
- Anaesthesia: local with sedation vs general anaesthetic.
- Hospital package: day case vs an overnight stay.
- Add‑ons: e.g. blepharoplasty (eyelids), fat transfer, or liposuction to the neck when clinically appropriate.
- Aftercare intensity: number of follow‑up visits, dressing changes, nurse support.
Typical UK price ranges (guide only)
| Procedure (illustrative) | Usual published range* |
|---|---|
| Mini facelift | £4,000 – £7,000 |
| Traditional/full facelift | £6,000 – £12,000 |
| Face and neck lift | £9,000 – £15,000 |
| Deep plane facelift (more complex) | £10,000 – £20,000+ |
*Guide ranges compiled from publicly available UK sources, including NHS guidance and UK cosmetic surgery providers. Your personal quotation will reflect your clinical assessment and exact surgical plan.
What’s usually included in a facelift fee?
A transparent quotation should set out:
- Consultations (initial and pre‑operative) and surgical consent.
- Pre‑operative tests where indicated (e.g. bloods/ECG).
- Hospital, theatre and nursing fees.
- Surgeon’s fee and consultant anaesthetist’s fee.
- Dressings, medications and garments used during your hospital episode.
- Scheduled follow‑up appointments and wound care.
What may not be included everywhere (ask us and we’ll clarify what our package covers):
- Additional treatment for rare complications (e.g. return to theatre),
- Revision surgery (if ever required),
- Non‑surgical adjuncts (e.g. skin resurfacing) unless specified in your plan.
What do you actually get for the money?
A facelift is not one operation but a tailored set of manoeuvres to address jowls, cheek descent and neck laxity. Depending on need, I may tighten the SMAS (the support layer beneath the skin), elevate descended mid‑face tissues, and refine the neck. The aim is a natural, rested appearance—not an over‑pulled look. Where volume loss contributes to ageing, fat transfer may be discussed as part of a comprehensive plan.
Recovery, time off and seeing results
- Most patients plan 2–4 weeks away from work and social events.
- Bruising and swelling are expected for several weeks.
- Your early result improves over 3–6 months, with scars continuing to mature beyond that. Everyone heals at a different pace.
I’ll give detailed, written post‑operative advice and see you regularly to support your recovery.
Safety and quality: questions worth asking any provider
- Is the hospital CQC‑registered and regularly inspected?
- Is your surgeon GMC‑registered and on the specialist register for plastic surgery?
- How many facelifts do they perform, and which techniques do they use routinely?
- What aftercare is included, and who do you contact 24/7 if you’re worried?
- What is the policy on complications or revision surgery?
If you choose to see me, my team will go through each of these points clearly so you can make an informed decision.
When combining procedures can make sense
It’s common to consider procedures that complement a facelift, such as upper/lower blepharoplasty or a neck lift. Combining surgery can be efficient where clinically appropriate, but it changes the risk profile, theatre time and cost. We’ll map out pros, cons and prices for each option so you can choose confidently.
How we provide an accurate quote
- Comprehensive consultation with examination, photographs and discussion of goals.
- Personalised surgical plan (technique, anaesthesia, day case vs overnight).
- Written, itemised quotation with what’s included and any likely extras explained.
- Cooling‑off period so you can reflect and ask questions—no pressure, no time‑limited discounts.
Risks and limitations (important)
All surgery carries risks. For facelifts these can include bleeding/haematoma, infection, delayed wound healing, nerve injury leading to temporary or rarely permanent weakness or numbness, skin or hairline changes, thick or raised scars, asymmetry, and anaesthetic risks (e.g. blood clots, allergic reactions). I’ll quantify these risks for you and explain how we minimise them and what happens if problems occur.
The bottom line
A facelift represents a significant investment in your confidence and quality of life. The right way to approach cost is to first define the right operation for your face, delivered safely by a qualified surgeon in a regulated hospital, with robust aftercare—and then price that plan transparently.
Ready to talk?
If you’re considering a facelift, the best next step is a personal consultation with me. We’ll assess your facial anatomy, discuss realistic outcomes, run through recovery and risks, and provide a clear, tailored quotation. There’s absolutely no obligation to proceed.
To arrange your consultation with Mr El Gawad, please contact our clinic team. If you prefer, start with your GP to discuss whether cosmetic surgery is right for you.
FAQs
Is a mini facelift cheaper?
Usually yes, because it’s less extensive and quicker; but it’s only appropriate for certain patterns of ageing. If it won’t meet your goals, it isn’t good value.
Will I need a neck lift too?
If neck laxity or banding is significant, combining a neck lift can improve harmony—but it adds time, complexity and cost. We’ll assess this together.
How long do results last?
A facelift can “set the clock back”, but it can’t stop ageing. Longevity depends on genetics, skin quality and lifestyle. Some people consider further procedures years later.
Am I a candidate?
Suitability depends on overall health, medications, smoking status and your goals. We’ll review these carefully and, when helpful, liaise with your GP.
Information on this page is general and not a substitute for individual medical advice. Pricing guidance is indicative only and not a quote. Final fees are confirmed after consultation and pre‑operative assessment.