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Facelift

Surgical rhytidectomy lifts and redistributes facial skin and underlying tissue through incisions hidden at the temples and around the ears; full effect visible at 6-9 months.

Cosmetic Face Avg. stay 14 days 17 clinics $1,230 - $10,456

Typical price (medical tourism)

From $4,000 – $8,500

Indicative range from clinics listed on xcuro; final quote varies by clinic & case.

What this costs in the U.S.

United States$11,395

Through xcuro$4,000 – $8,500

About 45% less than the U.S. figure, and that U.S. figure counts the surgeon's fee alone — anesthesia and facility charges are billed on top, so the real gap is wider

U.S. figure: American Society of Plastic Surgeons — surgeon fee only, excludes anesthesia and facility · source · checked September 10, 2026

Flights, hotel and transfers are not included in either figure.

Overview

A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and redistributes deeper soft-tissue layers of the face and upper neck to reduce visible sagging. The NHS describes the standard approach as an incision starting above the hairline at the temples, running down in front of and behind the ear; the surgeon then lifts the skin, repositions or tightens the underlying superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) layer, removes the surplus skin, and re-drapes the remaining skin upward and backward before suturing (NHS). The operation is performed under general anesthesia, typically takes 2-3 hours and usually requires an overnight hospital stay. The procedure is most often considered by patients aged 40-70 who have moderate skin laxity, jowling, or deep nasolabial folds but retain good skin elasticity and overall health. It does not correct surface texture, fine wrinkles, sun damage or volume loss, so it is frequently combined with adjunct treatments such as fat grafting, blepharoplasty or laser resurfacing (NHS). Heavy smokers, patients with uncontrolled hypertension, and those with bleeding disorders are typically advised against surgery because of elevated risk of hematoma and skin necrosis. In South Korea, surgeons commonly perform SMAS-plication and deep-plane variations on East Asian facial anatomy, where the skin is thicker and the underlying fat compartments differ from Western patients. Korean clinics frequently combine surgical lifting with non-surgical adjuncts such as HIFU and thread lifts in the same treatment plan, and many clinics offer mini-lift, mid-face lift and full lower-face/neck-lift options. International patients usually plan a stay of about two weeks: surgery and one overnight in the hospital, a wound check at 3-4 days, suture removal at 7-14 days, and clearance to fly home (NHS). Visible bruising and swelling generally last at least two weeks, and the final aesthetic result settles at 6-9 months as residual swelling resolves and scars mature. Patients are advised to keep the head elevated for the first week, avoid strenuous exercise for 4-6 weeks, and protect the incisions from direct sun for several months (NHS).

Hospital & stay

2–3 nights

Hospital stay

14 days

Total stay abroad

Cosmetic

Procedure type

Procedure details

How it's performed

Performed under general anesthesia in 2-3 hours. Incisions are placed above the hairline at the temple and extend down in front of and behind the ear, allowing the surgeon to lift the skin flap, tighten the underlying SMAS layer, remove excess skin, and re-drape the remaining skin upward and backward before closing with sutures. Most patients stay one night in the hospital.

Preparation

1Consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to confirm candidacy, review medical history, photograph the face, and agree on the surgical plan.
2Stop smoking at least 4 weeks before surgery; smoking sharply increases the risk of skin-flap necrosis.
3Stop aspirin, NSAIDs, fish-oil supplements and herbal blood thinners (ginkgo, ginseng, vitamin E) 2 weeks before surgery, on physician guidance.
4Pre-operative blood tests, ECG and a medical clearance; arrange a caregiver and accommodation near the clinic for the first 7-14 days.
5Wash hair the morning of surgery, fast 6-8 hours before general anesthesia, and bring loose button-front clothing.

Recovery

1Day 0-1: Surgery and overnight hospital stay; head elevated; cold compresses; oral analgesics and antibiotics.
2Day 2-4: First wound check and dressing change; bruising and swelling peak.
3Day 7-14: Sutures removed in stages; most patients can fly home; concealer and scarves help cover residual bruising.
4Week 3-4: Return to office work and light social activity; avoid strenuous exercise and saunas.
5Week 6: Strenuous exercise generally permitted; scars are pink but well closed.
6Month 6-9: Final aesthetic result visible as residual swelling resolves and scars fade.

Before & after results

See all Facelift results →

Before you travel: what the CDC recommends

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publishes guidance for Americans traveling abroad for medical care. These are its recommendations, not ours.

Check the qualifications of the clinician who will perform the procedure and the credentials of the facility.
Bring copies of your medical records, including lab and other test results related to your condition.
Make sure you can get follow-up care in the United States. Care for complications can be expensive and might not be covered by your health insurance.
Obtain international travel health insurance that covers medical evacuation back to the United States.
Plan for the possibility of paying out of pocket for additional or emergency care.
See your own healthcare provider 4–6 weeks before the trip to discuss risks specific to your health.
Delay air travel for 10–14 days after major surgery, particularly chest surgery, to reduce risks from changes in cabin pressure.

Source: CDC Travelers’ Health — Medical Tourism

Best countries for Facelift: prices vs the U.S.

Price ranges published by clinics listed on xcuro in each country (USD), next to the typical U.S. price. Final quotes vary by clinic and case.Facelift cost in the U.S. by state and city →

Country	Price at listed clinics	Clinics
South Korea	$1,230 - $25,400	6	Full guide →
Turkey	$2,982 - $10,456	7	Full guide →
Thailand	From $5,454	1	See clinics →
Mexico	$5,500 - $6,000	2	Full guide →
United States	$11,395 surgeon's fee only	American Society of Plastic Surgeons — surgeon fee only, excludes anesthesia and facility