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The cost of a facelift in Queensland varies widely between patients, because no two facelifts are the same. The final figure depends on the technique used, how long the surgery takes, whether other procedures are combined, and the hospital and anaesthetic fees involved.
This article explains what makes up the cost of a facelift, the factors that influence it, what Medicare and private health insurance cover, and what to check when comparing quotes.
How Much Is a Facelift in Australia?
As a general guide, an all-inclusive facelift in Australia commonly ranges from approximately $15,000 to $35,000, and more complex procedures combined with other facial surgery can cost more. These figures are indicative only. A personalised, itemised quote can only be provided after a consultation, once the surgeon has assessed the patient and agreed on a surgical plan.
When comparing figures, it is important to check whether a price is all-inclusive or covers the surgeon’s fee only. Hospital and anaesthetic fees are often quoted separately and can add significantly to the total.
What Is Included in the Cost of a Facelift?
A facelift quote is usually made up of several components:
- Surgeon’s fee: Reflects the surgeon’s training and the complexity and length of the procedure.
- Anaesthetist’s fee: Dr Scamp performs facelift surgery under general anaesthesia administered by a specialist anaesthetist. This fee increases with the length of surgery.
- Hospital and theatre fees: Cover use of the operating theatre, nursing care, and an overnight stay if required. Dr Scamp performs facelift surgery at Pacific Private Hospital in Southport.
- Post-operative care: Includes follow-up appointments, dressings, and any prescribed medications.
What Affects the Cost of a Facelift?
1. Type of Facelift
A facelift is not a single procedure. A more limited lower-face lift generally involves less operating time than a deep plane facelift, deep plane facelift, which works beneath the SMAS layer to reposition the deeper facial tissues. Longer, more complex surgery generally costs more.
2. Combined Procedures
Many patients have a facelift combined with other procedures, such as a neck lift, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), or a brow lift. Combining procedures adds to the surgeon’s, anaesthetic, and hospital fees, but means one anaesthetic and one recovery period.
3. Length of Hospital Stay
Some facelift patients stay in hospital overnight for monitoring and pain management. Longer stays add to hospital fees.
4. The Surgeon’s Qualifications
Fees vary between practitioners. In Australia, only a surgeon holding specialist registration in plastic surgery with AHPRA can use the title specialist plastic surgeon. Any practitioner’s registration can be checked on the public AHPRA register before booking a consultation.
5. Travel Within Queensland
Patients travelling from Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, or regional Queensland may need to budget for travel and accommodation around surgery and follow-up appointments. Dr Scamp’s consulting rooms are in Bundall, approximately one hour south of Brisbane.
Does Medicare Cover a Facelift?
A facelift performed to address signs of facial ageing is considered cosmetic surgery. AÂ facelift performed for cosmetic reasons does not attract a Medicare rebate or private health insurance benefit. In limited cases, a procedure performed alongside a facelift may be medically indicated and assessed separately against Medicare criteria, such as upper eyelid surgery where eyelid skin affects vision. Eligibility is assessed on an individual basis at consultation.
The Cost of the Consultation
A GP referral is required before a consultation with Dr Scamp. The initial consultation fee is $280, which includes at least two appointments before any surgery proceeds. A $100 deposit is required when booking the consultation, with the balance payable on the day.
Under Medical Board of Australia guidelines, a cooling-off period of at least seven days applies after the second pre-operative consultation and informed consent, before surgery can be booked or a deposit paid (three months for patients under 18). This allows time to consider the quote, the surgical plan, and the risks before making a decision.
Other Costs to Consider
Beyond the quoted procedure fee, patients should also consider:
- Time off work during recovery, which is often around two weeks for a facelift and may be longer
- Support at home in the first days after surgery
- Scar management products after healing
- The possibility of further surgery if complications occur or revision is needed
Like any surgery, a facelift carries risks, including bleeding, haematoma, infection, facial nerve injury, changes in sensation, visible scarring, hair loss around the incisions, asymmetry, and dissatisfaction with the outcome. It is worth asking how costs are handled if further surgery is required. Dr Scamp will discuss the specific risks that apply to each patient during consultation.
What to Check When Comparing Facelift Quotes
When comparing quotes, it helps to confirm:
- Whether the quote is all-inclusive or covers the surgeon’s fee only
- Which technique is being quoted and what it involves
- Whether any combined procedures are included
- The hospital where surgery is performed and whether an overnight stay is included
- What follow-up care is included
- The surgeon’s registration and qualifications
The lowest quote is not necessarily comparable to a higher one if it covers a different procedure, excludes hospital fees, or is performed in a different setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a mini facelift cheaper than a full facelift?
Generally, yes. A more limited facelift usually involves less operating time and lower fees. However, it addresses a smaller area and is not suitable for every patient. The appropriate procedure is determined at consultation.
Can private health insurance cover a facelift?
A facelift performed for cosmetic reasons does not attract a Medicare rebate or private health insurance benefit.
Is the consultation fee included in the surgery quote?
No. The consultation fee is paid separately and covers the pre-operative appointments with Dr Scamp. The itemised surgery quote is provided after consultation.
Book a Consultation with Dr Terrence Scamp
Dr Terrence Scamp is an AHPRA-registered specialist plastic surgeon (MED0001157212) and a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS). Consultations are held at 95 Upton Street, Bundall, and surgery is performed at Pacific Private Hospital in Southport. A GP referral is required before consultation.
Individual results vary. The outcomes experienced by one person do not necessarily reflect the outcomes other people may experience.
Learn more about facelift surgery or contact the practice to arrange a consultation.
Disclaimer: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, patients have the option to seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
