Synonyms: facelift; lat. rhytidectomy
How much does a facelift cost?
Since a facelift is a purely plastic-aesthetic operation, it is not covered by either statutory or private health insurance. The patient has to pay for all costs independently and also has to bear all follow-up costs. This means that if complications (e.g. stomach bleeding) occur after the operation and further surgical measures become necessary, all costs incurred are to be paid by the patient himself/herself.
In this case, the normal insurance cover no longer applies. For some time now, however, many German insurance companies have been offering special rates for planned cosmetic surgery. A complete insurance cover, which covers all consequences of the surgical procedure, amounts to approximately 80 Euro, which have to be paid once before the planned date of the operation.
The prices of a facelift within Germany vary greatly and ultimately depend on the initial condition, the desired result, the chosen surgical method and the type of sedation. In most cases the price for a facelift is in the range of 4000 – 9000 Euro including general anesthesia. The main part of this price is not the actual facelift. It is mainly the general anesthesia, post-operative monitoring and the subsequent stay in the clinic that makes for such high prices. As a rule, the consultation, the necessary preliminary examinations and all subsequent check-ups are covered by these costs.
Facelifting abroad
Abroad, a facelift is usually much cheaper than a facelift in Germany. Although many tend to think that plastic surgery abroad is much more risky and less well performed than in Germany, such concerns can usually be dismissed. Since the standards of training in other European countries largely correspond to those in Germany, there is nothing wrong with an operation within Europe.
Also the execution of a facelift in a non-European country does not necessarily have to be of inferior quality. It is generally recommended that before choosing a suitable plastic surgeon, several opinions and suggestions be obtained and possible alternatives listed.