A facelift in Australia can cost from 12,000 to 25,000 Australian dollars, although it all varies from type and complexity of the surgery. Because of the high pricing, many Australians started exploring more affordable options abroad, like Thailand, where the same procedures could be performed for a significantly lower price. For example, the difference in the price of a facelift surgery is over 10,000 dollars. Understanding the full scope of facelift costs, both at home and abroad, is crucial for anyone considering this cosmetic surgery.
In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of undergoing this procedure in Thailand, break down the pricing associated with different types of this procedure, and discuss what this surgery involves.
Table of Contents:
- Understanding facelift procedures
- Facelift costs in Australia
- Additional expenses
- Facelift surgery in Thailand
- Benefits of medical tourism in Thailand
- Risks and things to consider
- Making the Right Decision
- Conclusion
Understanding facelift procedures
Facelift, medically known as rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic procedure designed to reduce visible aging in the face and your neck and create a more aesthetically pleasing, youthful appearance. Generally, it is performed by tightening underlying muscles, removing excess skin, and repositioning facial tissues.
There are various types of this surgery and each varies from aesthetic goals age, and your skin condition. These are three main types of this cosmetical procedure:
- Neck lift. Often performed in conjunction with a facelift, this procedure focuses solely on tightening sagging skin and muscles in the neck area.
- Mini facelift. This is a much less invasive surgery, which involves targeting the lower area of the face, including the jawline and jowls. Recovery is much quicker, and costs are generally lower.
- Full facelift. A comprehensive procedure that addresses the entire face and neck. It typically involves incisions around the hairline and ears to access deeper facial structures.
Facelift costs in Australia
The cost of this procedure, specifically in Australia, can depend on several factors like surgeon's experience, clinic location, anesthesia, hospital fees, and the specific type of facelift performed:
| Type of facelift | Estimated cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Mini facelift | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Full facelift | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Neck lift (alone) | $6,000 – $12,000 |
| Combined face & neck | $20,000 – $30,000+ |
Factors that could influence the cost
- Surgeons experience: Surgeons that have a higher level of training, specifically those who are recognized by the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), could charge more in some cases, due to their expertise and reputation.
- The clinic's location: These procedures would cost twice as much in big metropolitan cities like Melbourne and Sydney due to higher demand
- Facility fees: Surgical fees can significantly escalate the final price, as most hospitals would require extra fees for recovery rooms etc.
- Anesthesia: The local or general anesthesia will affect the recovery time and affect the final price.
- Complexity of the procedure: As previously discussed, there are multiple types of this surgery that you could undergo; a full facelift with fat grafting would have a higher price than a mini facelift.
Additional expenses
- Pre-operative consultations and medical tests
Before surgery, patients undergo comprehensive assessments, including:
- Initial consultations with the surgeon: AUD $150 – $300.
- Blood tests or ECGs (for older patients): AUD $100 – $300.
- Post-operative care
After surgery, follow-up appointments and care are essential for proper healing:
- Follow-up visits (usually included in the total cost).
- Medications (pain relief, antibiotics): AUD $100 – $300.
- Compression garments: AUD $100 – $200.
Facelift surgery in Thailand
Thailand is currently considered a cosmetic surgery hub and has become famous for having significantly lower costs and comparable quality. Undergoing this surgery, there could be significantly more affordable rather than in Australia:
| Procedure type | Estimated cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Mini facelift | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Full facelift | $6,000 – $10,000 |
| Neck lift (alone) | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Face & neck | $8,000 – $12,000 |
Why is it significantly cheaper?
- Lower labor and operating costs.
- Competitive medical tourism market.
- The currency exchange rate benefits Australians.
Benefits of medical tourism in Thailand
- Drastic cost savings. As we have previously seen, the cost of a procedure in Thailand can easily be half the cost of that same procedure in Australia.
- Experienced doctors. Thai plastic surgeons are internationally trained and accredited.
Risks and things to consider
- Travel risks. Long flights could result in health complications like blood clots.
- Follow-up care. Post-operation issues may require attention when you travel back, which can increase the cost.
- Insurance Gaps. Australian private health insurance typically does not cover complications arising from overseas procedures.
- Technique: Facelift deep plane neck lift deeplane platysmaplasty
- Dr. Yunus Saglam presented the Saglam method in Z-plasty, published in PRS Journal.
- Dr. MED Clinic boasts a 97.0% success rate for facelift surgeries.
- Included Services: Breakfast only, post-operative care, post-op medications, medications, blood tests, consultation with a doctor, consultation with a plastic surgeon, general anesthesia, compression garments, compression corset, hospitalization + afterward hotel stay, VIP transfer (premium vehicle service, all transfers between airport, hotel and clinic).
- Stay Info: 1-day hospital stay, 6-day hotel stay included in the price.
- Technique: Premium Facelift surgery
- Ramazan Arslan worked as an operator doctor in Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery at Aksaray University.
- Quartz Clinique serves 6,500 patients annually, with a significant international patient flow from Europe and the Arab League States.
- Included Services: Video or text consultation, general anesthesia, preoperative tests, blood tests, follow-up examination, consultation with an anesthesiologist, language assistance, compression corset, follow-up visit, consultation with a plastic surgeon, 4* hotel, VIP transfer.
- Stay Info: 1-day stay in the hospital, 6-day stay in the hotel, both included in the price.
- Technique: Premium Face & Neck lift - All Included
- Dr. Phatcharasak Kraisornphongsakul Md is board certified in plastic surgery since 2000.
- ID Clinic Bangkok provides comprehensive services including preoperative tests, general anesthesia, and post-operative care.
- Included Services: General anesthesia, preoperative tests, compression garments, consultation with a plastic surgeon, half board (breakfast+dinner), hospitalization, transfer to the hospital.
- Stay Info: 1-day stay in the hospital, 7 days stay in the hotel, included in the price.
- Technique: Premium Face & Neck Lift + Upper Blepharoplasty + Fat Transfer to Face Surgery
- Ali Sadioglu Md secured the 59th rank out of ten thousand doctors in the medical specialization examination.
- Dr. Safa Manav Clinic serves 372 patients annually from Europe, the Commonwealth, the Balkans, the USA, Canada, and Australia.
- Included Services: Consultation with a plastic surgeon, follow-up visit, preoperative tests, post-op medications, compression corset, 4* hotel, VIP transfer.
- Stay Info: 1-day stay in the hospital, 8-day stay in the hotel, included in the price.
Making the Right Decision
While Thailand offers significant financial advantages, the decision to undergo facelift surgery, whether domestically or abroad, requires careful consideration. Safety, surgeon expertise, and post-operative support should be a priority in the decision-making process, alongside cost.
Check out the top-rated clinics in Bangkok:
Facelift surgery at ID Clinic Bangkok in Thailand may cost around $5,000 for an SMAS plication face and neck lift. The procedure is performed by Dr. Phatcharasak Kraisornphongsakul, a board-certified plastic surgeon with 33 years of experience and over 20,000 procedures performed.
About the Procedure
The SMAS plication technique lifts underlying muscles by folding and suturing the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System layer. This creates natural-looking results without an overly tight appearance. Incisions are made within the hairline and around the ears to minimize visible scarring.
What's Included
- SMAS plication face and neck lift surgery
- Pre-operative medical check-up and lab tests
- General anesthesia and medications
- Surgeon and anesthesiologist fees
- 1-night hospital stay with nursing care
- Compression garments and post-op supplies
- Airport transfers and follow-up care
Recovery Process
Patients typically stay 7-10 days in Thailand after surgery. Initial recovery takes 7-10 days with swelling and bruising. The clinic recommends a 3-day hotel stay post-discharge. Patients should avoid blood thinners and smoking for 2 weeks before surgery.
Why Choose This Clinic
ID Clinic Bangkok holds accreditation from the Royal College of Surgeons Thailand. Dr. Phatcharasak has practiced at major Bangkok hospitals and specializes in facial rejuvenation. The clinic reports a 95% success rate for facelift procedures.
For those considering facial rejuvenation, this clinic offers comprehensive care with an experienced surgeon. The all-inclusive package helps patients focus on recovery while in Thailand.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
Latest review
| Facelift | $4000 - $4750 |
Facelift at Dr. Chen Surgery Hospital International Center in Bangkok, Thailand may cost around $10,360 for the full facelift procedure. The center won the Best Facial Cosmetic Surgery Hospital in Thailand 2024 award, offering advanced SMAS-layer techniques by board-certified surgeons.
The Surgeon
Dr. Chen Chaicharncheep is a plastic and orthopedic surgeon with 17 years of experience. He has performed over 900 surgeries and trained in deep plane facelift techniques across Korea, Singapore, Italy, and France.
Facelift Details
The clinic uses the SMAS-layer technique for natural-looking results. This approach targets deeper facial tissues with hidden incisions near the hairline and ears. Patients receive a 3D facial scan for precise planning before surgery.
- Full facelift surgery
- General anesthesia
- 1 night hospital stay
- Online consultation
- 3 therapy sessions
- Aftercare included
Recovery Process
Most patients recover in 2-4 weeks with results lasting up to 10 years. The package includes hyperbaric oxygen and LED therapy to speed healing. A dedicated nursing team provides 24-hour care during the hospital stay.
Those interested in combining procedures can opt for the comprehensive package with brow lift and fat grafting. This may cost around $23,796 with the same aftercare benefits.
Latest review
| Facelift | $2667.92 - $4639.86 |
Conclusion
A facelift is a deeply personal and transformative procedure. In Australia, the cost can be steep—ranging from AUD $12,000 to $25,000 or more—but patients are guaranteed a high standard of care and long-lastingness. Meanwhile, Thailand offers significant savings for patients who need high-quality services at lower prices. However, overseas surgery also introduces additional risks that need careful navigation.
For Australians weighing their options, it's not just about price—it's about balancing value, safety, and outcomes. Whether you choose a clinic in Sydney or Bangkok, thorough research and realistic expectations are essential to a successful facelift journey.
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All medical content on this page is prepared by authors with specialized medical education and reviewed by certified physicians in the relevant field. Medical review by Ergin Er, Plastic surgeon.
Last updated: June 9, 2025.
- Statistics: Figures are based on Bookimed’s internal database December 2025, which includes analysis of 12,450 patient requests across 2 accredited clinics in Thailand.
- Pricing: Cost information is provided directly by Bookimed’s partner clinics and updated regularly to reflect current 2025 market conditions. Actual expenses may differ depending on case complexity, surgeon expertise, and clinic location.
- Clinical Data: Treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction figures are collected from Bookimed’s verified clinic database and supported by data from peer-reviewed medical sources such as PubMed, The Lancet, JAMA, and NEJM (2023–2025).
All data is provided for general informational purposes and may not represent individual results or experiences.
- Cleveland Clinic medical professional. Facelift (Rhytidectomy): What Is It, Recovery & What to Expect. Cleveland Clinic. URL: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11023-facelift (date of access: 09.06.2025).
- Home. กรมอนามัย | หน้าหลัก. URL: https://anamai.moph.go.th/en/home (date of access: 09.06.2025).