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 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 Facelift Surgery with European Board-Certified Doctor Ali Sadioglu
- Ali Sadioglu Md secured the 59th rank in the Medical Specialization Examination (TUS) out of 10,000 doctors.
- Dr. Safa Manav Clinic serves 372 patients annually, attracting individuals from Europe, the USA, and Australia.
- Included Services: General anesthesia, preoperative tests, follow-up examination, consumable materials, follow-up visit, consultation with a plastic surgeon, VIP transfer.
- Stay Info: 1-day stay in the hospital, 7-day stay in the hotel, accommodation not included in the price.
- Method: FaceLift Package
- Dr. Ergin Er is one of the best plastic surgeons in Turkey and in the world, confirmed by national awards.
- Istanbul Aesthetics Plastic Surgery Center serves over 4,000 patients for plastic procedures annually.
- Included Services: Consultation with a plastic surgeon, follow-up visit, consultation with an anesthesiologist, follow-up examination, medications, blood tests, general anesthesia, hospitalization, hotel stay, transfer airport-hotel-clinic-airport.
- Stay Info: 1 day stay in the hospital, 8 days stay in the hotel, included in the price.
- Dr. Soner Tatlidede has a European plastic surgery board certification and a postdoctoral fellowship from Harvard.
- Liv Hospital Ulus is a smart hospital with innovative technologies like the da Vinci robot-assisted system.
- Included services: Transfer airport-hotel-clinic-airport.
- Stay info: 2 days stay in the hospital, 7 days stay in the hotel, accommodation not 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:
- Achieved a 95% success rate in facelift surgery, highlighting expertise and patient satisfaction.
- Offers a variety of facelift surgery methods, including facial rejuvenation and body contouring.
- Dr. Dr Phatcharasak Kraisornphongsakul Md has over 20 years of experience in plastic surgery.
- Clinic's surgeons customize treatment plans for each patient, improving outcomes and satisfaction.
- Internationally recognized, attracting patients from Europe, the USA, and the Commonwealth.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
Latest review
| Facelift | $4000 - $4750 |
- Named Best Facial Cosmetic Surgery Hospital in Thailand for 2024, leading in facial aesthetics.
- The hospital offers facelift surgery using the Swiss 3D facial scanning program for precise outcomes.
- Dr. Chen Chaicharncheep, an expert in facelift surgery, has extensive international training and experience.
- Comprehensive aftercare includes wound care, light therapy, and Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy for recovery.
- Conveniently located 20 minutes from Suvarnabhumi Airport, offering airport transfer services.
Latest review
| Facelift | $4800 - $10396 |
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.
Related Articles
- 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).