As we age, the subtle signs of time become more apparent in our faces—sagging skin, deepening wrinkles, and loss of definition along the jawline. If you’re exploring facial rejuvenation options, you’ve likely encountered the endoscopic facelift, a minimally invasive procedure that delivers remarkable results with less downtime than traditional techniques. But one of the first questions on every patient’s mind is: what does an endoscopic facelift cost?
Understanding the investment required for an endoscopic facelift involves more than just a price tag. The cost reflects the expertise of your surgeon, the quality of care you’ll receive, and the long-lasting results that can help you look and feel your best for years to come. At Wave Plastic Surgery, we believe transparency about pricing empowers you to make informed decisions about your aesthetic goals.
What Is an Endoscopic Facelift?
Before diving into costs, it’s helpful to understand what sets an endoscopic facelift apart from other facial rejuvenation procedures. Unlike traditional facelifts that require extensive incisions, endoscopic techniques use small incisions hidden within the hairline and specialized camera equipment to lift and reposition facial tissues.
This minimally invasive approach offers several advantages: shorter recovery times, reduced scarring, and natural-looking results. The procedure addresses the upper and mid-face, including the forehead, brow, and cheek areas, making it an excellent option for patients experiencing early to moderate signs of aging. For many patients, an endoscopic facelift provides the rejuvenation they desire without the extended downtime associated with more extensive procedures.
Why Surgeon Expertise Matters — Especially for Endoscopic Procedures
At Wave Plastic Surgery, Dr. Peter Lee, MD, FACS is one of the few surgeons in the world to hold the designation of Advanced ENDOTINE Bioskills Surgeon Educator and Trainer. This elite credential means Dr. Lee doesn’t just perform endoscopic facial surgeries—he is regularly invited to travel internationally to teach and train other surgeons around the world in advanced endoscopic techniques. When you choose an endoscopic facelift at Wave, you are receiving care from a globally recognized authority in this specific procedure—an important distinction when evaluating your options.
Average Endoscopic Facelift Cost
Endoscopic facelift costs vary considerably, and understanding this range is essential to setting realistic expectations. Surgeon’s fees for an endoscopic facelift typically fall between $7,000 and $17,000 or more. However, this range is just the starting point—the actual cost you’ll be quoted depends heavily on the complexity of your procedure, the experience and skill level of your surgeon, and the region where you’re having the procedure performed.
It’s important to note: these figures represent the surgeon’s fee only. Operating room (OR) fees and anesthesia are typically separate and not included in this estimate. These additional costs—which can add thousands of dollars to your total—are billed independently and should always be factored into your budget when comparing quotes.
The wide range in pricing reflects one fundamental reality about facial surgery: the more experienced and skilled the surgeon, the higher the price point tends to be. Facelift procedures—including endoscopic variations—are among the most technically sophisticated surgeries in all of cosmetic medicine. Results can vary significantly from surgeon to surgeon, and choosing a highly trained, board-certified specialist is one of the most important investments you can make in your outcome.
When requesting quotes, always ask for a complete, itemized breakdown that includes:
- Surgeon’s fee
- Anesthesia fees (billed by the anesthesiologist separately)
- Operating room / facility fees
- Medical tests and pre-operative evaluations
- Post-surgical garments
- Follow-up and aftercare appointments
Understanding all components helps you compare quotes accurately and avoid surprise expenses down the road.
Factors That Influence Endoscopic Facelift Pricing
Several key factors determine the final cost of your endoscopic facelift. Being aware of these variables will help you understand why pricing differs between practices—and why those differences matter.
Surgeon Experience, Credentials, and Skill Level
Board-certified plastic surgeons with deep, specialized experience in facial rejuvenation procedures command higher fees—and for good reason. Their expertise translates directly to superior results, fewer complications, and greater patient satisfaction. The complexity and sophistication of facelift surgery means there is a meaningful difference in outcomes between an experienced specialist and a generalist—which is why pricing should never be your primary selection criterion.
Dr. Peter Lee’s credentials as an Advanced ENDOTINE Bioskills Surgeon Educator and Trainer place him in a small, elite group of endoscopic specialists globally. He has trained master surgeons across South Korea, China, and other countries in state-of-the-art endoscopic techniques. This level of expertise—and the natural-looking, long-lasting results it produces—is reflected in procedure pricing.
Geographic Location
Location significantly impacts surgical costs due to variations in overhead, staffing, and local market conditions. Procedures performed in major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Orange County typically carry higher price points than those in smaller markets. Wave Plastic Surgery maintains multiple locations throughout California—including Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco, Arcadia, and Rowland Heights—allowing patients across the state to access world-class care at competitive pricing.
Procedure Complexity and Customization
No two faces age the same way, and no two endoscopic facelifts are identical. Your specific anatomical needs, aesthetic goals, and the extent of correction required all influence procedure complexity and cost. Some patients may benefit from combining their endoscopic facelift with complementary procedures, such as:
- Upper blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) to address drooping eyelids
- Endoscopic brow lift for forehead rejuvenation
- Neck lift for comprehensive lower face and neck contouring
- Non-surgical enhancements like dermal fillers or neuromodulators
While combining procedures increases the initial investment, it can be more cost-effective than undergoing separate surgeries and offers comprehensive facial rejuvenation in a single recovery period.
Facility Accreditation and Safety Standards
The quality and accreditation of your surgical facility directly impacts cost. Accredited facilities must meet rigorous safety standards, maintain state-of-the-art equipment, and employ highly trained staff. Wave Plastic Surgery’s facilities are fully accredited by the American Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), ensuring the highest standards of patient safety and care quality.
Anesthesia Type
Endoscopic facelifts can be performed under IV sedation with local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on patient preference and surgeon recommendation. General anesthesia typically costs more due to the anesthesiologist’s additional expertise and time required. Your surgeon will discuss anesthesia options during your consultation and recommend the approach that best suits your needs—and this cost will be billed separately from the surgeon’s fee.
Comparing Endoscopic Facelift to Other Facial Rejuvenation Options
When evaluating the cost of an endoscopic facelift, it’s useful to understand how it compares to other facial rejuvenation procedures. Keep in mind that all ranges below reflect surgeon’s fees only—OR and anesthesia fees are typically not included and must be factored in separately. Ranges vary significantly based on surgeon skill, experience, and geographic region.
Traditional Full Facelift
A traditional facelift (rhytidectomy) typically carries surgeon fees of $8,000 to $25,000 or more and addresses more extensive aging concerns throughout the lower face, jowls, and neck. While more comprehensive, traditional facelifts involve longer recovery and are better suited for patients with more advanced aging signs. Research published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal suggests traditional facelift results can last 10–15 years.
Mini Facelift
A mini facelift generally carries surgeon fees of $5,000 to $18,000 or more, targeting early signs of aging in the lower face and jawline. While less extensive than a full facelift, it provides more limited correction and may not address mid-face concerns.
Thread Lift
Thread lifts offer a non-surgical alternative with costs typically ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, with results lasting 1–3 years. While more affordable initially, thread lifts require maintenance treatments and don’t provide the same degree or longevity of results as surgical options.
Deep Plane Facelift
The deep plane facelift is an advanced surgical technique that repositions deeper facial structures for dramatic, natural-looking results. Surgeon fees typically run higher due to the technical complexity of this approach. It is ideal for patients seeking the most comprehensive facial rejuvenation possible.
When evaluating these options, consider not only the upfront cost but the longevity of results and how well each procedure aligns with your specific aging concerns and aesthetic goals.
Is an Endoscopic Facelift Worth the Investment?
The value of an endoscopic facelift extends far beyond the immediate aesthetic improvements. Research published in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery demonstrates that facial rejuvenation procedures significantly enhance patients’ quality of life, self-confidence, and perceived professional competence. Patients who invest in facial rejuvenation often report enhanced confidence in personal and professional settings, greater satisfaction with their appearance, and a sense that their outward look better reflects their inner vitality.
Unlike temporary solutions requiring frequent maintenance, an endoscopic facelift provides enduring results that can last 7–10 years or more with proper care. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) emphasizes that surgical procedures performed by qualified surgeons offer predictable, reliable outcomes compared to many non-surgical alternatives.
Financing Your Endoscopic Facelift
Understanding that facial rejuvenation represents a significant investment, Wave Plastic Surgery offers multiple options to make your procedure accessible and affordable.
Flexible Payment Plans Through PatientFi
Wave Plastic Surgery partners with PatientFi to provide flexible financing options that fit your budget. Benefits include a quick one-minute application with instant decisions, no impact to your credit score for checking eligibility, flexible monthly payment terms, and transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Many patients find that monthly payment plans make their desired procedure achievable without straining their finances.
Wave’s Price Match Guarantee
Wave Plastic Surgery stands behind our competitive pricing with our Price Match Guarantee. If you find a lower price for the same procedure from a board-certified plastic surgeon in California who meets our strict qualification criteria, we’ll match it. This commitment ensures you receive exceptional care at a fair, competitive price—and reflects our confidence in the value we provide.
The Wave Insider Program
The Wave Insider Program provides members with exclusive benefits and preferred pricing on procedures and products, including access to members-only promotions, priority scheduling, and complimentary consultations. For patients planning multiple procedures or ongoing aesthetic maintenance, the Insider Program can provide meaningful savings over time.
Questions to Ask During Your Consultation
Selecting the right surgeon and fully understanding your investment requires asking informed questions. Consider discussing:
- Total cost breakdown — Request an itemized quote including surgeon, anesthesia, OR, and aftercare fees.
- Surgeon’s experience — Ask specifically about their experience with endoscopic techniques and total cases performed.
- Expected results and longevity — Discuss realistic outcomes and how long results typically last.
- Revision policy — Understand what happens if you experience complications or are unsatisfied with results.
- Recovery timeline — Get specific information about downtime and when you can resume normal activities.
- Alternative options — Explore whether other procedures might better address your concerns or budget.
- Financing details — Clarify payment schedules, interest rates, and any fees associated with financing.
Protecting Your Investment: Why Choosing Quality Matters
While cost is an important consideration, it should never be the sole determining factor. The consequences of choosing a less qualified practitioner can include unsatisfactory results requiring costly revision surgery, increased risk of complications, and extended recovery times due to poor technique.
Board certification, extensive specialized experience, and accredited facilities may increase upfront costs—but they significantly reduce risks and increase the likelihood of achieving natural-looking results that last. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons maintains a surgeon verification tool at plasticsurgery.org that allows you to confirm board certification and credentials before making your decision.
What to Expect: The Wave Plastic Surgery Experience
When you choose Wave Plastic Surgery for your endoscopic facelift, you’re not just selecting a procedure—you’re choosing a team committed to your satisfaction throughout your entire aesthetic journey. Your experience begins with a comprehensive consultation where we discuss your concerns, goals, and medical history. Our surgeons use advanced imaging technology to help you visualize potential outcomes and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique anatomy.
During your procedure, our board-certified surgeons—including Dr. Peter Lee, a globally recognized Advanced ENDOTINE Bioskills Surgeon Educator and Trainer—utilize the latest endoscopic techniques combined with decades of experience to achieve natural-looking rejuvenation. Our state-of-the-art, AAAHC-accredited facilities and unwavering commitment to patient safety ensure the highest standard of care throughout your surgical experience.
Following your endoscopic facelift, our dedicated team provides comprehensive aftercare support, including detailed recovery instructions, scheduled follow-up appointments, and ongoing access to medical staff for any concerns. This level of continuing care is part of the Wave experience.
Schedule Your Personalized Consultation
Ready to learn more about endoscopic facelift costs and whether this procedure is right for you? Wave Plastic Surgery invites you to schedule a consultation at one of our convenient California locations in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco, Arcadia, or Rowland Heights. During your visit, we’ll evaluate your facial anatomy, answer your questions, and provide a transparent, itemized cost estimate tailored to your individual needs—including a full breakdown of surgeon, OR, and anesthesia fees.
Contact Wave Plastic Surgery today at (888) 674-3001 or schedule your consultation online. Your journey to renewed confidence starts here.
References
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (2024). “Facelift Cost.” plasticsurgery.org
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). “Plastic Surgery.” fda.gov
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (2024). “How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon.” plasticsurgery.org
- Codner, M. A., et al. (2021). “The Psychology of Facial Plastic Surgery.” JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery, 23(4), 321–328.
