What Does a Facelift Really Cost? Dr. Daniel Gould Featured in The Wall Street Journal

Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Gould, MD, PhD was featured in The Wall Street Journal in an article examining the wide range of facelift pricing, from lower-cost procedures performed internationally to highly specialized facial rejuvenation in major aesthetic surgery markets such as Los Angeles and New York.

The article explores why the term “facelift” can describe very different procedures. A limited lower facelift, SMAS facelift, deep plane facelift, eyelid surgery, neck surgery, and other complementary procedures may all form part of a facial rejuvenation plan. Differences in surgical technique, anatomy, procedure complexity, operating room and anesthesia fees, geographic location, and the surgeon’s experience can therefore contribute to substantial differences in overall investment.

Dr. Gould is featured through the experience of his patient Marilyn McKenna, a 55-year-old personal trainer from the Seattle area who traveled to Los Angeles for her facelift. She initially anticipated spending approximately $50,000 and ultimately paid $45,900 for her surgery with Dr. Gould. McKenna told The Wall Street Journal that she was happy with her result and viewed choosing a surgeon as an area where she did not want to prioritize finding the lowest possible price.

Her experience illustrates a larger point raised throughout the article: price alone does not determine the quality of a facelift. Procedures marketed under the same name can involve substantially different techniques and levels of complexity. For patients, understanding exactly what is included in a proposed surgical plan can be more meaningful than comparing headline prices alone.

The total investment can also extend beyond the surgery itself. Anesthesia, operating room fees, postoperative nursing, accommodations, and specialized recovery services may all contribute to the overall cost of facial rejuvenation. In Los Angeles, private nursing and luxury postoperative facilities have become increasingly common options for patients seeking additional support and privacy during the early stages of recovery.

Ultimately, the article highlights the importance of evaluating facelift surgery based on the individual treatment plan rather than price in isolation. For patients considering facial rejuvenation, factors such as surgeon expertise, surgical approach, anatomy, procedure complexity, postoperative care, and the quality and naturalness of results all form part of the decision.

Read the full article in The Wall Street Journal:
https://www.wsj.com/style/fashion/facelift-plastic-surgery-cost-kris-jenner-24f66448