The Price Advantage
Deep plane facelifts show the largest price difference of any procedure between the USA and Medellín. While US specialists charge $25,000-$50,000+, Colombian surgeons perform the same technique for $5,200-$11,000—a potential savings of $20,000 or more. This makes the trip financially rational even for patients who could afford US prices.
Facelift surgery addresses what fillers and Botox cannot: sagging skin, deep folds, and the structural changes that come with aging. When performed by a skilled surgeon using advanced techniques, results last 10-15 years. But not all facelifts are equal—the technique matters enormously.
This guide covers the different facelift types available in Medellín, pricing comparisons, what makes the deep plane technique superior, and how to find the right surgeon for your goals.
What This Guide Covers
Types of Facelifts: Which Is Right for You?
"Facelift" is an umbrella term covering several different procedures, each addressing different concerns and requiring different levels of intervention.
Mini Facelift (Weekend Lift)
Best for:
- • Early signs of aging (40s-early 50s)
- • Mild jowling and sagging
- • Patients wanting minimal downtime
What it does:
- • Shorter incisions around ears
- • Tightens lower face and jawline
- • Results last 5-7 years
Standard (SMAS) Facelift
Best for:
- • Moderate aging (50s-60s)
- • Visible jowls and neck laxity
- • Deeper nasolabial folds
What it does:
- • Lifts SMAS layer (muscle/fascia)
- • Addresses mid-face and jowls
- • Results last 7-10 years
Deep Plane Facelift
Gold StandardBest for:
- • Advanced aging (50s-70s)
- • Significant sagging and volume loss
- • Patients wanting most natural results
What it does:
- • Releases facial retaining ligaments
- • Lifts deep tissue as a unit
- • Results last 10-15+ years
Neck Lift
Best for:
- • Turkey neck / loose neck skin
- • Double chin (with liposuction)
- • Can be standalone or combined
What it does:
- • Tightens platysma muscle bands
- • Removes excess neck skin
- • Defines jawline and neck angle
The Deep Plane Facelift Explained
The deep plane technique has revolutionized facelift surgery. Unlike traditional methods that just pull skin tighter (creating a "windswept" look), deep plane surgery releases the ligaments holding facial structures in place and repositions the entire deep tissue layer.
Why Deep Plane Produces Better Results
The catch? Deep plane surgery requires more skill and takes longer to perform (4-6 hours vs 2-3 for standard lifts). This is why US specialists charge premium prices—and why the savings in Medellín are so substantial.
Pricing: Medellín vs. USA
Facelift procedures in Medellín typically include surgeon's fee, anesthesia, facility fees, and basic post-operative care. Here's how the numbers compare:
| Procedure | USA Average | Medellín | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Facelift | $7,500-$18,000 | $3,000-$5,000 | 50-60% |
| Standard (SMAS) Facelift | $12,000-$20,000 | $4,000-$9,000 | 55-65% |
| Deep Plane Facelift | $25,000-$50,000+ | $5,200-$11,000 | 70-85% |
| Neck Lift | $12,000-$15,000 | $3,000-$5,500 | 55-65% |
| Facelift + Neck Lift | $20,000-$35,000 | $7,000-$14,000 | 60-70% |
✓ Typically Included
- • Surgeon's fee
- • Anesthesiologist
- • Operating room/facility
- • Pre-operative consultation
- • Post-op appointments
- • Basic medications
- • Compression garments
⚠ Usually Extra
- • Flights ($300-$600 from US)
- • Recovery house ($150-$250/night)
- • Extended medications
- • Travel insurance
- • Additional procedures
- • Lymphatic massage sessions
Common Procedure Combinations
Facelifts are often combined with other procedures for comprehensive rejuvenation. Since you're already under anesthesia and recovering, adding complementary procedures maximizes results and value.
Facelift + Neck Lift
The most common combination. Addresses jowls, lower face, and neck in one surgery for a complete jawline transformation.
Medellín: $7,000-$14,000Facelift + Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
Refreshes both upper and lower face. Removes hooded eyelids and under-eye bags while lifting jowls and cheeks.
Medellín: $7,000-$13,000Facelift + Fat Transfer
Addresses both sagging and volume loss. Fat from body is purified and injected into cheeks, temples, and nasolabial folds for natural fullness.
Medellín: $7,500-$14,000Full Facial Rejuvenation Package
Deep plane facelift + neck lift + blepharoplasty + fat transfer. The comprehensive approach for dramatic, natural-looking results.
Medellín: $9,290-$16,000 USA: $35,000-$60,000+The 6-Hour Rule
Responsible surgeons limit total anesthesia time to 5-6 hours to reduce risk of complications like blood clots or anesthesia toxicity. If you want extensive combinations (facelift + body procedures, for example), they should be staged across separate surgeries. A surgeon willing to do 8+ hours at once is a red flag.
Recovery Timeline & What to Expect
Facelift recovery is a gradual process. Understanding the timeline helps set realistic expectations and plan your trip properly.
Days 1-3: Most Swelling
Peak swelling and bruising. Head elevated, drains may be in place. Pain managed with medication. Rest is essential. Most patients look worse before they look better.
Days 4-7: Turning Point
Drains removed (usually day 2-3). Swelling starts to subside. Bruising yellows. Sutures/staples removed around day 7-10. Can start gentle walking.
Days 8-14: Presentable
Most sutures out. Bruising can usually be covered with makeup. Many patients feel comfortable going out in public. Still some tightness and numbness (normal). Final clearance to fly home typically around day 10-14.
Weeks 2-4: Continued Improvement
Swelling continues to resolve. Can return to desk work. Scars healing. Avoid strenuous activity. Results becoming visible but not final.
Months 3-6: Final Results
Residual swelling fully resolved. Scars fading. Numbness resolving. This is when you'll see your true final results. Full healing can take up to a year for scars to mature completely.
Recommended Stay: 14-18 Days
Facelift patients should plan for a minimum of 10-14 days in Medellín, with 14-18 days being ideal. This allows for pre-op consultation, surgery, suture removal, and surgeon clearance before flying. Flying too early increases risk of hematoma and complications.
Are You a Good Candidate?
✓ Ideal Candidates
- • Generally healthy, non-smoker
- • Visible jowling, sagging, neck laxity
- • Realistic expectations
- • Good skin elasticity remaining
- • Stable weight
- • Can take 2-3 weeks for recovery
- • Typically 45-75 years old
✗ May Not Be Suitable
- • Active smokers (must quit 4+ weeks before)
- • Uncontrolled diabetes or heart disease
- • Blood clotting disorders
- • Unrealistic expectations
- • Cannot commit to recovery time
- • Very poor skin elasticity
- • Recent major weight fluctuations
Age itself isn't a disqualifier—patients in their 70s can be excellent candidates if they're in good health. What matters most is your overall health status, skin quality, and realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon
When consulting with facelift surgeons in Medellín, ask these specific questions:
"Which technique do you recommend for me—SMAS, deep plane, or mini?"
Listen for a personalized recommendation based on your anatomy, not a one-size-fits-all answer.
"How many facelifts have you performed using this technique?"
Deep plane requires specialized training. You want hundreds of procedures, not dozens.
"Can I see before/after photos of patients my age with similar concerns?"
Results vary by starting point. Look for patients who look like you.
"What is your complication rate? How do you handle hematomas?"
Hematoma (blood collection) is the most common facelift complication. Know their protocol.
"Will you perform the entire surgery yourself?"
Beware ghost surgeons. Get it in writing.
"How long until I can safely fly home?"
Most surgeons require 10-14 days minimum. Shorter timelines are concerning.
The Bottom Line
A deep plane facelift is a significant investment in your appearance—and Medellín makes the gold standard technique accessible at 70-85% less than US prices. But the technique only matters if it's performed by a skilled, credentialed surgeon. Take time to verify credentials, ask detailed questions, and trust your instincts during consultations.