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Vertical Facelift Cost

Posted July 10, 2026 in Facelift

Mature woman with glasses in a blue shirt

If you’re fighting signs of aging on your face, chances are you’ve realized that non-surgical skin tightening and wrinkle-reducing treatments only go so far. The next step is a surgical facelift, but which type is right for you, and how much will it cost? 

When it comes to facelift options, there are many techniques available, which means there is also a wide range of pricing. While the cost of your facelift is definitely an important consideration, knowing what type of facelift you are getting is very important.

The term “vertical facelift” became popular on social media, and it typically refers to an extended Deep Plane Facelift with a pronounced “vertical vector”. It has gained attention for its ability to create natural-looking rejuvenation by lifting drooping facial tissues upward rather than simply pulling them back. In this blog, we’ll explore how the procedure is performed, how it differs from traditional facelift techniques, and which factors influence the overall cost so that you can make a more informed financial decision.

Dr. Ackerman has perfected a Deep Plane Facelift method with a pronounced “vertical vector.” His technique, which was published in the prestigious Aesthetic Surgery Journal, received an award from his peers for the “most downloaded” article.

How Is a Vertical Facelift Performed?

A vertical facelift is designed to address facial aging by elevating your deeper facial structures, counteracting the natural downward descent that occurs with age. During the procedure, Dr. Ackerman carefully places incisions hidden around your ears and in your hairline. He then lifts and repositions the underlying facial tissues and musculature rather than relying solely on skin tightening.

By vertically elevating the deeper layers of your face, this facelift technique restores more youthful contours to your cheeks and midface and gives you more jawline definition by reducing jowls and sagging. Excess skin is conservatively trimmed away, and the remaining skin is redraped without excessive tension so you don’t look “windblown.” This approach helps create smoother, longer-lasting results that look refreshed rather than overdone.

How Is a Vertical Facelift Different From a Traditional (SMAS) Facelift?

Traditional SMAS facelifts and vertical facelifts both address facial aging by targeting deeper tissues underneath the skin. However, the primary difference lies in the direction of tissue repositioning.

A traditional SMAS facelift typically lifts your facial tissues in a more lateral, or sideways, direction. While this can improve jawline definition and reduce sagging, it may not fully address midface volume loss.

A vertical facelift is performed as part of a Deep Plane Facelift and focuses on lifting your facial tissues upward, following the natural vectors of youthful facial anatomy. This technique can provide noticeable improvements to your cheeks and midface while maintaining your natural facial balance, resulting in a softer, less “pulled” appearance than traditional SMAS facelifts.

What Factors Affect the Cost of a Vertical Facelift?

Because each patient’s goals and facial anatomy are unique, the best way to determine the cost of a vertical facelift is by scheduling a personalized consultation with Dr. Ackerman. He will examine you, listen to your concerns and goals, and create a customized treatment plan based on your specific needs and desired results. However, the following factors may affect the cost of your vertical facelift.

Surgeon Expertise and Experience

Your surgeon’s training, reputation, and experience with advanced facelift techniques play a significant role in the cost of your procedure. Dr. Ackerman’s specialized expertise in facial rejuvenation procedures and advanced anatomical knowledge reflect the skill required to perform complex tissue repositioning while achieving natural-looking results.

Complexity of the Procedure

Every vertical facelift patient is different, with unique facial anatomy and aging concerns. If you need more extensive correction of facial laxity or deeper tissue repositioning, this may require a more complex surgery, which can affect the overall cost of your procedure.

Anesthesia and Facility Fees

The surgical facility where your vertical facelift is performed, the cost of the anesthesia and anesthesiologist, and other operating room expenses are also components of the total procedure cost. These fees help ensure you are comfortable and safe, and that you receive the highest-quality surgical care.

Additional Procedures

Many patients choose to combine their vertical facelift with complementary treatments such as a neck lift, Deep Plane Neck Lift, eyelid surgery, or fat grafting. Combining procedures can provide more comprehensive facial rejuvenation, but it will also impact your total investment.

Explore Your Facelift Options in Newport Beach

If you’re looking for a facelift that will restore a more youthful appearance while preserving your unique features, it’s time to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon and facial rejuvenation expert Dr. Boris M. Ackerman. To make an appointment, call our office today at (949) 759-3284 or visit our contact page.

Our Location

Boris M. Ackerman, M.D.
360 San Miguel Drive, Suite 607
Newport Beach, CA 92660

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Phone: (949) 759-3284

Fax: 949-759-9613