Reviewed on : 30 Sep 2025

Reviewed by : Gateway Editor

Expires : 30 Sep 2027

Face lifts and brow lifts (rhytidectomy)

Not funded

Face lifts and similar surgery, and related non-surgical treatments such as Botox and line filling, are not funded

This is because the procedure is deemed to be cosmetic and does not meet the principleslaid out in this policy

Rhytidectomy is not routinely commissioned for purely cosmetic reasons but only used in the management of patients with congenital facial conditions or facial palsy

References

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/cosmetic surgery/facelift/#:~:text=A%20facelift%20(rhytidectomy)%20is%20cosmetic,mainly%20the%20jowls)%20and%20neck.

https://bapras.org.uk/docs/default-source/commissioning-and-policy/information-for-commissioners-of-plastic-surgery-services.pdf?sfvrsn=ba572cc3_2

https://www.bapras.org.uk/public/patient-information/surgery-guides/face-and-brow-lift

Treatment for facial atrophy

Not funded

Treatment for facial atrophy for cosmetic reasons is not funded as it does not meet the principles laid out in this policy