Answers to Your ‘Ponytail Facelift’ Questions (Updated 2023)

Every so often, a facelift technique with a catchy marketing name attracts enough interest that patients begin asking plastic surgeons if they offer the procedure. One of those generating some recent buzz online is the “ponytail facelift,” a technique that involves using a device called an endoscope. Women and men curious about the ponytail facelift will discover that the phrase means different things to different surgeons.

As with most marketing phrases used to describe cosmetic surgery procedures, the ponytail facelift tries to convey a mental image to help patients understand what the technique involves. In this case, the method is meant to create results that resemble what patients would look like when pulling their hair into a tight, high ponytail.

What is a ponytail facelift?

A ponytail facelift is a less invasive facelift technique that lifts the skin of the face and neck similar to the way a high ponytail lifts it. This technique targets sagging cheeks and midface to create a more youthful and refreshed appearance. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and most patients can return to work and regular activities within a few days.

The technique is designed to produce results similar to a facelift without the incisions that are used for traditional facelift procedures. This is another reason for the name—patients theoretically can wear their hair in a ponytail without worrying about visible scars. This lack of noticeable scarring is what gets the attention of people considering facelift surgery.

What are the benefits of a ponytail facelift?

One of the significant benefits of a ponytail facelift is that it is a minimally invasive procedure that requires only local anesthesia. This reduces the risks associated with general anesthesia and minimizes recovery time. The procedure also targets specific areas of the face, providing natural-looking results for the right candidates without extensive surgery and scarring.

What are the limitations of a ponytail facelift?

The technique is not necessarily the correct one for many patients. The less invasive nature of the procedure involves making small incisions far from the area where the tissue and muscle need lifting. The surgeon uses an endoscope to see the treatment area. Still, the results produced by more traditional techniques—such as SMAS or deep plane facelifts—aren’t possible using the ponytail facelift.

For one thing, surgeons can’t remove skin during an endoscopic facelift. That can only be accomplished by making another, larger incision. This is why the procedure is usually recommended for younger patients—in their 40s, for example—whose skin still retains most of its elasticity but who want to address underlying sagging in the cheeks. But the technique can’t improve the appearance of jowls along the jaw or neck sagging.

How long do ponytail facelift results last?

The longevity of results from a ponytail facelift depends on the individual and the extent of the procedure. On average, the results can last up to 5 years. However, it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle and protect the skin from the sun to ensure the longevity of the results.

Find a Qualified Surgeon for the Best Facelift Results

Even though a ponytail facelift offers both benefits and limitations, it’s more important to find a qualified plastic surgeon than someone who provides a popular technique. That’s true for most other cosmetic surgery techniques too, by the way. An experienced plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery can recommend the best approach for your unique situation. You may be better suited for a less invasive surgical technique, or a more invasive method may achieve better results for your specific goals.

You can see the quality of my results for yourself by browsing our gallery of before-and-after photos featuring some of our actual facelift patients. If you’re looking for a facelift specialist, you can use the online form to request a personal consultation or call us at (239) 262-5662 to schedule an appointment.