What You Might Need to Know About The Ponytail Facelift

Facelift surgery is a procedure which can modify certain facial contours as a result of ageing. The ponytail facelift is but one of the various techniques to lift and reposition facial tissues, often compared to the subtle effect of wearing a high ponytail.

Understanding what’s involved in this technique can help differentiate it from traditional facelift procedures. Always remember individual outcomes depend on factors like anatomy, surgical approach, and post-operative care, which should be discussed during a consultation with a qualified surgeon.

What is a Ponytail Facelift?

A ponytail facelift involves creating incisions placed discreetly along the hairline or behind the ears to minimise visible scarring. The incisions allow the surgeon to carefully elevate and reposition underlying facial structures, targeting the forehead, cheeks, and brows. 

Unlike a traditional facelift, it involves smaller incisions and lifts only specific areas rather than performing a total lift. As with any surgical procedure, risks are involved and these should be fully understood before proceeding.

What Can I Expect During the Procedure?

Here’s what you might expect during a ponytail facelift procedure:

Anaesthesia

The surgery is done under general or local anaesthesia with sedation. This depends on the extent of the procedure and the patient’s preferences. 

Incisions

The surgeon makes small incisions along the temporal hairline or behind the ears. These are placed strategically to minimise visible scarring and allow the surgeon access to the underlying facial tissues.

Duration

The procedure may take from anywhere between 2 to 3 hours, although the exact duration varies depending on the patient’s facial anatomy and the extent of the adjustments being done.

Surgical Closure

Once the procedure is completed, the incisions are closed carefully using fine sutures or surgical adhesives to minimise scarring and facilitate the patient’s healing. 

Know that this guide is just a general overview. The procedure’s specifics may vary on the patient’s facial anatomy, and the surgical plan developed in consultation with them. 

Consulting thoroughly with a qualified and experienced surgeon is needed to understand the procedure, discuss realistic expectations, and determine whether it suits a patient’s preferences and needs.

Take the time to explore all aspects of the procedure and follow the guidance provided by your surgical team. Patients may be able to approach the process with ease, knowing they are well-informed about the potential effects and risks of the procedure. 

Open communication with your surgeon and careful preparation are key components to ensure a well-thought out decision when it comes to invasive surgeries such as this.

Disclaimer: At Artiste Plastic Surgery, our Plastic Surgeons led by Dr Jack Zoumaras have been trained to the highest possible degree. All surgery has risks and it is always advised to get a second opinion. Risks are very real and we cannot guarantee any result. Results are illustrated as a guide only. All risks are managed and any need for revision surgery or complications (1-5%) can be managed by our specialist plastic surgeons.

Any statements on how you will feel is based on Level V Evidence:

Level V:  How you will feel after plastic surgery varies between individuals, depending on psychological and physical factors. Our internal research is based on how patients in our practice feel after surgery.

The blogs are not a substitute for a medical consultation and do not form as part of the doctor to patient relationship.