Ponytail Facelift (MELOPASTY)
As a peer-reviewed Facelift Surgeon and dedication to only Face surgery, Dr Jack Zoumaras, offers the latest Face and Neck Lift’s for you. In the younger patient, or for those that want a minimally invasive incision (relative to a full facelift incision) with less downtime, Dr Jack Zoumaras offers new procedures ‘like’ the PonyTail Facelift (Upper Meloplasty) that has been founded by Dr Kao in the USA.
Many patients come to a Plastic Surgeon’s office asking to lift their face and tighten the skin like when they place the hair up in a Pony Tail. Other patients ask for shorter lifting procedures that conceal all the incisions in the hairline. This is how the Pony Tail lift was born, while a compromise to a Full Face and Neck Lift, in the right patient it can lift the skin of the upper face and even affect your neck line.
Adult Content. Pony Tail Facelifts Explained. All plastic surgery is invasive and has risks and this segment on sunrise is answering questions about this trending technique from 2023.
Dr Zoumaras talking about Pony Tail Facelifts on Sunrise, Channel 7, 9 Nov 2023.
Pony Tail Lift - Before and After
6 Months Pony Tail Lift
Anatomy of the PonyTail Lift
To understand how best to lift the face with a Ponytail Facelift one must have a deep and thorough understanding of Facial Anatomy, and the anatomy of facial ageing. This ensures that your facelift result will not be “plastic” (non anatomical).
World-Trained Facelift Surgeon, Dr Jack Zoumaras, is a peer reviewed Specialist Plastic Surgeon, author, educator and passionate about Face surgery and only operates on the face.
The Face consists of 5 concentric layers that differ in consistency in
different parts of the face.
- Layer 1 is Skin which is thickest around the cheek and nose, and thinnest on the eyelids and temple.
- Layer 2 is Fat which is prominent around the cheeks and negligible in the eyelids (the fatty “bags” that we see under the eyelids comes from a deeper layer (deeper even than Layer 5).
- Layer 3 is the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS), a muscle layer that allows us to be humans, it is responsible for allowing us to talk, smile, whistle, sing, open and close our eyes, and for all facial animations.
- Layer 4 is a space that contains Ligaments, Facial nerves and Vessels. The ligament holds the upper three layers and rests on Layer 5. The ligament is at its thickest in Layer 4 and branches into the dermis of the skin, akin to fine branches of a tree.
- Layer 5 is bone where the ligament holding up the facial anatomy resides on (Cheek and Jaw bones). In the cheek and neck there is no bone and it is deep fascia that is representative of layer 5.
As we age, all 5 layers age (and this could be at varying stages), starting with skin laxity, descent of facial fat and loosening of muscle. The ligament that holds the upper layers weakens, and you begin to get changes that show up, such as; excess skin, ptotic (droopy) brows and eyelids, nasolabial folds and a loose neckline (excess rhytids).
A Ponytail Facelift can improve skin tone, lift the brow and upper face and affect the neck line, giving you the look of being in a “Pony Tail”.
Ponytail Facelift Options
A Pony Tail Lift is a cutting edge mini lift for the younger patient who wants to lift the upper part of the face (Brow, Upper Eyelid and Cheek). This procedure involves a carefully placed incision in the hairline so that it’s not noticeable. The access allows the surgeon to reach the deep structures of the upper face, muscle and ligaments(Layer 3 and 4), and reposition the cheek and brow area to a higher position with a certian swept (if desired) look. The brow can be lifted vertically, laterally or a combination of both.
The procedure can be done as day surgery and you can return to work after 14 days.
It is still an invasive procedure.
A PonyTail Facelift combines the PonyTail Lift with lifting the Neck area through incisions behind the ear and adding fat grafting to treat more aspects of facial ageing. This is a combination procedure for those that want to lift their upper face (cheek) and brow and want to operate on their neckline but do not want to go through a full Face and Neck Lift. The addition of fat grafting enables areas like the naso labial fold and jowls to be volumised.
More facelift procedures
Deep plane facelift
A Deep Plane Facelift is offered by Dr Jack Zoumaras in Sydney. This exciting new age advanced surgical technique will lift the muscle and skin layers in one flap that results in a slightly quicker recovery (still a 2-3 week recovery). It is a cutting edge (new) procedure especially when a neck lift is combined. It is suited for younger and older patients who want to lift their anatomical jowls and face, to reverse signs of ageing.
A deep plane facelift will release the important facial retaining ligaments, lift the muscle and reposition the naso labial folds, jowls, cheek to a improved lifted position.
Our deep plane facelift patients, come into Artiste Plastic Surgery wanting a certain look and this procedure reverses ligamentous laxity and structural ageing.
Video: What is deep plane facelift
Learn about the types of facelift procedures Dr Jack Zoumaras offers and why patients commonly consider a facelift. *Level V Evidence: 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. This research is pending publication-details to follow.
Only specialist trained Facelift surgeons offer this technique and Dr. Jack Zoumaras has trained with leaders in Deep plane facelift surgery in New York. He has even shared the international stage with renowned facelift surgeon from New York Dr. Jacono discussing facelifts.
A deep plane facelift will lift the mid face, lower eyelid, nasolabial fold and jowls. This helps lower eyelid hollowing, deep facial lines and jowls. It will firm and lift the face anatomically.
A Deep Plane facelift is suitable for those:
- Of any age group but especially those under 55
- Who want to lift their jowls
- Who want to lift the cheek
- Who want to minimise maiornette lines (vertical lines adjacent to the mouth)
- Who want an overall approach to the face
Why deep plane facelift?
The common signs of ageing include lower eyelid hollowing or puffiness (ptosis of eyelid orbital fat), deep nasolabial folds, jowls, marionette lines and ptosis of the facial layers in general. The causes of these changes are due to ligamentous and muscle changes rather than skin. A deep plane facelift addresses the muscle and ligament changes directly. A skin only or superficial muscle facelift, by contrast does not address the deep changes. A deep plane facelift is therefore a complete approach.
Facelift surgeons always lift the deep layers of the face including releasing the facial ligaments . This ensures you get a lift (re positioning of facial retaining ligaments) that is long lasting. All facelifts carry risks.
Ageing occurs around the ligaments and muscle of the face and by lifting deep to the muscle (layer 3 and 4) we are reversing what the ageing process has caused. By elevating the skin and muscle together in one composite flap (layers 1-4) this ensures minimal bruising and a slightly faster recovery (still 2-3 weeks).
Why Dr Zoumaras technique
Dr Jack Zoumaras is 2017 and 2019 peer reviewed Vogue Face Surgeon and his practice is only Face. He has been trained by world leaders from San Francisco, New York and Paris. Training with the best to become a well respected facelift surgeon. He is current chairman of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons NSW Chapter and a specialist Plastic surgeon. He is one of few plastic surgeons in Australia and the World to offer a High SMAS Facelift and Deep Plane Facelift as these are two opposing philosophies on how to lift the muscle. We are currently publishing original reserach on both of these topics.
The inspiration for Dr. Jack Zoumaras is to be facelift surgeon peers and patients trust. This means constant self reflection and critique and higher learning. This ensures that every aspect of the technique from the injection of the local anaesthetic, background classical music, positioning of the patient, careful planning of the incision ensures a consistent outcome. A Facelift is not meant to be a fast operation, it is an operation that takes time (minimum 3-4 hours and up to 6-7 hours) when executed with attention to detail. Dr Jack Zoumaras made the decision in 2019 to only operate on the Face to ensure each patient gets consistent outcomes. Of course all plastic surgery is invasive and has risks still.
The use of micro fat grafting with 24K is our secret in Facelifts. Fat grafting will not only augment facial volume it provides a stem cell matrix to the skin. This helps the skin and has your skin looking firmer with fewer blemishes. It ensures your facelift is not just anti-ageing but nourishing.
Placement of the incision behind the tragus of the ear, along the hairline in the temple, behind the ear and along the posterior hair line ensures a minimally visible scar.
Further attention by placing the incision along the hair follicles at a bevelled 45 degree angle ensures hair will grow around camouflaging the incision.
Scars will be present but be minimally visible.
By lifting the SMAS with a Deep Plane Face Lift the tension is placed deep. The excess skin is simply removed with no tension and the direction of muscle pull is vertical (anatomical) and not horizontal. This eliminates any wind blown affect or “pull” affect.
A lip lift will augment the upper lip, shorten the distance from the lip to nose and of course lift the lip. It involves removing skin and repositioning the lip SMAS from just beneath the nose with the incision concealed at the base of the nose.
A chemical peel is included with your facelift for skin blemishes and fine lines. A peel is done on areas not lifted such as the lower eyelid, nose and forehead.
Dermabrasion is used around the mouth for vertical rhytids/deep wrinkles to smooth this region.
The combination of a chemical peel and dermabraison ensures a total facial approach.
HIGH SMAS FACE AND NECK LIFT
A High SMAS Face and Neck Lift is offered by Dr Jack Zoumaras in Sydney. Trained and inspired by Dr Timothy Marten in San Francisco a High SMAS Face and Neck Lift is a advanced facelift technique for facelift surgeons.
A High SMAS Facelift will lift the lower eyelid, cheek, nasolabial folds, mid face, jowl and neck. It is best for lower eyelid hollowing, deep naso labial folds, jowls, and neck laxity or a double chin.
Video: What is high smasface and neck lift
Learn about the types of facelift procedures Dr Jack Zoumaras offers and why patients commonly consider a facelift. *Level V Evidence: 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. This research is pending publication-details to follow.
Model featured in photography
Adult Content: The following patients have given consent and are representative only. Results do not guarantee that you will have the same result.
Why High SMAS
A modern facelift, lifts the deep layer of the face (layer 3-see below) to reposition the cheeks, mid face and jowls. A High SMAS Facelift goes further by lifting the deep layer of the face (SMAS) at its highest possible position in line with the orbital rim and all the way down to include the neck laterally and centrally. This flap lifts the entire face and neck for the entire face.
A High SMAS Facelift is more powerful than traditional SMAS techniques because it lifts the entire face from the lower eye and the neck in one flap due to its design and vector.
Why Dr Zoumaras technique
Dr Jack Zoumaras is 2017 and 2019 peer reviewed Vogue Face Surgeon and his practice is only Face. He has been trained by world leaders from San Francisco, New York and Paris. Training with the best to become a peer reviewed facelift surgeon. He is current chairman of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons NSW Chapter and a specialist Plastic surgeon. He is one of few plastic surgeons to offer a High SMAS Facelift and Deep Plane Facelift. We are currently about to publish original research on this very topic.
The inspiration for Dr. Jack Zoumaras is to be the best facelift surgeon he can be. This means constant self reflection and critique and higher learning. This ensures that every aspect of the technique from the injection of the local anaesthetic, background classical music, positioning of the patient, careful planning of the incision ensures a consistent outcome.
A Facelift is not meant to be a fast operation, it is an operation that takes time (minimum 3-4 hours and up to 6-7 hours) when executed with attention to detail.
The use of micro fat grafting with 24K is our secret in Facelifts. Fat grafting will not only augment facial volume it provides a stem cell matrix to the skin. This nourishes the skin and has your skin looking firmer with fewer blemishes.
Placement of the incision behind the tragus of the ear, along the hairline in the temple, behind the ear and along the posterior hair line ensures a minimally visible scar.
Further attention by placing the incision along the hair follicles at a bevelled 45 degree angle ensures hair will grow around camouflaging the incision. The incision will still be visible but not obvious.
By lifting the SMAS with a High SMAS or Deep Plane Face Lift the tension is placed deep. The excess skin is simply removed with no tension and the direction of muscle pull is vertical and not horizontal. This eliminates any wind blown affect or “pull” affect.
A lip lift will augment the upper lip, shorten the distance from the lip to nose and of course lift the lip. It involves removing skin and lifting SMAS lip muscle from just beneath the nose with the incision at the base of the nose.
A chemical peel is included with your facelift for skin blemishes and fine lines. A peel is done on areas not lifted such as the lower eyelid, nose and forehead. Dermabrasion is used around the mouth for vertical rhytids/deep wrinkles to smooth this region. The combination of a chemical peel and dermabraison ensures a total facial approach.
Dr Jack Zoumaras with Dr Timothy Marten in San Francisco.
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