The term Ponytail Lift has gained popularity through social media and is often used to describe subtle facial lifting procedures that create a refreshed, natural appearance, mimicking the effect of pulling the hair back into a high ponytail.
Traditionally, however, it is not a formally recognised surgical procedure. The term has been used broadly to describe a range of treatments, from thread lifts to skin-only lifting techniques performed through temporal incisions.
In recent years, the term Ponytail lift has become more closely associated with deep plane facelift techniques involving release of the retaining ligaments and vertical repositioning of the facial soft tissues.
This allows the face to be lifted as a structural unit rather than relying on tension in the skin alone, improving both the natural appearance and longevity of the result.
The term is now most commonly associated with the technique described by Dr Chia-Chi Kao, who trademarked the Ponytail lift. His approach outlines a deep plane facelift using predominantly hidden incisions within the hairline, with additional periauricular incisions in cases of more advanced ageing.
You can review this technique here:
Kao et al. deep plane ponytail facelift technique
While terminology varies, many patients and practitioners now use “ponytail facelift” to refer broadly to these types of deep plane, vertically oriented lifting techniques.
In clinical practice, patients searching for a ponytail facelift are most often referring to an endoscopic deep plane facelift of the upper and midface.
This technique focuses on lifting:
By releasing key retaining ligaments and repositioning these structures vertically, it recreates the
natural lifting effect associated with a tight ponytail, without relying on skin excision.
In our practice, the ponytail lift refers to a hidden incision upper facelift, where two small incisions are placed within the temples to elevate the upper face as a single anatomical unit, creating a subtle lifting effect similar to that seen when the hair is drawn back into a tight ponytail.
This technique focuses specifically on the brow and midface, and differs from a full face and necklift, which addresses more advanced ageing of the lower face and neck.
To understand how this is performed in detail, explore our endoscopic facelift in London.
Best suited for:
Patients are typically looking for:
These goals are best achieved through techniques that reposition deeper structures of the face rather
than tightening the skin alone.
A scarless facelift refers to the absence of visible scars. In endoscopic techniques, incisions are hidden within the hairline, instead of infront of the ears, making them discreet and difficult to detect. Learn more
The ponytail facelift is a non-medical term often used to describe various subtle lifting procedures. In most cases, this is achieved through an endoscopic facelift, which repositions deeper tissues (deep plane) using key whole incision without visible facelift incisions. The vector of pull is more vertical compared to other facelift techniques, therefore mimicking the effects of a tight ponytail.
Dr Janssen’s Endoscopic Facelift carefully dissects the retaining ligaments in the deep plane to improve durability of results therefore typically lasting 10 to 15 years, depending on individual factors such as genetics and ageing. The longevity is influenced by multiple factors including lifestyle. Maintenance tips will be part of the the facelift journey.
Most patients are socially presentable within 1 to 2 weeks, with continued improvement over several weeks. It usually takes 4-6 weeks for the majority of the swelling to be gone and top to 3 months for the final results to reveal.
Practising privately from Devonshire Place and
Harley Street 101 consulting rooms.
Phone: +44 20 7636 4073
Email: karen@theaestheticsurgeons.com
