The concept of a “scarless facelift” refers to procedures that avoid visible facelift scars, particularly infront the ears. While all surgical procedures require incisions, modern techniques allow these to be placed in concealed locations.
In an endoscopic facelift, incisions are used as entry point only to free up the deep tissues of the face in order to all precise repositioning. These deep tissues hidden 1,5 cm behind the anterior hairline, making them and extremely difficult to detect once healed.
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.
Traditional facelift techniques typically involve incisions infront of the ear. While traditional Facelift scars are strategkadyl place in the natural crease of the ear and will fade away over time, there is a small risk of these scars to result in visible scarring or changes to the hairline.
By contrast, an endoscopic approach focuses on:
A scarless approach is most suitable for patients with:
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.
Learn more about the endoscopic facelift in London
Practising privately from Devonshire Place and
Harley Street 101 consulting rooms.
Phone: +44 20 7636 4073
Email: karen@theaestheticsurgeons.com
