What Is The Ponytail Lift?

When describing facelift surgery, plastic surgeons use a range of terms to explain the procedures as there isn’t one name for all. There isn’t a single term in cosmetic surgery that will truly apply to everyone because when it comes to facelifts, there isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” technique.


Dr Turner’s Facelifts are uniquely tailored for each individual patient. Each patient will receive a unique lift based on their needs, wants and what is achievable. Some patients may have significant facial ageing in the cheek, jowls and neck, in which case would benefit from a more comprehensive face and neck lift, others may just want to rejuvenate their upper face and require a more minimally invasive procedure like a ponytail facelift.


A ponytail lift usually involves incisions made near the temples – in the temporal region, either within the hair or just in front of the hairline. The ponytail lift differs from a conventional full face and neck lift in the incisions do not have to extend around the full hairline, earlobe, onto the back of the ear & neck, and don’t require an incision under the chin.


The above makes it much easier to hide incision marks, however, please be mindful that choosing an experienced plastic surgeon is always essential for the success of your procedure.
A talented and experienced plastic surgeon understands how to perform the intervention to make sure you get the best possible results in the safest environment possible. 

Is a Ponytail Lift Surgery Right For Me?

You may be wondering what a ponytail facelift can do for you or you like the idea of rejuvenating sagging skin. But is a ponytail facelift appropriate for everyone?


A ponytail facelift is most effective for younger women – patients in their 20’s to late 30’s who are wanting to improve and augment the eyebrow and check region, and suitable for those with early signs of upper facial ageing. For women in their 50’s to 70’s that are concerned about jowls and sagging skin in the lower face and neck region a ponytail facelift is usually inadequate, and they may require a more traditional face and neck lift procedure.


As the incisions for a ponytail facelift are limited, access to the deeper tissues is therefore also restricted. This procedure allows elevation of the lateral eyebrow region and only the upper part of the cheek, however no correction to the lower cheek or jowl can be corrected via this method nor restoring a saggy neckline. To achieve a more comprehensive correction of those cheeks, jowl and restore a tight neckline a formal deep plane facelift and extended platysmaplasty neck lift is recommended.

Browse Before & After Images

Before & After Ponytail Lift Photos

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Recovery Time after a Ponytail Facelift

A ponytail facelift has a shorter recovery time compared to a full facelift. The average recovery time is of one week. After this, you may return to work if approved by your surgeon. 

The procedure is done under general anaesthesia in a private hospital. Most patients don’t experience significant pain or discomfort during the recovery period. Dr Turner will prescribe medication to alleviate any discomfort you may experience, and our team are always available to take your call for any questions following your surgery. After the surgery, you should avoid all strenuous physical exercises for up to 4-6 weeks.

General Post-Operative Care Instructions

The recovery period for a Ponytail Facelift differs from one patient to the other. Dr Turner will discuss your specific post-operative instructions curing your consultations, as well as after your surgery. Keep in mind that it is essential to avoid sun exposure during recovery. A balanced and healthy diet is essential to speed up the recovery. Keep hydrated and get enough sleep. Avoid smoking and nicotine.

Ponytail Lift Surgery Potential Complications

A ponytail facelift is a surgical procedure. And just like any type of surgery, adverse reactions could be expected. Such as pain, bruising, and swelling. However, severe complications like extreme bleeding are rare. Dr Turner will discuss the risks associated with surgery during your consultation.

Next Steps

Your Cosmetic Plastic surgery consultation

During your consultation, Dr Turner will discuss your goals, and provide an in-depth explanation of your desired surgery and what that means for you. He can also discuss different surgical techniques, benefits, and risks of procedures available.

Most importantly, however, this is the time for you to have all of your questions answered and to be completely listened to and understood by your surgeon. We ask that you please come prepared with any questions you may have for Dr Turner, and look forward to discussing your individualised plan.

1

Research

Ensure you have done your research, both on your desired surgery, as well as your surgeon.

2

Book a consultation

Submit an enquiry through our website or give us a call before booking your consultation. To ensure you are a suitable candidate for your desired procedure, Dr Turner asks to review your images before making a booking. This saves time and money if you are not a suitable candidate, in which case our lovely team will help direct you to an alternative procedure.

3

Meet with Dr Turner

Once your images have been approved and your consultation has been booked, we ask that you prepare any questions you may have for Dr Turner, as well as some images of desired outcomes for your surgery, this helps ensure you and Dr Turner are on the same page when discussing realistic results.

4

More questions?

Looking for more information before your consultation? You can book an additional 15min complimentary consultation with one of our patient liaisons here https://calendly.com/patients-bookings/patient-consult?month=2023-02

5

Keep up-to-date

Keep up-to-date with what’s happening in Dr Turner’s clinics around NSW by following our Instagram @faceplus.aesthetics and @drscottjturner

Other procedures commonly combined
with a Ponytail Lift

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions about Ponytail Facelift Surgery

How long do the results of a ponytail facelift last?

The results of this surgery are temporary as facial ageing will continue. You can expect them to last for 5 to 7 years at best.

Is a ponytail lift less invasive?

Since the procedure relies on smaller incisions, its less invasive nature makes it a go-to choice among younger patients. Scaring is minimal, but the outcome isn’t as dramatic as the one you would get with a full facelift.

What is the best age for a ponytail facelift?

It depends on the circumstances and facial structure. Many patients in their early or mid-20s to 40s like to have the treatment done to restore their youthful appearance.
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When should I have a facelift?

There is no defined age that is best to undergo facelift surgery – we all age differently according to our genetics and environmental experiences such as sun exposure, skin care and smoking. Facelifts can be performed from early 40′s to late 70′s. Benefits usually last longer when a facelift is performed on a younger person who still have good skin elasticity.

How long will my facelift last?

Due to the natural ageing process and the effects of gravity. Facial ageing will unfortunately continue. With that being said, your face will always look younger than it did if you had never had a facelift done. Overall, this procedure tends to reset the clock, leading to a 10+ year advantage over individuals of the same age. If, over time, you would like an additional facelift, it is generally not as comprehensive as the initial surgery.

Will people be able to see that I’ve had a facelift?

After getting a facelift, many patients mention that their friends and family make remarks about how they look fresh and rested. People might ask if you have been away on holiday or if you’ve “changed something”. There is no characteristic look of a facelift. Forget about the problems with the old fashioned unnatural face lifts. Modern procedures are undetectable. The procedure simply restores your youthful look and no one will be able to tell you’ve had anything done. You’ll just look like a well-rested and fresh version of you.

Do you do fat transfer as part of a facelift?

Fat transfer are an integral component of any facelift surgery, to give complete rejuvenation of the face. The concept of the volumetric facelift, combines the benefit of restoring facial volume associated with ageing with fat injections combined with lifting and tightening the deeper facial structures with a SMAS facelift procedure. There are very few patients that don’t benefit from the addition of fat grafting as part of a facelift procedure.

Will I have any scars?

The incisions used during a facelift, will depend on the procedure and the technique used. For instance, the incisions made for a traditional facelift will differ from a short-scar facelift or midface lift. With incisions made in natural borders, hairlines, and folds, once fully healed, they will be barely noticeable. At first, they may be pink and slightly raised, but within the first few months, they will begin to quickly fade.

How quickly will stitches be removed? How quickly will I heal?

Once you leave the hospital, a follow-up appointment will be made within the first 7 days. At this time, Dr Turner will assess your wounds and remove stitches. After this step is completed, it’s recommended that you commence topical silicone ointment along the incision line. Overall, most patients look presentable after the first 2 weeks. The full healing time for soft tissue and skin will be around 6 months. Although scaring may be red and itchy at first, within the first few months, they’ll begin to lighten. After 1-2 years, they will soften and be barely noticeable.

How long will I need to take off work?

More patients can return to work after 2 weeks following surgery. Within the first 3 days, you will likely experience swelling, which then settles after approximately 1 week. Overall, the healing process is rapid, and you will be able to return to your regular routine within 2-3 weeks. At 2 weeks, for instance, you can generally begin to perform light exercise, gently increasing activity levels over 6 weeks.

Will I need a drain after my facelift?

Yes, in most cases. Drains are used to gather excessive fluid after a facelift procedure. Your drain will be removed the day after your procedure. If you’re having a short scar facelift in a limited area, you might not need a drain. Dr Turner will advise you before the procedure so you know exactly what to expect.

Do hairlines shift after a facelift?

During your consultation with Dr Turner we evaluate which incision placement is best suited for you. If you require a large amount of skin removal than an incision placed along the hair line will minimize any hairline shifts which are an unfortunate stigma of having a poorly executed facelift surgery.

About Dr Scott Turner FRACS (Plas) – Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Dr Scott J Turner has spent a lifetime acquiring the qualifications, education, training, and hands-on surgical experience to perform superior cosmetic plastic surgery to give you  beautiful results. He is one of Sydney’s great Specialist Plastic Surgeons with a focus on face surgeries in New South Wales.
Achieving this personal goal requires not only in-depth knowledge of human anatomy and refined surgical techniques but an ongoing commitment to learning the latest procedures around the world. This is why Dr Turner regularly attends both local and international surgeon meetings – discussing these advances with the leaders around the world in order to offer you the most effective and safest surgical procedures. 
Dr Turner and his highly trained staff will do everything to ensure that you are fully informed, while providing exceptional cosmetic plastic surgery, in a personal and caring environment.