A ponytail facelift is a branded name for a mini facelift. It’s called that because it’s reminiscent of when you pull your hair into a tight ponytail and get a temporary lift. The surgical ponytail lift raises your cheeks and jawline and is called everything from a mini facelift to a short scar lift and many other names.Close Up of Dr. Sturm Sitting in the Lobby

No matter the name, it’s a facelift where the incision is hidden in the hairline and around the ear. The procedure helps a lot with the nasolabial folds, cheeks, and marionette lines giving you a strong jawline. It’s great for people who need just a little bit of a lift, but don’t need a full facelift yet. Typically, patients are in their late 40s to early 50s and are just seeing a little bit of sag.

How long does a ponytail facelift last? 

The length of time that a ponytail facelift lasts really depends on the way that it’s done. It can be done in a number of different ways. There are techniques in which three sutures are used and only the skin is lifted, which only lasts about a year to five years. 

By using more sutures in the actual muscle we are able to move the muscle and skin up to where it needs to be, with results lasting ten to fifteen years. For some people, this would be the only lift that they will ever need, depending on the age at which they get this procedure.

What is the best age to get a ponytail facelift? 

Because the ponytail facelift doesn’t offer as much of a lift as a standard facelift, the patients are  younger.. It works best on those with just a bit of laxity, but there have also been patients in their 60s, or even 70s, who love this lift.

In general, it’s better to do these lifts earlier rather than later because you do better with anesthesia, the recovery is better and you’ll always look 10 years younger no matter what. So if you did this and you did nothing else, you’re going to look younger than people of the same age and no one is going to notice a big difference like they would if you had a full facelift in your 60s.

Have questions? I’d love to help.
Call me at (281) 336-9300

Read More
What Is the Average Cost of a Facelift?
Facelift Before & After Photos
What Is a Mini Facelift?

Is Kybella Effective for a Double Chin?

About Dr. Angela Sturm

Dr. Angela Sturm is a double-board certified facial plastic surgeon with certifications with the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery. Dr. Sturm’s meticulous nature makes for exceptional results and satisfied patients. Dr. Sturm was named Texas Monthly’s Super Doctors Rising Star in 2016-2017, Texas Monthly’s Super Doctor in 2018-2019, H Texas Magazine’s Top Doc in 2013-2018, Top Doc by Houstonia magazine in 2016-2018, Houston Business Journal’s People on the Move and 40 under 40, Blazing Star Award by Texas Women’s Chamber of Commerce, Top Women in Business, one of the Top 30 Influential Women of Houston, Best Female Cosmetic Surgeon in Out Smart, and given the Patients’ Choice Award, On Time Doctor Award and Compassionate Doctor Award by Vitals.com.


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