What To Know About The 'Ponytail Lift,' The Less Invasive Facelift Alternative
High and tight ponytails are trending. From the sleek looks of Kim Kardashian to influencers on TikTok, you can find a multitude of celebrities rocking this look. But did you realize that it does more than just make your hair look flawless? Tight ponytails also pull back your skin, taking years off your face and making your eyes look lifted. But you aren't going to wear a tight ponytail every day.
It's a good thing you don't have to. Plastic surgeons have created a solution. The ponytail facelift, or microlift, mimics the subtle pull you get from wearing your favorite hairstyle. It's a mini facelift that gives you back those sharp angles without all the downtime. It's no wonder it's trending.
Quell your curiosity by learning what the ponytail lift procedure is and how it's done. Don't stop there either. Get the facts about the pros and cons to find out if this is the right procedure for you.
What is the ponytail lift procedure?
You've started to notice that your skin just isn't what it used to be. Gone is that useful smooth look. Now, it's just looking a little saggy. You've tried everything to get rid of your loose skin, but the results are minimal. Not to worry, the ponytail lift might be right up your alley.
The ponytail lift is a less invasive facelift surgery to lift the brows and eyes while sharpening the cheeks, which can be performed in a plastic surgery office in about an hour, according to Phillip J. Miller, MD, FACS. Unlike a traditional facelift, it uses small incisions around the ears and hidden in the hairline. The skin is then gently pulled back, and you're sent to rest. That's it.
The recovery time isn't long either with most patients going back to work within a few days. Additionally, it takes a couple of weeks for swelling and bruising to solve so you can enjoy your new look. Sounds simple, right? But, how can you be sure that the ponytail lift is what you need?
Is the ponytail lift right for you?
The success or failure of a facelift is going to depend on your skin. According to Dr. Philip J. Miller's website, if you pull your hair back into a tight ponytail and your skin looks amazing, this is the perfect procedure to give you that sharp, smooth look you crave. However, if you don't notice a marked difference, you might want to consider other options.
In addition to knowing if this procedure gives enough lift, it's also important to weigh the benefits to risks. Kao Plastic Surgery noted that one of the main benefits of the ponytail lift is the elimination of the normal scarring and the survival of beneficial facial fat. You also don't have to worry about the surprised or windblown look because it's designed to sculpt and shape rather than pull.
That doesn't mean that the ponytail facelift doesn't come with any risks. While it's less invasive, the typical risks of bleeding, infection, and asymmetry can happen, according to Dr. Miller. However, these risks are much less than that of a regular facelift procedure. Now that you have the facts, you can talk to your surgeon to find out if this is the procedure for you.