How Is a Ponytail Facelift Performed?

A ponytail facelift surgery is always performed under general anaesthesia in a fully accredited hospital with the assistance of a qualified anaesthetist. Depending on the complexity of the procedure it may take 2 to 3 hours, and patients can be discharged home the same day.

The procedure begins with careful marking of incision within the forehead hairline, around the temporal sideburn and the ear contours. Dr Turner will mark areas of facial volume that needs to be enhanced with fat transfer and important anatomical landmarks such as the frontal nerve. Next Dr Turner will infiltrate local anaesthetic is the areas to be dissected to minimize bleeding and discomfort after the procedure is completed.

Once the incisions are made, Dr. Turner will elevate the skin and subcutaneous tissue to expose the underlying SMAS layer in the lateral aspect of the face. With the assistance of a lighted retractor or an endoscope the dissection is continued so the underlying SMAS can be exposed fully and lifted in a vertical direction to correct midface and jowl laxity.

Next, Dr Turner will make 3 to 4 small incisions in the frontal hairline to enable elevation of the brow and temporal area to reshape and lift the eyebrows. Once the brow has been corrected, the upper eyelid blepharoplasty will be completed. An incision is placed in the upper eyelid crease and small amount of skin and underlying orbicularis muscle is trimmed.

Any excess fat deposits in the neck can be corrected by liposuction, and/or a deep anterior neck lift can be performed via a small incision under the chin. Lastly, Dr Turner will perform fat transfer to enhance volume in areas like the cheeks, temples, and under the eyes.