Deep Plane Facelift With Ponytail Lift
A deep plane facelift with ponytail lift, also referred to as a ponytail facelift, combines a ponytail lift with a deep plane (SMAS) facelift to rejuvenate the cheeks, jawline, and neck. By lifting the midface vertically while repositioning the deeper facial tissues of the lower face, this technique creates balanced, natural-looking rejuvenation with long-lasting results.
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This procedure is ideal for patients seeking comprehensive facial rejuvenation of the cheeks, jawline, and neck while maintaining a natural appearance. This procedure combines a ponytail lift with a deep plane (SMAS) facelift to address multiple areas of facial aging in a single surgery. Patients with sagging cheeks, loss of jawline definition, or early signs of neck laxity including playtsmal banding achieve the most noticeable improvement. During your consultation, Dr. Beale will evaluate your facial anatomy and goals to determine the best treatment approach for your needs.
The recovery timeline varies from person to person, but here is a general overview of what to expect during the healing process:
Immediately Post-Operative (Day 1–2)
- Patients wear a head wrap the first night and some patients have drains, both of which are removed the morning after surgery.
- A moderate amount of swelling can occur and some faint bruising in the neck can be expected.
- You’ll receive detailed post-operative instructions to help manage discomfort and support the healing process.
First Week
- Swelling continues to improve throughout the first week, with many patients feeling comfortable returning to many daily activities within five to seven days.
- If an upper blepharoplasty is performed at the same time, those sutures are typically removed around six days after surgery, as well as removing the sutures in front of the ear and under the chin if present.
First Two Weeks
- Scalp sutures are generally removed within 12 to 14 days.
- The repositioned facial tissues continue healing into their new location as swelling gradually subsides.
Final Results (Several Months)
- While early improvements are visible within the first few weeks, the final results continue to refine as swelling resolves and the tissues settle.
- Dr. Beale will monitor your healing throughout recovery and provide guidance on when it is appropriate to resume more strenuous activities.
- Restores youthful position to the cheeks, jawline, and neck
- Lifts the cheeks in a natural upward direction
- Rejuvenates the lower face while preserving natural facial expression
- Provides long-lasting support through repositioning of the deeper facial tissues
- Can be customized with complementary facial rejuvenation procedures
This procedure is frequently combined with additional procedures to achieve more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Depending on your goals, Dr. Beale may recommend fat grafting to restore facial volume, upper or lower blepharoplasty to rejuvenate the eyes, or CO₂ laser resurfacing to improve skin tone and texture. During your consultation, Dr. Beale will develop a personalized treatment plan based on your anatomy and the results you hope to achieve.
Dr. Beale’s Comprehensive Facelift Technique
Dr. Beale customizes each patient’s facial rejuvenation plan based on the patient’s age, anatomy, and desired outcomes. Dr. Beale specializes in the Ponytail Lift, which can be performed alone or in combination with a Deep Plane (SMAS) Facelift. For younger patients in their 30s, 40s, or 50s who present with early cheek descent but maintain a youthful-appearing jawline and neck, a Ponytail Lift may be the best option. This combines a brow lift, upper blepharoplasty, and a mid-face/cheek lift to rejuvenate the upper face in a more vertical direction without traditional facelift incisions. Although the Ponytail Lift can be an excellent standalone option for these patients, he most commonly incorporates it with his Deep Plane (SMAS) Facelift technique to provide comprehensive rejuvenation of the cheeks, jawline, and neck. Additional procedures such as fat grafting, upper or lower blepharoplasty, or CO₂ laser resurfacing may also be recommended to create a more complete result. As a fellowship-trained craniofacial plastic surgeon, Dr. Beale customizes each surgical plan based on his knowledge of facial anatomy and surgical techniques, ensuring that each facelift is unique and tailored to your desired results.