Would you try the ponytail facelift?

It’s a classic hairstyle that keeps getting reinvented through the years. The ponytail is popular not just for the ease with which it can be achieved but also for making one look younger and letting the face show. A sleek high pony can lift the face by pulling the skin back from the forehead to the cheeks. Achieving similar results is the ponytail facelift, meant for women under 50, who want to conceal signs of ageing. The quick procedure leaves skin looking tighter and the face more radiant and refreshed, without any signs of scarring.

SUITED FOR YOUNGER PATIENTS
Dr Aakriti Mehra, MD, dermatologist, Enhance Clinics, says, this is a modification of the conventional facelift, less invasive and endoscopically guided. “It may not be known as a ponytail lift in India, but similar modifications have been made to the surgery to custom fit younger patients. Two to five, tiny, well-hidden access incisions are made in the hair-bearing scalp. Excessive skin is removed, and it may be accompanied by fat transfer to further sculpt the face. This helps in pulling up the brow, cheeks and jowls. There may be some swelling at the incision site which subsides in a short while. It is more suited for patients in their 30s or 40s, as in older patients a more aggressive approach would be required for results,” she says.

NOT MUCH RISK
Dr Ashwini Padmawar, dermatologist cosmetologist, Dermacare Skin Clinic Vashi, says this is kind of similar to an endoscopic facelift. “Most of us find that our face looks lifted and younger after tying a ponytail. This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure with less down time compared to conventional facelifts. There’s not much risk as such but bleeding or infection numbness can take place. The result will vary as per your facial anatomy and present laxity of skin. Pre-procedure counselling plays an important part here,” she adds.

ALTERNATE FOR BOTOX
The ponytail lift procedure takes less than an hour to perform with a local anaesthetic, says Dr Asha Doshi, cosmetic dermatologist. “The procedure begins with a small incision, well hidden within the hairline, in front of the ear. Through this, the doctor will advance the skin and tissue in the same direction — mimicking how it would move in a ponytail. It results in very little discomfort, although tightness or temporary numbness in the cheek area may occur. It is a fine alternative for those who do not want to go for Botox or fillers.”

A few years ago, the Croydon facelift became popular among celebrities like Kate Moss, Cheryl Cole and Katy Perry. The term refers to a hairstyle where the locks are pulled back so tight and tied in a ponytail or bun, such that the facial skin is pulled creating a firm effect. It was named after the hometown of Moss, who popularised the style. However, hair experts have warned that continuously sporting this style could result in gradual hair loss.